UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, DC 20549 ----------- FORM 10-Q /X/ QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934. For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2003 OR / / TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934. For the transition period from to --------------------- ----------------------- Commission file number 0-27378 NUCO2 INC. (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter) Florida 65-0180800 (State or Other Jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Incorporation or Organization) Identification No.) 2800 SE Market Place, Stuart, FL 34997 (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code) (772) 221-1754 (Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code) N/A (Former Name, Former Address and Former Fiscal Year, if Changed Since Last Report) Indicate by check /X/ 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 /x/ whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes /X/ No / / Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of Common Stock, as of the latest practicable date: Class Outstanding at September 30, 2003 ----- --------------------------------- Common Stock, $.001 par value 10,633,405 sharesNUCO2 INC. Index ----- PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2003 and 3 June 30, 2003 Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended 4 September 30, 2003 and September 30, 2002 Statement of Shareholders' Equity for the Three 5 Months Ended September 30, 2003 Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months 6 Ended September 30, 2003 and September 30, 2002 Notes to Financial Statements 7 ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF 14 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES 21 ABOUT MARKET RISK ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES 21 PART II. OTHER INFORMATION ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES 22 AND USE OF PROCEEDS ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K 22 SIGNATURES 23 2 PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NUCO2 INC. BALANCE SHEETS (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS) ASSETS ------ September 30, 2003 June 30, 2003 ------------------ ------------- (unaudited) Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 153 $ 455 Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $2,301 and $2,299, respectively 6,786 6,217 Inventories 238 210 Prepaid expenses and other current assets 2,449 1,605 --------- --------- Total current assets 9,626 8,487 --------- --------- Property and equipment, net 91,928 92,448 --------- --------- Other assets: Goodwill, net 19,222 19,222 Deferred financing costs, net 2,623 1,593 Customer lists, net 23 25 Non-competition agreements, net 914 985 Deferred lease acquisition costs, net 2,953 2,892 Other assets 197 194 --------- --------- 25,932 24,911 --------- --------- Total assets $ 127,486 $ 125,846 ========= ========= LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY ------------------------------------ Current liabilities: Current maturities of long-term debt $ 3,045 $ 2,294 Accounts payable 4,811 4,095 Accrued expenses 1,213 1,315 Accrued interest 476 981 Accrued payroll 797 1,212 Other current liabilities 355 329 --------- --------- Total current liabilities 10,697 10,226 Long-term debt, excluding current maturities 40,398 28,659 Subordinated debt 27,870 39,576 Customer deposits 3,284 3,191 --------- --------- Total liabilities 82,249 81,652 --------- --------- Commitments and contingencies Redeemable preferred stock 9,443 9,258 --------- --------- Shareholders' equity: Preferred stock; no par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized; 7,500 shares issued and outstanding -- -- Common stock; par value $.001 per share; 30,000,000 shares authorized; 10,633,405 shares issued and outstanding 11 11 Additional paid-in capital 95,086 92,938 Accumulated deficit (59,303) (57,884) Accumulated other comprehensive loss -- (129) --------- --------- Total shareholders' equity 35,794 34,936 --------- --------- Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 127,486 $ 125,846 ========= ========= See accompanying notes to financial statements. 3 NUCO2 INC. STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (In thousands, except per share amounts) (UNAUDITED) Three Months Ended September 30, -------------------------------- 2003 2002* ---- ----- Product sales $ 12,008 $ 11,196 Equipment rentals 8,230 7,482 -------- -------- Total revenues 20,238 18,678 -------- -------- Costs and expenses: Cost of products sold, excluding depreciation and amortization 8,350 7,885 Cost of equipment rentals, excluding depreciation and amortization 1,104 1,258 Selling, general and administrative expenses 4,015 4,627 Depreciation and amortization 3,912 4,419 Loss on asset disposals 415 607 -------- -------- 17,796 18,796 -------- -------- Operating income (loss) 2,442 (118) Loss on early extinguishment of debt (Notes 4 and 5) 1,964 -- Interest expense 1,897 1,992 -------- -------- Net (loss) $ (1,419) $ (2,110) ======== ======== Basic and diluted (loss) per share $ (0.15) (0.24) ======== ======== Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding, basic and diluted 10,633 9,693 ======== ======== Pro forma amounts assuming adoption of EITF Issue No. 00-21, "REVENUE ARRANGEMENTS WITH MULTIPLE DELIVERABLES" is applied retroactively (Note 2): Net (loss) $ (1,419) $ (1,703) ======== ======== Basic and diluted (loss) per share $ (0.15) $ (0.19) ======== ======== See accompanying notes to financial statements. *Restated to conform to current year presentation. 4 NUCO2 INC. STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (In thousands, except share amounts) (UNAUDITED) Accumulated Common Stock Additional Other Total --------------------- Paid-In Accumulated Comprehensive Shareholders' Shares Amount Capital Deficit Loss Equity ------ ------ ------- ------- ---- ------ Balance, June 30, 2003 10,633,405 $ 11 $ 92,938 $ (57,884) $ (129) $ 34,936 Comprehensive (loss): Net (loss) -- -- -- (1,419) -- (1,419) Other comprehensive income: Interest rate swap transaction -- -- -- -- 129 129 ----------- Total comprehensive (loss) (1,290) Issuance and extension of warrants (Note 5) 2,333 2,333 Redeemable preferred stock dividend -- -- (185) -- -- (185) ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- Balance, September 30, 2003 10,633,405 $ 11 $ 95,086 $ (59,303) $ -- $ 35,794 =========== =========== =========== =========== =========== =========== See accompanying notes to financial statements. 5 NUCO2 INC. STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (in thousands) (UNAUDITED) Three Months Ended September 30, -------------------------------- 2003 2002* ---- ----- Cash flows from operating activities: Net (loss) $ (1,419) $ (2,110) Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment 3,364 3,450 Amortization of other assets 548 969 Amortization of original issue discount 87 52 Paid-in-kind interest 133 -- Loss on disposals 415 607 Loss on early extinguishment of debt 1,964 -- Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Decrease (increase) in: Trade accounts receivable (569) 319 Inventories (28) 3 Prepaid expenses and other current assets (844) (103) Increase (decrease) in: Accounts payable 716 (772) Accrued expenses (108) (99) Accrued payroll (416) (348) Accrued interest (463) 1,070 Other current liabilities 25 (153) Customer deposits 93 203 -------- -------- Net cash provided by operating activities 3,498 3,088 -------- -------- Cash flows from investing activities: Purchase of property and equipment (3,230) (3,600) Increase in deferred lease acquisition costs (346) (232) Increase in other assets (1) (22) -------- -------- Net cash used in investing activities (3,577) (3,854) -------- -------- Cash flows from financing activities: Repayment of long-term debt (70,711) (14,510) Proceeds from issuance of common stock -- 16,224 Issuance cost - common stock -- (1,124) Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 73,200 -- Exercise of stock options -- 6 Increase in deferred financing costs (2,712) (253) -------- -------- Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (223) 343 -------- -------- Decrease in cash and cash equivalents (302) (423) Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period 455 1,562 -------- -------- Cash and cash equivalents at the end of period $ 153 $ 1,139 ======== ======== Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: Cash paid during the period for: Interest $ 2,053 $ 870 ======== ======== Income taxes $ -- $ -- ======== ======== See accompanying notes to financial statements. *Restated to conform to current year presentation. 6 NUCO2 INC. NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED) NOTE 1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION The accompanying unaudited financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q used for quarterly reports under Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and therefore, do not include all information and footnotes necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. The financial information included in this report has been prepared in conformity with the accounting principles and methods of applying those accounting principles, reflected in the financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003 included in Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, except as stated below regarding the adoption of EITF Issue No. 00-21, "REVENUE ARRANGEMENTS WITH MULTIPLE DELIVERABLES" ("EITF 00-21"). All adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the results for the interim periods presented have been recorded. This quarterly report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with the Company's audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2003. The results of operations for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year. As a result of the adoption of EITF 00-21, the Company anticipates that reported revenue will fluctuate on a quarterly basis due to seasonal variations. Based on historical data and expected trends, the Company anticipates that revenue from the delivery of C02 will be highest in the first quarter and lowest in the third quarter. NOTE 2. ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS In April 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued SFAS No. 149, "AMENDMENT OF STATEMENT 133 ON DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES" ("SFAS 149"). SFAS 149 amends and clarifies financial accounting and reporting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts (collectively referred to as derivatives) and for hedging activities under SFAS No. 133. SFAS 149 is effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003, and designated hedges after June 30, 2003, except for those provisions of SFAS 149 which relate to SFAS No. 133 implementation issues that have been effective for fiscal quarters that began prior to June 15, 2003. For those issues, the provisions that are currently in effect should continue to be applied in accordance with their respective effective dates. In addition, certain provisions of SFAS 149, which relate to forward purchases or sales of when-issued securities or other securities that do not yet exist, should be applied to both existing contracts and new contracts entered into after June 30, 2003. The adoption of SFAS 149 had no material impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, "ACCOUNTING FOR CERTAIN FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS WITH CHARACTERISTICS OF BOTH LIABILITIES AND EQUITY" ("SFAS 150"). SFAS 150 establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. SFAS 150 requires that an issuer classify a financial instrument that is within the scope of SFAS 150 as a liability. SFAS 150 was effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is originally effective for the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The adoption of SFAS 150 had no material impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. On July 1, 2003, the Company adopted EITF 00-21. EITF 00-21 addresses certain aspects of the accounting by a vendor for arrangements under which the vendor will perform multiple revenue generating activities. The Company's bulk CO2 budget plan agreements provide for a fixed monthly payment to cover the use of a bulk CO2 system and a predetermined maximum quantity of CO2. As of September 30, 2003, approximately 54,000 of the Company's customer locations utilized this plan. Prior to July 1, 2003, the Company, as lessor, recognized revenue from leasing CO2 systems under its budget plan agreements on a straight-line basis over the life of the related leases. The Company developed a methodology for the purpose of separating the aggregate revenue stream between the rental of the equipment and the sale of the CO2. Effective July 1, 2003, revenue attributable to the lease of equipment, including equipment leased under the budget plan, is recorded on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease and revenue attributable to the supply of CO2 and other gases, including CO2 provided under the budget plan, is recorded upon delivery to the customer. The Company has elected to apply EITF 00-21 retroactively to all budget plan agreements in existence as of July 1, 2003. Based on the Company's analysis, the aggregate amount of CO2 actually delivered under budget plans during the quarter ended June 30, 2003 is not materially different than the corresponding portion of the fixed charges attributable to CO2. Accordingly, the Company believes the cumulative effect of the adoption of EITF 00-21 as of July 1, 2003 is not material. However, the effect of adopting EITF 00-21 in the manner described above resulted in an increase in revenue and net income during the three months ended September 30, 2003 of approximately $400,000, or $0.04 per share. Solely for comparative purposes, the Company has separated equipment rentals and CO2 sales in the statement of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2002; however, all revenue derived from budget plans for that period is recognized on a straight-line basis as disclosed in the Company's summary of significant accounting policies included in its prior Annual Reports on Form 10-K. Under the budget plan, each customer has a maximum CO2 allowance that is measured and reset on the contract anniversary date. At that date, it is appropriate to record revenue for contract billings in excess of actual deliveries of CO2. Because of the large number of customers under the budget plan and the fact that the anniversary dates for determining maximum quantities are spread throughout the year, the Company's methodology necessarily involves the use of estimates and assumptions to separate the aggregate revenue stream derived from equipment rentals to budget plan customers, and also to approximate the recognition of revenue from CO2 sales to budget plan customers when earned. The Company believes that the adoption of EITF 00-21 has the most impact on the recognition 7 of revenue on a quarterly basis as CO2 usage fluctuates during a fiscal year based on factors such as weather, and traditional summer and holiday periods. Over a twelve-month period, the Company believes the effect is less significant since seasonal variations are largely eliminated and CO2 allowances under budget plan agreements are measured and reset annually. If the guidance of EITF 00-21 had been applied retroactively, prior year results would have been different than previously reported as follows (in thousands, except per share amouns): Three Months Ended September 30, -------------------------------- 2003 2002 ---- ---- Revenues, as reported $ 20,238 $ 18,678 Adoption of EITF 00-21 -- 407 -------- -------- Revenues, as adjusted $ 20,238 $ 19,085 ======== ======== Net loss, as reported $ (1,419) $ (2,110) Adoption of EITF 00-21 -- 407 -------- -------- Net loss, as adjusted $ (1,419) $ (1,703) ======== ======== Basic and diluted loss per share, as reported $ (0.15) $ (0.24) Adoption of EITF 00-21 -- 0.05 -------- -------- Basic and diluted loss per share, as adjusted $ (0.15) $ (0.19) ======== ======== NOTE 3. NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE Basic loss per common share has been computed by dividing the net loss, after giving effect to redeemable preferred stock dividends (see Note 6), by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted loss per common share has been computed on the basis of the weighted average number of common and, if dilutive, common equivalent shares outstanding during the period. Common equivalent shares for stock options and warrants calculated pursuant to the treasury stock method were not included in diluted earnings per common share because they would have been anti-dilutive. Also, not included in the computation of diluted earnings per common share was the effect of outstanding shares of redeemable preferred stock using the "if converted" method, because the effect would be anti-dilutive. The following table presents the Company's net (loss) available to common shareholders and (loss) per share, basic and diluted (in thousands, except per share amounts): Three Months Ended September 30, -------------------------------- 2003 2002 ---- ---- Net (loss) $ (1,419) $ (2,110) Redeemable preferred stock dividends (185) (171) -------- -------- Net (loss) available for common shareholders $ (1,604) $ (2,281) ======== ======== Weighted average outstanding shares of common stock 10,633 9,693 (Loss) per share - basic and diluted $ (0.15) $ (0.24) ======== ======== NOTE 4. LONG-TERM DEBT In September 2001, the Company entered into a $60.0 million second amended and restated revolving credit facility with a syndicate of banks ("Amended Credit Facility"). This facility replaced the Company's prior facility, which was due to expire in May 2002. The Company was required to assess compliance with its debt covenants under the Amended Credit Facility on a quarterly basis. These financial covenants were based on a measure that is not consistent with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Such measure was EBITDA (as defined), which represented earnings (loss) before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as modified by certain defined adjustments. The failure to meet these covenants, absent a waiver or amendment, would have placed the Company in default and caused the debt outstanding under the Amended Credit Facility to become immediately due and payable. The Amended Credit Facility also included certain cross-default provisions to the Company's 12% Senior Subordinated Promissory Notes (see Note 5). Prior to June 30, 2002, the Amended Credit Facility was amended to adjust certain financial covenants for the quarter ended March 31, 2002 and prospectively, and non-compliance with the minimum EBITDA covenant for the three months ended March 31, 2002 was waived. As of June 30, 2002, the Company was not in compliance with certain of its financial covenants. On September 27, 2002, the Amended Credit Facility was amended to adjust certain financial covenants for the quarter ended June 30, 2002, and prospectively, and the maturity of the Amended Credit Facility was extended to November 17, 2003. As of September 30, 2002, the Company was in compliance with all of the financial covenants under the Amended Credit Facility. On February 7, 2003, the Amended Credit Facility 8 was amended to adjust certain financial covenants for the quarter ended December 31, 2002 and prospectively, non-compliance with the minimum EBITDA covenant for the three months ended December 31, 2002 was waived, the maturity of the Amended Credit Facility was extended to April 29, 2004, and the Amended Credit Facility was reduced to $45.0 million. As of March 31, 2003 and June 30, 2003, the Company was in compliance with all of the financial covenants under the Amended Credit Facility. On August 22, 2002, the Company completed the private placement of 1,663,846 shares of its common stock to 24 accredited investors at a price of $9.75 per share realizing net cash proceeds of approximately $15.1 million after issuance costs of $1.1 million. Pursuant to the requirements of the Amended Credit Facility, the Company used $14.5 million of the proceeds to pay down outstanding debt under the Amended Credit