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United States
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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(Mark One)
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ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 |
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TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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For the transition period
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Commission file number 001-11655
HearUSA, Inc.
Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter
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Delaware
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22-2748248 |
(State of Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization) |
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(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.) |
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1250 Northpoint Parkway,
West Palm Beach, Florida
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) |
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33407
(Zip Code) |
Registrants Telephone Number, Including Area Code
(561) 478-8770
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the
Act:
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Title of each class |
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Name of each exchange on which registered |
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Common Stock, par value $0.10 per share
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American Stock Exchange |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the
Act:
None
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a well-known
seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities
Act. Yes o No þ
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file
reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the
Act. Yes o No þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed
all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding
12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant
was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past
90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers
pursuant to item 405 of
Regulation S-K is
not contained herein and will not be contained, to the best of
the registrants knowledge, in definitive proxy or
information statements incorporated by reference in
PART III of this
Form 10-K or any
amendment to this
Form 10-K.
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large
accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated
filer. See definition of accelerated filer and
non-accelerated filer in
Rule 12b-2 of the
Exchange act. (Check one):
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Large accelerated filer o
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Accelerated filer o
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Non-accelerated filer þ
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company
(as defined by
Rule 12b-2 of the
Exchange
Act). Yes o No þ
As of July 2, 2005, the aggregate market value of the
registrants Common Stock held by non-affiliates (based
upon the closing price of the Common Stock on the American Stock
Exchange) was approximately $44,699,073.
On March 20, 2006, 31,379,538 shares of the
registrants common stock and 780,358 of exchangeable
shares were outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of registrants definitive proxy statement for the
2006 Annual Meeting of the registrants stockholders
(2006 Proxy Statement), to be filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, are incorporated by
reference in Part III hereof.
PART I
Item 1. Business
HearUSA, Inc. (HearUSA or the Company)
has a network of 133 company-owned hearing care centers in
eight states and the Province of Ontario, Canada. The Company
also sponsors a network of approximately 1,400 credentialed
audiology providers that participate in selected hearing benefit
programs contracted by the Company with employer groups, health
insurers and benefit sponsors in 49 states. The centers and
the network providers provide audiological products and services
for the hearing impaired.
HearUSA seeks to increase market share and market penetration in
its center and network markets. The Companys strategies
for increasing market penetration includes advertising to the
non-insured self-pay market, positioning itself as the leading
provider of hearing care to healthcare providers, increasing
awareness of physicians about hearing care services and products
in the Companys geographic markets and seeking strategic
acquisitions. The Company believes it is well positioned to
successfully address the concerns of access, quality and cost
for the patients of managed care and other health insurance
companies, diagnostic needs of referring physicians and,
ultimately, the hearing health needs of the public in general.
HearUSA was incorporated in Delaware on April 11, 1986,
under the name HEARx Ltd., and formed HEARx West LLC; a
fifty-percent owned joint venture with Kaiser Permanente, in
1998. In July of 2002, the Company acquired Helix Hearing Care
of America Corp. (Helix) and changed its name from
HEARx Ltd. to HearUSA, Inc. In June 2005, the Company divested
approximately 20 centers located in the states of Wisconsin,
Minnesota and Washington in order to focus on its core markets.
The targets of the Company are to generate annual revenue growth
of 15% to 20% and, over time, generate income from operations,
as a percent of revenue, of 10% to 12%, through a combination of
revenue growth from existing centers and acquisitions of
additional centers.
Products
HearUSAs centers offer a complete range of quality hearing
aids, with emphasis on the latest digital technology. While the
centers may order a hearing aid from any manufacturer, the
majority of the hearing aids sold by the centers are
manufactured by Siemens Hearing Instruments, Inc.
(Siemens) and its subsidiaries, Rexton and Electone.
The Company has a supply agreement with Siemens for the HearUSA
centers in the United States. The Company has agreed to buy
certain minimum percentages of the centers hearing aid
requirements from Siemens. In exchange, Siemens has agreed to
give the Company preferred pricing reductions. This agreement
was extended for an additional five years on February 10,
2006 (See Note 6a Long-Term Debt, Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements included herein). The centers
also sell hearing aids manufactured by Phonak, Oticon, Starkey,
Sonic Innovations and Unitron.
HearUSAs centers also offer a large selection of assistive
listening devices and other products related to hearing care.
Assistive listening devices are household and personal
technology products designed to assist the hearing impaired in
day-to-day living,
including such devices as telephones and television amplifiers,
telecaptioners and decoders, pocket talkers, specially adapted
telephones, alarm clocks, doorbells and fire alarms.
The network providers also provide hearing aids, assistive
listening devices and other products related to hearing care.
Acquisition Program
In 2005, the Company initiated a strategic acquisition program
in order to accelerate its growth. The program consists of
acquiring hearing care centers located in the Companys
core markets in
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order to benefit from cluster effects and therefore minimize
staffing and use advertising more efficiently. Acquisitions
outside core markets may also be considered depending on size
and profitability of the acquisition candidates. The payment
terms on a specific acquisition will typically be a combination
of cash and notes payable. The Company also may consider the
issuance of stock to sellers. The source of funds for the cash
portion will be cash on hand, the Siemens acquisition credit
line (See Note 6a Long-Term Debt, Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements included herein), and the
issuance of debt or stock when appropriate.
In order to maximize the return on its investment in
acquisitions, the Company also put in place an integration
program. This program covers the implementation of our center
management system, including the conversion of the acquired
center patient database, switch-over of vendors to the
Companys existing vendors to benefit from better pricing
and employee training and marketing programs. The performance of
each acquired center is closely monitored for a period of three
to six months or until management is fully satisfied that the
center has been integrated into the Company.
Managed Care, Institutional Contracts and Benefit
Providers
Since the beginning of 1991, the Company has entered into
arrangements with institutional buyers relating to the provision
of hearing care products and services. HearUSA believes that
contractual relationships with institutional buyers of hearing
aids are essential to the success of the Companys business
plan. These institutional buyers include managed care companies,
employer groups, health insurers, benefit sponsors, senior
citizen buying groups and unions. By developing contractual
arrangements for the referral of patients, marketing costs are
reduced and relationships with local area physicians are
enhanced. Critical to providing care to members of these groups
are the availability of distribution sites, quality control and
standardization of products and services. The Company believes
its system of high quality, uniform company-owned centers meets
the needs of the patients and their hearing benefit providers
and that the network providers can expand available distribution
sites for these patients.
HearUSA enters into provider agreements with benefit providers
for the furnishing of hearing care on three different bases:
(a) a discount arrangement based on a contractual rate
offered by the centers and/or the network providers to a benefit
providers members paid for by the patient; (b) an
encounter fee for service basis, where the centers and/or the
network providers are paid a contracted fee by the benefit
provider for each hearing aid sold with the balance paid by the
individual member; or (c) on a per capita basis, which is a
fixed payment per member per month from the benefit provider to
HearUSA, determined by the benefit offered to the patient and
the number of patients (the balance, if any, is paid by the
individual member). When involving the network providers,
HearUSA pays them a portion of the per-member-per-month payment,
net of administration fees.
The terms of these provider agreements are generally
renegotiated annually, and may be terminated by either party,
usually on 90-days
notice. The early termination of or failure to renew the
agreements could adversely affect the operation of the centers
located in the related market area. In addition, the early
termination of or failure to renew the agreements that provide
for payment to the Company on a per capita basis would cause the
Company to lower its estimates of revenues to be received over
the life of the agreements and could have an adverse effect on
the Companys results of operations.
The Company and its subsidiary, HEARx West, currently receive a
per-member-per-month fee for more than 1.1 million managed
care members. In total, HearUSA services over 268 benefit
programs for hearing care with various health maintenance
organizations, preferred provider organizations, insurers,
benefit administrators and healthcare providers.
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Sales Development
In late 2004, the Company created a sales development department
in order to assist its professionals. By providing training on
methods, techniques, trouble shooting, dispensing and counseling
skills, the Company believes this new department will help
provide a better service to patients and will improve key
performance indicators such as conversion and binaural fitting
rates and reduced return rates.
Marketing
HearUSAs marketing plan focuses on:
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Newspaper and Special Events: HearUSA places print ads in its
markets promoting different hearing aids at a variety of
technology levels and prices along with special limited time
events. Advertising also emphasizes the need to seek help for
hearing loss as well as the qualitative differences and
advantages offered by HearUSA. |
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Direct Marketing: Utilizing HearUSAs database, HearUSA
conducts direct mailings and offers free seminars in its markets
on hearing aids and hearing loss. |
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Physician Marketing: HearUSA attempts to educate both physicians
and their patients on the need for regular hearing testing and
the importance of hearing aids and other assistive listening
devices. HearUSA works to further its image as a provider of
highly professional services, quality products, and
comprehensive post-sale consumer education. |
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Telemarketing: HearUSA has a domestic national call center,
which supports all HearUSA centers. The national call center is
responsible for both inbound and outbound telemarketing. During
2005, the Company implemented a predictive dialer system in
order to improve the call center productivity and increase the
number of qualified appointments in its centers. |
Facilities and Services
Each HearUSA center is staffed by a licensed and credentialed
audiologist or hearing instrument specialist and at least one
patient care coordinator. Experienced audiologists supervise
clinical operations. The majority of the Companys centers
are conveniently located in shopping or medical centers, and the
centers are typically 1,000 to 2,500 square feet in size.
The Companys goal is to have all centers similar in
design, exterior marking and signage, because a uniform
appearance reinforces the message of consistent service and
quality of care.
Each center provides hearing services that meet or exceed
applicable state and federal standards, including:
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Comprehensive hearing testing using standardized practice
guidelines |
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Interactive hearing aid selection and fitting processes |
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Aural rehabilitation and follow up care |
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Standardized reporting and physician communications |
In some markets, a full range of audiovestibular testing is also
available to aid in the diagnosis of medical and vestibular
disorders.
Each of the 1,400 network providers operates independently
from the Company. To ensure compliance with its hearing benefit
programs, the Company performs annual credential verification
for each of the network providers. The Company also performs
random patient surveys on the quality of network providers
services.
3
Revenues
For the fiscal years 2005, 2004 and 2003, HearUSA net revenues
were $76,672,003, $68,749,542 and $67,080,108, respectively.
During 2005, 2004 and 2003, the Company did not have revenues
from a single customer which totaled 10% or more of total net
revenues. Financial information about revenues by geographic
area is set out in Note 20 Segments, Notes to
the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.
Segments
The Company operates three business segments: the company-owned
centers, the network of independent providers and an
e-commerce business
line. Financial information regarding these business segments is
provided in Note 20 Segments, Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements included herein.
Centers
At the end of 2005, the Company owned 133 centers in Florida,
New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Ohio, Michigan, Missouri,
California (through HEARx West) and the Province of Ontario,
Canada. These centers offer patients a complete range of
services and products, including diagnostic audiological
testing, the latest technology in hearing aids and assistive
listening devices to improve their quality of life.
The centers owned through HEARx West are located in California.
HearUSA is responsible for the daily operation of the centers.
All clinical and quality issues are the responsibility of a
joint committee comprised of HearUSA and Kaiser Permanente
clinicians. HEARx West centers concentrate on providing hearing
aids and audiology testing to Kaiser Permanentes members
and self-pay patients in the state of California. At the end of
2005, there were 21 full-time and 2 part-time HEARx
West centers.
Under the terms of the joint venture agreement between the
Company and Kaiser Permanente, HEARx West has the right of first
refusal for any new centers in southern California; Atlanta,
Georgia; Hawaii; Denver, Colorado; Portland, Oregon; Cleveland,
Ohio; Washington, DC and Baltimore, Maryland. In addition,
should HearUSA make a center acquisition in any of these
markets, HEARx West has the right to purchase such center. Such
a sale would be done at arms length, with HEARx West
paying HearUSA an equivalent value for any of the centers it
acquires.
Network
The Company sponsors a network (known as the HearUSA
Hearing Care Network) of approximately 1,400 credentialed
audiology providers that support hearing benefit programs with
employer groups, health insurers and benefit sponsors in
49 states.
Unlike the company-owned centers, the network is comprised of
hearing care practices owned by independent audiologists.
Through the network, the Company can pursue national hearing
care contracts and offers managed hearing benefits in areas
outside of the company-owned center markets. The networks
revenues are derived mainly from administrative fees paid by
employer groups, health insurers and benefit sponsors to
administer their benefit. In addition, the network provides
Provider Advantage purchasing programs, whereby affiliated
providers purchase products through HearUSA volume discounts and
the Company receives royalties or rebates.
E-commerce
The Company offers online information about hearing loss,
hearing aids, assistive listening devices and the services
offered by hearing health care professionals. The Companys
web site also offers online purchases of hearing-related
products, such as batteries, hearing aid accessories and
assistive listening devices. In addition to online product
sales, e-commerce
operations are also
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designed as a marketing tool to inform the public and generate
referrals for centers and for network providers.
Distinguishing Features
Integral to the success of HearUSAs strategy is increased
awareness of the impact of hearing loss and the medical
necessity of treatment, in addition to the strengthening of
consumer confidence and the differentiation of HearUSA from
other hearing care providers. To this end, the Company has taken
the following unique steps:
Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations
During 1998, the Company distinguished itself as an accredited
healthcare organization when it earned a three-year
accreditation by the Joint Commission. The Company was
re-accredited in 2005 as a preferred provider organization in
hearing care, demonstrating its willingness to provide safe,
high quality care and to be measured against high standards of
performance. Accreditation means that the Company volunteered to
undergo a comprehensive evaluation by a team of physicians and
nurses who personally conducted a review to assess provider
credentialing, training and orientation, patient rights and
care, organizational leadership and ethics, management of
information and performance improvement. At this time, only the
80 company-owned centers doing business as HEARx are
accredited. The Companys goal is to accredit all
company-owned centers during 2006. The Company currently employs
180 licensed hearing professionals including 118 audiologists,
25 AuD (Doctor in Audiology), and 37 licensed hearing aid
specialists.
Center Management System, Medical Reporting and HearUSA Data Link
The Company has developed a proprietary center management and
data system called the Center Management System
(CMS). CMS primarily has two functions: to manage
patient information and to process
point-of-sale customer
transactions. The CMS system is operated over a wide area
network that links all locations with the corporate office. The
Company is developing further capabilities for the wide area
network. This system is only used in the company-owned centers.
The Companys corporate system is fully integrated with CMS
to provide additional benefits and functionality that can be
better supported centrally. Data redundancy is built into the
system architecture as data is currently stored both at the
regional facilities and at the central facility. The
consolidated data repository is constructed to support revenues
in excess of $550 million, to accommodate 500+ unique
business units and to manage 500,000 new patients annually.
One of the outputs of CMS is a computerized reporting system
that provides referring physicians the test results and
recommended action for every patient examined by HearUSA staff
in a company-owned center. To the Companys knowledge, no
other dispenser or audiologist presently offers any referring
physician similar documentation. Consistent with the
Companys mission of making hearing care a medical
necessity, this reporting system makes hearing a part of the
individuals health profile, and increases awareness of
hearing conditions in the medical community. Another unique
aspect of CMS is its data mining capability which allows for
targeted marketing to its customer base. The national call
center also has the ability to access the CMS system and can
directly schedule appointments.
Competition
The U.S. hearing care industry is highly fragmented with
approximately 11,000 practitioners providing hearing care
products and services. The Company competes on the basis of
price and service and, as described above, tries to distinguish
itself as a leading provider of hearing care to health care
providers and the self-pay patient. The Company competes for the
managed care customer on the basis of access, quality and cost.
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In the Canadian Province of Ontario, the traditional hearing
instrument distribution system is made up of small independent
practices where associations are limited to two or three
centers. Most centers are relatively small and are located in
medical centers, professional centers or in small shopping
centers.
It is difficult to determine the precise number of the
Companys competitors in every market where it has
operations, or the percentage of market share enjoyed by the
Company. Some competitors are large distributors, including
Amplifon of Italy, which owns a network of franchised centers
(Miracle Ear and National Hearing Center) and company-owned
centers (Sonus) in the United States and Canada, and Beltone
Electronics Corp., a hearing aid manufacturer owned by Great
Nordic that distributes its products primarily through a
national network of authorized distributors in the
United States and Canada. Large discount retailers, such as
Costco, also sell hearing aids and present a competitive threat
in selected HearUSA markets. All of these companies have greater
resources than HearUSA, and there can be no assurance that one
or more of these competitors will not expand and/or change their
operations to capture the market targeted by HearUSA.
The Companys network business will also face competition
by companies offering similar network services. These companies
attempt to aggregate demand for hearing products and sell
marketing and other services to network participants. In
addition, some of these networks are able to offer discounts to
managed care payors, insurers and membership organizations. Many
independent hearing care providers belong to more than one
network. In addition, contract terms for membership are
typically short and may be terminated by either party at will.
There can be no assurance, however, that the largely fragmented
hearing care market cannot be successfully consolidated by the
establishment of co-operatives, alliances, confederations or the
like, which would then compete more directly with HearUSAs
network and its company-owned centers.
Reliance on Manufacturers
The Companys supply agreement with Siemens requires that a
certain portion of the company-owned centers sales will be
of Siemens devices. Siemens has a well-diversified product line
(including Rexton and Electone) with a large budget devoted to
research and development. However, there is no guaranty that
Siemens technology or product line will remain desirable
in the marketplace. Furthermore, if Siemens manufacturing
capacity cannot keep pace with the demand of HearUSA and other
customers, HearUSAs business may be adversely affected.
In the event of a disruption of supply from Siemens or another
of the Companys current suppliers, the Company believes it
could obtain comparable products from other manufacturers. Few
manufacturers offer dramatic product differentiation. HearUSA
has not experienced any significant disruptions in supply in the
past.
Regulation
Federal
The practice of audiology and the dispensing of hearing aids are
not presently regulated on the Federal level in the United
States. The United States Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) is responsible for monitoring the hearing care
industry. The FDA requires that first time hearing aid
purchasers receive medical clearance from a physician prior to
purchase; however, patients may sign a waiver in lieu of a
physicians examination. The FDA has mandated that states
adopt a return policy for consumers offering them the right to
return their products, generally within 30 days. HearUSA
offers all its customers a full
30-day return period
and extends the return period to 60 days for patients who
participate in the family hearing counseling program. FDA
regulations require hearing aid dispensers to provide customers
with certain warnings and statements regarding the use of
hearing aids. Also, the FDA requires hearing aid dispensers to
review instructional manuals for hearing aids with patients
before the hearing aid is purchased.
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In addition, a portion of the Companys revenues comes from
participation in Medicare and Medicaid programs. Federal laws
prohibit the payment of remuneration in order to receive or
induce the referral of Medicare or Medicaid patients, or in
return for the sale of goods or services to Medicare or Medicaid
patients. Furthermore, federal law limits physicians and other
healthcare providers from referring patients to providers of
certain designated services in which they have a financial
interest. HearUSA believes that all of its managed care and
other provider contracts and its relationships with referring
physicians are in compliance with these federal laws.
The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996
(HIPAA) requires the use of uniform electronic data
transmission standards for health care claims and payment
transactions submitted or received electronically. The
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
adopted regulations establishing electronic data transmission
standards that all health care providers must use when
submitting or receiving certain health care transactions
electronically. In addition, HIPAA required HHS to adopt
standards to protect the security and privacy of health-related
information. Final regulations containing privacy standards are
now effective. HearUSA believes it has taken the necessary steps
to be in full compliance with these regulations.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued the
amended Telemarketing Sales Rule on January 29, 2003. The
amended rule gives effect to the Telemarketing and Consumer
Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act. This legislation gives the FTC
and state attorneys generals law enforcement tools to combat
telemarketing fraud, give consumers added privacy protections
and defenses against unscrupulous telemarketers, and help
consumers tell the difference between fraudulent and legitimate
telemarketing. One significant amendment to the Telemarketing
Sales Rule was inclusion of the prohibition on calling consumers
who have put their telephone numbers on the national Do
Not Call registry unless one of several exceptions is
applicable to the call or to the consumer. Other FTC guidelines
pertinent to the Company involve professional business practices
relating to issues such as transmitting the callers
telephone number on caller id, abandoning calls and speaking to
consumers in a non-professional manner.
On July 25, 2003 the Federal Communications Commission
issued a revised Final Rule Implementing the Telephone
Consumer Protection Act of 1991 (TCPA Rule). The
original TCPA Rule, issued in 1992, required telemarketers to
honor all requests by a consumer that the telemarketer not make
future calls on behalf of a specified seller to that consumer,
restricted the use of recorded messages in telemarketing, and
prohibited unsolicited commercial facsimile transmissions. The
revised TCPA Rule prohibits telemarketing calls to telephone
numbers on the national Do Not Call registry unless
one of several exceptions is applicable to the call or consumer,
and also contains provisions similar to those in the revised
Telemarketing Sales Rule regarding the transmission of caller ID
and abandoned calls. Among other new provisions, the revised
TCPA rule prohibits the uses of predictive dialers to place
telephone calls to cellular telephones. The Company adheres to
policies set forth by the FTC and the FCC, and has established
policies and practices to ensure its compliance with FTC and FCC
regulations, including the requirements related to the national
Do Not Call registry.
In addition, the FTC is responsible for monitoring the business
practices of hearing aid dispensers and vendors. The FTC can
take action against companies that mislead or deceive consumers.
FTC regulations also require companies offering warranties to
fully disclose all terms and conditions of their warranties.
The FTC is also engaged in enforcement relating to the
protection of sensitive customer data. The FTC has announced a
program of enforcement actions to ensure that businesses
implement reasonable data security practices to protect
sensitive consumer data such as Social Security numbers.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) enforces
regulations that deal specifically with the manufacture and sale
of hearing aids. FDA requires that all dispensers meet certain
conditions
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before selling a hearing aid relating to suitability of the
patient for hearing aids and the advisability of medical
evaluation prior to being fitted with a hearing aid.
The CAN-SPAM Act of 2003 regulates commercial electronic mail on
a nationwide basis. It imposes certain requirements on senders
of commercial electronic mail. The Company adheres to the law by
properly representing the nature of its commercial email
messages in the subject line, not tampering with source and
transmission information in the email header, and
obtaining email addresses through lawful means. The Company
adheres to the specific disclosure requirements of the law by
including a physical mail address and a clearly identified and
conspicuous opt-out mechanism in all commercial
email. The Company honors all consumer requests to stop
receiving future commercial emails in a timely manner.
The Company cannot predict the effect of future changes in
federal laws, including changes that may result from proposals
for federal health care reform, or the impact that changes in
existing federal laws or in the interpretation of those laws
might have on the Company. The Company believes it is in
material compliance with all existing federal regulatory
requirements.
State
Generally, state regulations of the hearing care industry, where
they exist, are concerned primarily with the formal licensure of
audiologists and those who dispense hearing aids and with
practices and procedures involving the fitting and dispensing of
hearing aids. There can be no assurance that regulations do not
exist in jurisdictions in which the Company plans to open
centers or will not be promulgated in states in which the
Company currently operates centers which may have a material
adverse effect upon the Company. Such regulations might include
more stringent licensure requirements for dispensers of hearing
aids, inspections of centers for the dispensing of hearing aids
and the regulation of advertising by dispensers of hearing aids.
