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Table of Contents

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the Quarter Ended: January 31, 2003

 

Commission File No.: 0-24338

 


 

VARIFLEX, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware

 

95-3164466

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification Number)

 

5152 North Commerce Avenue, Moorpark, California 93021

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:

(805) 523-0322

 

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  x    No  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined under Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  Yes  ¨    No  x

 

As of March 3, 2003, there were 4,603,771 shares of Common Stock, $.001 par value, outstanding.

 



Table of Contents

 

VARIFLEX, INC.

 

INDEX

 

           

Page No.


Part I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

      

Item 1.

  

Financial Statements

      
    

Consolidated Balance Sheets at January 31, 2003 and July 31, 2002

    

3

    

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Month and Six Month Periods Ended January 31, 2003 and 2002

    

4

    

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended January 31, 2003 and 2002

    

5

    

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

    

6

Item 2.

  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

    

8

Part II—OTHER INFORMATION

      

Item 1.

  

Legal Proceedings

    

15

Item 4.

  

Controls and Procedures

    

15

Item 6.

  

Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

    

15

 

2


Table of Contents

 

PART 1—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.

  

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

VARIFLEX, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

 

    

January 31, 2003


    

July 31, 2002


 
    

(Unaudited)

        

ASSETS

                 

Current assets:

                 

Cash and cash equivalents

  

$

14,107

 

  

$

12,169

 

Trade accounts receivable, less allowances of $449 and $445 as of January 31, 2003 and July 31, 2002, respectively

  

 

6,515

 

  

 

11,341

 

Inventory (finished goods)

  

 

11,860

 

  

 

10,037

 

Inventory (raw materials and work-in-process)

  

 

946

 

  

 

737

 

Deferred income taxes

  

 

1,337

 

  

 

1,230

 

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

  

 

722

 

  

 

900

 

    


  


Total current assets

  

 

35,487

 

  

 

36,414

 

Property and equipment, net

  

 

394

 

  

 

350

 

Intangible assets

  

 

2,141

 

  

 

2,370

 

Other assets

  

 

366

 

  

 

565

 

    


  


Total assets

  

$

38,388

 

  

$

39,699

 

    


  


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                 

Current liabilities:

                 

Trade acceptances payable

  

$

611

 

  

$

330

 

Accounts payable

  

 

1,456

 

  

 

1,804

 

Accrued warranty

  

 

912

 

  

 

1,054

 

Accrued salaries and related liabilities

  

 

608

 

  

 

748

 

Accrued co-op advertising

  

 

1,815

 

  

 

1,737

 

Accrued returns and allowances

  

 

1,143

 

  

 

1,226

 

Accrued product liability claims

  

 

419

 

  

 

390

 

Other accrued expenses

  

 

267

 

  

 

434

 

Current maturities of note payable

  

 

200

 

  

 

200

 

    


  


Total current liabilities

  

 

7,431

 

  

 

7,923

 

Note payable, less current maturities

  

 

579

 

  

 

739

 

Commitments and contingencies

                 

Stockholders’ equity:

                 

Preferred stock, $.001 par value, 5,000,000 shares

                 

Authorized, none issued and outstanding

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

Common stock, $.001 par value, 40,000,000 shares

                 

Authorized, 6,044,736 issued as of January 31, 2003 and July 31, 2002

  

 

9

 

  

 

9

 

Common stock warrants

  

 

702

 

  

 

702

 

Additional paid-in capital

  

 

21,023

 

  

 

21,023

 

Retained earnings

  

 

17,359

 

  

 

18,018

 

Treasury stock, at cost, 1,440,965 shares as of January 31, 2003 and July 31, 2002

  

 

(8,715

)

  

 

(8,715

)

    


  


Total stockholders’ equity

  

 

30,378

 

  

 

31,037

 

    


  


Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

  

$

38,388

 

  

$

39,699

 

    


  


See accompanying notes.