Facility. On August 25, 2003, the Company terminated the Amended Credit Facility and entered into a $50.0 million senior credit facility with a syndicate of banks (the "Senior Credit Facility"). The Senior Credit Facility consists of a $30.0 million A term loan facility (the "A Term Loan"), a $10.0 million B term loan facility (the "B Term Loan"), and a $10.0 million revolving loan facility (the "Revolving Loan Facility"). The A Term Loan matures on August 25, 2007, the B Term Loan matures on August 25, 2008 and the Revolving Loan Facility matures on August 25, 2007. The B Term Loan is subordinate in right of payment to the A Term Loan and borrowings under the Revolving Loan Facility. The Company is entitled to select either Eurodollar Loans (as defined) or Base Rate Loans (as defined), plus applicable margin, for principal borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility. The applicable Eurodollar Loan margin for A Term Loans and borrowings pursuant to the Revolving Loan Facility ranges from 3.5% to 4.0%, and the applicable Base Rate Loan margin ranges from 2.5% to 3.0%, provided that until delivery to the lenders of the Company's financial statements for the quarter ending June 30, 2004, the margin on Eurodollar Loans is 4.0% and the margin for Base Rate Loans is 3.0%. The applicable Eurodollar Loan margin and Base Rate Loan margin for B Term Loans is 7.5% and 6.5%, respectively. Applicable margin is determined by a pricing grid based on the Company's Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio (as defined). At closing, the Company borrowed the A Term Loan, the B Term Loan and $3.0 million under the Revolving Loan Facility. Interest is payable periodically on borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility. In addition, commencing on December 31, 2003 and on the last day of each quarter thereafter, the Company is required to make principal repayments on the A Term Loan in increasing amounts. The Senior Credit Facility is collateralized by all of the Company's assets. Additionally, the Company is precluded from declaring or paying any cash dividends, except it may accrue and accumulate, but not pay, cash dividends on its outstanding redeemable preferred stock. The Company is also required to meet certain affirmative and negative covenants, including but not limited to financial covenants. The Company is required to assess its compliance with these financial covenants under the Senior Credit Facility on a quarterly basis. These financial covenants are based on a measure that is not consistent with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Such measure is EBITDA (as defined), which represents earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as further modified by certain defined adjustments. The failure to meet these covenants, absent a waiver or amendment, would place the Company in default and cause the debt outstanding under the Senior Credit Facility to immediately become due and payable. The Senior Credit Facility also includes certain cross-default provisions to the Company's 16.3% Senior Subordinated Notes Due February 27, 2009. As of September 30, 2003, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the Senior Credit Facility. In connection with the termination of the Amended Credit Facility, during the first quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company recognized a loss from the write-off of $860,000 in unamortized financing costs associated with the Amended Credit Facility and recorded $2,262,000 in financing costs associated with the Senior Credit Facility. Such costs will be amortized over the life of the Senior Credit Facility. As of September 30, 2003, a total of $43.2 million was outstanding pursuant to the Senior Credit Facility with a weighted average interest rate of 6.04%. Effective July 1, 2000, the Company adopted SFAS No. 133 "ACCOUNTING FOR DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES," which establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts and for hedging activities. All derivatives, whether designated in hedging relationships or not, are required to be recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. For a derivative designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portions of changes in the fair value of the derivative are recorded in other comprehensive income and are recognized in the income statement when the hedged item affects earnings. Ineffective portions of changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges are recognized in earnings. The Company uses derivative instruments to manage exposure to interest rate risks. The Company's objectives for holding derivatives are to minimize the risks using the most effective methods to eliminate or reduce the impacts of this exposure. Prior to August 25, 2003, the Company was a party to an interest rate swap agreement (the "Prior Swap") with a notional amount of $12.5 million and a termination date of September 28, 2003. Under the Prior Swap, the Company paid a fixed interest rate of 5.23% per annum and received a LIBOR-based floating rate. In conjunction with the termination of the Prior Swap prior to maturity, the Company paid $86,000. 9 The Prior Swap, which was designated as a cash flow hedge, was deemed to be a highly effective transaction, and accordingly the loss on the derivative instrument was reported as a component of other comprehensive income (loss). For the three months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, the Company recorded income (loss) of $129,000 and $(21,000) respectively, representing the change in fair value of the Prior Swap, as other comprehensive income (loss). In order to reduce the Company's exposure to increases in Eurodollar rates, and consequently to increases in interest payments, the Company entered into an interest rate swap transaction (the "Swap") on October 2, 2003, in the amount of $20.0 million ("Notional Amount") with an effective date of March 15, 2004. Pursuant to the Swap, the Company will pay a fixed interest rate of 2.12% per annum and receive a Eurodollar-based floating rate. The effect of the Swap will be to neutralize any changes in Eurodollar rates on the Notional Amount. NOTE 5. SUBORDINATED DEBT In October 1997, the Company issued $30.0 million of its 12% Senior Subordinated Promissory Notes (the "1997 Notes") with interest only payable semi-annually on April 30 and October 31, due October 31, 2004. The 1997 Notes were sold with detachable seven year warrants to purchase an aggregate of 655,738 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $16.40 per share. At the date of issuance, in accordance with APB 14, "ACCOUNTING FOR CONVERTIBLE DEBT AND DEBT ISSUED WITH PURCHASE WARRANTS," the Company allocated proceeds of $29.7 million to the debt and $0.3 million to warrants, with the resulting discount on the debt referred to as the Original Issue Discount. Prior to August 25, 2003, the Original Issue Discount was being amortized as interest expense over the life of the debt, resulting in an effective interest rate on the 1997 Notes of 12.1% per annum. The amount allocated to the warrants was credited to Additional Paid-In Capital. In conjunction with the issuance of the 1997 Notes, the Company was required to meet certain affirmative and negative covenants. In addition, NationsBanc Montgomery Securities, Inc., the placement agent, received a warrant to purchase an aggregate of 30,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $14.64 per share which expires on October 31, 2004. On May 4, 1999, the Company sold an additional $10.0 million of its 12% Senior Subordinated Promissory Notes (the "1999 Notes"). Except for their October 31, 2005 maturity date, the 1999 Notes were substantially identical to the 1997 Notes described above. The 1999 Notes were sold with detachable 6-1/2 year warrants to purchase an aggregate of 372,892 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $6.65 per share of which 65,574 were exercised and converted to shares of common stock during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002. In return for modifying certain financial covenants governing the 1997 Notes, the exercise price of 612,053 of the warrants issued in connection with the 1997 Notes was reduced to $6.65 per share. On May 4, 1999, the trading range of the Company's common stock was $6.44 to $6.88 per share. To assist with the valuation of the newly issued warrants and the repriced warrants, the Company hired an outside consultant. Utilizing the Black-Scholes Model, the warrants issued with the 1997 Notes were valued at $1.26 per warrant, or an aggregate value of $773,702, and the warrants issued with the 1999 Notes at $1.47 per warrant, or an aggregate value of $549,032. Both amounts are reflected as Additional Paid-In Capital, offset by the Original Issue Discount, which is netted against the outstanding balance of the 1997 Notes and 1999 Notes. On August 22, 2002, in conjunction with the private placement of 1,663,846 shares of the Company's common stock (see Note 4), the warrants issued in conjunction with the 1997 Notes and 1999 Notes were adjusted pursuant to anti-dilution provisions to provide for the purchase of an additional 21,906 shares of the Company's common stock. After giving effect to the amortization of the Original Issue Discount, the effective interest rate on the 1999 Notes was 13.57% per annum. On February 7, 2003, the interest coverage ratio governing the 1997 Notes and 1999 Notes was amended for the quarter ending March 31, 2003 and prospectively. As of June 30, 2003, the Company was in compliance with all of the financial covenants under the 1997 Notes and 1999 Notes. On August 25, 2003, concurrently with the closing of the Senior Credit Facility, the Company prepaid the 1997 Notes and 1999 Notes and issued $30.0 million of the Company's 16.3% Senior Subordinated Notes Due February 27, 2009 (the "New Notes") with interest only payable quarterly in arrears on February 28, May 31, August 31 and November 30 of each year, commencing November 30, 2003. Interest on the New Notes is 12% per annum payable in cash and 4.3% per annum payable "in kind" by adding the amount of such