The Company knows of no current or proposed state regulations
with which it, as currently operated, could not comply.
Many states have laws and regulations that impose additional
requirements related to telemarketing and to the use of
commercial email. These include telemarketing registration
requirements and anti-fraud protections related to telemarketing
and email. In some cases, state laws and regulations may be more
restrictive than federal laws and regulations. The Company makes
a good faith effort to understand and comply with all applicable
state laws and regulations regarding its marketing practices.
State regulation may include the oversight of the Companys
advertising and marketing practices as a provider of hearing aid
dispensing services. The Companys advertisements and other
business promotions may be found to be in violation of these
regulations from time to time, and may result in fines or other
sanctions, including the prohibition of certain marketing
programs that may ultimately harm financial performance.
The Company employs licensed audiologists and hearing aid
dispensers. Under the regulatory framework of certain states,
business corporations are not able to employ audiologists or
offer hearing services. California has such a law, restricting
the employment of audiologists to professional corporations
owned by audiologists or similar licensees. The Company
believes, however, that because the State of Californias
Department of Consumer Affairs has indicated that
speech-language pathologists may be employed by business
corporations, the Company may employee audiologists. The
similarity of speech-language pathology to audiology, and the
fact that speech-language pathologists and audiologists are
regulated under similar statutes and regulations, leads the
Company to believe that business corporations and similar
entities may employ audiologists. No assurance can be given that
the Companys interpretation of Californias laws will
be found to be in compliance with laws and regulations governing
the corporate practice of audiology or, if its activities are
not in compliance, that the legal structure of the
Companys California operations can be modified to permit
compliance.
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In addition, state laws prohibit any remuneration for referrals,
similar to federal laws discussed above. Generally, these laws
follow the federal statues described above. State laws also
frequently impose sanctions on businesses when there has been a
breach of security of sensitive customer information.
The Company believes it is in material compliance with all
applicable state regulatory requirements. However, the Company
cannot predict future state legislation which may affect its
operations in the states in which it does business. Nor can the
Company assure that existing interpretations of state law remain
consistent with the Companys understanding of the state
law as reflected through its operations.
Canada
Laws and regulations for the Province of Ontario, Canada are
concerned primarily with the formal licensure of audiologists
and dispensers who dispense hearing aids and with practices and
procedures involving the fitting and dispensing of hearing aids.
All Ontario audiologists must be members of the College of
Audiologists and Speech and Language Pathologists of Ontario and
hearing aid dispensers practicing in Ontario must be members of
the Association of Hearing Instrument Practitioners. Both
audiologists and hearing instrument practitioners are governed
by a professional code of conduct. There can be no assurance
that regulations will not be promulgated in the Province of
Ontario which may have a material adverse effect upon the
Company. Such regulations might include more stringent licensure
requirements for dispensers of hearing aids, inspections of
centers for the dispensing of hearing aids and the regulation of
advertising by dispensers of hearing aids. The Company knows of
no current or proposed Ontario regulations with which it, as
currently operated, could not comply. The Company employs
licensed audiologists and hearing aid dispensers in the Province
of Ontario.
Ontario regulations and codes of conduct of audiologists and
hearing instrument practitioners may include the oversight of
the Companys advertising and marketing practices as a
provider of hearing aid dispensing services. The Companys
advertisements and other business promotions may be found to be
in violation of these regulations from time to time, and may
result in fines or other sanctions, including the prohibition of
certain marketing programs that may ultimately harm financial
performance.
In addition, Ontario regulations and codes of conduct of
audiologists and hearing instrument practitioners prohibit any
remuneration for referrals. The Company has structured its
operations in Canada to assure compliance with these regulations
and codes and believes it is in full compliance with Canadian
law.
Product and Professional Liability
In the ordinary course of its business, HearUSA may be subject
to product and professional liability claims alleging the
failure of, or adverse effects claimed to have been caused by
products sold or services provided by the Company. The Company
maintains insurance at a level which the Company believes to be
adequate. A successful claim in excess of the policy limits of
the Companys liability insurance, however, could adversely
affect the Company. As the distributor of products manufactured
by others, the Company believes it would properly have recourse
against the manufacturer in the event of a product liability
claim; however, there can be no assurance that recourse against
a manufacturer by the Company would be successful or that any
manufacturer will maintain adequate insurance or otherwise be
able to pay such liability.
Seasonality
The Company is subject to regional seasonality, the impact of
which is minimal.
9
Employees
At December 31, 2005, HearUSA had 422 full-time
employees and 54 part-time employees
Where to Find More Information
The Company makes information available free of charge on its
website (www.hearusa.com). Through the website, interested
persons can access the Companys annual report on
Form 10-K,
quarterly reports on
Form 10-Q and
current reports on
Form 8-K after
such material is electronically filed with the SEC. In addition,
interested persons can access the Companys code of ethics
and other governance documents on the Companys website.
This Annual Report on
Form 10-K,
including the management discussion and analysis set out below,
contains or incorporates a number of forward-looking statements
within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of
1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Act Exchange of
1934. These forward-looking statements are based on current
expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the
industry and markets in which we operate and managements
beliefs and assumptions. Any statements that are not statements
of historical fact should be considered forward-looking
statements and should be read in conjunction with our
consolidated financial statements and notes to the consolidated
financial statements included in this report as well as the risk
factors set forth below. The statements are not guarantees of
future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and
assumptions that are difficult to predict. The risks and
uncertainties described below are not the only ones facing us.
Additional risks and uncertainties that we are unaware of may
become important factors that affect us. If any of the following
risks occur, our business, financial condition and results of
operations could be materially and adversely affected.
HearUSA has a history of operating losses and may never be
profitable.
HearUSA has incurred net losses in each year since its
organization, and its accumulated deficit at December 31,
2005 was $103,774,422. We expect quarterly and annual operating
results to fluctuate, depending primarily on the following
factors:
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Timing of product sales; |
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Level of consumer demand for our products; |
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Timing and success of new centers and acquired centers; |
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Timing and amounts of payments by health insurance and managed
care organizations. |
There can be no assurance that HearUSA will achieve
profitability in the near or long term or ever.
We may not effectively compete in the hearing care
industry.
The hearing care industry is highly fragmented and barriers to
entry are low. Approximately 11,000 practitioners provide
testing and dispense products and services that compete with
those sold and provided by HearUSA. We also compete with small
retailers, as well as large networks of franchisees and
distributors established by larger companies, such as those
manufacturing and selling Miracle Ear and Beltone products. Some
of the larger companies have far greater resources than HearUSA
and could expand and/or change their operations to capture the
market targeted by HearUSA. Large discount retailers, such as
Costco Wholesale Corporation, also sell hearing aids and present
a competitive threat in our markets. In addition, it is possible
that the hearing care market could be effectively consolidated
by the establishment of cooperatives, alliances or associations
that could compete more successfully for the market targeted by
us.
10
We are dependent on manufacturers who may not
perform.
HearUSA is not a hearing aid manufacturer. We rely on major
manufacturers to supply our hearing aids and to supply hearing
enhancement devices. A significant disruption in supply from any
or all of these manufacturers could materially adversely affect
our business. Our strategic and financial relationship with
Siemens Hearing Instruments, Inc. requires us to purchase from
Siemens a certain portion of our requirements of hearing aids at
specified prices for a period of five years. Although Siemens is
the worlds largest manufacturer of hearing devices, there
can be no assurance that Siemens technology and product
line will remain desirable in the marketplace. Furthermore, if
Siemens manufacturing capacity cannot keep pace with the
demand of HearUSA and other customers, our business may be
adversely affected.
We rely on qualified audiologists, without whom our
business may be adversely affected.
HearUSA currently employs approximately 180 licensed hearing
professionals, of whom approximately 118 are audiologists, 25
are AUD (Doctors in Audiology) and 37 are licensed hearing aid
specialists. If we are not able to attract and retain qualified
audiologists, we will be less able to compete with networks of
hearing aid retailers or with the independent audiologists who
also sell hearing aids and our business may be adversely
affected.
We may not be able to maintain existing agreements or
enter into new agreements with health insurance and managed care
organizations, which may result in reduced revenues.
HearUSA enters into provider agreements with health insurance
companies and managed care organizations for the furnishing of
hearing care in exchange for fees. The terms of most of these
agreements are to be renegotiated annually, and these agreements
may be terminated by either party, usually on 90 days or
less notice at any time. There is no certainty that we will be
able to maintain these agreements on favorable terms or at all.
If we cannot maintain these contractual arrangements or enter
into new arrangements, there will be a material adverse effect
on our revenues and results of operations. In addition, the
early termination of or failure to renew the agreements that
provide for payment to HearUSA on a
per-patient-per-month
basis would cause us to lower our estimates of revenues to be
received over the life of the agreements. This could have a
material adverse effect on our results of operations.
We depend on our joint venture for our California
operations and may not be able to attract sufficient patients to
our California centers without it.
HEARx West LLC, our joint venture with Kaiser Permanente,
operates 23 full-service centers in California as well as two
satellite locations in Kaiser facilities. Since their inception,
HEARx West centers have derived approximately two-thirds of
their revenues from sales to Kaiser Permanente members,
including revenues through an agreement between the joint
venture and Kaiser Permanentes California division
servicing its hearing benefited membership. If Kaiser Permanente
does not perform its obligations under the agreement, or if the
agreement is not renewed upon expiration, the loss of Kaiser
patients in the HEARx West centers would adversely affect our
business. In addition, HEARx West centers would be adversely
affected by the loss of the ability to market to Kaiser members
and promote the business within Kaisers medical centers,
including the referral of potential customers by Kaiser.
We rely on the efforts and success of managed care
companies that may not be achieved or sustained.
Many managed care organizations, including some of those with
whom we have contracts, have experienced and are continuing to
experience significant difficulties arising from the widespread
growth and reach of available plans and benefits. If the managed
care organizations are unable to attract and retain covered
members in our geographic markets, we may be unable to sustain
the
11
operations of our centers in those geographic areas. There can
be no assurance that we can maintain all of our centers. We will
close centers where warranted and such closures could have a
material adverse effect on us.
We may not be able to maintain JCAHO accreditation, and
our revenues may suffer.
HearUSA has a three-year accreditation from the Joint Committee
on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) that
extends to 2008. This status distinguishes HearUSA from other
hearing care providers and is widely used in our marketing
efforts. If we are not able to maintain our accredited status,
we will not be able to distinguish HearUSA on this basis and our
revenues may suffer. Also, there is no assurance that HearUSA
can achieve JCAHO accreditation for acquired centers or the
network business.
We are exposed to potential product and professional
liability that could adversely affect us if a successful claim
is made in excess of insurance policy limits.
In the ordinary course of its business, HearUSA may be subject
to product and professional liability claims alleging that
products sold or services provided by the company failed or had
adverse effects. We maintain liability insurance at a level
which we believe to be adequate. A successful claim in excess of
the policy limits of the liability insurance could materially
adversely affect our business. As the distributor of products
manufactured by others, we believe we would properly have
recourse against the manufacturer in the event of a product
liability claim. There can be no assurance, however, that
recourse against a manufacturer by HearUSA would be successful,
or that any manufacturer will maintain adequate insurance or
otherwise be able to pay such liability.
Risks Relating to HearUSA Common Stock
The price of our common stock is volatile and could
decline.
The price of HearUSA common stock could fluctuate significantly,
and you may be unable to sell your shares at a profit. There are
significant price and volume fluctuations in the market
generally that may be unrelated to our operating performance,
but which nonetheless may adversely affect the market price for
HearUSA common stock. The price of our common stock could change
suddenly due to factors such as:
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the amount of our cash resources and ability to obtain
additional funding; |
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economic conditions in markets we are targeting; |
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fluctuations in operating results; |
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changes in government regulation of the healthcare industry; |
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failure to meet estimates or expectations of the market; and |
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rate of acceptance of hearing aid products in the geographic
markets we are targeting. |
Any of these conditions may cause the price of HearUSA common
stock to fall, which may reduce business and financing
opportunities available to us and reduce your ability to sell
your shares at a profit, or at all.
12
HearUSA might fail to maintain a listing for its common
stock on the American Stock Exchange, making it more difficult
for stockholders to dispose of or to obtain accurate quotations
as to the value of their HearUSA stock.
HearUSA common stock is presently listed on the American Stock
Exchange. The American Stock Exchange will consider delisting a
companys securities if, among other things,
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the company fails to maintain stockholders equity of at
least $2,000,000 if the company has sustained losses from
continuing operations or net losses in two of its three most
recent fiscal years; |
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the company fails to maintain stockholders equity of
$4,000,000 if the company has sustained losses from continuing
operations or net losses in three of its four most recent fiscal
years; or |
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the company has sustained losses from continuing operations or
net losses in its five most recent fiscal years. |
HearUSA may not be able to maintain its listing on the American
Stock Exchange, and there may be no public market for the
HearUSA common stock. In the event the HearUSA common stock were
delisted from the American Stock Exchange, trading, if any, in
the common stock would be conducted in the
over-the-counter
market. As a result, you would likely find it more difficult to
dispose of, or to obtain accurate quotations as to the market
value of, your HearUSA common stock.
If penny stock regulations apply to HearUSA
common stock, you may not be able to sell or dispose of your
shares.
If HearUSA common stock were delisted from the American Stock
Exchange, the penny stock regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission might apply to transactions
in the common stock. A penny stock generally
includes any
over-the-counter equity
security that has a market price of less than $5.00 per
share. The Commission regulations require the delivery, prior to
any transaction in a penny stock, of a disclosure schedule
prescribed by the Commission relating to the penny stock. A
broker-dealer effecting transactions in penny stocks must make
disclosures, including disclosure of commissions, and provide
monthly statements to the customer with information on the
limited market in penny stocks. These requirements may
discourage broker-dealers from effecting transactions in penny
stocks. If the penny stock regulations were to become applicable
to transactions in shares of HearUSA common stock, they could
adversely affect your ability to sell or otherwise dispose of
your shares.
Conversion of outstanding HearUSA convertible subordinated
notes and exercise of outstanding HearUSA options and warrants
could cause substantial dilution.
As of December 31, 2005, outstanding convertible
subordinated notes, warrants and options of HearUSA included:
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$7.5 million in convertible subordinated notes, convertible
into approximately 4,285,715 shares of common stock,
assuming any interest is paid in cash; |
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Warrants to purchase approximately 5,114,853 shares of
common stock and |
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Options to purchase approximately 5,511,070 shares of
common stock. |
To the extent outstanding subordinated notes are converted,
options or warrants are exercised or additional shares of
capital stock are issued, stockholders will incur additional
dilution.
13
Future sales of shares may depress the price of HearUSA
common stock.
If substantial stockholders sell shares of HearUSA common stock
into the public market, or investors become concerned that
substantial sales might occur, the market price of HearUSA
common stock could decrease. Such a decrease could make it
difficult for HearUSA to raise capital by selling stock or to
pay for acquisitions using stock. In addition, HearUSA employees
hold a significant number of options to purchase shares, many of
which are presently exercisable. Employees may exercise their
options and sell shares soon after such options become
exercisable, particularly if they need to raise funds to pay for
the exercise of such options or to satisfy tax liabilities that
they may incur in connection with exercising their options.
Because of the HearUSA rights agreement and the related
rights plan for the exchangeable shares, a third party may be
discouraged from making a takeover offer which could be
beneficial to HearUSA and its stockholders.
HearUSA has entered into a rights agreement with The Bank of New
York, as rights agent. HEARx Canada Inc. has adopted a similar
rights plan relating to the exchangeable shares of HEARx Canada
Inc. issued in connection with the acquisition of Helix. The
rights agreements contain provisions that could delay or prevent
a third party from acquiring HearUSA or replacing members of the
HearUSA board of directors, even if the acquisition or the
replacements would be beneficial to HearUSA stockholders. The
rights agreements could also result in reducing the price that
certain investors might be willing to pay for shares of the
common stock of HearUSA and making the market price lower than
it would be without the rights agreement.
Because HearUSA stockholders do not receive dividends,
stockholders must rely on stock appreciation for any return on
their investment in HearUSA.
We have never declared or paid cash dividends on any of our
capital stock. Payment of dividends is restricted pursuant to
our agreement with Siemens. We currently intend to retain any
earnings for future growth and, therefore, do not anticipate
paying cash dividends in the future. As a result, only
appreciation of the price of HearUSA common stock will provide a
return to investors who purchase or acquire common stock.
Other Risks Relating to the Business of HearUSA
We may not be able to access funds under our credit
facility with Siemens if we cannot maintain compliance with the
restrictive covenants contained therein and in our supply
agreement with Siemens.
On February 10, 2006, HearUSA and Siemens Hearing
Instruments Inc. entered into an amended and restated credit
agreement pursuant to which HearUSA obtained a $26 million
secured credit facility from Siemens, replacing the 2001 credit
facility extended to the Company by Siemens. As of
December 31, 2005, an aggregate of $23.1 million in
loans was outstanding under the credit facility. To continue to
access the credit facility, we are required to comply with the
terms of the amended credit facility, including compliance with
restrictive covenants. There can be no assurance that we will be
able to comply with these restrictive covenants in the future
and, accordingly, may be unable to access the funds provided
under the credit facility. If we are unable to comply with these
restrictive covenants, we may be found in default by Siemens and
face other penalties under the credit agreement. In addition, we
have entered into an amended and restated supply agreement with
Siemens, which imposes certain purchase requirements on us. If
we fail to comply with the supply agreement, Siemens may declare
us in default of the credit agreement and all loans would be
immediately due and payable.
14
We may not be able to obtain additional capital on
reasonable terms, or at all, to fund our operations.
If capital requirements vary from those currently planned or
losses are greater than expected, HearUSA may require additional
financing. If additional funds are raised through the issuance
of convertible debt or equity securities, the percentage
ownership of existing stockholders may be diluted, the
securities issued may have rights and preferences senior to
those of stockholders, and the terms of the securities may
impose restrictions on operations. If adequate funds are not
available on reasonable terms, or at all, we will be unable to
take advantage of future opportunities to develop or enhance our
business or respond to competitive pressures and possibly even
to remain in business.
Future acquisitions or investments could negatively affect
our operations and financial results or dilute the ownership
percentage of our stockholders.
We have initiated a strategic acquisition program. We may have
to devote substantial time and resources in order to complete
potential acquisitions. We may not identify or complete
acquisitions in a timely manner, on a cost-effective basis, or
at all. Acquired operations may not be effectively integrated
into our operations and may fail.
In the event of any future acquisitions, HearUSA could:
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issue additional stock that would further dilute our current
stockholders percentage ownership; |
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incur debt; |
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assume unknown or contingent liabilities; or |
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experience negative effects on reported operating results from
acquisition-related charges and amortization of acquired
technology, goodwill and other intangibles. |
These transactions involve numerous risks that could harm
operating results and cause the price of HearUSA common stock
price to decline, including:
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potential loss of key employees of acquired organizations; |
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problems integrating the acquired business, including its
information systems and personnel; |
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unanticipated costs that may harm operating results; |
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diversion of managements attention from business
concerns; and |
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adverse effects on existing business relationships with
customers. |
Any of these risks could harm the business and operating results
of HearUSA
Increased exposure to currency fluctuations could have
adverse effects on our reported earnings.
Most of HearUSAs revenues and expenses are denominated in
U.S. dollars. Some of our revenues and expenses are
denominated in Canadian dollars and, therefore, we are exposed
to fluctuations in the Canadian dollar. As a result, our
earnings will be affected by increases or decreases in the
Canadian dollar. Increases in the value of the Canadian dollar
versus the U.S. dollar would tend to increase reported
earnings (or reduce losses) in U.S. dollar terms, and
decreases in the value of the Canadian dollar versus the
U.S. dollar would tend to reduce reported earnings (or
increase losses).
15
Item 1B. Unresolved
Staff Comments
None
Item 2. Properties
HearUSAs corporate offices, network and national call
center are located in West Palm Beach, Florida. The leases on
these properties are for five years and expire in 2006. As of
December 31, 2005, the Company operated 31 centers in
Florida, 14 in New Jersey, 15 in New York, 9 in Massachusetts, 7
in Ohio, 8 in Michigan, 7 in Missouri, and 23 HEARx West centers
in California. HearUSA also operates 19 centers in the Province
of Ontario. All of the locations are leased for one to ten year
terms pursuant to generally non-cancelable leases (with renewal
options in some cases). The Company believes these locations are
suitable to serve its patients needs. The network is
operated from the Companys corporate office in West Palm
Beach. The Company has no interest or involvement in the network
providers properties or leases. The
e-commerce business is
operated from the Companys corporate office in West Palm
Beach.
Item 3. Legal
Proceedings
The Company has from time to time been a party to lawsuits and
claims arising in the normal course of business. In the opinion
of management, there are no pending claims or litigation, in
which the outcome would have a material effect on the
Companys consolidated financial position or results of
operations.
Item 4. Submission of
Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
None
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
The following sets forth certain information as of the date
hereof with respect to the Companys executive officers.
The four executive officers named below are serving pursuant to
employment agreements signed in August 2005 with
5-year terms expiring
in 2010 for Dr. Brown and Mr. Hansbrough and with
3-year terms expiring
in 2008 for Mr. Chouinard and Mr. Schofield, unless
renewed or extended.
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First Served | |
Name and Position |
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Age | |
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as Executive Officer | |
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Paul A. Brown, M.D.
Chairman of the Board |
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67 |
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1986 |
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Stephen J. Hansbrough
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58 |
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1993 |
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President/ Chief Executive Officer
Director |
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Gino Chouinard
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37 |
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2002 |
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Executive Vice President
Chief Financial Officer |
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Kenneth Schofield
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41 |
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2004 |
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Chief Operating Officer |
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There are no family relationships among any of the executive
officers and directors of the Company.
Paul A. Brown, M.D., holds an A.B. from Harvard College and
an M.D. from Tufts University School of Medicine. Dr. Brown
founded HearUSA in 1986 and has served as Chairman of the Board
since that time and Chief Executive Officer until July 2002.
From 1970 to 1984, Dr. Brown was Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer of MetPath Inc. (MetPath), a
New Jersey-based corporation offering a full range of clinical
laboratory services to physicians and hospitals,
16
which he founded in 1967 while a resident in pathology at
Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in New York City. MetPath
developed into the largest clinical laboratory in the world with
over 3,000 employees and was listed on the American Stock
Exchange prior to being sold to Corning in 1982 for
$140 million. Dr. Brown is formerly Chairman of the
Board of Overseers of Tufts University School of Medicine, an
Emeritus member of the Board of Trustees of Tufts University, a
past member of the Visiting Committee of Boston University
School of Medicine and currently is a part-time lecturer in
pathology and member of the Visiting Community at Columbia
University College of Physicians and Surgeons.
Stephen J. Hansbrough, Chief Executive Officer and Director, was
formerly the Senior Vice President of Dart Drug Corporation and
was instrumental in starting their affiliated group of companies
(Crown Books and Trak Auto). These companies along with Dart
Drug Stores had over 400 retail locations, generated
approximately $550 million in annual revenues and employed
over 3,000 people. Mr. Hansbrough subsequently became
Chairman and CEO of Dart Drug Stores with annual revenues in
excess of $250 million. After leaving Dart,
Mr. Hansbrough was an independent consultant specializing
in turnaround and
start-up operations,
primarily in the retail field, until he joined HearUSA in
December 1993.