 

3


Table of Contents

VARIFLEX, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

    

Six months ended

January 31,


    

Three months ended

January 31,


 
    

2003


    

2002


    

2003


    

2002


 

Net sales

  

$

22,482

 

  

$

16,506

 

  

$

9,880

 

  

$

6,767

 

Cost of goods sold

  

 

19,452

 

  

 

15,050

 

  

 

8,740

 

  

 

6,337

 

    


  


  


  


Gross profit

  

 

3,030

 

  

 

1,456

 

  

 

1,140

 

  

 

430

 

    


  


  


  


Operating expenses:

                                   

Selling and marketing

  

 

1,058

 

  

 

997

 

  

 

454

 

  

 

492

 

General and administrative

  

 

2,701

 

  

 

3,044

 

  

 

1,392

 

  

 

1,513

 

    


  


  


  


Total operating expenses

  

 

3,759

 

  

 

4,041

 

  

 

1,846

 

  

 

2,005

 

    


  


  


  


Loss from operations

  

 

(729

)

  

 

(2,585

)

  

 

(706

)

  

 

(1,575

)

    


  


  


  


Other income (expense):

                                   

Interest expense

  

 

(40

)

  

 

(46

)

  

 

(20

)

  

 

(23

)

Interest income and other

  

 

110

 

  

 

243

 

  

 

56

 

  

 

104

 

    


  


  


  


Total other income (expense)

  

 

70

 

  

 

197

 

  

 

36

 

  

 

81

 

    


  


  


  


Loss before income taxes

  

 

(659

)

  

 

(2,388

)

  

 

(670

)

  

 

(1,494

)

Provision for income taxes

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

    


  


  


  


Net loss

  

$

(659

)

  

$

(2,388

)

  

$

(670

)

  

$

(1,494

)

    


  


  


  


Net loss per share of common stock:

                                   

Basic

  

$

(0.14

)

  

$

(0.52

)

  

$

(0.15

)

  

$

(0.32

)

    


  


  


  


Diluted

  

$

(0.14

)

  

$

(0.52

)

  

$

(0.15

)

  

$

(0.32

)

    


  


  


  


Weighted average shares outstanding:

                                   

Basic

  

 

4,604

 

  

 

4,601

 

  

 

4,604

 

  

 

4,604

 

    


  


  


  


Diluted

  

 

4,604

 

  

 

4,601

 

  

 

4,604

 

  

 

4,604

 

    


  


  


  


 

See accompanying notes.

 

4


Table of Contents

VARIFLEX, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

    

Six months ended

January 31,


 
    

2003


    

2002


 

Operating activities

                 

Net loss

  

$

(659

)

  

$

(2,388

)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:

                 

Depreciation and amortization

  

 

51

 

  

 

59

 

Amortization of intangibles

  

 

239

 

  

 

239

 

Non-cash interest charge

  

 

40

 

  

 

46

 

Deferred income taxes

  

 

(107

)

  

 

435

 

Provision for bad debts

  

 

—  

 

  

 

46

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

                 

Trade accounts receivable

  

 

4,878

 

  

 

3,140

 

Inventory

  

 

(2,031

)

  

 

(443

)

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

  

 

312

 

  

 

706

 

Trade acceptances payable

  

 

281

 

  

 

419

 

Accounts payable

  

 

(346

)

  

 

(517

)

Other current liabilities

  

 

(425

)

  

 

(672

)

    


  


Net cash provided by operating activities

  

 

2,233

 

  

 

1,070

 

    


  


Investing activities

                 

Purchases of property and equipment

  

 

(95

)

  

 

(104

)

Other assets

           

 

121

 

    


  


Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

  

 

(95

)

  

 

17

 

    


  


Financing activities

                 

Principal payment on note payable

  

 

(200

)

  

 

(200

)

    


  


Net cash used in financing activities

  

 

(200

)

  

 

(200

)

    


  


Net increase in cash

  

 

1,938

 

  

 

887

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

  

 

12,169

 

  

 

16,612

 

    


  


Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  

$

14,107

 

  

$

17,499

 

    


  


 

See accompanying notes.