interest to the principal amount of the New Notes then outstanding. Ten year warrants to purchase an aggregate of 425,000 shares of the Company's common stock at an exercise price of $8.79 per share were issued in connection with the New Notes. Utilizing the Black-Scholes Model, the warrants issued in connection with the New Notes were valued at $3.70 per warrant, or an aggregate value of $1,573,000. In addition, the maturity date of 665,403 existing warrants, 335,101 due to expire in 2004 and 330,302 due to expire in 2005, was extended to February 2009, resulting in additional value of $1.31 and $0.97 per warrant, respectively, or an aggregate value of $760,090. At the date of issuance, in accordance with APB 14, "ACCOUNTING FOR CONVERTIBLE DEBT AND DEBT ISSUED WITH PURCHASE WARRANTS," 10 the Company allocated proceeds of $27.7 million to the debt and $2.3 million to the warrants, with the resulting discount on the debt referred to as the Original Issue Discount. The Original Issue Discount is being amortized as interest expense over the life of the debt. As with the Senior Credit Facility, the Company is required to meet certain affirmative and negative covenants under the New Notes, including but not limited to financial covenants. As of September 30, 2003, the Company was in compliance with all of the covenants under the New Notes. In connection with the early repayment of the 1997 Notes and 1999 Notes, during the first quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company recognized a loss of $1,018,000 attributable to the unamortized financing costs and Original Issue Discount associated with the 1997 Notes and 1999 Notes, and recorded $452,000 of financing costs associated with the New Notes. Such fees are being amortized over the life of the New Notes. The weighted average effective interest rate of the New Notes, including the amortization of deferred financing costs and Original Issue Discount, is 18.0%. NOTE 6. REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK In May 2000, the Company sold 5,000 shares of its Series A 8% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, no par value (the "Series A Preferred Stock"), for $1,000 per share (the initial "Liquidation Preference"). Cumulative dividends are payable quarterly in arrears at the rate of 8% per annum on the Liquidation Preference, and, to the extent not paid in cash, are added to the Liquidation Preference. Shares of the Series A Preferred Stock may be converted into shares of common stock at any time at a current conversion price of $9.28 per share. In connection with the sale, costs in the amount of $65,000 were charged to paid-in capital. In November 2001, the Company sold 2,500 shares of its Series B 8% Cumulative Preferred Stock, no par value (the "Series B Preferred Stock"), at the initial Liquidation Preference. Cumulative dividends are payable quarterly in arrears at the rate of 8% per annum on the Liquidation Preference, and, to the extent not paid in cash, are added to the Liquidation Preference. Shares of the Series B Preferred Stock may be converted into shares of common stock at any time at a current conversion price of $12.92 per share. During the three months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002, the carrying amount (and Liquidation Preferences) of the Series A Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock ("Preferred Stock") was increased by $185,000 and $171,000, respectively, for dividends accrued. The Preferred Stock shall be mandatorily redeemed by the Company within 30 days after a Change in Control (as defined) of the Company (the date of such redemption being the "Mandatory Redemption Date") at an amount equal to the then effective Liquidation Preference plus accrued and unpaid dividends thereon from the last dividend payment date to the Mandatory Redemption Date, plus if the Mandatory Redemption Date is on or prior to the fourth anniversary of the issuance of the Preferred Stock, the amount of any dividends that would have accrued and been payable on the Preferred Stock from the Mandatory Redemption Date through the fourth anniversary date. In addition, outstanding shares of Preferred Stock vote on an "as converted basis" with the holders of the common stock as a single class on all matters that the holders of the common stock are entitled to vote upon. NOTE 7. STOCK OPTION PLANS The Board of Directors of the Company adopted the 1995 Option Plan (the "1995 Plan"). Under the 1995 Plan, the Company has reserved 1,950,000 shares of common stock for employees of the Company. Under the terms of the 1995 Plan, options granted may be either incentive stock options or non-qualified stock options. The exercise price of incentive options shall be at least equal to 100% of the fair market value of the Company's common stock at the date of the grant, and the exercise price of non-qualified stock options issued to employees may not be less than 75% of the fair market value of the Company's common stock at the date of the grant. The maximum term for all options is ten years. Options granted to date generally vest in equal annual installments from one to five years, though a limited number of grants were partially vested at the grant date. The weighted-average fair value per share of options granted during the three months ended September 30, 2003 and 2002 was $3.15 and $2.79, respectively. The following summarizes the transactions pursuant to the 1995 Plan: 11 Weighted Average Options Exercise Price Per Options Outstanding Option Exercisable ----------- ------ ----------- Outstanding at June 30, 2002 1,162,450 $10.15 503,072 Granted 41,500 8.53 Expired or canceled (5,000) 11.38 Exercised (500) 11.25 ---------- Outstanding at September 30, 2002 1,198,450 10.09 528,447 ========== Outstanding at June 30, 2003 1,288,420 9.13 640,373 Granted 82,250 8.77 Expired or canceled (70,250) 12.39 Exercised -- -- ---------- Outstanding at September 30, 2003 1,300,420 $ 8.93 653,143 ========== The following table sets forth certain information as of September 30, 2003: Options Outstanding Options Exercisable -------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- Range of Exercise Options Weighted Average Weighted Average Options Weighted Average Prices Outstanding Remaining Life Exercise Price Exercisable Exercise Price - ----------------- ----------- --------------- --------------- ------------ ----------------- $ 0.00 - $ 5.00 151,350 8.52 $ 4.82 46,667 $ 4.85 $ 5.01 - $10.00 627,895 7.50 7.55 314,470 7.23 $ 10.01 - $15.00 521,175 7.45 11.78 292,006 11.59 --------- ----- ------ -------- ------ 1,300,420 7.60 $ 8.93 653,143 $ 9.01 ========= ===== ======= ======== ====== The Board of Directors of the Company adopted the Directors' Stock Option Plan (the "Directors' Plan"). Under the Directors' Plan, each non-employee director will receive options for 6,000 shares of common stock on the date of his or her first election to the board of directors. In addition, on the third anniversary of each director's first election to the Board, and on each three year anniversary thereafter, each non-employee director will receive an additional option to purchase 6,000 shares of common stock. The exercise price per share for all options granted under the Directors' Plan will be equal to the fair market value of the common stock as of the date of grant. All options vest in three equal annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of the date of grant. The maximum term for all options is ten years. The weighted-average fair value per share of options granted during the three months ended September 30, 2003 was $2.73. The following summarizes the transactions pursuant to the Directors' Plan: Weighted Average Options Exercise Price Per Options Outstanding Option Exercisable ----------- ------ ----------- Outstanding at June 30, 2002 60,000 $ 9.15 34,000 Granted -- -- Expired or canceled -- -- Exercised -- -- ------ Outstanding at September 30, 2002 60,000 9.15 36,000 ====== Outstanding at June 30, 2003 66,000 9.11 45,997 Granted 6,000 10.83 Expired or canceled -- -- Exercised -- -- ------ Outstanding at September 30, 2003 72,000 $ 9.25 47,996 ====== 12 The following table sets forth certain information as of September 30, 2003: Options Outstanding Options Exercisable ---------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------- Range of Exercise Options Weighted Average Weighted Average Options Weighted Average Prices Outstanding Remaining Life Exercise Price Exercisable Exercise Price ------ ----------- -------------- -------------- ----------- -------------- $ 5.01 - $10.00 42,000 6.05 $ 7.46 34,000 $ 7.23 $ 10.01 - $15.00 30,000 5.74 11.76 13,996 12.31 ------- ----- ------ ------- ------ 72,000 5.92 $ 9.25 47,996 $ 8.71 ======= ===== ======= ======= ====== Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION" ("SFAS 123"), defines a fair value based method of accounting for stock options. SFAS 123 allows an entity to continue to measure cost using the accounting method prescribed by APB Opinion No. 25, "ACCOUNTING FOR STOCK ISSUED TO EMPLOYEES" ("APB 25") and to make pro forma disclosures of net income and earnings per share as if the fair value based method of accounting had been applied. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the weighted-average assumptions, expected volatility and risk-free interest rate, as listed in the table below. The following table (in thousands, except per share amounts) illustrates the effect on net income and earnings per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123 to stock-based compensation. However, no stock based compensation was recognized in the financial statements pursuant to APB 25. Three Months Ended September 30, -------------------------------- 2003 2002 ----- ---- Net (loss), as reported $(1,419) $(2,110) Less: Stock-based compensation - fair value measurement (181) (240) ------- ------- Net (loss), pro forma (1,600) (2,350) Preferred stock dividends (185) (171) ------- ------- Net (loss) available to common shareholders - pro forma $(1,785) $(2,521) ======= ======= Basic and diluted loss per share - reported $ (0.15) $ (0.24) ======= ======= Basic and diluted loss per share - pro forma $ (0.17) $ (0.26) ======= ======= Expected volatility 40% 37% Risk free interest rate 3.1% - 3.6% 2.7% - 3.0% Expected dividend yield 0% 0% Expected lives 3-4 years 4 years 13 ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS THIS MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS CONTAINS FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS THAT INVOLVE RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES. OUR ACTUAL RESULTS COULD DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE ANTICIPATED IN THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. FACTORS THAT MAY CAUSE SUCH DIFFERENCES INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO, OUR EXPANSION INTO NEW MARKETS, COMPETITION, TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES, RELIANCE ON KEY SUPPLIERS AND AVAILABILITY OF MANAGERIAL PERSONNEL. THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS ARE MADE AS OF THE DATE OF THIS FORM 10-Q AND WE ASSUME NO OBLIGATION TO UPDATE THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS OR TO UPDATE THE REASONS WHY ACTUAL RESULTS COULD DIFFER FROM THOSE PROJECTED IN THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. OVERVIEW We believe that we are the largest supplier in the United States of bulk CO2 systems and bulk CO2 for carbonating fountain beverages based on the number of bulk CO2 systems leased to customers. As of September 30, 2003, we operated a national network of 101 service locations in 45 states servicing approximately 75,000 bulk and high pressure customers. Currently, 99% of fountain beverage users in the continental United States are within our present service area. Historically, due to a combination of internal growth and acquisitions, we have experienced high levels of growth in terms of number of customers and net sales, averaging 20% to 50% per year from 1995 through 2000. Today, the majority of our growth is internal resulting from the conversion of high pressure CO2 users to bulk CO2 systems. During fiscal 2001 and continuing through the early stages of fiscal 2003, we initiated several actions that have improved our ability to contract and retain customers, while maintaining a superior level of customer service. These actions had a significant positive impact on our operating effectiveness during the later stages of fiscal 2003 and the first quarter of fiscal 2004, and should provide a strong base for profitable growth in the remainder of fiscal 2004. During fiscal 2001 and 2002, we deliberately slowed new customer contract signings and the related installation rate of bulk CO2 systems. This decision was made to enable us to focus on improving our operating effectiveness in order to better position us for future growth. We decentralized service location management from our headquarters in Stuart, Florida to the depot locations themselves and in connection with this decision hired new full-time depot and regional managers. This slowed our gross margin improvement plan in fiscal 2001 and 2002, although it is anticipated to enhance it in the future. The result of this decision was that our revenue growth slowed from prior years although revenue still grew at 16.7%, 6.9% and 2.9% in fiscal 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively. The ramp down in growth enabled our sales force to concentrate on signing higher margin new customers and re-signing existing customers at increased rates. We believe that our future revenue growth, gains in gross margin and profitability will be dependent upon (i) increases in route density in existing markets and the expansion and penetration of bulk CO2 system installations in new market regions, both resulting from successful ongoing marketing, (ii) improved operating efficiencies and (iii) price increases. New multi-unit placement agreements combined with single-unit placements will drive improvements in achieving route density. Our success in reaching multi-placement agreements is due in part to our national delivery system. We maintain a "hub and spoke" route structure and establish additional stationary bulk CO2 service locations as service areas expand through geographic growth. Our entry into many states was accomplished largely through the acquisition of businesses having thinly developed route networks. We expect to benefit from route efficiencies and other economies of scale as we build our customer base in these states through intensive regional and local marketing initiatives. Greater density should also lead to enhanced utilization of vehicles and other fixed assets and the ability to spread fixed marketing and administrative costs over a broader revenue base. Generally, our experience has been that as our service locations mature their gross profit margins improve as a result of their volume growing while fixed costs remain essentially unchanged. New service locations typically operate at low or negative gross margins in the early stages and detract from our highly profitable service locations in more mature markets. Fiscal 2001 and 2002 and the early stages of fiscal 2003 were periods of transition for us in which we achieved significant progress in better positioning ourselves for the next phase of growth. Accordingly, we believe that we are in position to build our customer base in fiscal 2004 while maintaining and improving upon our superior levels of customer service. In addition, we will continue to focus on improving operating effectiveness, increasing prices and strengthening management. We anticipate that these initiatives will contribute positively to all areas of our company. GENERAL Substantially all of our revenues have been derived from the rental of bulk CO2 systems installed at customers' sites, the sale of CO2 and high pressure cylinder revenues. Revenues have grown from $47.1 million in fiscal 14 1999 to $74.4 million in fiscal 2003. We believe that our revenue base is stable due to the existence of long-term contracts with our customers which generally rollover with a limited number expiring without renewal in any one year. Revenue growth is largely dependent on (1) the rate of new bulk CO2 system installations, (2) the growth in bulk CO2 sales and (3) price increases. Consistent with the capital intensive nature of our business, we incur significant depreciation and amortization expenses. These stem from the depreciation of our bulk CO2 systems and related installation costs, amortization of deferred lease acquisition costs, and amortization of deferred financing costs and other intangible assets. Cost of products sold is comprised of purchased CO2, vehicle and service location costs associated with the storage and delivery of CO2. Cost of equipment rentals is comprised of costs associated with customer equipment leases. Selling, general and administrative expenses consist of wages and benefits, dispatch and communications costs, as well as expenses associated with marketing, administration, accounting and employee training. With respect to bulk CO2 systems, we capitalize costs that are associated with specific installations of such systems with customers under non-cancelable contracts and which would not be incurred but for a successful placement. All other service, marketing and administrative costs are expensed as incurred. Since 1990, we have devoted significant resources to building a sales and marketing organization, adding administrative personnel and developing a national infrastructure to support the rapid growth in the number of our installed base of bulk CO2 systems. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the percentage relationship which the various items bear to total revenues: Three Months Ended September 30, -------------------------------- Income Statement Data: 2003 2002 ---- ---- Product sales 59.3% 59.9% Equipment rentals 40.7 40.1 ----- ----- Total revenues 100.0 100.0 ----- ----- Cost of products sold, excluding depreciation and amortization 41.3 42.2 Cost of equipment rentals, excluding depreciation and amortization 5.5 6.7 Selling, general and administrative expenses 19.8 24.8 Depreciation and amortization 19.3 23.7 Loss on asset disposals 2.1 3.2 ----- ----- Operating income (loss) 12.1 (0.6) Loss on early extinguishment of debt 9.7 -- Interest expense 9.4 10.7 ----- ----- Net (loss) (7.0)% (11.3)% ===== ===== THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 COMPARED TO THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2002 TOTAL REVENUES Total revenues increased by $1.5 million, or 8.3%, from $18.7 million in 2002 to $20.2 million in 2003. Revenues derived from our service plans increased by $2.2 million, or 11.8%, due to an increase in the number of accounts and the adoption of EITF 00-21 in July 2003, resulting in the recognition of $0.4 million in revenue in 2003, partially offset by the net impact of a $0.6 million decrease in revenue derived from less CO2 sold to the average customer under our variable product purchase plans, which includes our equipment lease and product purchase plans, and a $0.1 million decrease from the rental of high pressure cylinders and the sale of gases other than CO2. Had we adopted EITF 00-21 in 2002, total revenues recognized for the three months ended September 30, 2002 would have increased by $0.4 million to $19.1 million. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the percentage relationship which our service plans bear to total revenues: 15 Three Months Ended September 30, -------------------------------- Service Plan 2003 2002 ------- ---------- Bulk budget plan(1) 62.1% 66.1% Equipment lease/product purchase plan(2) 11.3 7.5 Product purchase plan(3) 8.6 8.8 High pressure cylinder(4) 6.0 6.2 Other revenues(5) 12.0 11.4 ----- ----- 100.0% 100.0% ===== ===== (1) Combined fee for bulk CO2 tank and bulk CO2. (2) Fee for bulk CO2 tank and, separately, bulk CO2 usage. (3) Bulk CO2 only. (4) High pressure CO2 cylinders and non-CO2 gases. (5) Surcharges and other charges. During fiscal 2002, we adopted a plan to phase out those customers that use only high pressure cylinders and who do not utilize one of our bulk CO2 service plans. Revenues derived from our stand-alone high pressure cylinder customers may not be fully eliminated from our ongoing revenues inasmuch as our goal is to convert these customers to a bulk CO2 service plan. Accordingly, the expected declining revenues derived from stand-alone high pressure cylinder customers is not expected to have a material impact on our results of operations. PRODUCT SALES - Revenues derived from the product sales portion of our service contracts increased by $0.8 million, or 7.3%, from $11.2 million in 2002 to $12.0 million in 2003. Excluding the $0.4 million impact of the adoption of EITF 00-21, the $0.4 million increase in revenues is due to a 7.6% increase in the number of customer locations serviced, offset by a 1.0% reduction in CO2 sold to the average customer and a 2.2% reduction in pricing to the average customer. While we were able to achieve significant price increases from our renewal customers, these improvements were offset by incentive pricing provided to a national restaurant organization. EQUIPMENT RENTALS - Revenues derived from the lease portion of our service contracts increased by $0.7 million, or 10%, from $7.5 million in 2002 to $8.2 million in 2003, due to a 5.0% increase in the number of customers leasing equipment from us and a 4.8% increase in overall equipment rental pricing. COST OF PRODUCTS SOLD, EXCLUDING DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION Costs of products sold increased from $7.9 million in 2002 to $8.4 million in 2003, while decreasing as a percentage of total revenues from 42.2% to 41.3%. Product costs increased by $0.4 million, from $2.5 million in 2002 to $2.9 million in 2003. The base price with our primary supplier of CO2 increased by the Producer Price Index, while the volume of CO2 sold by us increased by 7.2%. Operational costs, including wages and benefits related to costs of product sold, increased from $3.2 million in 2002 to $3.3 million in 2003, primarily due to an increase in route driver costs. Truck delivery expenses decreased from $1.4 million in 2002 to $1.3 million in 2003. Increases in lease costs were more than offset by a decrease in insurance and repair costs. In addition, we have been able to minimize the impact of increased fuel costs and variable lease costs associated with truck usage by reducing the overall miles driven. COST OF EQUIPMENT RENTALS, EXCLUDING DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION Cost of equipment rentals, excluding depreciation and amortization, decreased by $0.2 million from $1.3 million in 2002 to $1.1 million in 2003, while decreasing as a percentage of total revenues from 42.2% to 41.3%, due to a reduction in tank repair and service costs. SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by $0.6 million, or 13.2%, from $4.6 million in 2002 to $4.0 million in 2003, while decreasing as a percentage of total revenues from 24.8% in 2002 to 19.8% in 2003. Selling expenses decreased by $0.3 million, from $1.0 million in 2002 to $0.7 million in 2003. Wages and related benefits decreased by $0.2 million due to a reduction in the headcount of our sales organization in February 2003. General and administrative expenses decreased by $0.3 million, or 8.9%, from $3.6 million in 2002 to $3.3 million in 2003. This improvement is due to a $0.2 million reduction of expenses related to uncollectible accounts receivable and a $0.3 million reduction in consulting and recruiting expenses, offset by a $0.2 million increase in property taxes, and other expenses. During 16 fiscal 2003, we initiated numerous procedures to improve our review and collection of outstanding receivable accounts. Consulting fees decreased, primarily due to non-recurring fees incurred during the first six months of 2002 for repairs of certain systems, improvements in our processes to track and collect customer receivables, and other process improvements. DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION Depreciation and amortization decreased from $4.4 million in 2002 to $3.9 million in 2003. As a percentage of total revenues, depreciation and amortization expense decreased from 23.7% in 2002 to 19.3% in 2003. Depreciation expense remained constant at $3.4 million. Amortization expense decreased from $1.0 million in 2002 to $0.5 million in 2003. This decrease is due to a reduction in the amortization of deferred charges from our current financing arrangements effective August 25, 2003 as compared to the amortization of fees related to our previous financing arrangements, and to the acquisition of customer lists, many of which were fully amortized as of March 31, 2003. LOSS ON ASSET DISPOSALS Loss on asset disposals decreased from $0.6 million in 2002 to $0.4 million in 2003, while decreasing as a percentage of total revenues from 3.2% to 2.1%. OPERATING INCOME For the reasons previously discussed, operating income increased by $2.5 million from an operating loss of $0.1 million in 2002 to an operating income of $2.4 million in 2003. As a percentage of total revenues, operating income (loss) improved from (0.6)% in 2002 to 12.1% in 2003. LOSS ON EARLY EXTINGUISHMENT OF DEBT In 2003, we accelerated the recognition of $1.5 million in deferred financing costs associated with the refinancing of our long-term debt. In addition, we accelerated the recognition of the unamortized portion of the Original Issue Discount associated with our 12% Senior Subordinated Promissory Notes, $0.4 million, and paid $0.1 million in conjunction with the early termination of an interest rate swap agreement. INTEREST EXPENSE Interest expense decreased from $2.0 million in 2002 to $1.9 million in 2003, while decreasing as a percentage of total revenues from 10.7% in 2002 to 9.4% in 2003. NET (LOSS) For the reasons described above, net (loss) improved from $(2.1) million in 2002 to $(1.4) million in 2003. No provision for income tax expense has been made due to historical net losses. At September 30, 2003, we had net operating loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes of approximately $100 million, which are available to offset future federal taxable income, if any, in varying amounts through June 2023. EBITDA Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") is one of the principal financial measures by which we measure our financial performance. EBITDA is a widely accepted financial indicator used by many investors, lenders and analysts to analyze and compare companies on the basis of operating performance, and we believe that EBITDA provides useful information regarding our ability to service our debt and other obligations. However, EBITDA does not represent cash flow from operations, nor has it been presented as a substitute to operating income or net income as indicators of our operating performance. EBITDA excludes significant costs of doing business and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, our calculation of EBITDA may be different from the calculation used by our competitors, and therefore comparability may be affected. In addition, our lenders also use EBITDA to assess our compliance with debt covenants. These financial covenants are based on a measure that is not consistent with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Such measure is EBITDA (as defined) as modified by certain defined adjustments. EBITDA, as set forth in the table below (in thousands), increased by $2.1 million, or 47.7%, from $4.3 million in 2002 to $6.4 million in 2003 and increased as a percentage of total revenues from 23.0% to 31.4%. 17 Three Months Ended September 30, ------------------------------- 2003 2002 ----------- ----------- Net (loss) $(1,419) $(2,110) Interest expense 1,897 1,992 Depreciation and amortization 3,912 4,419 Early extinguishment of debt 1,964 -- ------- ------- EBITDA $ 6,354 $ 4,301 ======= ======= Cash flows provided by (used in): Operating activities $ 3,498 $ 3,088 Investing activities $(3,577) $(3,854) Financing activities $ (223) $ 343 LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES Our cash requirements consist principally of (1) capital expenditures associated with purchasing and placing new bulk CO2 systems into service at customers' sites; (2) payments of principal and interest on outstanding indebtedness; and (3) working capital. Whenever possible, we seek to obtain the use of vehicles, land, buildings, and other office and service equipment under operating leases as a means of conserving capital. As of September 30, 2003, we anticipated making cash capital expenditures of approximately $16.0 million over the next twelve months, primarily for purchases of bulk CO2 systems for new customers, the replacement with larger bulk CO2 systems of 50 and 100 lb. bulk CO2 systems in service at existing customers and replacement units for our truck fleet. In June 2002, we adopted a plan to replace all 50 and 100 lb. bulk CO2 systems in service at customers over a three to four year period. While this decision may not increase revenues generated from these customers, it is expected to improve operating efficiencies, gross margins and profitability. Once bulk CO2 systems are placed into service, we generally experience positive cash flows on a per-unit basis, as there are minimal additional capital expenditures required for ordinary operations. In addition to capital expenditures related to internal growth, we review opportunities to acquire bulk CO2 service accounts, and may require cash in an amount dictated by the scale and terms of any such transactions successfully concluded. On September 24, 2001, we entered into a $60.0 million second amended and restated revolving credit facility with a syndicate of banks ("Amended Credit Facility"). This new facility replaced our prior facility, which was due to expire in May 2002. We were required to assess our compliance with our debt covenants under the Amended Credit Facility on a quarterly basis. These financial covenants were based on a measure that was not consistent with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Such measure was EBITDA (as defined), which represented earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as further modified by certain defined adjustments. The failure to meet these covenants, absent a waiver or amendment, would have placed us in