Gino Chouinard, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer, joined HearUSA in July 2002 with its acquisition of
Helix. Mr. Chouinard served as Helixs Chief Financial
Officer from November 1999 until its acquisition by HearUSA.
Mr. Chouinard is a Chartered Accountant who previously
worked for Ernst & Young LLP, an international
accounting firm, as Manager from 1996 until 1999 and as Senior
Accountant from 1994 until 1996.
Kenneth J. Schofield, Chief Operating Officer, joined the
Company in May 1997 as the Director of Information Technology
and became Vice President, Information Technology in February
1998. He was appointed Chief Operating Officer in August 2004.
Before joining the Company, Mr. Schofield served as the
Controller for a government contracting company, Teltara, Inc.,
and the manager of information systems for a privately held
group of 25 community newspapers.
PART II
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Item 5. |
Market for Registrants Common Equity and Related
Stockholder Matters |
The common stock of the Company is traded on the American Stock
Exchange (AMEX) under the symbol EAR and the
exchangeable shares of HEARx Canada Inc. are traded on the
Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol HUX. Holders
of exchangeable shares may tender their holdings for common
stock on a one-for-one basis at any time. As of March 20,
2006, the Company had 31,379,538 shares of common stock and
780,538 of exchangeable shares outstanding. The closing price on
March 20, 2006 was $1.32 for the common stock and $1.43
Canadian for the exchangeable shares. The following table sets
forth the high and low sales prices for the common stock as
reported by the AMEX for the fiscal quarters indicated:
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Common Stock | |
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Fiscal Quarter |
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High | |
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Low | |
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2005
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First
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$ |
2.09 |
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$ |
1.49 |
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Second
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$ |
2.00 |
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$ |
1.45 |
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Third
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$ |
1.79 |
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$ |
1.50 |
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Fourth
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$ |
1.76 |
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$ |
1.13 |
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2004
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First
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$ |
2.90 |
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$ |
2.08 |
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Second
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$ |
2.10 |
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$ |
1.53 |
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Third
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$ |
1.77 |
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$ |
1.05 |
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Fourth
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$ |
1.61 |
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$ |
1.15 |
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17
As of March 20, 2006, there were 1,537 holders of record of
the common stock.
Dividend Policy
HearUSA has never paid and does not anticipate paying any
dividends on the common stock in the foreseeable future but
intends to retain any earnings for use in the Companys
business operations. Payment of dividends is restricted under
the terms of the Companys credit agreement with Siemens.
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Item 6. |
Selected Financial Data |
The following selected financial data of the Company should be
read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements
and notes thereto and the following Managements Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
The financial data set forth on the next two pages has been
derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of
the Company:
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended | |
|
|
| |
|
|
December 31 | |
|
December 25 | |
|
December 27 | |
|
December 28 | |
|
December 29 | |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002(1) | |
|
2001 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Net revenues
|
|
$ |
76,672,003 |
|
|
$ |
68,749,542 |
|
|
$ |
67,080,108 |
|
|
$ |
55,038,793 |
|
|
$ |
48,796,110 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating costs and expenses
|
|
|
72,957,087 |
|
|
|
66,411,162 |
|
|
|
64,812,179 |
|
|
|
59,350,819 |
|
|
|
56,995,460 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from operations
|
|
|
3,714,916 |
|
|
|
2,338,380 |
|
|
|
2,267,929 |
|
|
|
(4,312,026 |
) |
|
|
(8,199,350 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Non-operating income (expenses):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain from insurance settlement(2)
|
|
|
430,122 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
53,921 |
|
|
|
17,543 |
|
|
|
20,836 |
|
|
|
114,152 |
|
|
|
222,349 |
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense (including approximately $2,540,000, $2,127,000
and $517,000, in 2005, 2004 and 2003, of non-cash debt discount
amortization)
|
|
|
(5,162,701 |
) |
|
|
(4,563,729 |
) |
|
|
(2,828,327 |
) |
|
|
(1,722,990 |
) |
|
|
(652,530 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss before equity in loss of affiliated company and loss from
discontinued operations
|
|
|
(963,742 |
) |
|
|
(2,207,806 |
) |
|
|
(539,562 |
) |
|
|
(5,920,864 |
) |
|
|
(8,629,531 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Equity in loss of affiliated company
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(630,801 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes
|
|
|
(963,742 |
) |
|
|
(2,207,806 |
) |
|
|
(539,562 |
) |
|
|
(6,551,665 |
) |
|
|
(8,629,531 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Income taxes
|
|
|
(78,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss from continuing operations
|
|
|
(1,041,742 |
) |
|
|
(2,207,806 |
) |
|
|
(539,562 |
) |
|
|
(6,551,665 |
) |
|
|
(8,629,531 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Loss from discontinued operations
|
|
|
(63,553 |
) |
|
|
(550,696 |
) |
|
|
(569,827 |
) |
|
|
(328,804 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends on preferred stock
|
|
|
(700,675 |
) |
|
|
(708,159 |
) |
|
|
(626,956 |
) |
|
|
(696,541 |
) |
|
|
(812,205 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss applicable to common stockholders
|
|
$ |
(1,805,970 |
) |
|
$ |
(3,466,661 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,736,345 |
) |
|
$ |
(7,577,010 |
) |
|
$ |
(9,441,736 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss per common share
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic and diluted, loss from continuing operations, including
dividends on preferred stock
|
|
$ |
(0.06 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.10 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.04 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.32 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.72 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended | |
|
|
| |
|
|
December 31 | |
|
December 25 | |
|
December 27 | |
|
December 28 | |
|
December 29 | |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002(1) | |
|
2001 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Basis and diluted, net loss applicable to common stockholders
|
|
$ |
(0.06 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.11 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.06 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.34 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.72 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
|
|
|
31,610,793 |
|
|
|
30,426,829 |
|
|
|
30,424,262 |
|
|
|
22,534,393 |
|
|
|
13,120,137 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash dividends per common share
|
|
|
None |
|
|
|
None |
|
|
|
None |
|
|
|
None |
|
|
|
None |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
As discussed in Note 5 Business Acquisitions
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein,
effective June 30, 2002; the Company completed its business
combination with Helix. |
|
(2) |
The gain from insurance settlement is from insurance proceeds
and final payment resulting from 2004 hurricane damages and
business interruption claims sustained in Florida hearing care
centers. |
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of | |
|
|
| |
|
|
December 31 | |
|
December 25 | |
|
December 27 | |
|
December 28 | |
|
December 29 | |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
2002(1) | |
|
2001 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Total assets
|
|
$ |
68,981,545 |
|
|
$ |
59,422,361 |
|
|
$ |
66,183,350 |
|
|
$ |
64,996,870 |
|
|
$ |
21,341,522 |
|
|
|
|
|
Working capital deficit
|
|
|
(3,118,353 |
) |
|
|
(4,898,459 |
) |
|
|
(2,330,035 |
) |
|
|
(10,231,372 |
) |
|
|
(738,562 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt, net of current maturities
|
|
|
19,970,099 |
|
|
|
17,296,125 |
|
|
|
20,579,977 |
|
|
|
22,082,389 |
(2) |
|
|
8,750,999 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Convertible subordinated notes and subordinated notes, net of
debt discount of $2,077,537, $5,443,879 and $7,423,596
|
|
|
6,222,463 |
|
|
|
2,056,121 |
|
|
|
76,404 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mandatorily redeemable convertible preferred stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,709,921 |
|
|
|
4,600,107 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
As discussed in Note 5 Business Acquisitions,
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included herein,
effective June 30, 2002, the Company completed its business
combination with Helix. |
|
(2) |
Includes $110,890 of long-term debt of discontinued operations. |
19
|
|
Item 7. |
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Results of
Operations and Financial Condition |
GENERAL
In 2005, the Company initiated a strategic acquisition and
divestiture program in order to improve its profitability and
accelerate its growth. In June 2005 the Company divested 20
centers located in the states of Washington, Minnesota and
Wisconsin. The centers have been presented as discontinued
operations in accordance with SFAS 144, Accounting for the
Impairment or Disposal of Long Term Assets, and the assets and
operating results of these hearing centers for all periods
presented have been segregated. (See Note 19
Discontinued Operations, Notes to the Consolidated Financial
Statements included herein.) The Company also completed several
acquisitions in the second half of 2005.
Also during the year, the Company completed a private placement
of subordinated notes in the amount of $5.5 million, the
proceeds of which were used to redeem the Series E
Convertible Preferred Stock originally issued in August of 2003.
(See Note 8 Subordinated Notes and Warrant
Liability and Note 9 Mandatorily Redeemable
Convertible Preferred Stock, Notes to the Consolidated Financial
Statements included herein.)
On December 28, 2005 the Company and Siemens signed a term
sheet with the intent to extend their relationship for an
additional 5 years. The same day, Siemens provided the
Company with an additional $5.0 million to be used to repay
existing non-Siemens debts and for acquisitions. (See
Note 6a Long-Term Debt, Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements included herein and Liquidity
and Capital Resources and Recent Developments below.)
Overall, the Companys net loss decreased $1.7 million
and income from operations increased $1.4 million from 2004
to 2005. These improvements were mostly attributable to the
increase in the Companys revenues of $7.9 million
during the year combined with a strong control over operating
expenses. Management expects income from operations to continue
improving as the Companys revenues continue to increase.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Net revenues in 2005 increased approximately $7.9 million
or 11.5% from 2004. The increase is comprised of an increase in
hearing aids and other products revenues of approximately
$8.2 million or 13.0%, partially offset by a reduction in
service revenues of approximately $295,000 or 5.3%. The increase
in hearing aids and other products revenues is mostly
attributable to an increase in the average selling price of
approximately 10.3% over the 2004 average selling price,
resulting from patients selecting a higher percentage of
advanced technology hearing aids, combined with an increase in
the number of hearing aids sold of approximately 3.4%. The
decrease in service revenues is due to lower revenues from the
Companys contract with the Department of Veteran Affairs
in 2005 compared to 2004. As part of the overall increase in
revenues, approximately $1.4 million relates to the
additional week in 2005 compared to 2004 due to the timing of
the Companys accounting calendar and approximately
$1.3 million was generated from the centers acquired in the
second half of 2005. Also part of the overall increase is a
favorable impact of $575,000 related to the change in the
Canadian exchange rate from 2004 to 2005.
Total cost of products sold and services in 2005 increased
approximately $3.5 million or 18.4%, including a 19.8%
increase in hearing aids and other products sold of
approximately $3.5 million and a 4.4% increase in services
cost of approximately $76,000. Increase in the cost of hearing
aids and other products is attributable to the corresponding
increase in hearing aids and other products revenues and
increase in the number of advanced technology hearing aids sold.
Included in the cost of hearing aids and other products are
Siemens preferred pricing reductions of approximately
$3.3 million in 2005 and $3.6 million in 2004,
respectively. Such pricing reductions from Siemens are
20
accounted for as reductions of cost of products sold and
applied, pursuant to the Siemens credit agreement, against the
principal and interest payments due to Siemens on
Tranches A, B and C of the Siemens loan (See
Note 6a Long-Term Debt, Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements included herein, Liquidity and
Capital Resources and Recent Developments, below). The total
cost of products sold and services, as a percent of net
revenues, increased to 29.7% in 2005 from 28.0% in 2004 due to
the increase in advanced technology hearing aids sold, which
have lower margins, and special introductory price promotions on
new Siemens products. Also, 2004 benefited from higher revenues
from the Department of Veteran Affairs which are primarily
services with no cost of products sold. Management expects that
in 2006 the cost of products sold as a percent of revenues will
be consistent with that of 2005.
Center operating expenses in 2005 increased approximately
$1.7 million, or 4.8% from 2004. This increase is mainly
attributable to the additional week in 2005; an increase in
incentive compensation related to additional net revenues and
new incentive programs and increased wages due to normal merit
increases as well as additional expenses of approximately
$449,000 related to the acquired centers discussed above. Total
center operating expenses for 2006 will be affected by any
center acquisitions.
General and administrative expenses in 2005 increased
approximately $1.4 million or 14.1% from 2004. This
increase is attributable to increases in wages and other
expenses related to new sales and business development
departments and normal annual merit increases.
Depreciation and amortization expense in 2005 decreased
approximately $98,000 or 4.7%. This net decrease is comprised of
a decrease of approximately $533,000 due to certain property and
equipment becoming fully depreciated, offset in part by an
increase of approximately $435,000 due to the acquisition of
approximately $1.2 million in fixed assets and
approximately $826,000 in intangible assets during the year.
The gain from insurance settlement of approximately $430,000 in
2005 is from insurance proceeds and final payment resulting from
2004 hurricane damages and business interruption claims
sustained in Florida hearing care centers.
Interest expense in 2005 increased approximately $599,000 or
13.1% over 2004. This increase is attributable to approximately
$595,000 of interest (including the non-cash portion of
approximately $389,000) on the $5.5 million financing that
was completed in August 2005 and approximately $309,000 due to
the impact of the higher interest rates on the Siemens
Tranche D which is at prime plus 1%. These increases were
offset in part by a decrease of interest on other existing
balances due to repayments of principal during 2005. The
non-cash charge of $2.5 million included in the interest
expense is $2.2 million in amortization of the debt
discount related to the $7.5 million convertible
subordinated notes (See Note 7 Convertible
Subordinated Notes, Notes to the Consolidated Financial
Statements included herein) and $389,000 in amortization of the
debt discount related to the $5.5 million subordinated
notes (See Note 8 Subordinated Notes and
Warrant Liability, Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statement
included herein). These non-cash charges do not impact the
liquidity or working capital of the Company. Also included in
interest expense is the 2005 interest on the Siemens
Tranche A, B and C totaling $389,000 in 2005 as compared
with $720,000 in 2004, which were paid through preferred pricing
reductions from Siemens (See Note 6a Long-Term
Debt, Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included
herein and Liquidity and Capital Resources below). Management
expects interest expense will increase in 2006 over 2005 levels
as a result of the additional $5 million loan from Siemens
late in 2005 and a full year of 2006 interest relating to the
$5.5 million subordinated notes issued in August of 2005.
The interest expense could be affected by the use of the Siemens
credit facility for acquisitions in 2006. Early payment or
conversion of the $7.5 million convertible subordinated
notes and/or the $5.5 million subordinated notes would
result in acceleration of the debt discount amortization and
therefore an increase in non-cash interest expense.
21
The redemption of the Series E Convertible Preferred Stock
in September 2005 resulted in a $142,500 decrease in dividends
on preferred stock which was offset by the premium of $135,000
paid for redeeming such preferred stock before the expiration of
its term.
The Company has net operating loss carryforwards of
approximately $76 million for U.S. income tax purposes
and approximately $2.5 million of operating loss
carryforwards in Canada.
During 2005 and 2004, HEARx West generated net income of
approximately $2.3 million and $1.4 million,
respectively. The HEARx West members deficit decreased
from approximately $3.2 million at the end of 2004 to
approximately $876,000 at the end of 2005. According to the
Companys agreement with the Permanente Federation, the
Company included in its statement of operations 100% of the
losses incurred by the venture since its inception and will
receive 100% of the net income of the venture until the
members deficit is eliminated. At such time as the
members deficit is eliminated and if the venture continues
to be profitable, the Company will begin recording a minority
interest, corresponding to 50% of the ventures net income,
as an expense in the Companys consolidated statement of
operations and with a corresponding liability on its
consolidated balance sheet. Based on the 2005 performance of the
venture, it is expected that the Company will begin recording
and paying a minority interest in 2006.
Net revenues in 2004 increased approximately $1.7 million
or 2.5%. The increase in hearing aid and other product revenues
during 2004 compared to 2003 is primarily attributable to an
increase of approximately $1.9 million due to the
Companys new contract with the Department of Veteran
Affairs. A decrease of approximately $631,000 in service
revenues resulted from decreases in repairs and testing. A
decrease of approximately 5.0% in the number of hearing aids
sold during the year was offset by an increase in the average
selling price of approximately 4.9% as patients selected a
higher percentage of high end technology hearing aids.
Approximately $485,000 of the overall increase in revenues
relates to a favorable change in the average Canadian exchange
rate from 2003 to 2004.
Cost of products sold in 2004 decreased approximately $264,000
or 1.4%. Included in the cost of products sold are Siemens
preferred pricing reductions of approximately $3,641,000 in 2004
and $3.9 million in 2003, respectively. Such pricing
reductions from Siemens are accounted for as reductions of cost
of products sold for financial reporting purposes and applied,
pursuant to the Siemens credit agreement, against the principal
and interest payments due to Siemens on Tranches A, B and C
of the Siemens loan (see Note 6a., Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements, Liquidity and Capital
Resources and Recent Developments below.) The cost of products
sold, as a percent of net revenues, was essentially unchanged at
28.0% and 28.3% in 2004 and 2003, respectively.
Center operating expenses in 2004 increased approximately
$2.3 million, or 7.1% from 2003. This increase is mainly
attributable to an increase in compensation and marketing in
2004 compared to 2003 of approximately $1.3 million and
$905,000, respectively. The increase in compensation is
attributable in part to annual increases to employees and new
employees at the center level and in part to increases in
commissions. The increase in commissions is due to changes to
some of the compensation programs at the end of the second
quarter of 2003 and increases in revenues in regions and/or
sectors with higher commission rates. The increase in marketing
is attributable to increases in the frequency in the
Companys advertising to the private pay sector and
additional mailers to members of managed care companies in 2004
compared to the prior year.
General and administrative expenses in 2004 decreased
approximately $252,000, or 2.4%. This decrease is mainly
attributable to a reduction of expenses of approximately
$159,000 resulting from a volume discount for telephone expense,
and a reduction of professional fees of approximately $576,000.
These decreases were offset by an increase in wages and fringe
benefits of approxi-
22
mately $291,000, due to an increase in salaries and in
additional employees, and an increase in public and shareholder
relations expense of approximately $174,000.
Depreciation and amortization expense in 2004 decreased
approximately $712,000 or 25.6%. This decrease is due to certain
property and equipment being fully depreciated.
Interest expense in 2004 increased approximately
$1.7 million or 61% over 2003. This increase is
attributable to approximately $2.9 million of interest
(including the non-cash portion of approximately
$2.1 million) on the $7.5 million financing that was
completed in December 2003. These increases were offset by a
decrease of interest on other existing balances due to
repayments of principal during 2003 and the beginning of 2004.
The non-cash charge of $2.1 million included
in the interest expense is the amortization of the
debt discount resulting from the intrinsic
value of the beneficial conversion option and the
proceeds allocated to the warrants to
purchase 2,642,750 shares of the Companys common
stock based on relative fair values of the $7.5 million
financing in December 2003. This non-cash charge does not impact
the liquidity or working capital of the Company.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
On December 7, 2001, the Company obtained a secured credit
facility from Siemens comprised of (a) a $10,875,000
secured five-year term loan credit facility (the Tranche A
Loan); (b) a $25,000,000 secured five-year revolving loan
credit facility (the Tranche B Loan); (c) a $3,000,000
secured five-year term loan facility (the Tranche C Loan)
and (d) a $13,000,000 secured five-year term loan credit
facility (the Tranche D Loan). On March 14, 2003, the
Company obtained an additional $3,500,000 secured five-year term
loan from Siemens bearing interest at a rate of 10% annually
(the Tranche E Loan). The Tranche E Loan was obtained
pursuant to an amendment to the Companys credit agreement
with Siemens and is otherwise subject to the terms and
conditions of the credit agreement and related security
agreement. On December 28, 2005, the Company obtained an
additional $5,000,000, bearing interest at prime plus 1% and
having a five-year term (the Tranche F Loan). At
December 31, 2005 approximately $23.1 million,
representing principal on the Tranche A, B, C, D, E and F
Loans was outstanding. See Recent Developments below
for a discussion of the amended and restated Siemens agreements.
The Siemens credit agreement imposes certain financial and other
covenants on the Company which are customary for loans of this
size and nature, including restrictions on the conduct of the
Companys business, the incurrence of indebtedness, merger
or sale of assets, the modification of material agreements,
changes in capital structure, making certain payments and paying
dividends. If the Company cannot maintain compliance with these
covenants, Siemens may terminate future funding under the credit
facility and declare all then outstanding amounts under the
facility immediately due and payable. In addition, a material
breach of the supply agreement between the Company and Siemens
may be declared to be a breach of the credit agreement and
Siemens would have the right to declare all amounts outstanding
under the credit facility immediately due and payable. Any
non-compliance with the supply agreement could have a material
adverse effect on the Companys financial condition and
continued operations. As of December 31, 2005, the Company
was in compliance with the credit facilitys covenants and
the supply agreement.
During 2005, the working capital deficit decreased
$1.8 million to $3.1 million as of December 31,
2005 from $4.9 million as of December 27, 2004. The
decrease in the deficit is attributable to an excess of
approximately $4.0 million in cash from operations and
financing activities over cash used for investing activities
offset by an increase in current maturities of long-term debt,
convertible subordinated notes and subordinated notes of
approximately $2.8 million. The working capital deficit of
$3.1 million includes approximately $3.0 million
representing the current maturities of the long-term debt to
Siemens which may be repaid through preferred pricing reductions
and approximately $652,000 ($2.5 million in current
maturities, net of $1.5 million of debt discount) related
to the $7.5 million convertible subordinated notes that can
be repaid by either cash or stock, at the
23
option of the Company. In 2005, the Company generated income
from operations of approximately $3.7 million compared to
$2.3 million in 2004. Cash and cash equivalents as of
December 31, 2005 were approximately $6.7 million.
Net cash from operating activities in 2005 increased
approximately $1.5 million compared to 2004, which is
mainly attributable to the reduction of $1.7 million in the
Companys net loss from 2004 to 2005. Reductions in cash
flows in 2005 from 2004 resulted from the timing in the
collection of our December 2005 capitation payment of
approximately $575,000 from Kaiser Permanente, collected in
early January 2006 as opposed to December in 2004, and
the payment of January rents before the end of the fiscal year
in 2005 compared to after fiscal year end in 2004, due to the
timing of the Companys accounting calendar. These
reductions were however offset by corresponding increases in
cash flows from increases in accounts payable and accrued
salaries, due to timing in payments.
Other sources of funds in 2005 were the proceeds from the
divestiture of some centers of approximately $1.1 million,
the exercise of warrants of approximately $1.8 million and
the issuance of long-term debt of $5 million to Siemens in
December 2005 and of approximately $5.2 million (net of
$330,000 issuing cost) to purchasers of subordinated notes in
August of 2005. Proceeds from the issuance of the subordinated
notes were used to redeem the $4.9 million Series E
Convertible Preferred Stock. 2004 did not benefit from any other
significant sources of funds.
During 2005, the Company initiated an acquisition program and
used cash of approximately $1.6 million to complete the
acquisition of several centers during the second half of the
year. No acquisitions were made in 2004. Also, additional funds
were used in 2005 compared to 2004 (increase from $343,000 in
2004 to approximately $1.2 million in 2005) to upgrade
audiological and call center equipment and software as well as
for leasehold improvements related to center upkeep and
maintenance.