 

5


Table of Contents

VARIFLEX, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

Note 1.    Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three and six month periods ended January 31, 2003 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full fiscal year. For further information, refer to the financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2002.

 

Note 2.    Earnings per Share

 

Basic earnings per share exclude any dilutive effects of options, warrants and convertible securities. Diluted earnings per share include the dilutive effects of stock options and warrants. For the three and six month periods ended January 31, 2003 and 2002, diluted earnings per share excluded the effect of all options and warrants as their effect would have been antidilutive.

 

Note 3.    Segment Information

 

Pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131 (“SFAS No. 131”), “Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information,” the Company has determined, based on its internal system of management reporting and its assessment of performance as a single operating unit, that during the three and six months ended January 31, 2003 and 2002, it operated in only one segment. The Company classifies its products into similar product groupings. The action sport products primarily include in-line skates and skateboards. The outdoor products primarily include portable instant canopies and springless trampolines. The protective products include recreational protective equipment, such as wrist guards, elbow pads, knee pads, and helmets.

 

6


Table of Contents

 

Sales of similar products within the segment are as follows:

 

    

Six months ended January 31,


    

Three months ended January 31,


 
    

2003


    

2002


    

2003


    

2002


 

Action sport products

  

$

13,618

 

  

$

8,209

 

  

$

5,586

 

  

$

3,049

 

Outdoor products

  

 

8,739

 

  

 

6,580

 

  

 

4,192

 

  

 

3,041

 

Protective products

  

 

1,300

 

  

 

2,758

 

  

 

643

 

  

 

995

 

Other products

  

 

233

 

  

 

159

 

  

 

122

 

  

 

63

 

    


  


  


  


Total gross sales

  

 

23,890

 

  

 

17,706

 

  

 

10,543

 

  

 

7,148

 

Returns and allowances

  

 

(895

)

  

 

(715

)

  

 

(392

)

  

 

(189

)

Cooperative advertising

  

 

(513

)

  

 

(485

)

  

 

(271

)

  

 

(192

)

    


  


  


  


Total net sales

  

$

22,482

 

  

$

16,506

 

  

$

9,880

 

  

$

6,767

 

    


  


  


  


 

Note 4.    Legal Proceedings

 

From time to time, the Company is involved in claims involving product liability arising in the ordinary course of its business. The Company carries product liability insurance coverage with self-insured retention deductible claims and routinely reserves against such claims. In the opinion of the management, any additional liability to the Company arising under any pending product liability claims would not materially affect its financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

Note 5.    Stock Based Compensation

 

Employee stock options are accounted for under Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” as amended and interpreted, which requires recognition of expense when the option price is less that the fair value of the stock at the date of grant. The Company generally awards options for a fixed number of shares at an option price equal to the fair value of the stock at the date of the grant. The Company has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation” (SFAS 123).

 

If the Company recognized employee stock option related compensation expense in accordance with SFAS 123 and used the minimum value method for grants prior to the Company’s initial public offering and the Black-Scholes method model afterwards for determining the weighted average fair value of options granted, the Company’s net income and earnings per share would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below:

 

7


Table of Contents

 

    

Six months ended January 31,


    

Three months ended January 31,


 
    

2003


    

2002


    

2003


    

2002


 

Net loss as reported

  

$

(659

)

  

$

(2,388

)

  

$

(670

)

  

$

(1,494

)

Stock-based employee compensation cost included in reported net loss

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

  

 

—  

 

Pro forma stock-based employee compensation cost under SFAS 123

  

 

(105

)

  

 

(95

)

  

 

(53

)

  

 

(47

)

    


  


  


  


Pro forma net loss

  

$

(764

)

  