default and caused the debt outstanding under the Amended Credit Facility to become immediately due and payable. The Amended Credit Facility also included certain cross-default provisions to our 12% Senior Subordinated Promissory Notes. Prior to June 30, 2002, the Amended Credit Facility was amended to adjust certain financial covenants for the quarter ended March 31, 2002 and prospectively, and non-compliance with the minimum EBITDA covenant for the three months ended March 31, 2002 was waived. As of June 30, 2002, we were not in compliance with certain of the financial covenants. On September 27, 2002, the Amended Credit Facility was amended to adjust certain financial covenants for the quarter ended June 30, 2002, and prospectively, and the maturity of the Amended Credit Facility was extended to November 17, 2003. As of September 30, 2002, we were in compliance with all of the financial covenants under the Amended Credit Facility. On February 7, 2003, the Amended Credit Facility was amended to adjust certain financial covenants for the quarter ended December 31, 2002 and prospectively, non-compliance with the minimum EBITDA covenant for the three months ended December 31, 2002 was waived, the maturity of the Amended Credit Facility was extended to April 29, 2004, and the Amended Credit Facility was reduced to $45.0 million. As of March 31, 2003 and June 30, 2003, we were in compliance with all of the financial covenants under the Amended Credit Facility. On August 22, 2002, we completed the private placement of 1,663,846 shares of our Common Stock to 24 accredited investors at a price of $9.75 per share realizing net cash proceeds of approximately $15.1 million after $1.1 million of issuance costs. Pursuant to the requirements of the Amended Credit Facility, we used $14.5 million of the proceeds to pay down outstanding debt under the Amended Credit Facility. On August 25, 2003, we terminated the Amended Credit Facility and entered into a $50.0 million senior credit facility with a syndicate of banks (the "Senior Credit Facility"). The Senior Credit Facility consists of a $30.0 million A term loan facility (the "A Term Loan"), a $10.0 million B term loan facility (the "B Term Loan"), and a $10.0 million revolving loan facility (the "Revolving Loan Facility"). The A Term Loan matures on August 25, 2007, the B 18 Term Loan matures on August 25, 2008 and the Revolving Loan Facility matures on August 25, 2007. The B Term Loan is subordinate in right of payment to the A Term Loan and borrowings under the Revolving Loan Facility. The Company is entitled to select either Eurodollar Loans (as defined) or Base Rate Loans (as defined), plus applicable margin, for principal borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility. The applicable Eurodollar Loan margin for A Term Loans and borrowings pursuant to the Revolving Loan Facility ranges from 3.5% to 4.0%, and the applicable Base Rate Loan margin ranges from 2.5% to 3.0%, provided that until delivery to the lenders of our financial statements for the quarter ending June 30, 2004, the margin on Eurodollar Loans is 4.0% and the margin for Base Rate Loans is 3.0%. The applicable Eurodollar Loan margin and Base Rate Loan margin for B Term Loans is 7.5% and 6.5%, respectively. Applicable margin is determined by a pricing grid based on our Consolidated Total Leverage Ratio (as defined). At closing, we borrowed the A Term Loan, the B Term Loan and $3.0 million under the Revolving Loan Facility. Interest is payable periodically on borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility. In addition, commencing on December 31, 2003 and on the last day of each quarter thereafter, we are required to make principal repayments of the A Term Loan in increasing amounts. The Senior Credit Facility is collateralized by all of our assets. Additionally, we are precluded from declaring or paying any cash dividends, except we may accrue and accumulate, but not pay, cash dividends on our outstanding redeemable preferred stock. We are also required to meet certain affirmative and negative covenants, including but not limited to financial covenants. We are required to assess our compliance with these financial covenants under the Senior Credit Facility on a quarterly basis. These financial covenants are based on a measure that is not consistent with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Such measure is EBITDA (as defined), which represents earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, as further modified by certain defined adjustments. The failure to meet these covenants, absent a waiver or amendment, would place us in default and cause the debt outstanding under the Senior Credit Facility to immediately become due and payable. The Senior Credit Facility also includes certain cross-default provisions to our 16.3% Senior Subordinated Notes Due February 27, 2009. As of September 30, 2003, we were in compliance with all of the covenants under the Senior Credit Facility. In connection with the termination of the Amended Credit Facility, during the first quarter of fiscal 2004, we recognized a loss of $0.9 million from the write-off of unamortized financing costs associated with the Amended Credit Facility and recorded $2.3 million in financing costs associated with the Senior Credit Facility. Such costs are being amortized over the life of the Senior Credit Facility. As of September 30, 2003, a total of $43.2 million was outstanding pursuant to the Senior Credit Facility with a weighted average interest rate of 6.04%. In October 1997, we issued $30.0 million of our 12% Senior Subordinated Promissory Notes ("1997 Notes") with interest only payable semi-annually on April 30 and October 31, due October 31, 2004. On May 4, 1999, we sold an additional $10.0 million of our 12% Senior Subordinated Promissory Notes ("1999 Notes"). Except for their October 31, 2005 maturity date, the 1999 Notes are substantially identical to the 1997 Notes. As of June 30, 2002 and at various dates in the past we have been unable to meet certain covenants under the 1997 Notes and 1999 Notes and have had to obtain waivers or modifications. On September 27, 2002, concurrently with the amendment to the Amended Credit Facility, certain financial covenants of the 1997 Notes and 1999 Notes were amended to adjust certain financial covenants for the quarter ended June 30, 2002, and prospectively. On February 7, 2003, the interest coverage ratio governing the 1997 Notes and 1999 Notes was amended for the quarter ending March 31, 2003 and prospectively. As of June 30, 2003, we were in compliance with all of the financial covenants under the 1997 Notes and 1999 Notes. On August 25, 2003, concurrently with the closing of the Senior Credit Facility, we prepaid the 1997 Notes and 1999 Notes and issued $30.0 million of our 16.3% Senior Subordinated Notes Due February 27, 2009 (the "New Notes") with interest only payable quarterly in arrears on February 28, May 31, August 31 and November 30 of each year, commencing November 30, 2003. Interest on the New Notes is 12% per annum payable in cash and 4.3% per annum payable "in kind" by adding the amount of such interest to the principal amount of the New Notes then outstanding. Ten year warrants to purchase an aggregate of 425,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $8.79 per share were issued in connection with the New Notes. Utilizing the Black-Scholes Model, the warrants issued in connection with the New Notes were valued at $3.70 per warrant, or an aggregate value of $1,573,000. In addition, the maturity date of 665,403 existing warrants, 335,101 due to expire in 2004 and 330,302 due to expire in 2005, was extended to February 2009, resulting in additional value of $1.31 and $0.97 per warrant, respectively, or an aggregate value of $760,090. At the date of issuance, in accordance with APB 14, "Accounting for Convertible Debt and Debt Issued with Purchase Warrants," we allocated proceeds of $27.7 million to the debt and $2.3 million to the warrants, with the resulting discount on the debt referred to as the Original Issue Discount. The Original Issue Discount is being amortized as interest expense over the life of the debt. As with the Senior Credit Facility, we are required to meet certain affirmative and negative covenants under the New Notes, including but not limited to financial covenants. In connection with the early repayment of the 1997 Notes and 1999 Notes, during the first quarter of fiscal 2004 we recognized a loss of $1.1 million attributable to the unamortized financing costs and Original Issue 19 Discount associated with the 1997 Notes and 1999 Notes, and recorded $0.5 million of financing costs and Original Issue Discount associated with New Notes. Such fees are being amortized over the life of the New Notes. The weighted average effective interest rate of the New Notes, including the amortization of deferred financing costs and Original Issue Discount, is 18.0%. During the quarter ended September 30, 2003, our capital resources included cash flows from operations and available borrowing capacity under the Senior Credit Facility. We believe that cash flows from operations and available borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility will be sufficient to fund proposed operations for at least the next twelve months. The table below sets forth our contractual obligations (in thousands): Less than Contractual obligations Total 1 Year 2-3 Years 4-5 Years Thereafter ---------------------------------------------------------- Senior Credit Facility $43,443 $ 3,045 $17,328 $13,070 $10,000 Subordinated debt 30,000 -- -- -- 30,000 Non-competition agreements 40 40 -- -- -- Employment Agreements 1,916 758 1,142 16 Operating leases 13,009 3,993 5,238 2,776 1,002 ------- ------- ------- ------- ------- Total obligations $88,408 $ 7,836 $23,708 $15,862 $41,002 ======= ======= ======= ======= ======= In addition, in May 1997 we entered into a ten-year exclusive bulk CO2 requirements contract with The BOC Group, Inc. WORKING CAPITAL. At September 30, 2003 and June 30, 2003, we had working capital of $(1.1) million and $(1.7) million, respectively. CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES. Cash