Funds were also used in 2005 for long-term debt repayment of
approximately $1.7 million, a reduction of
$1.6 million from 2004. In 2004, a payment of
$1.8 million was made to Siemens as required under the
Siemens credit agreement, corresponding to 25% of the proceeds
of the $7.5 million convertible subordinated notes issued
in December 2003. A $440,000 payment was also made in 2005
related to the 2005 subordinated notes corresponding to the
first quarterly payment due to the holders of the notes. The use
of funds for dividends on preferred stock reduced from
$1.1 million to $770,000 as 2004 included additional
payments necessary to pay off accrued and unpaid dividends, in
accordance with the Companys agreement with the holders of
the Series E Convertible Preferred Stock.
The Company believes that current cash and cash equivalents and
cash flow from operations, at current net revenue levels, will
be sufficient to support the Companys operational needs
through the next twelve months, although there can be no
assurance that the Company can maintain compliance with the
Siemens loan covenants, that net revenue levels will
remain at or higher than current levels or that unexpected cash
needs will not arise for which the cash, cash equivalents and
cash flow from operations will not be sufficient. In the event
of a shortfall in cash, the Company might consider short-term
debt, or additional equity or debt offerings. There can be no
assurance however, that such financing will be available to the
Company on favorable terms or at all. The Company also is
continuing its aggressive cost controls and sales and gross
margin improvements.
24
Below is a chart setting forth the Companys contractual
cash payment obligations, which have been aggregated to
facilitate a basic understanding of the Companys liquidity
as of December 31, 2005.
Payments due by period (000s)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contractual |
|
|
|
Less than 1 | |
|
1 3 | |
|
4 5 | |
|
More than | |
Obligations |
|
Total | |
|
Year | |
|
Years | |
|
Years | |
|
5 Years | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Long-term debt(1)
|
|
$ |
25,162 |
|
|
$ |
5,192 |
|
|
$ |
9,353 |
|
|
$ |
9,362 |
|
|
$ |
1,255 |
|
|
|
|
|
Convertible subordinated notes(3)
|
|
|
7,500 |
|
|
|
2,500 |
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subordinated notes
|
|
|
5,060 |
|
|
|
1,760 |
|
|
|
3,300 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Subtotal of obligations recorded on balance sheet
|
|
|
37,722 |
|
|
|
9,452 |
|
|
|
17,653 |
|
|
|
9,362 |
|
|
|
1,255 |
|
|
|
|
|
Interest to be paid on long-term debt(2)
|
|
|
3,419 |
|
|
|
1,175 |
|
|
|
1,546 |
|
|
|
680 |
|
|
|
18 |
|
|
|
|
|
Interest to be paid on convertible subordinated notes(3)
|
|
|
928 |
|
|
|
512 |
|
|
|
416 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest to be paid on subordinated notes
|
|
|
519 |
|
|
|
300 |
|
|
|
219 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating leases
|
|
|
18,935 |
|
|
|
5,368 |
|
|
|
10,759 |
|
|
|
2,070 |
|
|
|
738 |
|
|
|
|
|
Employment agreements
|
|
|
3,903 |
|
|
|
1,135 |
|
|
|
1,868 |
|
|
|
900 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase obligations
|
|
|
1,356 |
|
|
|
756 |
|
|
|
600 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total contractual cash obligations
|
|
$ |
66,782 |
|
|
$ |
18,698 |
|
|
$ |
33,061 |
|
|
$ |
13,012 |
|
|
$ |
2,011 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Approximately $16.5 million can be repaid through preferred
pricing reductions from Siemens, including $3.0 million in
less than 1 year and $5.8 in years 1-3, $5.8 in years 4-5
and $1.7 in more than 5 years. |
|
(2) |
Interest on long-term debt excludes the interest on the new
Tranches A, B and C that can be repaid through preferred pricing
reductions from Siemens pursuant to the February 10, 2006
amended and restated credit agreement with them. Interest repaid
through preferred pricing reductions was $389,000 in 2005. (See
Note 6a Long-Term Debt, Note to the
Consolidated Financial Statements included herein). |
|
(3) |
When due these notes and corresponding interest can be repaid at
the option of the Company in common stock |
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
On February 10, 2006, the Company entered into an Amended
and Restated Credit Agreement (the Amended Credit
Agreement), Amended and Restated Supply Agreement (the
Amended Supply Agreement) and an Amended and
Restated Security Agreement with Siemens. Pursuant to the
amended agreements the Company will continue its strategic
relationship with Siemens for an additional five-year term. We
have restructured the outstanding $23.1 million
indebtedness of the Company to Siemens under the original credit
agreement. The new facility is for a total of $26 million,
including the currently outstanding $23.1 million and is
structured in three tranches. The effect of the Amended Credit
Facility has been recorded as if it had occurred on
December 31, 2005.
The new Tranche A, with a principal balance of
approximately $2.2 million and imputed interest of
10% per annum, is payable in three quarterly installments
of $747,000 commencing with the first quarter of 2006. The
payments are subject to rebate credits as described below.
25
The new Tranche B is a revolving line of credit established
to accommodate funding for certain acquisitions by the Company.
Pursuant to the Amended Credit Agreement, the Company may borrow
under Tranche B up to the $26 million limit, less any
amounts then outstanding under Tranche A and Tranche C.
The new Tranche C, with a principal balance on the closing
date of approximately $20.9 million and an interest rate of
prime plus 1% per annum, is payable in monthly principal
and interest installments of $130,000 commencing
February 15, 2006. In addition, the Company must make
quarterly installment payments on Tranche C of $730,000
plus interest commencing with the fourth quarter of 2006. The
quarterly payments may be satisfied using rebate credits
described below. Additional loans may be made to the Company
under Tranche C for certain acquisitions. The monthly
installment payments are intended to repay approximately
$6.6 million of the Tranche C principal balance. The
remaining principal balances of Tranche C, as well as
Tranche A and Tranche B, with interest, will continue
to be eligible for repayment utilizing rebates on purchases of
hearing aids from Siemens, provided that the Company purchases,
under the Amended Supply Agreement, certain percentages of the
hearing aids it sells. The Amended Credit Agreement also
contemplates that the Company will reduce the Tranche C
loan balance by making annual payments in an amount equal to 20%
of Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the agreement), and by paying
to Siemens 25% of proceeds from future equity offerings.
Substantially all of the Companys assets collateralize the
notes payable to Siemens. Pursuant to the Amended Supply
Agreement, the Company agreed to purchase from Siemens certain
minimum percentages of the Companys hearing aid purchases
for a period of five years. A material breach of the Amended
Supply Agreement may be declared to be a breach of the Amended
Credit Agreement and Siemens would have the right to declare all
amounts outstanding under the credit facility immediately due
and payable. Any non-compliance with the Amended Supply
Agreement could have a material adverse effect on the
Companys financial condition and continued operations.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Management believes the following critical accounting policies
affect the significant judgments and estimates used in the
preparation of the financial statements:
Goodwill
The majority of the Companys goodwill resulted from the
combination with Helix. On at least an annual basis, the Company
is required to assess whether its goodwill is impaired. The
Company elected to perform this analysis on the first day of its
fourth quarter. In order to do this, management applied judgment
in determining its reporting units, which represent
distinct parts of the Companys business. The reporting
units determined by management are the centers, the network and
e-commerce. The
definition of the reporting units affects the Companys
goodwill impairment assessments. The annual goodwill impairment
assessment involves estimating the fair value of a reporting
unit and comparing it with its carrying amount. If the carrying
value of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value, additional
steps are required to calculate a potential impairment charge.
Calculating the fair value of the reporting units requires
significant estimates and long-term assumptions. The Company
utilized an independent appraisal firm to test goodwill for
impairment as of the first day of the Companys fourth
quarter during 2005 and 2004, and each of these tests indicated
no impairment. The Company estimates the fair value of its
reporting units by applying a weighted average of three methods:
quoted market price, external transactions, and discounted cash
flow. Significant changes in key assumptions about the business
and its prospects, or changes in market conditions, stock price,
interest rates or other externalities, could result in an
impairment charge.
26
Revenue recognition
Revenues from the sale of audiological products are recognized
at the time of delivery. Revenues from hearing care services are
recognized at the time those services are performed.
The Company has capitation contracts with certain health care
organizations under which the Company is paid an amount for each
enrollee of the health maintenance organization to provide to
the enrollee a once every three years discount on certain
hearing products and services. The amount paid to the Company by
the healthcare organization is calculated on a per-capita basis
and is referred to as capitation revenue. Capitation revenue is
earned as a result of agreeing to provide services to members
without regard to the actual amount of service provided; revenue
is recorded in the period that the beneficiaries are entitled to
hearing care services.
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Certain of the accounts receivable of the Company are from
health insurance and managed care organizations and government
agencies. These organizations could take up to nine months
before paying a claim made by the Company and also impose a
limit on the time the claim can be billed. The Company provides
an allowance for doubtful accounts equal to the estimated
uncollectible amounts. That estimate is based on historical
collection experience, current economic and market conditions,
and a review of the current status of each customers trade
accounts receivable.
In order to calculate that allowance, the Company first
identifies any known uncollectible amounts in its accounts
receivable listing and charges them against the existing
allowance for doubtful accounts. Then a specific percent per
plan and per aging categories is applied against the remaining
receivables to estimate the needed allowance. Any changes in the
percent assumptions per plan and aging categories results in a
change in the allowance for doubtful accounts. For example, an
increase of 10% in the percent applied against the remaining
receivables would increase the allowance for doubtful accounts
by approximately $20,000.
Sales returns
The Company provides to all patients purchasing hearing aids a
specific return period of at least 30 days if the patient
is dissatisfied with the product. The Company provides an
allowance in accrued expenses for returns. The return period can
be extended to 60 days if the patient attends the
Companys H.E.L.P. program. The Company calculates its
allowance for returns using estimates based upon actual
historical returns. The cost of the hearing aid is reimbursed to
the Company by the manufacturer.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT
In December 2004, SFAS No. 123(R),
Share-Based Payment, which addresses the
accounting for employee stock options, was issued.
SFAS No. 123(R) revises the disclosure provisions of
SFAS 123, Accounting for Stock Based
Compensation and supersedes APB Opinion 25,
Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.
SFAS 123(R) requires that the cost of all employee stock
options, as well as other equity-based compensation
arrangements, be reflected in the financial statements based on
the estimated fair value of the awards. This statement is
effective for all public entities beginning the first interim
after December 15, 2005. The Company plans to implement
SFAS 123(R) on its effective date. Based on the outstanding
number of employee stock options and excluding the impact of any
future grants at December 31, 2005, the total stock-based
employee compensation expense determined under the fair value
method that would be reflected in the financial statements is
approximately $1,529,000 in 2005 (See Note 1
Description of the Company and Summary of Significant Accounting
Policies stock-based compensation) and $930,000 in
2006. This additional expense will not affect the Companys
operating cash flows.
27
In June 2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154,
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections A
Replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and FASB Statement
No. 3 (SFAS 154). This statement
requires that a voluntary change in accounting principle be
applied retroactively with all prior period financial statements
presented on the basis of the new accounting principal, unless
it is impractical to do so. SFAS 154 also requires that a
change in method of depreciating or amortizing a long-lived
nonfinancial asset be accounted for prospectively as a change in
estimate, and correction of errors in previously issued
financial statements should be termed a restatement.
The new standard is effective for accounting changes and a
correction of errors made in fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 2005. We will adopt this pronouncement in
fiscal year 2006.
|
|
Item 7A. |
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market
Risk |
The Company does not engage in derivative transactions. The
Company does become exposed to foreign currency transactions as
a result of its operations in Canada. The Company does not hedge
such exposure. Differences in the fair value of investment
securities are not material; therefore, the related market risk
is not significant. The Companys exposure to market risk
for changes in interest rates relates primarily to the
Companys long-term debt and convertible subordinated
notes. The following table presents the Companys financial
instruments for which fair value and cash flows are subject to
changing market interest rates:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Variable Rate | |
|
Fixed Rate | |
|
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Prime+1% | |
|
10% note | |
|
8% | |
|
7% | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
due January | |
|
due January | |
|
due November | |
|
due August | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2011 | |
|
2011 | |
|
2008 | |
|
2008 | |
|
Other | |
|
Total | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
$ | |
|
|
|
$ | |
|
$ | |
|
$ | |
|
$ | |
|
|
(000s) | |
|
(000s) | |
|
(000s) | |
|
(000s) | |
|
(000s) | |
|
(000s) | |
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
(2,081 |
) |
|
|
(2,240 |
) |
|
|
(2,500 |
) |
|
|
(1,760 |
) |
|
|
(871 |
) |
|
|
(9,452 |
) |
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
(4,067 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,500 |
) |
|
|
(1,760 |
) |
|
|
(753 |
) |
|
|
(9,080 |
) |
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
(4,166 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,500 |
) |
|
|
(1,540 |
) |
|
|
(367 |
) |
|
|
(8,573 |
) |
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
(4,264 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(56 |
) |
|
|
(4,320 |
) |
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
(5,042 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5,042 |
) |
|
|
|
|
2011
|
|
|
(1,255 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,255 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
(20,875 |
) |
|
|
(2,240 |
) |
|
|
(7,500 |
) |
|
|
(5,060 |
) |
|
|
(2,047 |
) |
|
|
(37,722 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Estimated fair value
|
|
|
(20,875 |
) |
|
|
(2,220 |
) |
|
|
(7,273 |
) |
|
|
(4,943 |
) |
|
|
(1,879 |
) |
|
|
(37,190 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
28
|
|
Item 8. |
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Page | |
|
|
| |
Index to Financial Statements
|
|
|
|
|
Financial Statements:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
|
|
|
30 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2005 and
December 25, 2004
|
|
|
31 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended
December 31, 2005, December 25, 2004, and
December 27, 2003
|
|
|
32 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders Equity
for the years ended December 31, 2005, December 25,
2004 and December 27, 2003
|
|
|
33 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
December 31, 2005, December 25, 2004, and
December 27, 2003
|
|
|
35 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
|
|
|
37 |
|
Financial Statement Schedule:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts For the years
ended December 31, 2005 December 25, 2004 and
December 27, 2003
|
|
|
64 |
|
29
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Board of Directors
HearUSA, Inc.
West Palm Beach, Florida
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of
HearUSA, Inc. as of December 31, 2005 and December 25,
2004, and the related consolidated statements of operations,
changes in stockholders equity and cash flows for each of
the three fiscal years in the period ended December 31,
2005. We have also audited the schedule listed in the
accompanying index. These financial statements and schedule are
the responsibility of the Companys management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements and schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those
standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and
schedule are free of material misstatement. The Company is not
required to have, nor were we engaged to perform an audit of its
internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included
consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a
basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the
circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion
on the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over
financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An
audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and
schedule. An audit also includes assessing the accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management, as
well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial
statements and schedule. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred
to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of HearUSA, Inc. at December 31, 2005 and
December 25, 2004, and the results of its operations and
its cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period
ended December 31, 2005 in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Also in our opinion, the schedule presents fairly, in all
material respects, the information set forth therein.
BDO Seidman, LLP
West Palm Beach, Florida
March 17, 2006
30
HearUSA, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, | |
|
December 25, | |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
ASSETS (Note 6) |
|
|
|
|
Current assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$ |
6,706,944 |
|
|
$ |
2,615,379 |
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted cash and cash equivalents (Note 2)
|
|
|
431,000 |
|
|
|
435,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts and notes receivable, less allowance for doubtful
accounts of $413,386 and $373,583
|
|
|
6,715,933 |
|
|
|
5,997,245 |
|
|
|
|
|
Inventories
|
|
|
1,604,943 |
|
|
|
801,234 |
|
|
|
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other
|
|
|
1,627,407 |
|
|
|
557,435 |
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets held for sale
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
77,458 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
17,086,227 |
|
|
|
10,483,751 |
|
|
|
|
|
Property and equipment, net (Notes 3 and 6)
|
|
|
3,474,381 |
|
|
|
3,346,788 |
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill (Notes 4 and 5)
|
|
|
36,394,959 |
|
|
|
33,210,380 |
|
|
|
|
|
Intangible assets, net (Notes 4 and 5)
|
|
|
11,440,345 |
|
|
|
11,094,169 |
|
|
|
|
|
Deposits and other
|
|
|
585,633 |
|
|
|
551,148 |
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term assets held for sale (Note 19)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
736,125 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
68,981,545 |
|
|
$ |
59,422,361 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
$ |
8,499,812 |
|
|
$ |
6,644,600 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued expenses
|
|
|
2,344,419 |
|
|
|
2,424,147 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued salaries and other compensation
|
|
|
2,589,877 |
|
|
|
1,982,559 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current maturities of long-term debt (Note 6)
|
|
|
5,192,108 |
|
|
|
4,152,908 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current maturities of convertible subordinated notes, net of
debt discount of $1,847,853 (Note 7)
|
|
|
652,147 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current maturities of subordinated notes, net of debt discount
of $868,345 (Note 8)
|
|
|
891,655 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends payable (Notes 9 and 10C)
|
|
|
34,562 |
|
|
|
177,996 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
20,204,580 |
|
|
|
15,382,210 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt (Note 6)
|
|
|
19,970,099 |
|
|
|
17,296,125 |
|
|
|
|
|
Convertible subordinated notes, net of debt discount of
$1,565,187 and $5,443,879 (Note 7)
|
|
|
3,434,813 |
|
|
|
2,056,121 |
|
|
|
|
|
Subordinated notes, net of debt discount of $512,350
(Note 8)
|
|
|
2,787,650 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Warrant liability (Note 8)
|
|
|
1,869,360 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total long-term liabilities
|
|
|
28,061,922 |
|
|
|
19,352,246 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 3,6,7,9,11 and
15)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mandatorily redeemable convertible preferred stock
(Note 9)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,709,921 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stockholders equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preferred stock (aggregate liquidation preference $2,330,000 and
$2,330,000, $1 par, 7,500,000 shares authorized
(Note 10)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Series H Junior Participating (none outstanding)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Series J (233 shares outstanding) (Note 10C)
|
|
|
233 |
|
|
|
233 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total preferred stock
|
|
|
233 |
|
|
|
233 |
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock: $0.10 par; 75,000,000 shares authorized:
31,893,200 and 30,060,690 shares issued
(Notes 4,5,7,9,10 and 11)
|
|
|
3,189,320 |
|
|
|
3,006,069 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock subscription (Note 10B)
|
|
|
(412,500 |
) |
|
|
(412,500 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Additional paid-in capital
|
|
|
121,934,658 |
|
|
|
120,197,937 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated deficit
|
|
|
(103,774,422 |
) |
|
|
(101,968,452 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income
|
|
|
2,262,895 |
|
|
|
1,639,838 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Treasury stock, at cost: 523,662 common shares
|
|
|
(2,485,141 |
) |
|
|
(2,485,141 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total stockholders equity
|
|
|
20,715,043 |
|
|
|
19,977,984 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
68,981,545 |
|
|
$ |
59,422,361 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial
statements
31
HearUSA, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended | |
|
|
| |
|
|
December 31, | |
|
December 25, | |
|
December 27, | |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Net revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hearing aids and other products
|
|
$ |
71,445,381 |
|
|
$ |
63,227,775 |
|
|
$ |
60,927,044 |
|
|
|
|
|
Services
|
|
|
5,226,622 |
|
|
|
5,521,767 |
|
|
|
6,153,064 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total net revenues
|
|
|
76,672,003 |
|
|
|
68,749,542 |
|
|
|
67,080,108 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating costs and expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hearing aids and other products
|
|
|
20,972,635 |
|
|
|
17,511,405 |
|
|
|
18,836,929 |
|
|
|
|
|
Services
|
|
|
1,793,944 |
|
|
|
1,718,287 |
|
|
|
128,759 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total cost of products sold and services
|
|
|
22,766,579 |
|
|
|
19,229,692 |
|
|
|
18,965,688 |
|
|
|
|
|
Center operating expenses
|
|
|
36,555,590 |
|
|
|
34,890,950 |
|
|
|
32,591,897 |
|
|
|
|
|
General and administrative expenses
|
|
|
11,660,725 |
|
|
|
10,218,283 |
|
|
|
10,470,717 |
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
1,974,193 |
|
|
|
2,072,237 |
|
|
|
2,783,877 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating costs and expenses
|
|
|
72,957,087 |
|
|
|
66,411,162 |
|
|
|
64,812,179 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from operations
|
|
|
3,714,916 |
|
|
|
2,338,380 |
|
|
|
2,267,929 |
|
|
|
|
|
Non-operating income (expense):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain from insurance settlement
|
|
|
430,122 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
53,921 |
|
|
|
17,543 |
|
|
|
20,836 |
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense (including approximately $2,540,000, $2,127,000
and $517,000, in 2005, 2004 and 2003, of non-cash debt discount
amortization)
|
|
|
(5,162,701 |
) |
|
|
(4,563,729 |
) |
|
|
(2,828,327 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes
|
|
|
(963,742 |
) |
|
|
(2,207,806 |
) |
|
|
(539,562 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Income taxes
|
|
|
(78,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss from continuing operations
|
|
|
(1,041,742 |
) |
|
|
(2,207,806 |
) |
|
|
(539,562 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Discontinued operations (Note 19)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gain on disposition of assets
|
|
|
332,470 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from discontinued operations
|
|
|
(396,023 |
) |
|
|
(550,696 |
) |
|
|
(569,827 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss from discontinued operations
|
|
|
(63,553 |
) |
|
|
(550,696 |
) |
|
|
(569,827 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
|
(1,105,295 |
) |
|
|
(2,758,502 |
) |
|
|
(1,109,389 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Dividends on preferred stock (Notes 9 and 10C)
|
|
|
(700,675 |
) |
|
|
(708,159 |
) |
|
|
(626,956 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss applicable to common stockholders
|
|
$ |
(1,805,970 |
) |
|
$ |
(3,466,661 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,736,345 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss from continuing operations, including dividends on
preferred stock, applicable to common stockholders-basic and
diluted
|
|
$ |
(0.06 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.10 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.04 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss applicable to common stockholders per common
share basic and diluted (Note 1)
|
|
$ |
(0.06 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.11 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.06 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average number of shares of common stock
outstanding (Notes 1, 10 and 11)
|
|
|
31,610,793 |
|
|
|
30,426,829 |
|
|
|
30,424,262 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial
statements
32
HearUSA, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders
Equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended | |
|
Year Ended | |
|
Year Ended | |
|
|
December 31, 2005 | |
|
December 25, 2004 | |
|
December 27, 2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
Shares | |
|
Amount | |
|
Shares | |
|
Amount | |
|
Shares | |
|
Amount | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Preferred stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, beginning of year
|
|
|
233 |
|
|
$ |
233 |
|
|
|
233 |
|
|
$ |
233 |
|
|
|
4,796 |
|
|
$ |
4,796 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exchange/redemption of preferred stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,563 |
) |
|
|
(4,563 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, end of year
|
|
|
233 |
|
|
$ |
233 |
|
|
|
233 |
|
|
$ |
233 |
|
|
|
233 |
|
|
$ |
233 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, beginning of year
|
|
|
30,060,676 |
|
|
$ |
3,006,068 |
|
|
|
29,528,450 |
|
|
$ |
2,952,845 |
|
|
|
24,457,055 |
|
|
$ |
2,445,705 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercise of employee stock options
|
|
|
130,000 |
|
|
|
13,000 |
|
|
|
6,250 |
|
|
|
625 |
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
|
2 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issuance of common stock for exchangeable shares
|
|
|
102,524 |
|
|
|
10,252 |
|
|
|
525,976 |
|
|
|
52,598 |
|
|
|
5,071,375 |
|
|
|
507,138 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Warrant exercise
|
|
|
1,600,000 |
|
|
|
160,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, end of year
|
|
|
31,893,200 |
|
|
$ |
3,189,320 |
|
|
|
30,060,676 |
|
|
$ |
3,006,068 |
|
|
|
29,528,450 |
|
|
$ |
2,952,845 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Treasury stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, beginning of year
|
|
|
523,662 |
|
|
$ |
(2,485,141 |
) |
|
|
523,662 |
|
|
$ |
(2,485,141 |
) |
|
|
518,660 |
|
|
$ |
(2,483,441 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase of treasury stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,002 |
|
|
|
(1,700 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, end of year
|
|
|
523,662 |
|
|
$ |
(2,485,141 |
) |
|
|
523,662 |
|
|
$ |
(2,485,141 |
) |
|
|
523,662 |
|
|
$ |
(2,485,141 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock subscription
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, beginning of year
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(412,500 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(412,500 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(412,500 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, end of Year
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(412,500 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(412,500 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(412,500 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional paid-in capital:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, beginning of year
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
120,197,937 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
120,226,050 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
117,314,681 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exchange/redemption of preferred stock, including issuance costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,759,324 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value of warrants and beneficial conversion feature issued with
convertible subordinated notes payable