$

(2,483

)

  

$

(723

)

  

$

(1,541

)

    


  


  


  


Loss per share:

                                   

Basic—as reported

  

$

(0.14

)

  

$

(0.52

)

  

$

(0.15

)

  

$

(0.32

)

    


  


  


  


Basic—pro forma

  

$

(0.17

)

  

$

(0.54

)

  

$

(0.16

)

  

$

(0.33

)

    


  


  


  


Diluted—as reported

  

$

(0.14

)

  

$

(0.52

)

  

$

(0.15

)

  

$

(0.32

)

    


  


  


  


Diluted—pro forma

  

$

(0.17

)

  

$

(0.54

)

  

$

(0.16

)

  

$

(0.33

)

    


  


  


  


 

ITEM 2.

  

MANAGEMENT ’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Overview

 

The Company is a leading distributor and wholesaler in the United States of in-line skates, skateboards, recreational protective equipment (such as wrist guards, elbow pads and knee pads used by skaters and skateboarders) and helmets, canopies, and trampolines. The Company designs and develops these products, which are then manufactured to the Company’s detailed specifications by independent contractors. The Company distributes its products throughout the United States and, to a lesser extent, in foreign countries.

 

Net sales consist of invoiced sales less agreed upon programs, (primarily returns and allowances, and cooperative advertising expenses). The Company sells its products primarily to mass merchandise, major sporting goods and major home improvement retailers. The Company uses independent sales representatives to provide sales support.

 

Costs of goods sold consist of product costs, freight distribution, warehouse costs, payroll expenses, facility costs, and other product related costs such as warranty expenses and royalty fees. The Company does not own or operate any manufacturing facilities and sources its products through independent contract manufacturers.

 

8


Table of Contents

 

Operating expenses consist of selling and marketing costs and general and administrative costs. Selling and marketing costs consist of payroll expenses, sales commissions and other promotional items. General and administrative costs consist of payroll, legal, accounting, information systems, product development, intangible amortization and other overhead expenses.

 

Other income and expenses consists of interest income, interest expense and other non-operating items.

 

Results of Operations

 

Net Sales.    Net sales for the second quarter of fiscal 2003 (the quarter ended January 31, 2003) totaled $9,880,000 compared to $6,767,000 for the second quarter of fiscal 2002, representing an increase of $3,113,000 or 46%. For the six months ended January 31, 2003, net sales totaled $22,482,000 compared to $16,506,000 for the corresponding period of the prior year, representing an increase of $5,976,000 or 36%.

 

Gross sales of action sport products increased $2,537,000, or 83% and $5,409,000, or 66% for the quarter ended January 31, 2003 and the six month period ended January 31, 2003 respectively. These increases were primarily the result of greater sales of both in-line skates and skateboards and, to a lesser extent, sales of new products. Gross sales of outdoor products increased $1,151,000, or 38% and $2,159,000, or 33% for the quarter ended January 31, 2003 and the six month period ended January 31, 2003 respectively. The increase in outdoor products for the quarter was a result of increased sales of canopies partially offset by lower trampoline sales. For the six month period the increase in outdoor product sales was a result of an increase in both canopies and trampolines albeit canopies at a much higher rate. The increased sales in both action sports and outdoor products were partially offset by a $352,000, or 35% and $1,458,000, or 53% reduction in protective products for the quarter ended January 31, 2003 and the six month period ended January 31, 2003, respectively. This decrease in gross sales of protective products was largely the result of the expiration of a license to use the X-Games logo on certain products.

 

The following table shows the Company’s major product categories as a percentage of total gross sales for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2003 compared to the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2002. Action sport products include in-line skates, skateboards, scooters and bike accessories. Outdoor products include portable instant canopies and springless trampolines. Protective products include recreational protective equipment, such as wrist guards, elbow pads, knee pads and helmets.