flows provided by operations increased by $0.4 million from $3.1 million in 2002 to $3.5 million in 2003. The improvement is primarily due to our improvement in net income (excluding non-cash charges) of $2.1 million, partially offset by a $1.7 million reduction in cash resulting from changes in the working capital components of our balance sheet. CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES. During 2003 and 2002, net cash used in investing activities was $3.6 million and $3.9 million, respectively. These investing activities were primarily attributable to the acquisition, installation and direct placement costs of bulk CO2 systems. CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES. During 2003 cash flows used in financing activities was $0.2 million compared to $0.3 million provided by financing activities in 2002. In 2003, we refinanced our debt, as previously discussed, receiving proceeds of $73.2 million, paying fees associated with the refinancing of $2.8 million, while simultaneously paying off our previous financing facilities. In 2002, we completed the private placement of 1,663,846 shares of our common stock to 24 accredited investors at a price of $9.75 per share realizing net cash proceeds of approximately $15.1 million after $1.1 million of issuance costs. Pursuant to the requirements of the Amended Credit Facility, we used $14.5 million of the proceeds to pay down outstanding debt under the Amended Credit Facility. INFLATION The modest levels of inflation in the general economy have not affected our results of operations. Additionally, our customer contracts generally provide for annual increases in the monthly rental rate based on increases in the consumer price index. We believe that inflation will not have a material adverse effect on our future results of operations. Our bulk CO2 exclusive requirements contract with The BOC Group, Inc. ("BOC") provides for annual adjustments in the purchase price for bulk CO2 based upon increases or decreases in the Producer Price Index for Chemical and Allied Products or the average percentage increase in the selling price of bulk merchant carbon dioxide purchased by BOC's large, multi-location beverage customers in the United States. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS In April 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 149, "AMENDMENT OF STATEMENT 133 ON DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES" ("SFAS 149"). SFAS 149 amends and clarifies financial accounting and reporting for derivative 20 instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts (collectively referred to as derivatives) and for hedging activities under SFAS No. 133. SFAS 149 is effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003, and designated hedges after June 30, 2003, except for those provisions of SFAS 149 which relate to SFAS No. 133 implementation issues that have been effective for fiscal quarters that began prior to June 15, 2003. For those issues, the provisions that are currently in effect should continue to be applied in accordance with their respective effective dates. In addition, certain provisions of SFAS 149, which relate to forward purchases or sales of when-issued securities or other securities that do not yet exist, should be applied to both existing contracts and new contracts entered into after June 30, 2003. The adoption of SFAS 149 had no material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity" ("SFAS 150"). SFAS 150 establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. SFAS 150 requires that an issuer classify a financial instrument that is within the scope of SFAS 150 as a liability. SFAS 150 is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is orginally effective for the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The adoption of SFAS 150 had no material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. On July 1, 2003, we adopted EITF Issue No. 00-21, "Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables" ("EITF 00-21"). EITF 00-21 addresses certain aspects of the accounting by a vendor for arrangements under which the vendor will perform multiple revenue generating activities. As of September 30, 2003, approximately 54,000 of our customer locations utilized a plan agreement that provides for a fixed monthly payment to cover the use of a bulk CO2 system and a predetermined maximum quantity of CO2 ("budget plan"). Prior to July 1, 2003, as lessor, we recognized revenue from leasing CO2 systems under our budget plan agreements on a straight-line basis over the life of the related leases. We have developed a methodology for the purpose of separating the aggregate revenue stream between the rental of the equipment and the sale of the CO2. Effective July 1, 2003, revenue attributable to the lease of equipment, including equipment leased under the budget plan, is recorded on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease and revenue attributable to the supply of CO2 and other gases, including CO2 provided under the budget plan, is recorded upon delivery to the customer. We have elected to apply EITF 00-21 retroactively to all budget plan agreements in existence as of July 1, 2003. Based on our analysis, the aggregate amount of CO2 actually delivered under budget plans during the quarter ended June 30, 2003 is not materially different than the corresponding portion of the fixed charges attributable to CO2. Accordingly, we believe the cumulative effect of the adoption of EITF 00-21 in the manner described above resulted in an increase in revenue and net income during the three months ended September 30, 2003 of approximately $400,000, or $0.04 per share. Solely for comparative purposes, we have separated equipment rentals and CO2 sales in the statement of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2002; however, all revenue derived from budget plans for that period is recognized on a straight-line basis as disclosed in the summary of significant accounting policies included in our prior Annual Reports on form 10-K. Under the budget plan, each customer has a maximum CO2 allowance that is measured and reset on the contract anniversary date. At that date, it is appropriate to record revenue for contract billings in excess of actual deliveries of CO2. Because of the large number of customers under the budget plan and the fact that the anniversary dates for determining maximum quantities are spread throughout the year, our methodology involves the use of estimates and assumptions to separate the aggregate revenue stream derived from equipment rentals to budget plan customers, and also to approximate the recognition of revenue from CO2 sales to budget plan customers when earned. We believe that the adoption of EITF 00-21 has the most impact on the recognition of revenue on a quarterly basis as CO2 usage fluctuates during a fiscal year based on factors such as weather, and traditional summer and holiday periods. Over a twelve-month period, we believe that the effect is less significant since seasonal variations are largely eliminated and CO2 allowances under budget plan agreements are measured and reset annually. ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK As discussed under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources" above, as of September 30, 2003, a total of $43.2 million was outstanding under the Senior Credit Facility with a weighted average interest rate of 6.04% Based upon the $43.2 million outstanding under the Senior Credit Facility at September 30, 2003, our annual interest cost under the Senior Credit Facility would increase by $0.4 million for each 1% increase in Eurodollar interest rates. In order to reduce our exposure to increases in Eurodollar interest rates, and consequently to increases in interest payments, on October 2, 2003, we entered into an interest rate swap transaction (the "Swap") in the amount of $20.0 million (the "Notional Amount") with an effective date of March 15, 2004. Pursuant to the Swap, we will pay a fixed interest rate of 2.12% per annum and received a Eurodollar-based floating rate. The effect of the Swap will be to neutralize any changes in Eurodollar rates on the Notional Amount. We do not enter into speculative derivative transactions or leveraged swap transactions. ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES EVALUATION OF DISCLOSURE CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES. Based on our management's evaluation (with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer), as of the end of the period covered by this report, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the "Exchange Act") are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms. 21 CHANGES IN INTERNAL CONTROL OVER FINANCIAL REPORTING. There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting during our first fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting. PART II. OTHER INFORMATION ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE PROCEEDS On August 25, 2003, in connection with the sale of the New Notes, we issued ten year warrants to purchase an aggregate of 425,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $8.79 per share in reliance upon the exemption from registration provided by Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. No underwriting discounts or commissions were paid. ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K (a) Exhibit No. Exhibit ----------- ------- 31.1 Section 302 Certification of Principal Executive Officer. 31.2 Section 302 Certification of Principal Financial Officer. 32.1 Section 906 Certification of Principal Executive Officer. 32.2 Section 906 Certification of Principal Financial Officer. (b) Reports on Form 8-K. (1) The Company filed a Form 8-K dated August 26, 2003 reporting an Item 5 event. (2) The Company filed a Form 8-K dated September 8, 2003 reporting an Item 12 event. 22 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements 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. NuCO2 Inc. Dated: November 14, 2003 By: /s/ Robert R. Galvin ----------------------------------- Robert R. Galvin Chief Financial Officer 23