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,708,229 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value of warrants issued with debt
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
429,339 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercise of employee stock options
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
55,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,563 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issuance of common stock for exchangeable shares
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(10,252 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(52,598 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(507,138 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds of Board of Directors stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,250 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercise of warrants
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,665,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consulting expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,973 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,672 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Compensation expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,250 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, end of year
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
121,934,658 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
120,197,937 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
120,226,050 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial
statements
33
HearUSA, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders
Equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended | |
|
|
| |
|
|
December 31, 2005 | |
|
December 25, 2004 | |
|
December 27, 2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
Amount | |
|
Amount | |
|
Amount | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Accumulated deficit:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, beginning of year
|
|
$ |
(101,968,452 |
) |
|
$ |
(98,501,791 |
) |
|
$ |
(96,765,446 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
|
(1,105,295 |
) |
|
|
(2,758,502 |
) |
|
|
(1,109,389 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends on preferred stock
|
|
|
(700,675 |
) |
|
|
(708,159 |
) |
|
|
(626,956 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, end of year
|
|
$ |
(103,774,422 |
) |
|
$ |
(101,968,452 |
) |
|
$ |
(98,501,791 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive income:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, beginning of year
|
|
$ |
1,639,838 |
|
|
$ |
1,033,616 |
|
|
$ |
462,825 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency translation adjustment
|
|
|
623,057 |
|
|
|
606,222 |
|
|
|
570,791 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, end of year
|
|
$ |
2,262,895 |
|
|
$ |
1,639,838 |
|
|
$ |
1,033,616 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive income (loss):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
$ |
(1,105,295 |
) |
|
$ |
(2,758,502 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,109,389 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency translation adjustment
|
|
|
623,057 |
|
|
|
606,222 |
|
|
|
570,791 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive loss
|
|
$ |
(482,238 |
) |
|
$ |
(2,152,280 |
) |
|
$ |
(538,598 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial
statements
34
HearUSA, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended | |
|
|
| |
|
|
December 31, | |
|
December 25, | |
|
December 27, | |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Cash flows from operating activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss
|
|
$ |
(1,105,295 |
) |
|
$ |
(2,758,502 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,109,389 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used
in) operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Debt discount amortization
|
|
|
2,540,120 |
|
|
|
2,127,054 |
|
|
|
516,992 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
1,974,193 |
|
|
|
2,072,237 |
|
|
|
2,783,877 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest on Siemens Tranche D
|
|
|
964,361 |
|
|
|
655,568 |
|
|
|
710,027 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Provision for doubtful accounts
|
|
|
354,107 |
|
|
|
430,454 |
|
|
|
801,303 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from discontinued operations
|
|
|
63,553 |
|
|
|
550,696 |
|
|
|
569,827 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consulting expense
|
|
|
26,969 |
|
|
|
12,672 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal payments on long-term debt made through preferred
pricing reductions
|
|
|
(2,922,537 |
) |
|
|
(2,920,804 |
) |
|
|
(2,920,804 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
(Gain) loss on disposition of equipment
|
|
|
(50,650 |
) |
|
|
53,836 |
|
|
|
648 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Executive compensation expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,250 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Increase) decrease in:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts and notes receivable
|
|
|
(982,851 |
) |
|
|
(467,068 |
) |
|
|
(842,031 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Inventories
|
|
|
(862,815 |
) |
|
|
99,475 |
|
|
|
(6,532 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other
|
|
|
(606,766 |
) |
|
|
636,835 |
|
|
|
124,212 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Increase (decrease) in:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
|
|
|
1,641,564 |
|
|
|
(361,241 |
) |
|
|
(4,671,611 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued salaries and other compensation
|
|
|
595,860 |
|
|
|
261,810 |
|
|
|
(123,107 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) continuing activities
|
|
|
1,629,813 |
|
|
|
401,272 |
|
|
|
(4,166,588 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations
|
|
|
(113,457 |
) |
|
|
(356,598 |
) |
|
|
(666,013 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
|
|
|
1,516,356 |
|
|
|
44,674 |
|
|
|
(4,832,601 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from investing activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase of property and equipment
|
|
|
(1,184,400 |
) |
|
|
(342,767 |
) |
|
|
(221,854 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures from discontinued operations
|
|
|
(13,332 |
) |
|
|
(39,906 |
) |
|
|
(46,025 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations
|
|
|
1,101,385 |
|
|
|
104,628 |
|
|
|
1,880,244 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Business acquisitions
|
|
|
(1,589,411 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(251,533 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
|
|
|
(1,685,758 |
) |
|
|
(278,045 |
) |
|
|
1,360,832 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash flows from financing activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
|
|
|
5,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,500,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from subordinated notes, net of issuing cost of $330,000
|
|
|
5,170,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from convertible notes, net of issuing costs of $266,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
500,000 |
|
|
|
8,734,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments on long-term debt from discontinued operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(29,822 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Principal payments on long-term debt
|
|
|
(1,708,256 |
) |
|
|
(3,310,477 |
) |
|
|
(1,160,696 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Principal payments on subordinated notes
|
|
|
(440,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal payments on convertible subordinated notes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,000,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Acquisition of treasury stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,700 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Exchange and redemption of capital stock
|
|
|
(4,928,041 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(200,877 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options
|
|
|
68,000 |
|
|
|
4,189 |
|
|
|
15 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from Board of Director sale of stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,250 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from the exercise of warrants
|
|
|
1,825,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dividends on preferred stock
|
|
|
(770,196 |
) |
|
|
(1,149,048 |
) |
|
|
(1,076,317 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
|
|
|
4,216,507 |
|
|
|
(3,955,336 |
) |
|
|
7,804,853 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial
statements
35
HearUSA, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended | |
|
|
| |
|
|
December 31, | |
|
December 25, | |
|
December 27, | |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Effects of exchange rate changes on cash
|
|
|
44,460 |
|
|
|
89,205 |
|
|
|
(28,226 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
4,091,565 |
|
|
|
(4,099,502 |
) |
|
|
4,304,858 |
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
|
|
|
2,615,379 |
|
|
|
6,714,881 |
|
|
|
2,410,023 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
|
|
$ |
6,706,944 |
|
|
$ |
2,615,379 |
|
|
$ |
6,714,881 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid for interest
|
|
$ |
1,244,049 |
|
|
$ |
1,263,473 |
|
|
$ |
424,337 |
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing
activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal payments on long-term debt through preferred pricing
reductions
|
|
$ |
2,922,537 |
|
|
$ |
2,920,804 |
|
|
$ |
2,920,804 |
|
|
|
|
|
Issuance of note payable and assumption of accounts payable in
exchange business acquisitions
|
|
$ |
2,250,000 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
100,492 |
|
|
|
|
|
Issuance of capital lease in exchange for property and equipment
|
|
$ |
141,913 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
401,883 |
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase of equipment with volume discount credit
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
158,800 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial
statements
36
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
|
|
1. |
Description of the Company and Summary of Significant
Accounting Policies |
The Company
HearUSA Inc. (HearUSA or the Company), a
Delaware corporation, was organized in 1986. As of
December 31, 2005, the Company has a network of more than
133 company-owned hearing care centers in eight states and
the Province of Ontario, Canada. The Company also sponsors a
network of approximately 1,400 credentialed audiology providers
that participate in selected hearing benefit programs contracted
by the Company with employer groups, health insurers and benefit
sponsors in 49 states. The centers and the network
providers provide audiological products and services for the
hearing impaired.
Basis of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
the Company and its wholly owned and majority controlled
subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been
eliminated in consolidation.
During 2005 and 2004, HEARx West generated net income of
approximately $2,330,000 and $1,385,000. The HEARx West
members deficit decreased from approximately $3,206,000 at
the end of 2004 to approximately $876,000 at the end of 2005.
According to the Companys agreement with the Permanente
Federation, the Company included in its consolidated statement
of operations 100% of the losses incurred by the venture since
its inception and will receive 100% of the net income of the
venture until the members deficit is eliminated. At such
time as the members deficit is eliminated and the venture
continues to be profitable, the Company will begin recording a
minority interest, corresponding to 50% of the ventures
net income, as an expense in the Companys consolidated
statement of operations and with a corresponding liability on
its consolidated balance sheet.
Revenue Recognition
Revenues from the sale of audiological products are recognized
at the time of delivery to the patient. Revenues from hearing
care services are recognized at the time those services are
performed.
The Company has capitation contracts with certain health care
organizations under which the Company is paid an amount for each
enrollee of the health maintenance organization to provide to
the enrollee a discount on certain hearing products and
services. The amount paid to the Company by the healthcare
organization is calculated on a per-capita basis and is referred
to as capitation revenue. Capitation revenue is earned as a
result of agreeing to provide services to members without regard
to the actual amount of service provided. Revenue is recorded in
the period that the beneficiaries are entitled to hearing care
services.
Foreign Currency Translation
The consolidated financial statements for the Companys
Canadian subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at
current exchange rates. For assets and liabilities, the year-end
rate is used. For revenues, expenses, gains and losses the
average rate for the period is used. Unrealized currency
adjustments in the Consolidated Balance Sheet are accumulated in
stockholders equity as a component of accumulated other
comprehensive income.
37
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Comprehensive income is defined to include all changes in equity
except those resulting from investments by owners and
distributions to owners. The Companys other comprehensive
income represents foreign currency translation adjustment.
Fiscal year
The Companys fiscal year ends on the last Saturday in
December and customarily consists of four
13-week quarters for a
total of 52 weeks. Every sixth year includes 53 weeks.
The current year includes 53 weeks with the additional week
included in the first quarter of 2005. The next year with
53 weeks will be 2011.
Concentration of credit risk
The Company maintains its cash deposits at commercial banks. We
place our cash and cash equivalents with high quality financial
institutions. At times, our account balances may exceed
federally insured limits. Management believes the Company is not
exposed to any significant risk on its cash accounts.
Allowance for doubtful accounts
The Company provides an allowance for doubtful accounts equal to
the estimated uncollectible amounts. That estimate is based on
historical collection experience, current economic and market
conditions and a review of the current status of each
customers trade accounts receivable.
Inventories
Inventories, which consist of hearing aids, batteries, special
hearing devices and related items, are priced at the lower of
cost (first-in,
first-out) or market.
Property and equipment
Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is
provided on the straight-line method over the estimated useful
lives of the depreciable assets. Leasehold improvements are
amortized over the shorter of the term of the lease or the
useful life of the asset.
Goodwill and other intangible assets
Under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
(SFAS) No. 142, Goodwill and Other
Intangible Assets, effective in 2002, goodwill
amortization ceased and goodwill is subject to impairment
assessments. A fair-value-based test is applied at the reporting
unit level. This test requires various judgments and estimates.
A goodwill impairment loss would be recorded for any goodwill
that is determined to be impaired. The Company utilized an
independent appraisal firm to test goodwill for impairment as of
the first day of the Companys fourth quarter during 2004
and 2005, and each of these tests indicated no impairment. Other
intangible assets include finite lived intangible assets, such
as patient files and customer lists, which are amortized over
the estimated useful life of the assets of 15 years,
generally based upon estimated undiscounted future cash flows
resulting from use of the asset. Indefinite lived assets include
trademarks and tradenames, which are not amortized.
38
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
Pre-opening costs
The costs associated with the opening of new centers are
expensed as incurred.
Long-lived assets impairments and disposals
The Company reviews the carrying values of its long-lived and
identifiable intangible assets for possible impairment whenever
events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying
amounts of the assets may not be recoverable through the
estimated undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use
of these assets. At December 31, 2005 no long-lived assets
were held for disposal. At December 25, 2004, long-lived
assets of approximately $736,000 were held for disposal and sold
in May 2005 (See Note 19 Discontinued
Operations). No impairment losses were recorded in the
consolidated statement of operations.
Convertible Instruments, Warrants, Amortization of Debt
Discount and Fair Value Determination
In 2003 the Company issued debt instruments which are
convertible into its common stock and included the issuance of
warrants. These financing transactions are recorded in
accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force Issue
No. 98-5
Accounting for Convertible Securities with Beneficial
Conversion Features or Contingently Adjustable Conversion
Ratios and 00-27
Application of Issue
No. 98-5 to
Certain Convertible Instruments. Accordingly, the
beneficial conversion feature embedded in the convertible
instrument and the value allocated to the related warrants based
upon a relative fair value allocation of the proceeds of the
instrument is recognized on the consolidated balance sheet as
debt discount. The debt discount is amortized as interest
expense over the life of the instrument.
Subordinated Notes, Warrants, Amortization of Debt Discount
and Fair Value Determination
In August 2005 the Company issued subordinated notes that
included the issuance of warrants. The Company has agreed to
register the common shares underlying the warrant shares and to
maintain such registration so that the Warrant holders may sell
their shares if the Note Warrants are exercised. These
financing transactions are recorded in accordance with Emerging
Issues Task Force Issue No
00-19, Accounting
for Derivative Financial Instruments Indexed to, and Potentially
Settled in, a Companys Own Stock. Accordingly, the
liability created by the Companys agreement to register
and keep the underlying shares registered during the three year
period has been recorded as a warrant liability using a
Black-Scholes option pricing model. Any gains or losses
resulting from the changes in fair value from period to period
are included in income as interest expense.
Advertising Costs
Costs for newspaper, television, and other media advertising are
expensed as incurred and were $5,642,000, $5,493,000 and
$4,514,000 in 2005, 2004, and 2003, respectively.
Sales return policy
The Company provides to all patients purchasing hearing aids a
specific return period, which is a minimum of 30 days, if
the patient is dissatisfied with the product. The Company
provides an allowance in accrued expenses for returns. The
return period can be extended to 60 days if the patient
attends the Companys H.E.L.P. program.
39
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
Warranties
The Company provides its patients with warranties on hearing
aids varying from one to three years. The first year of the
warranty is always covered by the manufacturers warranty.
The warranties provided for the second and third year require a
co-payment from the patients, usually covering the cost of the
repair or replacement to the Company. When the cost of repair or
replacement to the Company is estimated to exceed the patient
co-pay, the Company provides an allowance in accrued expenses to
cover the future excess cost. Historically such amounts have
been minimal.
Income taxes
Deferred taxes are provided for temporary differences arising
from the differences between financial statement and income tax
bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred tax assets and
liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates. Valuation
allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax
assets and liabilities to amounts considered more likely than
not to be realized.
Net loss per common share
Net loss per common share is calculated in accordance with
SFAS No. 128 Earnings Per Share which
requires companies to present basic and diluted earnings per
share. Net loss per common share basic is based on
the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during
the year. Net loss per common share diluted is based
on the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive
potential common shares outstanding during the year. Under the
if-converted method, securities are assumed to be converted at
the beginning of the period and the resulting common shares are
included in the denominator of the diluted earnings per share
calculation for the entire period presented. Convertible
preferred stock, stock options and stock warrants are excluded
from the computations of net loss per common share because the
effect of their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.
Due to the Companys losses, the following common stock
equivalents for convertible debt, mandatorily redeemable
convertible preferred stock, outstanding options and warrants to
purchase common stock, of 7,699,153, 9,738,372, and 18,984,654,
respectively, were excluded from the computation of net loss per
common share diluted at December 31, 2005,
December 25, 2004 and December 27, 2003 because they
were anti-dilutive. For purposes of computing net loss per
common share basic and diluted, for the years ended
December 31, 2005 and December 25, 2004, the weighted
average number of shares of common stock outstanding includes
the effect of the 790,358 and 892,872, respectively, of
exchangeable shares of HEARx Canada, Inc., as if they were
outstanding common stock of the Company on June 30, 2002,
the effective date of the Helix combination for financial
reporting purposes.
Stock-based compensation
The Company has granted stock options to employees and directors
under stock option plans that are more fully described in
Note 10. The Company accounts for those plans using the
intrinsic value method under Accounting Principles Board Opinion
No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees. No stock-based employee compensation cost has
been reflected in net loss, as all options granted under those
plans had an exercise price greater than or equal to the market
value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant. The
following table illustrates the effect on net loss and loss per
share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition
provisions of
40
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation, to stock-based employee compensation (See
Note 18 Recent Accounting Pronouncement):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, | |
|
December 25, | |
|
December 27, | |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Loss applicable to common stockholders
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As reported
|
|
$ |
(1,805,970 |
) |
|
$ |
(3,466,661 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,736,345 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense
determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of
tax effects
|
|
|
(1,529,000 |
) |
|
|
(887,000 |
) |
|
|
(447,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma, net loss
|
|
$ |
(3,334,970 |
) |
|
$ |
(4,353,661 |
) |
|
$ |
(2,183,345 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss per share
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss applicable to common stockholders per common
share basic and diluted
|
|
$ |
(0.06 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.11 |
) |
|
$ |
(.06 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss applicable to common stockholders per common
share basic and diluted pro forma
|
|
$ |
(0.11 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.14 |
) |
|
$ |
(.07 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For purposes of the above disclosure, the determination of the
fair value of stock options granted in 2005, 2004, and 2003, was
based on the assumption of no expected dividends on the
underlying common stock and the following weighted average
assumptions:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Risk free interest rate
|
|
|
4.39 |
% |
|
|
4.16 |
% |
|
|
2.90 |
% |
|
|
|
|
Expected life, in years
|
|
|
5-10 |
|
|
|
5-10 |
|
|
|
5-10 |
|
|
|
|
|
Expected volatility
|
|
|
96 |
% |
|
|
92 |
% |
|
|
98 |
% |
Statements of Cash Flows
For the purposes of the Statements of Cash Flows, temporary cash
investments which are not restricted as to their use and have an
original maturity of ninety days or less are considered cash
equivalents.
Estimates
The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of
America requires management to make estimates and assumptions
that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at
the date of the consolidated financial statements and the
reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting
period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Reclassifications
Certain amounts in the 2004 and 2003 financial statements have
been reclassified in order to conform to the 2005 presentation.
41
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
2. Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents
Restricted cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2005
and December 25, 2004 consist of certificates of deposit
with contractual maturities of one year or less of $431,000 and
$435,000.
Restricted cash and cash equivalents was pledged as collateral
to a financial institution for automated clearing house exposure.
3. Property and Equipment and Leases
Property and equipment consists of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Range of | |
|
December 31, | |
|
December 25, | |
|
|
Useful Lives | |
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Equipment, furniture and fixtures
|
|
|
5-10 years |
|
|
$ |
10,868,588 |
|
|
$ |
10,305,606 |
|
|
|
|
|
Leasehold Improvements
|
|
|
5-10 years |
|
|
|
7,665,710 |
|
|
|
7,391,414 |
|
|
|
|
|
Computer systems
|
|
|
3 years |
|
|
|
4,806,302 |
|
|
|
4,435,117 |
|
|
|
|
|
Construction in progress
|
|
|
N/A |
|
|
|
34,583 |
|
|
|
23,498 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23,375,183 |
|
|
|
22,155,635 |
|
|
|
|
|
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,900,802 |
|
|
|
18,808,847 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
3,474,381 |
|
|
$ |
3,346,788 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total estimated future depreciation expense for the
Companys current property and equipment are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount | |
|
|
| |
2006
|
|
$ |
1,095,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
779,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
583,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
334,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
227,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
134,000 |
|
The Company leases facilities primarily for hearing centers.
These are located in retail shopping areas having terms expiring
at various dates through fiscal 2010. The Company recognizes
rent expense on a straight line basis over the lease term. The
leases have renewal clauses of 1 to 10 years at the option
of the Company. The difference between the straight-line and
cash payments, which is due to escalating rents in the lease
contracts, is included in accrued expenses in the accompanying
consolidated balance sheet. Equipment and building rent expense
under operating leases in 2005, 2004 and 2003 was approximately
$5,851,000, $5,793,000 and $5,836,000, respectively.
42
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
Approximate future minimum rental commitments under operating
leases are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount | |
|
|
| |
2006
|
|
$ |
5,368,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
4,592,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
3,709,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
2,458,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
1,722,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
1,086,000 |
|
|
|
4. |
Goodwill and Intangible Assets |
A summary of changes in the Companys goodwill during the
years ended December 31, 2005 and December 25, 2004,
by business segment are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 25, | |
|
Additions & | |
|
Currency | |
|
December 31, | |
|
|
2004 | |
|
Adjustments | |
|
Translation | |
|
2005 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Centers
|
|
$ |
32,330,000 |
|
|
$ |
2,806,000 |
|
|
$ |
379,000 |
|
|
$ |
35,515,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Network
|
|
|
880,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
880,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
33,210,000 |
|
|
$ |
2,806,000 |
|
|
$ |
379,000 |
|
|
$ |
36,395,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 27, | |
|
Additions & |
|
Currency | |
|
December 25, | |
|
|
2003 | |
|
Adjustments |
|
Translation | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
Centers
|
|
$ |
31,901,000 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
429,000 |
|
|
$ |
32,330,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Network
|
|
|
880,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
880,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
32,781,000 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
429,000 |
|
|
$ |
33,210,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2005 and December 25, 2004,
intangible assets consisted of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, | |
|
December 25, | |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Amortizable intangible assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Patient files and customer lists
|
|
$ |
6,370,000 |
|
|
$ |
5,505,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated amortization
|
|
|
(2,340,000 |
) |
|
|
(1,766,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortizable intangible assets, net
|
|
|
4,030,000 |
|
|
|
3,739,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Trademark and trade names
|
|
|
7,410,000 |
|
|
|
7,355,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
11,440,000 |
|
|
$ |
11,094,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The aggregate amortization expense was as follows in 2005, 2004
and 2003:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Amortization expense
|
|
$ |
623,000 |
|
|
$ |
478,000 |
|
|
$ |
430,000 |
|
43
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
Total estimated future amortization expenses for the
Companys current intangible assets are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount | |
|
|
| |
2006
|
|
$ |
718,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
484,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
466,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
436,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
409,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
1,495,000 |
|
During 2005, the Company acquired the assets of six hearing care
centers in Michigan, New Jersey, New York and California in four
separate transactions. Consideration paid was cash of
$1 million and notes payable in the amount of $850,000. The
acquisitions resulted in additions to goodwill of approximately
$1.3 million, fixed assets of approximately $17,000 and
intangible customer lists and non-compete of approximately
$486,000. The notes bear interest at 5 percent and are
payable in quarterly installments of $45,800 plus accrued
interest, through September 2009.