 

    

Six months ended January 31,


    

Quarter ended January 31,


 
    

2003


    

2002


    

2003


    

2002


 

Action sport products

  

57

%

  

46

%

  

53

%

  

43

%

Outdoor products

  

37

%

  

37

%

  

40

%

  

43

%

Protective products

  

5

%

  

16

%

  

6

%

  

13

%

Other products

  

1

%

  

1

%

  

1

%

  

1

%

    

  

  

  

Total

  

100

%

  

100

%

  

100

%

  

100

%

    

  

  

  

 

9


Table of Contents

 

Gross Profit.    Gross profit for the second quarter of fiscal 2003 totaled $1,140,000 compared to $430,000 for the second quarter of fiscal 2002, an increase of $710,000 or 165%. The Company’s gross margin was 11.5% of net sales for the quarter ended January 31, 2003, compared to 6.4% for the quarter ended January 31, 2002. The increase in gross margin percentage was primarily the result of a substantial portion of labor and overhead costs being fixed in nature, and therefore, not increasing with higher sales volumes. Partially offsetting this increase in gross margin were increases in product liability and commercial general liability insurance costs as well as lower gross profit margins on increased direct sales and to a lesser degree overall competitive pricing. Gross profit for the six months ended January 31, 2003 totaled $3,030,000 compared to $1,456,000 in fiscal 2002, an increase of $1,574,000 or 102%. Gross margin was 13.5% for the six months ended January 31, 2003, compared to 8.8% for the six months ended January 31, 2002. The increase in gross margin was primarily due to the same factors that impacted the second quarter, as discussed above.

 

Operating Expenses.    The Company’s selling and marketing expenses totaled $454,000, for the second quarter of fiscal 2003, compared to $492,000 in the second quarter of 2002, a decrease of $38,000 or 7.7%. Selling and marketing expenses for the second quarter of fiscal 2003 amounted to 4.6% of net sales, compared to 7.3% during the second quarter of fiscal 2002. The decrease in selling and marketing expense during the quarter was attributable to savings in tradeshow and promotional expenses as well as lower wage expense resulting from the Company’s decision to reduce international sales efforts. These savings were partially offset by an increase in commissions as a result of higher sales in the quarter. For the six months ended January 31, 2003, selling and marketing expenses totaled $1,058,000 compared to $997,000 for the corresponding period of the prior year, representing an increase of $61,000 or 6.1%. Selling and marketing expenses for the first six months of fiscal 2003 amounted to 4.7% of net sales, compared to 6.0% during the first six months of fiscal 2002. The increase in selling and marketing expense for the six month period was due to increases in commission expense as a result of higher sales partially offset by the second quarter lower wage expense, lower trade show and promotional expenses as noted above.

 

General and administrative expenses totaled $1,392,000 in the second quarter of 2003, compared to $1,513,000 in the second quarter of 2002, a decrease of $121,000 or 8.0%. General and administrative expenses for the second quarter of fiscal 2003 amounted to 14.1% of net sales, compared to 22.4% during the second quarter of 2002. The decrease in general and administrative expenses for the second quarter is attributable to certain expenses in 2002 associated with facility maintenance and certain consulting/recruitment fees associated with the hiring of key Company personnel. For the six months ended January 31, 2003, general and administrative expenses totaled $2,701,000 compared to $3,044,000 for the corresponding period of the prior year, representing a decrease of $343,000 or 11.3%. General and administrative expenses for the first six months of fiscal 2003 amounted to 12.0% of net sales, compared to 18.4% during the first six months of fiscal 2002. The decrease in general and administrative expense for the six month period was primarily due to decreased expenses associated with wages, bonuses, severance costs and items noted above.

 

10


Table of Contents

 

Other Income (Expense).    Other income totaled $36,000 in the second quarter of 2003, compared to $81,000 in the second quarter of 2002, a decrease of $45,000 or 56%. For the six months ended January 31, 2003, other income totaled $70,000 compared to $197,000 for the corresponding period of the prior year, a decrease of $127,000 or 64%. The decrease for the second quarter and first six months was primarily due to decreased interest rates available on the Company’s cash and cash equivalents.