In May 2005, the Company also acquired the assets of a hearing
care network in Florida, including network. Consideration of
$350,000 cash and a three-year convertible note payable
$1.4 million was paid for network contracts of
approximately $340,000 and goodwill of approximately
$1.4 million. The note bears interest at 7 percent and
is payable in 36 monthly installments of $38,889 plus
interest, beginning on June 1, 2005. After
September 30, 2005 the payee has the right to convert all
or any portion of the unpaid principal, and accrued interest, on
the note into the number of shares of the Companys common
stock as determined by dividing such sum of unpaid principal and
accrued interest to be converted by $1.74 (the market price of
the Companys common stock on the date of the acquisition).
44
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
|
|
6. |
Long-term Debt (Also see Notes 7 and 8) |
Long-term debt consists of the following, before and after
reflecting the new amended and restated agreements signed on
February 10, 2006 with Siemens See
a) below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Before | |
|
After | |
|
|
|
|
December 31, | |
|
December 31, | |
|
December 25, | |
|
|
2005 | |
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Notes payable to a Siemens see(a) below:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tranche A
|
|
$ |
1,299,984 |
|
|
$ |
2,239,851 |
|
|
$ |
3,599,988 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tranche B
|
|
|
39,867 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
62,400 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tranche C
|
|
|
900,000 |
|
|
|
20,875,256 |
|
|
|
1,500,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tranche D (including accrued interest of $1,298,865 and
$1,813,971)
|
|
|
14,298,865 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,590,284 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tranche E
|
|
|
1,576,391 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,171,329 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tranche F
|
|
|
5,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
91,685 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total notes payable to Siemens
|
|
|
23,115,107 |
|
|
|
23,115,107 |
|
|
|
21,015,686 |
|
|
|
|
|
Notes payable to others
|
|
|
2,047,100 |
|
|
|
2,047,100 |
|
|
|
433,347 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,162,207 |
|
|
|
25,162,207 |
|
|
|
21,449,033 |
|
|
|
|
|
Less current maturities
|
|
|
5,192,108 |
|
|
|
5,392,253 |
|
|
|
4,152,908 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
19,970,099 |
|
|
$ |
19,769,954 |
|
|
$ |
17,296,125 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The approximate aggregate maturities on long-term debt
obligations in years subsequent to 2005 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount | |
|
|
| |
2006
|
|
$ |
5,192,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
4,820,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
4,533,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
4,320,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
5,042,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
1,255,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
a) |
On December 7, 2001, the Company obtained a secured credit
facility from Siemens comprised of (a) a $10,875,000
secured five-year term loan credit facility (the Tranche A
Loan); (b) a $25,000,000 secured five-year revolving loan
credit facility (the Tranche B Loan); (c) a $3,000,000
secured five-year term loan facility (the Tranche C Loan)
and (d) a $13,000,000 secured five-year term loan credit
facility (the Tranche D Loan). On March 14, 2003, the
Company obtained an additional $3,500,000 secured five-year term
loan from Siemens bearing interest at a rate of 10% annually
(the Tranche E Loan). The Tranche E Loan was obtained
pursuant to an amendment to the Companys credit agreement
with Siemens and is otherwise subject to the terms and
conditions of the credit agreement and related security
agreement. On December 28, 2005, the Company obtained an
additional $5,000,000, bearing interest at prime plus 1% and
having a five-year term (the Tranche F Loan). The
Tranche F loan was obtained pursuant to a term sheet signed
on December 28, 2005, which indicates the intention of both
parties to extend their relationship and amend and restate the
existing credit, |
45
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
|
|
|
|
|
supply and security agreements for an additional five years. At
December 31, 2005 $1,299,984, $39,867, $900,000,
$14,298,865, $1,576,391 and $5,000,000, representing principal
on the Tranche A, Tranche B, Tranche C,
Tranche D, Tranche E and Tranche F Loans,
respectively, were outstanding. |
|
|
|
On February 10, 2006, HearUSA, Inc. (the
Company) entered into an Amended and Restated Credit
Agreement (the Amended Credit Agreement), Amended
and Restated Supply Agreement (the Amended Supply
Agreement) and an Amended and Restated Security Agreement
with Siemens Hearing Instruments, Inc. (Siemens).
Pursuant to the amended agreements, the parties will continue
their strategic relationship for an additional five-year term.
The parties have restructured the outstanding $23.1 million
indebtedness of the Company to Siemens under the original credit
agreement. The new facility is for a total of $26 million,
including the currently outstanding $23.1 million, and is
structured in three tranches. |
|
|
|
The new Tranche A, with a principal balance of
approximately $2.2 million and interest of 10% per
annum, is payable in three quarterly installments commencing
with the first quarter of 2006, which quarterly payments are
subject to rebate credits as described below. This note is a
consolidation of the old Tranches A, B and C. |
|
|
|
The new Tranche B is a revolving credit line established to
accommodate funding for certain acquisitions by the Company.
Pursuant to the Amended Credit Agreement, the Company may borrow
under Tranche B up to the $26 million limit, less any
amounts then outstanding under Tranche A and Tranche C. |
|
|
|
The new Tranche C, which is a consolidation of the old
Tranches D, E and F, has a principal balance on the closing date
of approximately $20.9 million, an interest rate of prime
plus 1% per annum, and is payable in monthly installments
of principal and interest of $130,000 commencing February 2006.
In addition, the Company must make quarterly installment
payments on Tranche C of $730,000 plus interest thereon
commencing with the fourth quarter of 2006, which quarterly
payments are also subject to rebate credits as described below.
Additional loans may be made to the Company under Tranche C
for certain acquisitions. The monthly installment payments are
intended to repay approximately $6.6 million of the
Tranche C principal balance. |
|
|
|
The remaining principal balance of Tranche C, as well as
Tranche A and Tranche B, with interest, will continue
to be eligible for repayment utilizing rebates on purchases of
hearing aids from Siemens, provided that the Company purchases
under the Amended Supply Agreement certain percentages of
hearing aids it sold. The Amended Credit Agreement also
contemplates that the Company will reduce the Tranche C
loan balance by making annual payments in an amount equal to 20%
of Excess Cash Flow (as that term is defined in the Amended
Credit Agreement), and by paying Siemens 25% of proceeds from
equity offerings the Company may complete. During 2005, the
Company made $267,000 in payments to Siemens pursuant to its
2004 excess cash flow. The estimated payment for 2006 based on
2005 excess cash flow is $237,000. |
|
|
|
Substantially all of the Companys assets to collateralize
repayment of the Siemens notes payable. |
46
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
|
|
|
|
|
The following table shows the preferred pricing reductions
received from Siemens pursuant to the supply agreement and the
application of such pricing reductions against principal and
interest payments on Tranches A, B and C during each of the
years: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Preferred pricing reductions recorded as a reduction of cost of
products sold
|
|
$ |
3,311,000 |
|
|
$ |
3,641,000 |
|
|
$ |
3,947,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Portion applied against quarterly principal payments
|
|
$ |
(2,922,000 |
) |
|
$ |
(2,921,000 |
) |
|
$ |
(2,921,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Portion applied against quarterly interest payments
|
|
|
(389,000 |
) |
|
|
(720,000 |
) |
|
|
(1,026,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
(3,311,000 |
) |
|
$ |
(3,641,000 |
) |
|
$ |
(3,947,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In connection with the Amended Credit Agreement, HearUSA and
Siemens entered into the Amended Supply Agreement, pursuant to
which HearUSA agreed to purchase from Siemens certain minimum
percentages of HearUSA company-owned centers hearing aid
purchases for a period of five years at specified prices. If the
Company fails to purchase the required minimum under the Amended
Supply Agreement, Siemens could declare a breach of the Amended
Credit Agreement and Siemens would have the right to declare all
amounts outstanding under the credit facility immediately due
and payable. |
|
|
|
Pursuant to the agreements with Siemens, a change of control of
the Company (as defined) will constitute an event of default
upon which Siemens may cancel its commitments under the credit
agreement and declare the entire outstanding amounts under the
credit facilities to be immediately due and payable. |
|
|
7. |
Convertible Subordinated Notes |
In December 2003, the Company completed a private placement of
$7.5 million five-year convertible subordinated notes with
warrants to purchase 2,642,750 shares of the
Companys common stock. The notes could not be converted
and warrants to purchase 2,142,750 shares could not be
exercised for a two-year period. The remaining warrants to
purchase 500,000 shares were exercisable after
May 31, 2005 at $1.75 per share. Beginning December
2005 the notes could have been converted at $1.75 per share
and the lender warrants would have been exercised for up to
2,142,750 shares at $1.75 per share. The quoted
closing market price of the Companys common stock on the
commitment date was $2.37 per share. The notes bear
interest at 11 percent annually for the first two years and
then at 8 percent through the remainder of their term. The
Company recorded a debt discount of approximately $7,488,000
consisting of intrinsic value of the beneficial conversion of
approximately $4,519,000 and the portion of the proceeds
allocated to the warrants issued to the lenders of approximately
$2,969,000, using a Black-Scholes option pricing model, based on
the relative fair values of the lender warrants and the notes.
The debt discount is being amortized as interest expense over
the five-year term of the note using the effective interest
method. The notes are subordinate to the Siemens notes payable.
In addition to the 2,642,750 lender warrants issued to the
investors in the $7.5 million financing, the Company also
issued 117,143 common stock purchase warrants with the same
terms as the lender warrants and paid cash of approximately
$206,000 to third parties as finder fees and financing costs.
These warrants were valued at approximately $220,000 using a
Black-Scholes
47
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
option pricing model. The total of such costs of approximately
$426,000 is being amortized as interest expense using the
effective interest method over the five year term of the notes.
For the first two years of the term beginning on March 25,
2004, the Company is making quarterly payments of interest only.
Beginning March 25, 2006, the Company will make twelve
equal quarterly payments of principal plus interest. Payments of
principal and interest may be made, at the Companys
option, in cash or with the Companys common stock. If
payments are made using the Companys common stock, the
shares to be issued would be computed at 90% of the average
closing price for the 20 day trading period immediately
preceding the payment date. Approximate annual aggregate amount
of maturities of such notes in future years is $2,500,000 in
each of 2006, 2007 and 2008.
During 2005 and 2004, approximately $2,948,000 and $2,170,000,
respectively, of prepaid financing fees and debt discount was
amortized as interest expense, including a non-cash portion of
approximately $2,151,000 and $1,595,000, respectively. The
future non-cash debt discount and prepaid finder fees to be
amortized as interest expense over the next five years are
approximately $1,763,000 in 2006, $1,145,000 in 2007 and
$434,000 in 2008. In the event the investors convert or exercise
the debt or warrants, the Company will be required to expense
the remaining debt discount and prepaid financing fees in the
period in which the conversion payment or exercise occurs.
|
|
8. |
Subordinated Notes and Warrant Liability |
On August 22, 2005, the Company completed a private
placement of $5.5 million three-year subordinated notes
(Subordinated Notes) with warrants
(Note Warrants) to
purchase 1,499,960 shares of the Companys common
stock expiring on November 22, 2008. The Note Warrants
to purchase 1,124,970 shares) are exercisable
subsequent to August 22, 2005 at $2.00 per share and
the remaining Warrants to purchase 374,990 shares, are
exercisable after January 1, 2006 at $2.00 per share.
The quoted closing market price of the Companys common
stock on the commitment date was $1.63 per share. The notes
bear interest at 7 percent per annum. Proceeds from this
financing were used to redeem all of the Companys 1998-E
Series Convertible Preferred Stock (See
Note 9 Mandatorily Redeemable Convertible
Preferred Stock). The Company has agreed to register the common
shares underlying the warrant shares during the three year
period ending September 2008 and to maintain such registration
so that the Warrant holders may sell their shares if the
Note Warrants are exercised. The liability created by the
Companys agreement to register and keep the underlying
shares registered during the three year period has been recorded
as a warrant liability of $1.9 million based on the fair
value of the warrants, using a Black-Scholes option pricing
model. Any gains or losses resulting from the changes in fair
value from period to period are included in income as interest
expense. As the holders exercise their Note Warrants the
applicable portion of the liability will be reclassified to
additional paid in capital. The notes are subordinate to the
Siemens notes payable.
The Company recorded a debt discount of approximately
$1.9 million based on the portion of the proceeds allocated
to the fair value of the Note Warrants, using a
Black-Scholes option pricing model. The debt discount is being
amortized as interest expense over the three-year term of the
notes using the effective interest method.
In addition to the Note Warrants, the Company also issued
55,000 common stock purchase warrants with the same terms as the
Note Warrants and paid cash of approximately $330,000 to
third parties as finder fees and financing costs. These warrants
were valued at approximately $66,000 using a Black-Scholes
option pricing model. The total of such costs of approximately
$396,000 is being amortized as interest expense using the
effective interest method over the three year term of the notes.
48
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
On the date of issuance of the Subordinated Notes, the Company
prepaid interest for the first four months of the note. On
December 22, 2005, the Company began making quarterly
payments of principal corresponding to 8 percent of the
original principal amount plus interest and a premium of
2 percent of the principal payment made. Approximate annual
aggregate amount of maturities of such notes maturing in future
years is $1,760,000 in 2006, $1,760,000 in 2007 and $1,540,000
in 2008.
During 2005 approximately $595,000 of prepaid financing fees and
debt discount was amortized as interest expense, including a
non-cash portion of approximately $389,000. The future non-cash
debt discount and prepaid finder fees to be amortized as
interest expense over the following three years are
approximately $850,000 in 2006, $496,000 in 2007 and $126,000 in
2008. In the event the Company retires the Subordinated Notes,
the Company will be required to expense the debt discount and
prepaid financing fees in the period in which the payment occurs.
At December 31, 2005, the fair value of the
Note Warrants, using a Black-Scholes option pricing model
result, increased resulting in a loss of $8,850 that has been
included in interest expense.
|
|
9. |
Mandatorily Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock |
On August 27, 2003, the Company exchanged all 4,563
outstanding shares of its 1998 Convertible Preferred Stock for
4,563 shares of Series E Convertible Preferred Stock
(E Series Convertible Preferred Stock). If
the E Series Convertible Preferred Stock had not converted
or redeemed by December 18, 2006 it would have been
redeemed by the Company on December 18, 2006 for a price
equal to 108% of its stated value plus accrued and unpaid
premiums. The E Series Convertible Preferred Stock was
presented as Mandatorily Redeemable Convertible Preferred Stock
in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The Company had
the right to redeem the newly designated preferred stock at its
stated value plus accrued but unpaid premiums for sixteen months
and thereafter until the redemption date at 108% of its stated
value plus accrued but unpaid premiums.
In September 2005 the Company used the proceeds from an August
2005 private placement (See Note 8 Subordinated
Notes and Warrant Liability) to redeem all of the Series E
Convertible Preferred Stock for approximately $4.9 million,
which included approximately $135,000 of unpaid premium.
On March 29, 2002, the Company closed a private placement
of 1.5 million shares of common stock and 1.5 million
common stock purchase stock warrants for an aggregate sales
price of $1.5 million. The offers and sales were made only
to accredited investors as defined in
Rule 501(a) of Regulation D and the Company relied on
Regulation D and Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of
1933 to issue the securities without registration. The warrants
may be exercised at any time until March 29, 2005 to
purchase shares of common stock for an exercise price of
$1.15 per share. The Company registered the common stock
for resale in 2004.
On April 1, 2001, the Company sold 200,000 shares of
the Companys common stock to an investment banker for
$2.0625 per share, and received a secured, nonrecourse
promissory note receivable for the principal amount of $412,500.
The note receivable is collateralized by the common stock
purchased which is held in escrow. The principal amount of the
note and accrued interest is
49
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
payable on April 1, 2006. The note bears interest at the
prime rate published by the Wall Street Journal adjusted
annually. At December 25, 2004, the interest rate of the
note was 5.25%. The note receivable under the caption Stock
Subscription is part of stockholders equity in the
accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
|
|
C. |
Series J Preferred Stock |
On December 13, 2001, the Company completed an exchange and
redemption of all of the 418 shares of outstanding
Series I Convertible Preferred Stock and 203,390 associated
common stock purchase warrants for $1,951,000 in cash,
233 shares of newly created Series J Preferred Stock,
and 470,530 shares of Common Stock. The cost of the
transaction included legal and broker fees of approximately
$47,500 in cash and 136,180 shares of Common Stock issued
to the broker. The fair value of the cash, shares of
Series J Preferred Stock, and common stock transferred to
the holders of the Series I Convertible Preferred Stock
approximated the carrying value of the Series I Convertible
Preferred Stock and the related dividends payable of
approximately $4.7 million.
The Series J Preferred Stock has a stated value of
$10,000 per share and is non-convertible and non-voting.
The holders of the Series J Preferred Stock are entitled to
receive cumulative dividends, in cash, at a rate of 6% per
year. Dividends earned but not paid on the applicable dividend
payment date will bear interest at a rate of 18% per year
payable in cash unless the holders and the Company agree that
such amounts may be paid in shares of common stock.
At any time the Company has the right to redeem all or a portion
of the Series J Preferred Stock for a redemption price
equal to the stated value plus accrued and unpaid dividends. If
there is a change in control of the Company, only upon or after
the approval thereof by the Companys Board of Directors,
the holders of the Series J Preferred Stock have the right
to require the Company to redeem the Series J Preferred
Stock at a price of 120% of the stated value plus any accrued
and unpaid dividends. The parties agreed that the transaction
with Helix would not be deemed to be a change in
control for this purpose.
In the event of liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the
Company prior to the redemption of the Series J Preferred
Stock, holders of the Series J Preferred Stock will be
entitled to receive the stated value per share plus any accrued
and unpaid dividends before any distribution or payment is made
to the holders of any junior securities but after payment is
made to the holders of the 1998 Convertible Preferred Stock, if
any. In the event that the assets of the Company are
insufficient to pay the full amount due the holders of the
Series J Preferred Stock and any holders of securities
equal in ranking, such holders will be entitled to share ratably
in all assets available for distribution.
In connection with this transaction, the Company also entered
into a Registration Rights Agreement with the holder under which
the Company was required to file a registration statement on
Form S-3 covering
the resale of the 470,530 shares of common stock issued in
this transaction no later than 180 days from
December 13, 2001. During November 2003 the Company agreed
to pay $25,000 to the holder during 2004 as settlement for not
filing timely such registration statement. The
470,530 shares of common stock issued in the transaction,
together with 129,470 shares of common stock then held by
the same holder, were placed in escrow and subject to resale
restrictions based on the trading price of the common stock.
Those shares have all been released from escrow and most have
been sold into the public market. During 2005, 2004 and 2003,
approximately $141,000, $143,000 and $140,000 of the 6% dividend
on the Series J Preferred Stock is included in the caption
Dividends on Preferred Stock in the accompanying Consolidated
Statements of Operations.
50
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
|
|
D. |
Shareholder Rights Plan |
On December 14, 1999, the Board of Directors approved the
adoption of a Shareholder Rights Plan, in which a dividend of
one preferred share purchase right ( a Right) for
each outstanding share of common stock was declared, and payable
to the stockholders of record on December 31, 1999.
The Shareholder Rights Plan as amended and restated on
July 11, 2002, in connection with the combination with
Helix to, among other things, give effect to the issuance of the
exchangeable shares as voting stock of the Company, and to
otherwise take into account the effects of the combination. The
Rights will be exercisable only if a person or group acquires
15% or more of the Companys common stock or announces a
tender offer which would result in ownership of 15% or more of
the common stock. The Rights entitle the holder to purchase one
one-hundredth of a share of Series H Junior Participating
Preferred Stock at an exercise price of $28.00 and will expire
on December 31, 2009 (See Note 10E).
Following the acquisition of 15% or more of the Companys
common stock by a person or group without the prior approval of
the Board of Directors, the holders of the Rights (other than
the acquiring person) would be entitled to purchase shares of
common stock (or common stock equivalents) at one-half the then
current market price of the common stock, or at the election of
the Board of Directors, to exchange each Right for one share of
the Companys common stock (or common stock equivalent). In
the event of a merger or other acquisition of the Company
without the prior approval of the Board of Directors, each Right
will entitle the holder (other than the acquiring person), to
buy shares of common stock of the acquiring entity at one-half
of the market price of those shares. The Company would be able
to redeem the Rights at $0.01 per Right at any time until a
person or group acquires 15% or more of the Companys
common stock. The Board of Directors exempted the Helix
transaction from the operation of the Plan.
|
|
E. |
Series H Junior Participating Preferred Stock |
See Shareholder Rights Plan, above, and
Exchangeable Right Plan, below. The Series H
Junior Participating Preferred Stock is subject to the rights of
the holders of any shares of any series of preferred stock of
the Company ranking prior and superior to the Series H
Junior participating Preferred Stock with respect to dividends.
The holders of shares of Series H Junior Participating
Preferred, in preference to the holders of shares of common
stock, and any other junior stock, shall be entitled to receive
dividends, when, as and if declared by the Board of Directors
out of funds legally available therefore.
|
|
F. |
Exchangeable Rights Plan |
On July 11, 2002, in connection with the combination with
Helix, HEARx Canada, Inc., an indirect subsidiary of the
Company, adopted a Rights Agreement (the Exchangeable
Rights Plan) substantially equivalent to the
Companys Shareholder Rights Plan (See Note 10D).
Under the Exchangeable Rights Plan, each exchangeable share (See
Note 10I) issued has an associated right (an
Exchangeable Share Right) entitling the holder of
such Exchangeable Share Right to acquire additional exchangeable
shares on terms and conditions substantially the same as the
terms and conditions upon which a holder of shares of common
stock is entitled to acquire either one one-hundredth of a share
of the Companys Series H Junior Participating
Preferred Stock or, in certain circumstances, shares of common
stock under the Companys Shareholder Rights Plan. The
definitions of beneficial ownership, the calculation of
percentage ownership and the number of shares outstanding and
related provisions of the Companys Shareholder Rights Plan
and the Exchangeable Rights Plan apply, as appropriate, to
shares of common stock and exchangeable
51
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
shares as though they were the same security. The Exchangeable
Share Rights are intended to have characteristics essentially
equivalent in economic effect to the Rights granted under the
Companys Shareholder Rights Plan.
In 2005 1,600,000 warrants were exercised and 131,695 warrants
expired. No warrants were exercised in 2004.
The aggregate number of common shares reserved for issuance upon
the exercise of warrants is 5,114,853 as of December 31,
2005. The expiration date and exercise prices of the outstanding
warrants are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding | |
|
Expiration | |
|
Exercise | |
Warrants | |
|
Date | |
|
Price | |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
2,759,893 |
|
|
|
2008 |
|
|
|
1.75 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
240,000 |
|
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
1.25 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
560,000 |
|
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
1.31 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,554,960 |
|
|
|
2010 |
|
|
|
2.00 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,114,853 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
H. |
Aggregate and Per Share Cumulative Preferred Dividends |
As of December 31, 2005, there were no arrearages in
cumulative preferred dividends/premiums. As of December 25,
2004, the aggregate and per share amount of arrearages in
cumulative preferred dividends/premiums was approximately
$178,000 and $.01/share.
Immediately following the effective combination of the Company
and Helix, each outstanding Helix common share, other than
shares held by dissenting Helix Stockholders who were paid the
fair value of their shares and shares held by the Company, were
automatically exchanged for, at the election of the holder,
0.3537 fully-paid and non-assessable exchangeable shares
(Exchangeable Shares) of HEARx Canada, Inc., or
0.3537 shares of HearUSA, Inc. common stock. The
Exchangeable Shares are the economic equivalent of HearUSA, Inc.
common stock. Each Exchangeable Share will be exchanged at any
time at the option of the holder, for one share of HearUSA, Inc.
common stock, subject to any anti-dilution adjustments. Until
exchanged for HearUSA, Inc. common stock; (i) each
Exchangeable Share outstanding will entitle the holder to one
vote per share at all meetings of HearUSA, Inc. common
stockholders; (ii) if any dividends are declared on
HearUSA, Inc. common stock, an equivalent dividend must be
declared on such exchangeable shares and (iii) in the event
of the liquidation, dissolution or
winding-up of HEARx
Canada, Inc., such exchangeable shares will be exchanged for an
equivalent number of shares of HearUSA, Inc. common stock. The
exchangeable shares will be subject to mandatory exchange on
July 27, 2006, the fifth anniversary of the transaction.
52
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
The Company has the following stock plans:
|
|
A. |
Employee Stock Option Plans |
The 1987 Stock Option Plan is administered by the Companys
Board of Directors. A maximum of 250,000 shares of common
stock were authorized for issuance under this plan. All
employees of the Company, other than its then principal
stockholder (Dr. Paul A. Brown) were eligible to receive
options under this plan at the sole discretion of the Board of
Directors. Both incentive and non-incentive stock options could
be granted. This plan expired June 2, 1997 and no further
option grants can be made under this plan. The expiration of the
plan did not affect the outstanding options which remain in full
force as if the plan had not expired.
The 1995 Flexible Stock Plan is also administered by the
Companys Board of Directors. An original maximum of
250,000 shares of the Companys common stock were
authorized for issuance under this plan. On June 6, 2000
the shareholders approved an increase of 500,000 shares of
the Companys common stock available under this plan. The
plan authorizes an annual increase in authorized shares equal to
10% of the number of shares authorized as of the prior year.
Currently an aggregate of 4,895 shares remain as authorized but
not yet subject to a plan grant under the plan. All employees of
the Company are eligible to receive incentive stock options,
non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights,
restricted shares, performance shares, and other stock-based
awards under this plan at the sole discretion of the Board of
Directors. This plan expired in 2005 and no further grants can
be made under this plan. The expiration of the plan did not
affect the outstanding options granted under this plan which
remain in full force in accordance with their terms.
In 2002, the Board of Directors adopted and the Companys
stockholders approved, the 2002 Flexible Stock Plan. This plan
is administered by the Companys Board of Directors. A
maximum of 3,000,000 shares of the Companys common
stock were originally authorized for issuance under this plan.
The plan authorizes an annual increase in authorized shares
equal to 10% of the number of shares subject to the plan as of
the prior year beginning in fiscal year 2003 not to exceed
5,000,000 shares in the aggregate. All employees of the
Company are eligible to receive incentive stock options,
non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights,
restricted shares, performance shares, and other stock-based
awards under this plan at the sole discretion of the Board of
Directors.
As of December 31, 2005, employees of the Company held
options permitting them to purchase an aggregate
5,258,770 shares of common stock at prices ranging from
$0.35 to $18.75 per share. Options are exercisable for
periods ranging from four to ten years commencing one year
following the date of grant and are generally exercisable in
cumulative annual installments of 25 percent per year.
53
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
The following table summarizes the transactions of the
Companys employee stock option plans:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended | |
|
|
| |
|
|
December 31, 2005 | |
|
December 25, 2004 | |
|
December 27, 2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Weighted | |
|
|
|
Weighted | |
|
|
|
Weighted | |
|
|
|
|
Average | |
|
|
|
Average | |
|
|
|
Average | |
|
|
|
|
Exercise | |
|
|
|
Exercise | |
|
|
|
Exercise | |
|
|
Shares | |
|
Price | |
|
Shares | |
|
Price | |
|
Shares | |
|
Price | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Outstanding at beginning of year
|
|
|
5,296,987 |
|
|
$ |
1.49 |
|
|
|
3,387,755 |
|
|
$ |
1.78 |
|
|
|
2,168,290 |
|
|
$ |
3.04 |
|
|
|
|
|
Granted
|
|
|
360,000 |
|
|
$ |
1.63 |
|
|
|
2,495,000 |
|
|
$ |
1.36 |
|
|
|
1,785,000 |
|
|
$ |
0.46 |
|
|
|
|
|
Exercised
|
|
|
130,000 |
|
|
$ |
.52 |
|
|
|
6,250 |
|
|
$ |
.67 |
|
|
|
20 |
|
|
$ |
0.77 |
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeited
|
|
|
268,217 |
|
|
$ |
4.66 |
|
|
|
592,018 |
|
|
$ |
2.69 |
|
|
|
565,515 |
|
|
$ |
2.47 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at end of year
|
|
|
5,258,770 |
|
|
$ |
1.36 |
|
|
|
5,296,987 |
|
|
$ |
1.49 |
|
|
|
3,387,755 |
|
|
$ |
1.78 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercisable at end of year
|
|
|
2,265,944 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,538,540 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,418,012 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted average fair value of options granted during year
|
|
$ |
1.35 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1.20 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
0.37 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following table summarizes information about fixed employee
stock options outstanding at December 31, 2005:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted | |
|
|
|
Options | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average | |
|
Weighted | |
|
Exercisable | |
|
Weighted | |
|
|
Options | |
|
Remaining | |
|
Average | |
|
At December | |
|
Average | |
Range of Exercise Price |
|
Outstanding | |
|
Contractual Life | |
|
Exercise Price | |
|
31, 2005 | |
|
Exercise Price | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
$ .35 $ .77
|
|
|
1,762,900 |
|
|
|
6.2 |
|
|
$ |
0.50 |
|
|
|
996,023 |
|
|
$ |
.55 |
|
$ .78 $ 2.00
|
|
|
3,046,730 |
|
|
|
8.5 |
|
|
$ |
1.36 |
|
|
|
877,031 |
|
|
$ |
1.30 |
|
$2.01 $ 5.40
|
|
|
294,511 |
|
|
|
5.2 |
|
|
$ |
3.14 |
|
|
|
238,261 |
|
|
$ |
3.34 |
|
$5.41 $ 8.75
|
|
|
141,269 |
|
|
|
1.3 |
|
|
$ |
7.20 |
|
|
|
141,269 |
|
|
$ |
7.21 |
|
$8.76 $18.75
|
|
|
13,360 |
|
|
|
1.3 |
|
|
$ |
15.90 |
|
|
|
13,360 |
|
|
$ |
15.91 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,258,770 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,265,944 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The stock options are exercisable in the following years:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
3,366,770 |
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
1,093,750 |
|
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
708,250 |
|
|
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
90,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,258,770 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
B. |
Non-Employee Director Plan |
In April 1993, the stockholders of the Company approved the
adoption of the HearUSA Inc. Non-qualified Stock Option Plan for
Non-Employee Directors (Directors Plan). The
Directors Plan terminated in accordance with its terms in 2003.
As of December 31, 2005, three directors hold options as
follows: 4,500 at $4.00, 4,500 shares at $5.00, 10,500 at
$7.50, and 3,000 shares at prices ranging from $12.50 to
$58.75 per share.
54
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
|
|
C. |
Non-Employee Director Non-Plan Grant |
On April 1, 2003 options to
purchase 125,000 shares of common stock were granted
to members of the Board of Directors, at an exercise price of
$0.35, which was equal to the quoted closing price of the common
stock on the grant date. The options vested after one year and
have a ten-year life.
|
|
12. |
Major Customers and Suppliers |
During 2005, 2004 and 2003 no customer accounted for more than
10% or more of net revenues.
During 2005, 2004 and 2003, the Company purchased approximately
93.1%, 88.7% and 88.7%, respectively, of all hearing aids sold
by the Company from Siemens. As described in Note 6, the
Company is a party to a supply agreement with Siemens whereby
the Company has agreed to purchase minimum levels from Siemens.
Although there are a limited number of manufacturers of hearing
aids, management believes that other suppliers could provide
similar hearing aids on comparable terms. In the event of a
disruption of supply from Siemens, the Company could obtain
comparable products from other manufacturers. The Company has
not experienced any significant disruptions in supply in the
past.
|
|
13. |
Related Party Transactions |
The Company is a party to a capitation contract with an
affiliate of its minority owner, the Permanente Federation LLC
(the Kaiser Plan a member of its subsidiary, HEARx
West, LLC. Under the terms of the contract, HEARx West is paid
an amount per enrollee of the Kaiser Plan, to provide a once
every three years benefit on certain hearing products and
services. During 2005, 2004 and 2003 approximately $6,886,000
$6,451,000 and $6,095,000, respectively, of capitation revenue
from this contract is included in net revenue in the
accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
As mentioned in Note 19 Discontinued
Operations, on July 15, 2003, the Company sold its three
Quebec subsidiaries to private entities owned and controlled by
Steve Forget, a former Helix officer and director.
Mr. Forget served as an officer of HearUSA until October
2002 and as a director until May 2003. Prior to the disposition,
the Quebec subsidiaries provided management services to a single
client, Forget & Sauvé, audioprothesistes,
s.e.n.c. operating under the name Le Groupe Forget (Le
Groupe Forget). Le Groupe Forget is controlled by Steve
Forget. Le Groupe Forget operates a network of 16 hearing
healthcare centers in the Province of Quebec. The services
provided to Le Groupe Forget by the Quebec subsidiaries included
inventory purchasing and management, office service support,
general administration and patient management software and
related training. The aforementioned services were rendered to
Le Groupe Forget by the Quebec subsidiaries pursuant to
management agreements entered into by each of the subsidiaries
and Le Groupe Forget. During the year ended, December 27,
2003 revenues of approximately $2,559,000 were earned from
services to Le Groupe Forget. These revenues are presented, net
of related expenses, under Discontinued Operations in the
Consolidated Statements of Operations.
55
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
The components of loss before discontinued operations are as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Domestic
|
|
$ |
(1,947,000 |
) |
|
$ |
(3,142,000 |
) |
|
$ |
(727,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Foreign
|
|
|
905,000 |
|
|
|
934,000 |
|
|
|
187,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total loss before loss of discontinued operations
|
|
$ |
(1,042,000 |
) |
|
$ |
(2,208,000 |
) |
|
$ |
(540,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Company has accounted for certain items (principally
depreciation and the allowance for doubtful accounts) for
financial reporting purposes in periods different from those for
tax reporting purposes. The beneficial conversion feature has
been reclassed for all periods presented in accordance with EITF
Issue No. 05-8, Income Tax Consequences of Issuing
Convertible Debt with a Beneficial Conversion Feature.
Deferred tax assets (liabilities) are comprised of the
following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Depreciation
|
|
$ |
1,367,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,285,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Allowance for doubtful accounts
|
|
|
142,000 |
|
|
|
129,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Joint Venture
|
|
|
(881,000 |
) |
|
|
(985,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Beneficial conversion feature
|
|
|
(775,000 |
) |
|
|
(1,236,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Amortization
|
|
|
(1,321,000 |
) |
|
|
(184,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
364,000 |
|
|
|
279,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Net operating loss carryforwards
|
|
|
28,452,000 |
|
|
|
28,441,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27,348,000 |
|
|
|
27,729,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Less valuation allowance
|
|
|
(27,348,000 |
) |
|
|
(27,729,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net deferred tax asset
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
At December 31, 2005 the Company had net operating loss
carryforwards of approximately $76,000,000 for U.S. Federal
tax purposes, and approximately $2,500,000 of operating loss
carryforwards in Canada. Included in the U.S. Federal tax
net operating loss carryforwards are approximately $8,300,000
related to U.S. subsidiaries of Helix pre-combination whose
annual utilization would be limited due to the ownership change
of Helix in connection with the combination with the Company.
Should tax benefits ever be realized from such Helix
pre-combination net operating loss carryforwards, the valuation
allowance would be reduced and the benefit would be recorded as
a reduction of the goodwill resulting from the Helix combination.
The losses are available for carryforward for twenty year
periods and expire in years through 2026. Any future significant
changes in ownership of the Company may limit the annual
utilization of the tax net operating loss carryforwards.
56
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
The provision for income taxes on loss from continuing
operations differ from the amount computed using the Federal
statutory income tax rate as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Provision at Federal statutory rate
|
|
$ |
(328,000 |
) |
|
$ |
(751,000 |
) |
|
$ |
(183,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
State income taxes, net of Federal income tax effect
|
|
|
(35,000 |
) |
|
|
(80,000 |
) |
|
|
(20,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Nondeductible expenses
|
|
|
32,000 |
|
|
|
29,000 |
|
|
|
23,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Change in valuation allowance
|
|
|
381,000 |
|
|
|
802,000 |
|
|
|
256,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
28,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(76,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income tax provision
|
|
$ |
78,000 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
No income tax provision is applicable to the loss from
discontinued operations. Provision has not been made for
U.S. or additional foreign taxes on undistributed earnings
of the Companys Canadian subsidiaries. Such earnings have
been and will continue to be reinvested but could become subject
to additional tax if they were remitted as dividends, or were
loaned to the Company, or if the Company should sell its stock
in the foreign subsidiaries. Such undistributed earnings are not
significant at December 31, 2005.
|
|
15. |
Commitments and Contingencies |
The Company established the HearUSA Inc. 401(k) plan in October
1998. All employees who have attained age 21 with at least
three months of service are eligible to participate in the plan.
The Companys contribution to the plan is determined from
year to year by the Board of Directors. The Companys
contributions to the plan were approximately $56,900, $67,800
and $44,800 for the years 2005, 2004 and 2003, respectively.
In August 2005, the Company entered into employment agreements
with four of its executive officers that provide for annual
salaries, severance payments, and accelerated vesting of stock
options upon termination of employment under certain
circumstances or a change in control, as defined.
The Company also entered into change of control agreements with
several of its other officers which provide for severance
payments and acceleration of stock option vesting upon
termination of employment after a change in control, as defined.
57
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
|
|
16. |
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|
|
Second | |
|
|
|
Fourth | |
December 31, 2005 |
|
First Quarter | |
|
Quarter | |
|
Third Quarter | |
|
Quarter | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Net revenues
|
|
$ |
19,030,585 |
|
|
$ |
19,058,460 |
|
|
$ |
19,615,555 |
|
|
$ |
18,967,403 |
|
|
|
|
|
Operating costs and expenses
|
|
|
18,015,611 |
|
|
|
17,863,348 |
|
|
|
18,353,874 |
|
|
|
18,724,254 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from operations
|
|
|
1,014,974 |
|
|
|
1,195,112 |
|
|
|
1,261,681 |
|
|
|
243,149 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders
|
|
$ |
(445,068 |
) |
|
$ |
154,076 |
|
|
$ |
(88,571 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,426,407 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss from continuing operations, including dividends on
preferred stock, applicable to common stockholders
basic and diluted
|
|
$ |
(0.01 |
) |
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
|
$ |
(0.05 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss applicable to common stockholders per common
share basic and diluted (Note 1)
|
|
$ |
(0.01 |
) |
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
|
$ |
(0.05 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended |
|
|
|
Second | |
|
|
|
Fourth | |
December 25, 2004 |
|
First Quarter | |
|
Quarter | |
|
Third Quarter | |
|
Quarter | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Net revenues
|
|
$ |
16,048,307 |
|
|
$ |
17,190,923 |
|
|
$ |
17,535,395 |
|
|
$ |
17,974,917 |
|
|
|
|
|
Operating costs and expenses
|
|
|
16,228,093 |
|
|
|
16,713,585 |
|
|
|
16,316,981 |
|
|
|
17,152,503 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from operations
|
|
|
(179,786 |
) |
|
|
477,338 |
|
|
|
1,218,414 |
|
|
|
822,414 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss) applicable to common stockholders
|
|
$ |
(1,615,869 |
) |
|
$ |
(948,008 |
) |
|
$ |
(233,413 |
) |
|
$ |
(669,371 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss from continuing operations, including dividends on
preferred stock, applicable to common stockholders
basic and diluted
|
|
$ |
(0.05 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.03 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.01 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.02 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss applicable to common stockholders per common
share basic and diluted (Note 1)
|
|
$ |
(0.05 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.03 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.01 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.02 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17. |
Fair Value of Financial Instruments |
SFAS 107 requires the disclosure of fair value of financial
instruments. The estimated fair value amounts have been
determined by the Companys management using available
market information and other valuation methods. However,
considerable judgment is required to interpret market data in
developing the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the
estimates presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the
amounts the Company could realize in a current market exchange.
The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation
methods may have a material effect on the estimated fair value
amounts. Furthermore, the Company does not intend to dispose of
a significant portion of its financial instruments and thus, any
aggregate unrealized gains or losses should not be interpreted
as a forecast of future earnings and cash flows. SFAS 107
excludes certain financial instruments from its disclosure
requirements, such as leases. In addition, disclosure of fair
value estimates are not required for nonfinancial assets and
liabilities, such as fixed assets, intangibles and anticipated
future business. As a result, the following fair values are not
comprehensive and therefore do not reflect the underlying value
of the Company.
58
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
At December 31, 2005 and December 25, 2004, the fair
value of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, investment
securities, accounts and notes receivable, accounts payable and
accrued expenses approximated their carrying value based on the
short-term nature of these instruments. The fair value of the
Companys long-term debt and debt-related derivative
instruments is estimated based on discounted cash flows and the
application of the fair value interest rates applied to the
expected cash flows. The carrying amounts and related estimated
fair values for the Companys debt and debt-related
derivative instruments are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2005 | |
|
December 25, 2004 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
Book Value | |
|
Fair Value | |
|
Book Value | |
|
Fair Value | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Long-term debt
|
|
$ |
25,162,000 |
|
|
$ |
24,974,000 |
|
|
$ |
21,449,000 |
|
|
$ |
21,449,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Convertible subordinated notes
|
|
$ |
7,500,000 |
|
|
$ |
7,273,000 |
|
|
$ |
7,500,000 |
|
|
$ |
7,500,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Subordinated notes
|
|
$ |
5,060,000 |
|
|
$ |
4,943,000 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mandatorily subordinated redeemable convertible preferred stock
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
4,710,000 |
|
|
$ |
4,710,000 |
|
|
|
18. |
Recent Accounting Pronouncements |
In December 2004, SFAS No. 123(R),
Share-Based Payment, which addresses the
accounting for employee stock options, was issued.
SFAS No. 123(R) revises the disclosure provisions of
SFAS 123, Accounting for Stock Based
Compensationand supersedes APB Opinion 25,
Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.
SFAS 123(R) requires that the cost of all employee stock
options, as well as other equity-based compensation
arrangements, be reflected in the financial statements based on
the estimated fair value of the awards. This statement is
effective for all public entities the beginning of the first
interim period that begins after December 15, 2005. The
Company plans to implement SFAS 123(R) on its effective
date. Based on the outstanding number of employee stock options
and excluding the impact of any future grants at
December 15, 2005, the total stock-based employee
compensation expense determined under the fair value method that
would be reflected in the consolidated financial statements is
approximately $1,529,000 in 2005 (See Note 1 Description of
the Company and Summary of Significant Accounting
Policies stock-based compensation) and $930,000 in
2006. This additional expense will not affect the Companys
operation cash flows.
In June 2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154,
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections A
Replacement of APB Opinion No. 20 and FASB Statement
No. 3 (SFAS 154). This statement
requires that a voluntary change in accounting principle be
applied retroactively with all prior period financial statements
presented on the basis of the new accounting principal, unless
it is impractical to do so. SFAS 154 also requires that a
change in method of depreciating or amortizing a long-lived
nonfinancial asset be accounted for prospectively as a change in
estimate, and correction of errors in previously issued
financial statements should be termed a restatement.
The new standard is effective for accounting changes and a
correction of errors made in fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 2005. We will adopt this pronouncement in
fiscal year 2006.
|
|
19. |
Discontinued Operations |
On July 15, 2003, the Company sold 100% of the shares of
the Companys three subsidiaries and selected assets
associated with the management of the centers located in the
Canadian Province of Quebec (Quebec) to private
entities owned and controlled by Steve Forget, a former Helix
officer and director. Mr. Forget served as an officer of
HearUSA until October 2002 and as a
59
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
director until May 2003. The sale agreement provided for
payments to the Company of approximately $1.7 million,
representing, in part, payment of pre-existing debt owed the
Company by Forget & Sauve of approximately
$1.6 million. The Company received an initial cash payment
of $700,000 at closing and $1 million over the five
following months.
The operating results of Quebec are presented as discontinued
operations. The sale resulted in a loss on disposal of
approximately $105,000. Net revenues of the discontinued
operations for the years ended December 27, 2003 were
approximately $2.6 million. Net losses from discontinued
operations applicable to common stockholders per common
shares-basic and diluted were $(0.01) for 2003. Pre-tax net
losses of the discontinued operation were approximately $96,000
and $158,000, for the 2003 period through disposal.
In June 2005, the Company sold the assets of a group of hearing
care centers in the states of Minnesota, Washington and
Wisconsin, including goodwill, customer list and selected assets
with a net book value of approximately $735,000, for
approximately $1.1 million in cash, resulting in a gain on
disposition of assets of approximately $365,000. The Company
received proceeds totaling approximately $786,000 in June 2005
and had an outstanding receivable of approximately $314,000
which was received in the third quarter of 2005.
The assets sold and related operating results have been
presented as discontinued operations and the consolidated
financial statements have been reclassified to segregate the
assets and operating results for all periods presented in
accordance with SFAS No. 144 Accounting for the
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, including
$145,850 of property and equipment, $442,000 of goodwill and
$148,275 of net intangibles as of December 25, 2004. The
assets and operating expenses of these hearing care centers sold
were reported under the center segment.