 

Provision for Income Taxes.    The income tax provision for the second quarter and first six months of fiscal 2003 and 2002 was zero due to changes in the valuation allowance. The effective rate differs from the federal statutory rate due to changes in the valuation allowance, certain expenses not deductible for tax purposes and state taxes. At January 31, 2003, the Company had a valuation allowance of approximately $2.3 million against a portion of its net deferred tax assets. To the extent that the Company generates sufficient taxable ordinary income in the future, the valuation allowance may be reduced. Should the Company not generate sufficient taxable income in the future, the valuation may need to be increased. Approximately $1.3 million of the valuation allowance would only be reversed and reflected as a reduction of income tax expense if the Company generates qualifying capital gain income, which we do not expect to occur in the foreseeable future.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

The Company funds its activities principally from cash flow generated from operations and a credit facility with a major bank. Cash and cash equivalents totaled $14,107,000 as of January 31, 2003, compared to $12,169,000 as of July 31, 2002. The cash equivalents are invested in money market funds which consist of investment-grade short-term instruments. The Company currently plans to continue investing cash in this manner. The increase in cash and cash equivalents of $1,938,000 was a result of cash collections from receivables, partially offset by an increase in inventory purchases as a result of a possible west coast port strike. Net working capital as of January 31, 2003 was $28,506,000, compared to $28,491,000 as of July 31, 2002. The Company’s current ratio (which measures the liquidity of the Company by comparing the current assets as a percentage of current liabilities) was 4.8:1 as of January 31, 2003, compared to 4.6:1 at July 31, 2002.

 

The Company has a credit agreement with a major bank providing a $9,000,000 revolving line of credit with separate sub-limits of $9,000,000 for the issuance of commercial letters of credit and $2,000,000 for actual cash borrowing. The agreement is secured by substantially all the assets of the Company and carries an interest rate equal to the bank’s “reference rate” which is equivalent to “prime” and offers certain LIBOR based interest options. The Company is in compliance with all monthly financial covenants called for in the credit agreement. Borrowings for letters of credit have varied, typically reaching the highest levels in the pre-Christmas and the spring seasons. The outstanding balance on letters of credit on January 31, 2003 was $1,040,000 leaving approximately $7,960,000 available for issuance of letters of credit, inclusive of a separate sub limit of $2,000,000 available for cash borrowings. Since the Company expects to finance its 2003 operations from operating cash flow and existing cash reserves, the Company does not currently anticipate borrowing cash available under the line during this fiscal year. To the extent that terms and conditions are favorable, the Company intends to renegotiate its credit agreement with the bank for an extended period on or before expiration of the current agreement on May 1, 2003.

 

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The Company had long-term debt of $579,000 as of January 31, 2003 compared to $739,000 as of July 31, 2002, with the decrease due to a $200,000 principal payment made in the first quarter, offset by accrued interest for the period. The long term debt arose as a result of a patent that was purchased in April 2000 which involved a collapsible canopy with a telescoping roof support structure and is payable in installments of $200,000 each year, to be paid over an eight year period with a final payment on August 1, 2007.

 

The Company announced on March 5, 2003 that Nasdaq has approved the Company’s application to transfer its common stock from The Nasdaq National Market to the Nasdaq SmallCap Market, effective at the start of trading on Monday, March 10, 2003. The Company did not meet the Nasdaq National Market requirements for the Marketplace Rule requiring the Company to maintain a minimum market value of publicly held shares (not including shares owned by affiliates) of $5,000,000 and maintain a minimum of 400 round lot shareholders, respectively. The Nasdaq SmallCap requires the Company maintain a minimum market value of publicly held shares (not including shares owned by affiliates) of $1,000,000 and maintain a minimum of 300 round lot shareholders. The Company’s shares will continue to be traded under the ticker symbol “VFLX” and the Company believes that the transfer should not affect how the Company’s shares are bought and sold.