Net revenues, pre-tax net losses and net loss from discontinued
operations applicable to common stockholders-basic and diluted
of the discontinued operations for the years ended
December 31, 2005, December 25, 2004 and
December 27, 2003 were approximately as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Net revenues of discontinued operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quebec discontinued operations
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
2,600,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Minnesota, Washington and Wisconsin discontinued operations
|
|
|
1,825,000 |
|
|
|
3,551,000 |
|
|
|
3,465,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Combined net revenues
|
|
$ |
1,825,000 |
|
|
$ |
3,551,000 |
|
|
$ |
6,065,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pre-tax net losses of discontinued operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quebec discontinued operations
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
202,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Minnesota, Washington and Wisconsin discontinued operations
|
|
|
396,000 |
|
|
|
551,000 |
|
|
|
368,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Combined pre-tax net losses
|
|
$ |
396,000 |
|
|
$ |
551,000 |
|
|
$ |
570,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss from discontinued operations applicable to common
stockholders-basis and diluted:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quebec discontinued operations
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
(0.01 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Minnesota, Washington and Wisconsin discontinued operations
|
|
|
0.00 |
|
|
|
(0.01 |
) |
|
|
(0.01 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Combined net loss from discontinued operations applicable to
common stockholders-basic and diluted
|
|
$ |
0.00 |
|
|
$ |
(0.01 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.02 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
60
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
The following operating segments represent identifiable
components of the company for which separate financial
information is available. The following table represents key
financial information for each of the Companys business
segments, which include the operation and management of centers,
the establishment, maintenance and support of an affiliated
network and the operation of an
e-commerce business.
The centers offer people afflicted with hearing loss a complete
range of services and products, including diagnostic
audiological testing, the latest technology in hearing aids and
listening devices to improve their quality of life. The network,
unlike the Company-owned centers, is comprised of hearing care
practices owned by independent audiologists. The network
revenues are mainly derived from administrative fees paid by
employer groups, health insurers and benefit sponsors to
administer their benefit programs as well as maintaining an
affiliated provider network.
E-commerce offers
on-line product sales of hearing aid related products, such as
batteries, hearing aid accessories and assistive listening
devices. The Companys business units are located in the
United States and Canada. The following is the Companys
segment information by year:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Centers | |
|
E-commerce | |
|
Network | |
|
Corporate | |
|
Total | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Hearing aids and other products revenues |
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
$ |
71,365,000 |
|
|
$ |
80,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
71,445,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
2004
|
|
$ |
63,149,000 |
|
|
$ |
79,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
63,228,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
2003
|
|
$ |
60,858,000 |
|
|
$ |
69,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
60,927,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Service revenues |
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
$ |
3,805,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,422,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
5,227,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
2004
|
|
$ |
4,413,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,109,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
5,522,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
2003
|
|
$ |
5,100,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
1,053,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
6,153,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from operations |
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
15,137,000 |
|
|
|
(105,000 |
) |
|
|
549,000 |
|
|
|
(11,866,000 |
) |
|
|
3,715,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
12,310,000 |
|
|
|
(27,000 |
) |
|
|
447,000 |
|
|
|
(10,392,000 |
) |
|
|
2,338,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
2003
|
|
|
13,063,000 |
|
|
|
(49,000 |
) |
|
|
504,000 |
|
|
|
(11,250,000 |
) |
|
|
2,268,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
1,764,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
205,000 |
|
|
|
1,974,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
|
50,119,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,131,000 |
|
|
|
17,732,000 |
|
|
|
68,982,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures
|
|
|
970,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
228,000 |
|
|
|
1,198,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
1,893,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,000 |
|
|
|
174,000 |
|
|
|
2,072,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
|
47,241,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,722,000 |
|
|
|
10,459,000 |
|
|
|
59,422,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures
|
|
|
318,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,000 |
|
|
|
62,000 |
|
|
|
383,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2003
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
2,002,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,000 |
|
|
|
779,000 |
|
|
|
2,784,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
|
44,100,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,149,000 |
|
|
|
20,934,000 |
|
|
|
66,183,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Capital expenditures
|
|
|
174,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
94,000 |
|
|
|
268,000 |
|
61
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
Hearing aids and other products revenues consisted of the
following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Hearing aid revenues
|
|
|
95.5 |
% |
|
|
94.6 |
% |
|
|
96.8 |
% |
|
|
|
|
Other products revenues
|
|
|
4.5 |
% |
|
|
5.4 |
% |
|
|
3.2 |
% |
Services revenues consisted of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Hearing aid repairs
|
|
|
53.4 |
% |
|
|
50.1 |
% |
|
|
60.5 |
% |
|
|
|
|
Testing and other income
|
|
|
46.6 |
% |
|
|
49.9 |
% |
|
|
39.5 |
% |
Income (loss) from operations at the segment level is computed
before the following, the sum of which is included in the column
Corporate as loss from operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
2003 | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
General and administrative expense
|
|
$ |
11,661,000 |
|
|
$ |
10,218,000 |
|
|
$ |
10,471,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Deprecation and amortization
|
|
$ |
205,000 |
|
|
$ |
174,000 |
|
|
$ |
779,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate loss from operations
|
|
$ |
11,866,000 |
|
|
$ |
10,392,000 |
|
|
$ |
11,250,000 |
|
Information concerning geographic areas:
As of and for the Years Ended December 31, 2005 and
December 25, 2004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
United States | |
|
|
|
United States | |
|
|
|
|
2005 | |
|
Canada 2005 | |
|
2004 | |
|
Canada 2004 | |
|
|
$ | |
|
$ | |
|
$ | |
|
$ | |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
Hearing aid and other product revenues
|
|
|
63,500,000 |
|
|
|
7,945,000 |
|
|
|
56,743,000 |
|
|
|
6,485,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Service revenues
|
|
|
4,835,000 |
|
|
|
392,000 |
|
|
|
5,212,000 |
|
|
|
310,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Long-lived assets
|
|
|
41,587,000 |
|
|
|
10,308,000 |
|
|
|
39,235,000 |
|
|
|
9,704,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
|
55,771,000 |
|
|
|
13,211,000 |
|
|
|
47,658,000 |
|
|
|
11,764,000 |
|
Net revenues by geographic area are allocated based on the
location of the subsidiary operations.
During 2005, the working capital deficit decreased
$1.8 million to $3.1 million as of December 31,
2005 from $4.9 million as of December 27, 2004. The
decrease in the deficit is attributable to an excess of
approximately $4.0 million in cash from operations and
financing activities over cash used for investing activities
offset by an increase in current maturities of long-term debt,
convertible subordinated debt and subordinated notes of
approximately $2.8 million. The working capital deficit of
$3.1 million includes approximately $3.0 million
representing the current maturities of the long-term debt to
Siemens which may be repaid through preferred pricing reductions
and approximately $652,000 ($2.5 million in current
maturities, net of $1.5 million of debt discount) related
to the $7.5 million convertible subordinated notes that can
be repaid by either cash or stock, at the option of the Company.
In 2005, the Company generated income from operations of
approximately $3.7 million compared to $2.3 million in
2004. Cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2005
were approximately $6.7 million.
62
HearUSA, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
The Company believes that current cash and cash equivalents and
cash flow from operations, at current net revenue levels, will
be sufficient to support the Companys operational needs
through the next twelve months, although there can be no
assurance that the Company can maintain compliance with the
Siemens loan covenants, that net revenue levels will
remain at or higher than current levels or that unexpected cash
needs will not arise for which the cash, cash equivalents and
cash flow from operations will not be sufficient. In the event
of a shortfall in cash, the Company might consider short-term
debt, or additional equity or debt offerings. There can be no
assurance however, that such financing will be available to the
Company on favorable terms or at all. The Company also is
continuing its aggressive cost controls and sales and gross
margin improvements.
63
HearUSA Inc.
Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying
Accounts
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at |
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at |
|
|
Beginning |
|
|
|
|
|
End Of |
|
|
Of Period |
|
Additions |
|
Deductions |
|
Period |
|
December 31, 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allowance for doubtful accounts
|
|
$ |
373,583 |
|
|
$ |
354,107 |
|
|
$ |
(314,304 |
) |
|
$ |
413,386 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allowance for sales returns(1)
|
|
$ |
425,116 |
|
|
$ |
17,287 |
|
|
$ |
(1,818 |
) |
|
$ |
440,585 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Valuation allowance
|
|
$ |
27,729,000 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
(381,000 |
) |
|
$ |
27,348,000 |
|
|
December 25, 2004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allowance for doubtful accounts
|
|
$ |
490,881 |
|
|
$ |
430,454 |
|
|
$ |
(547,752 |
) |
|
$ |
373,583 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allowance for sales returns
|
|
$ |
445,147 |
|
|
$ |
71,061 |
|
|
$ |
(91,092 |
) |
|
$ |
425,116 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Valuation allowance
|
|
$ |
28,531,000 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
(802,000 |
) |
|
$ |
27,729,000 |
|
|
December 27, 2003
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allowance for doubtful accounts
|
|
$ |
578,323 |
|
|
$ |
801,303 |
|
|
$ |
(888,745 |
) |
|
$ |
490,881 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Allowance for sales returns
|
|
$ |
789,539 |
|
|
$ |
32,830 |
|
|
$ |
(377,222 |
) |
|
$ |
445,147 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Valuation allowance
|
|
$ |
28,787,000 |
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
(256,000 |
) |
|
$ |
28,531,000 |
|
|
|
|
(1) |
Allowance for sales returns is included in accounts payable on
the Consolidated Balance Sheets. |
64
|
|
Item 9. |
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
Accounting and Financial Disclosure |
None.
|
|
Item 9A. |
Controls and Procedures |
The Companys management, with the participation of the
Companys chief executive officer and chief financial
officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the Companys
disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in
Rules 13a-15(e)
and 15d-15(e) under the
Securities Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2005. Based on
this evaluation, the Companys chief executive officer and
chief financial officer concluded that, as of December 31,
2005, the Companys disclosure controls and procedures were
effective, in that they provide reasonable assurance that
information required to be disclosed by the Company in the
reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange
Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the
time periods specified in the SECs rules and forms.
No change in the Companys internal control over financial
reporting (as defined in
Rules 13a-15(f)
and 15d-15(f) under the
Exchange Act) occurred during the fiscal quarter ended
December 31, 2005 that has materially affected, or is
reasonably likely to materially affect, the Companys
internal control over financial reporting.
|
|
Item 9B. |
Other Information |
None.
65
PART III
|
|
Item 10. |
Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant |
The information required by this Item for directors is set forth
in the Companys 2006 Proxy Statement under the heading
Election of Directors and is incorporated herein by
this reference as if set forth in full.
The information required by this Item for executive officers is
set forth in Part I of this report under the heading
Executive Officers of the Company.
|
|
Item 11. |
Executive Compensation |
The information required by this Item is set forth in the
Companys 2006 Proxy Statement under the heading
Election of Directors and is incorporated herein by
this reference as if set forth in full.
|
|
Item 12. |
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management and Related Stockholder Matters |
The information required by this Item is set forth in the
Companys 2006 Proxy Statement under the heading
Election of Directors and is incorporated herein by
this reference as if set forth in full.
The following table sets forth certain information regarding the
Companys equity compensation plans as of December 31,
2005:
Equity Compensation Plan Information
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Number of securities | |
|
|
remaining available | |
|
|
Number of Securities | |
|
|
|
for future issuance | |
|
|
to be issued upon | |
|
Weighted-average | |
|
under equity | |
|
|
exercise of | |
|
exercise price of | |
|
compensation plans | |
|
|
outstanding options, | |
|
outstanding options, | |
|
(excluding securities | |
|
|
warrants and rights | |
|
warrants and rights | |
|
reflected in column | |
Plan Category |
|
(a) | |
|
(b) | |
|
(a)) | |
| |
Equity compensation plans
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
approved by security holders
|
|
|
4,981,270 |
|
|
$ |
1.44 |
|
|
|
360,830 |
(1) |
|
Equity compensation plans
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
not approved by security
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
holders
|
|
|
529,800 |
(2) |
|
$ |
0.90 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total equity compensation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
plans approved and not
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
approved by security holders
|
|
|
5,511,070 |
|
|
$ |
1.41 |
|
|
|
360,830 |
(1) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
The plans authorize an annual increase in authorized shares
equal to 10% of the number of shares authorized as of the prior
year. |
|
|
|
(2) |
Consists of non-qualified options granted outside the
Companys 1987 Stock Option Plan and 1995 Flexible Stock
Plan in 1996, 1999, 2001 and 2003 and non-employee director
options granted under the Non-Employee Director Plan (see
Note 10B) and outside of the Non-Employee Director Plan in
2003. |
|
66
The material features of the outstanding options which were
granted outside the plans approved by stockholders are as
follows:
2001 Non-plan Option Grant:
On October 24, 2001 an option to
purchase 300,000 shares of common stock was approved
by the Board of Directors and granted to Stephen J. Hansbrough,
the Companys Chief Executive Officer, at an exercise price
of $0.77, which was equal to the closing price of Common Stock
as reported on the American Stock Exchange on the grant date.
The options vested immediately and have a ten-year life.
2003 Non-plan Option Grant:
On April 1, 2003 an option to
purchase 125,000 shares of common stock was granted to
the Board of Directors, at an exercise price of $0.35, which was
equal to the closing price of the Common Stock as reported on
the American Stock Exchange on the grant date. The options
vested after one year and have a ten-year life.
Other Non-plan Option Grants:
Options to purchase 76,700 shares of common stock were
approved by the Board of Directors and granted to various
employees and consultants between in 1996, at exercise prices
ranging from $0.77 to $20.00, which were equal to the closing
prices of the Common Stock on the grant dates. These options are
fully vested and have a ten-year life.
|
|
Item 13. |
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions |
The information required by this item is set forth in the
Companys 2006 Proxy Statement under the heading
Election of Directors and is incorporated herein by
this reference as if set forth in full.
|
|
Item 14. |
Principal Accountants Fees and Services |
The information required by this Item will appear under the
heading Independent Auditors Fees in our Proxy
Statement, which section is incorporated herein by reference.
PART IV
|
|
Item 15. |
Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Report on
Form 8-K |
(a) The following documents are filed as part of this
report:
(1) Financial Statements
|
|
|
|
(i) |
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2005 and
December 25, 2004. Consolidated Statements of Operations
for the years ended December 31, 2005, December 25,
2004 and December 27, 2003. |
|
|
|
|
(ii) |
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders Equity
for the years ended December 31, 2005, December 25,
2004 and December 27, 2003. |
|
|
|
|
(iii) |
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
December 31, 2005, December 25, 2004 and
December 27, 2003. |
|
|
|
(iv) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements |
(2) Financial statement schedule:
|
|
|
Schedule II Valuation
and Qualifying Accounts |
67
(3) Exhibits:
|
|
|
|
|
|
2 |
.1 |
|
Plan of Arrangement, including exchangeable share provisions
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2.3 to the
Companys Joint Proxy Statement/ Prospectus on
Form S-4 (Reg. No. 333-73022)). |
|
3 |
.1 |
|
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of HEARx Ltd., including
certain certificates of designations, preferences and rights of
certain preferred stock of the Company (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 3 to the Companys Current Report
on Form 8-K, filed May 17, 1996 (File
No. 001-11655)). |
|
3 |
.2 |
|
Amendment to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1A to the
Companys Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period
ended June 28, 1996 (File No. 001-11655)). |
|
3 |
.3 |
|
Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation including one
for ten reverse stock split and reduction of authorized shares
(incorporated herein to Exhibit 3.5 to the Companys
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ending
July 2, 1999 (File No. 001-11655)). |
|
3 |
.4 |
|
Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation including an
increase in authorized shares and change of name (incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Companys
Current Report on Form 8-K, filed July 17, 2002 (File
No. 001-11655)). |
|
3 |
.5 |
|
Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of the
Companys 1999 Series H Junior Participating Preferred
Stock (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4 to the
Companys Current Report on Form 8-K, filed
December 17, 1999 (File No. 001-11655)). |
|
3 |
.6 |
|
Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of the
Companys Special Voting Preferred Stock (incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Companys
Current Report on Form 8-K, filed July 19, 2002 (File
No. 001-11655)). |
|
3 |
.7 |
|
Amendment to Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights
of the Companys 1999 Series H Junior Participating
Preferred Stock (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 4 to the Companys Current Report on
Form 8-K, filed July 17, 2002 (File
No. 001-11655)). |
|
3 |
.8 |
|
Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of the
Companys 1998-E Convertible Preferred Stock (incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Companys
Current Report on Form 8-K, filed August 28, 2003
(File No. 001-11655)). |
|
3 |
.9 |
|
Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation (increasing
authorized capital) (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 3.9 to the Companys Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 26, 2004). |
|
3 |
.10 |
|
Amended and Restated By-Laws of HearUSA, Inc. (effective
May 9, 2005) (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 3.1 to the Companys Current Report on
Form 8-K, filed May 13, 2005). |
|
4 |
.1 |
|
Amended and Restated Rights Agreement, dated July 11, 2002
between HEARx and the Rights Agent, which includes an amendment
to the Certificate of Designations, Preferences and Rights of
the Companys 1999 Series H Junior Participating
Preferred Stock (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 4.9.1 to the Companys Joint Proxy/Prospectus
on Form S-4 (Reg. No. 333-73022)). |
|
4 |
.2 |
|
Form of Support Agreement among HEARx Ltd., HEARx Canada, Inc.
and HEARx Acquisition ULC (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 99.3 to the Companys Joint Proxy Statement/
Prospectus on Form S-4 (Reg No. 333-73022)). |
|
4 |
.3 |
|
Form of 2003 Convertible Subordinated Note due November 30,
2008 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to
the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K, filed
December 31, 2003). |
|
9 |
.1 |
|
Form of Voting and Exchange Trust Agreement among HearUSA, Inc.,
HEARx Canada, Inc and HEARx Acquisition ULC and ComputerShare
Trust Company of Canada (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 9.1 to the Companys Joint Proxy Statement/
Prospectus on Form S-4 (Reg. No. 333-73022)). |
|
10 |
.1 |
|
HEARx Ltd. 1987 Stock Option Plan (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Companys
Registration Statement of Form S-18 (Reg.
No. 33-17041-NY))# |
68
|
|
|
|
|
|
10 |
.2 |
|
HEARx Ltd. Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors and Form
of Option Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibits 10.35 and 10.48 to Post-Effective Amendment
No. 1 to the Companys Registration Statement of
Form S-18 (Reg. No. 33-17041-NY))# |
|
10 |
.3 |
|
1995 Flexible Employee Stock Plan (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 4 to the Companys 1995 Proxy
Statement)# |
|
10 |
.4 |
|
Employment Agreement, dated August 31, 2005 with
Dr. Paul A. Brown (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.1 to the Companys Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q, for the quarter ended October 1, 2005.)# |
|
10 |
.5 |
|
Employment Agreement, dated August 31, 2005 with Stephen J.
Hansbrough (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 10.2 to the Companys Quarterly Report on
Form 10-Q, for the quarter ended October 1, 2005.)# |
|
10 |
.6 |
|
Employment Agreement, dated August 31, 2005 with Gino
Chouinard (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3
to the Companys Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for
the quarter ended October 1, 2005.)# |
|
10 |
.7 |
|
Employment Agreement, dated August 31, 2005 with Ken
Schofield (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4
to the Companys Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for
the quarter ended October 1, 2005.)# |
|
10 |
.8 |
|
Form of Change in Control Agreement (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Companys Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 1,
2005.)# |
|
10 |
.9 |
|
Credit Agreement, dated December 7, 2001 between HEARx Ltd
and Siemens Hearing Instruments, Inc (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Companys Current
Report on Form 8-K, filed December 26, 2001) |
|
10 |
.10 |
|
Security Agreement, dated December 7, 2001 between HEARx
Ltd and Siemens Hearing Instruments, Inc (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Companys Current
Report on Form 8-K, December 26, 2001) |
|
10 |
.11 |
|
Supply Agreement, dated December 7, 2001 between HEARx Ltd
and Siemens Hearing Instruments, Inc (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Companys Current
Report on Form 8-K, December 26, 2001) |
|
10 |
.12 |
|
HearUSA 2002 Flexible Stock Plan (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Companys Joint Proxy
Statement/ Prospectus on Form S-4 (Reg. No. 333-73022)# |
|
10 |
.13 |
|
Amendment to Security Agreement, dated March 12, 2003
between HearUSA, Inc. and Siemens Hearing Instruments, Inc.
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the
Companys Form 10Q for the period ended March 29,
2003). |
|
10 |
.14 |
|
Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated March 12, 2003 between
HearUSA, Inc. and Siemens Hearing Instruments, Inc.
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Companys Form 10-Q for the period ended
March 29, 2003). |
|
10 |
.15 |
|
Purchase Agreement dated August 19, 2005 by and among
HearUSA, Inc. and the purchasers named therein (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Companys
Registration Statement on Form S-3/A filed October 7,
2005). |
|
10 |
.16 |
|
Form of Registration Rights Agreement by and among HearUSA, Inc.
and the purchasers named in the Purchase Agreement dated
August 19, 2005 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.2 to the Companys Registration Statement
on Form S-3/A filed October 7, 2005). |
|
10 |
.17 |
|
Asset Purchase Agreement dated June 15, 2005, between
HearUSA, Inc. and Sonus-USA, Inc. (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Companys Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 2,
2005). |
|
21 |
|
|
List of Subsidiaries |
|
23 |
|
|
Consent of the Independent Public Accountants |
|
31 |
.1 |
|
CEO Certification, pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
|
31 |
.2 |
|
CFO Certification, pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
|
32 |
|
|
CEO and CFO Certification, pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
|
|
# |
Denotes compensatory plan or arrangement for Company officer or
director. |
69
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused
this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized.
|
|
|
HearUSA, Inc. |
|
(Registrant) |
|
|
|
|
|
Date: March 31, 2006
|
|
By: |
|
/s/ Paul A. Brown, M.D.
Paul A.
Brown, M.D. Chairman of
the Board |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons
on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the
dates indicated.
|
|
|
|
|
Signature |
|
Title |
|
Date |
|
|
|
|
|
/s/ Paul A. Brown
Paul A. Brown M.D. |
|
Chairman of the Board and Director |
|
March 31, 2006 |
|
/s/ Stephen J.
Hansbrough
Stephen J. Hansbrough |
|
Chief Executive Officer and Director |
|
March 31, 2006 |
|
/s/ Gino Chouinard
Gino Chouinard |
|
Chief Financial Officer |
|
March 31, 2006 |
|
/s/ David J. McLachlan
David J. McLachlan |
|
Director |
|
March 31, 2006 |
|
/s/ Thomas W. Archibald
Thomas W. Archibald |
|
Director |
|
March 31, 2006 |
|
/s/ Joseph L.
Gitterman III
Joseph L. Gitterman III |
|
Director |
|
March 31, 2006 |
|
/s/ Michel Labadie
Michel Labadie |
|
Director |
|
March 31, 2006 |
|
/s/ Bruce Bagni
Bruce Bagni |
|
Director |
|
March 31, 2006 |
70