 

Lease Commitments

 

The Company leases warehouse and office facilities under an operating lease that requires minimum monthly payments of $62,000, and also provides for the lessee to pay property taxes, insurance, repairs and maintenance and utilities. The lease expires on December 31, 2005 and is subject to escalation every eighteen months based on changes in the consumer price index. The Company has an option to extend this lease for sixty months based on the escalation amount determined above and the Company has a right of first offer to purchase this facility. The Company also leases additional warehouse space in another building under an operating lease requiring minimum monthly payments of $24,000, which amount includes property taxes, insurance, repairs and maintenance, and utilities. This agreement expires June 18, 2004.

 

Annual future minimum lease payments under existing operating leases are as follows:

 

      

Operating Leases


      

(In thousands)

Years ending July 31:

        

Six months ending 2003

    

$

505

2004

    

 

776

2005

    

 

756

2006

    

 

322

2007 and thereafter

    

 

3

      

Total minimum lease payments

    

$

2,362

      

 

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Sensitivity

 

The Company does not believe that the fluctuation in the value of the dollar in relation to the currency of its suppliers has any significant material and adverse impact on the Company’s ability to purchase products at agreed upon prices. Typically, the Company and its suppliers negotiate prices in U.S. Dollars and payments to suppliers are also made in U.S. Dollars. Nonetheless, there can be no assurance that the value of the dollar will not have an impact upon the Company in the future if it fluctuates significantly against foreign currencies.

 

The Company’s exposure to market rate risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to the Company’s investment in short-term instruments and money market funds. The Company also has interest rate sensitivity related to its revolving direct advance line of credit.

 

Risks Associated With Forward Looking Statements

 

From time to time, the Company may make certain statements that contain “forward-looking” information or statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Words such as “believe”, “intends”, “expects”, “anticipates” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements may be made by management orally or in writing, including, but not limited to, in press releases, as part of the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contained in this Report, and in the Company’s other filings with the Securities Exchange Commission. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. Such forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, without limitation those identified below. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should any of the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results of current or future operations may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated, or projected. The Company undertakes no obligations to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this report.

 

There are risks and uncertainties that may affect our future operating results, business and financial condition, including, but not limited to the following risks: (1) the risk of reduction in consumer demand for the product categories in which the Company does business or the Company’s products in particular; (2) a slowdown in economic conditions in general and the retail sector in particular; (3) the risk of loss of one or more of the Company’s major customers; (4) the risks inherent in the design, development, and sale of new products and product enhancements, including those associated with patent issues and marketability; (5) the risk that the Company may not be able to continue to provide its products at prices that are competitive or that it can continue to design and market products that appeal to consumers even if price-competitive; (6) fluctuations in the company’s quarterly operating results may negatively affect the Company’s stock price; (7) reliance on foreign suppliers to source the Company’s products could make it difficult to enforce our rights abroad and to quickly find alternative sources of supply if needed; (8) the Company’ product mix subjects it to potentially large product liability claims.

 

Readers are also encouraged to refer to the Company’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K for a further discussion of the Company’s business and the risks and opportunities attendant thereto.

 

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Critical Accounting Policies

 

Use of Estimates—Financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles require management to make estimates and judgments that affect amounts and disclosures reported in the financial statements. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates made in preparing the consolidated financial statements include allowances made against accounts receivables, reserves taken against inventory, accruals for sales returns and allowances, warranty, product liability claims, and other litigation related matters.

 

Accounts Receivable—Accounts receivable consist primarily of amounts due to us from our normal business activities. The Company’s ability to collect outstanding receivables from our customers is critical to our operating performance and cash flows. We maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts to reflect the estimated future uncollectability of accounts receivable based on past collection history and specific risks that have been identified by reviewing current customer information.

 

Inventory—Inventories consist primarily of finished products purchased in bulk categories to be sold to our customers. We state our inventories at lower of cost or market. In assessing the ultimate realization of inventories, we are required to make judgments as to the future selling prices and demand requirements and compare that with the current or committed inventory levels. In addition, an allowance for obsolete inventory is maintained to reflect the expected net realizable value of inventory based on an evaluation of slow-moving products.

 

Revenue Recognition—We recognize revenue when products are shipped. Sales are shown net of estimated allowances for returns, discounts, and cooperative advertising.

 

Warranties/Returns—The Company records a liability for the estimated costs of product warranties and returns at the time revenue is recognized. The Company’s warranty and returns obligations are affected by product failure rates, material usage, and other factors. The estimate of costs to service its warranty and returns obligation is based on historical experience and expectation of future conditions. To the extent the Company experiences increased warranty claim and returns activity or increased costs with servicing those claims, its warranty and returns accrual will increase, resulting in decreased gross profit.

 

Product Liability—The Company is involved in various claims arising from the sale of products in the normal course of business. The Company carries product liability insurance on its products. Under the insurance policy, any settlements on product liability claims require the Company to pay a deductible, depending on the type of product. Management and its legal counsel periodically review the claims for merit and for those claims that are deemed to be of merit the Company estimates its portion of the potential settlement and provides an accrual for that amount.

 

Deferred Taxes—The Company records a valuation allowance to reduce tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized. Realization of our deferred tax assets is principally dependent upon our achievement of projected future taxable income. Our judgment regarding future profitability may change due to future market conditions and other factors. These changes, if any, may require possible material adjustments to these deferred tax asset balances.

 

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PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.     LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

See Note 4 to Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part I of this Form 10-Q, which is incorporated herein by this reference.

 

ITEM 4.     CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

(a)  Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

 

The term “disclosure controls and procedures” refers to the controls and other procedures of a company that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by a company in the reports that it files under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (“Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within required time periods. Within 90 days prior to the date of this report (“February 21, 2003”), our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of February 21, 2003, such controls and procedures were effective at ensuring that required information will be disclosed on a timely basis in our periodic reports filed under the Exchange Act.

 

(b)  Changes in internal controls

 

There were no significant changes to our internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect our internal controls subsequent to February 21, 2003.

 

ITEM 6.     EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

 

(a)  Exhibits.

 

None.

 

(b)  Reports on Form 8-K.

 

No reports on Form 8-K were filed by the Registrant during the quarter to which this Form 10-Q relates.

 

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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.

 

       

VARIFLEX, INC.

March 10, 2003

     

/s/    RAYMOND H. LOSI II        


       

Raymond H. Losi II

Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

March 10, 2003

     

/s/    PETAR KATURICH        


       

Petar Katurich

Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

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CERTIFICATIONS

 

I, Raymond H. Losi II, certify that:

 

1.   I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Variflex, Inc.

 

2.   Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this annual report.

 

3.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report.

 

4.   The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and have:

 

  a)   designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

 

  b)   evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the “Evaluation Date”); and

 

  c)   presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

 

5.   The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a)   all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

 

  b)   any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and

 

6.   The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

 

Date:    March 10, 2003

 

/s/    RAYMOND H. LOSI II        


Raymond H. Losi II

Chief Executive Officer

 

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CERTIFICATIONS

 

I, Petar Katurich certify that:

 

1.   I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Variflex, Inc.

 

2.   Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report.

 

3.   Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report.

 

4.   The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and have:

 

  a)   designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;

 

  b)   evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the “Evaluation Date”); and

 

  c)   presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

 

5.   The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

  a)   all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and

 

  b)   any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and

 

6.   The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

 

Date:    March 10, 2003

 

/s/    PETAR KATURICH        


Petar Katurich

Chief Financial Officer

 

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