UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
FORM 10-Q
þ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2004
o | 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: 000-21407
LASON, INC.
DELAWARE (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
38-3214743 (I.R.S. Employer identification number) |
1305 Stephenson Highway
Troy, Michigan 48083
(Address of principal executive offices including zip code)
Telephone: (248) 837-7100
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
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 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 o No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and report required to be filed by Sections 12,13,or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court. Yes o No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No x
As of May 14, 2004, 3,267,656 shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value were reserved for issuance according to the Companys Plan of Reorganization and 26,777,344 shares were issued and outstanding.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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LASON, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share amounts, Unaudited)
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
March 31, |
||||||||
2004 |
2003 |
|||||||
Revenues |
$ | 35,177 | $ | 44,016 | ||||
Cost of revenues |
27,374 | 32,342 | ||||||
Gross profit |
7,803 | 11,674 | ||||||
Selling, general and administrative expenses |
8,156 | 11,268 | ||||||
(Loss) income from operations |
(353 | ) | 406 | |||||
Net interest expense |
496 | 756 | ||||||
Loss from operations before income taxes |
(849 | ) | (350 | ) | ||||
Provision for income taxes |
37 | 108 | ||||||
Net loss |
$ | (886 | ) | $ | (458 | ) | ||
Basic and diluted loss per common share |
$ | (0.03 | ) | $ | (0.02 | ) | ||
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
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LASON, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
As of March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003
(In thousands, except for shares)
March 31, | December 31, | |||||||
2004 |
2003 |
|||||||
(Unaudited) | ||||||||
ASSETS |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 11,597 | $ | 12,153 | ||||
Accounts receivable (net of allowance of $1,670 and 2,009, respectively) |
28,637 | 25,972 | ||||||
Supplies |
1,993 | 2,182 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses and other |
5,211 | 7,412 | ||||||
Total current assets |
47,438 | 47,719 | ||||||
Property and equipment (net of accumulated depreciation of $4,512 and $3,770, respectively) |
5,890 | 5,927 | ||||||
Total assets |
$ | 53,328 | $ | 53,646 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
||||||||
Accounts payable |
$ | 6,785 | $ | 6,076 | ||||
Accrued expenses |
7,045 | 7,325 | ||||||
Customer deposits |
4,837 | 2,973 | ||||||
Deferred revenue |
1,884 | 1,969 | ||||||
Current portion of long-term obligations |
4,425 | 4,414 | ||||||
Total current liabilities |
24,976 | 22,757 | ||||||
Long-term obligations |
25,630 | 27,281 | ||||||
Total liabilities |
50,606 | 50,038 | ||||||
STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
||||||||
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized, none issued and outstanding |
| | ||||||
Common stock, $.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized, 3,267,656 shares reserved for issuance and 26,777,344 shares issued and outstanding |
300 | 300 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
1,565 | 1,565 | ||||||
Retained earnings |
857 | 1,743 | ||||||
Total stockholders equity |
2,722 | 3,608 | ||||||
Total liabilities and stockholders equity |
$ | 53,328 | $ | 53,646 | ||||
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
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LASON, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Three Months Ended March 31, 2004 and 2003
(In thousands, Unaudited)
Three Months Ended | ||||||||
March 31, |
||||||||
2004 |
2003 |
|||||||
Cash Flows Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities |
$ | 1,837 | $ | (662)1 | ||||
Cash Flows From Investing Activities: |
||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities, property and equipment |
(704 | ) | (771 | ) | ||||
Cash Flows From Financing Activities: |
||||||||
Repayment of long-term obligations, net |
(1,685 | ) | | |||||
Repayment on capital lease liabilities and other |
(4 | ) | (32 | ) | ||||
Net cash used in financing activities |
(1,689 | ) | (32 | ) | ||||
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents |
(556 | ) | (1,456 | ) | ||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period |
12,153 | 25,931 | ||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period |
$ | 11,597 | $ | 24,466 | ||||
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
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NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
NOTE 1: NATURE OF OPERATIONS
Lason, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is a holding company which together with its operating subsidiaries, Lason Systems, Inc. and Lason International, Inc., both Delaware companies (Lason or the Company), is a leading provider of integrated information outsourcing solutions through in excess of 55 locations and facilities management sites in 22 states, India, China (service relationship), Mexico and Canada. The Company serves over 3,500 active customers primarily in the healthcare, financial services, government and manufacturing and industrial vertical markets. The Companys core competency resides in its ability to enhance the performance of its customers business by outsourcing their non-core business processes and back office operations. The Companys primary services are data, document and image capture, web-based document repository services via its Document DNA (digital network access) product, analog services, on-site facilities management, print and mail type services, database management and other professional services. The Companys service capabilities across a broad range of data and media types allows its customers to fulfill their business process and information outsourcing needs with a single vendor regardless of geography.
NOTE 2: BASIS OF PRESENTATION
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Lason have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles, generally accepted in United States of America for interim financial information and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements.
In the opinion of the Company, the accompanying financial statements include all adjustments, of a normal, recurring nature, necessary to present fairly its financial position as of March 31, 2004 and the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003. Results of operations for interim periods may not be indicative of future results.
For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 29, 2004.
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Lason have been prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information.
NOTE 3: NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
In January 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation Number 46 (FIN No. 46), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an interpretation of Accounting Research Bulletin No. 51, Consolidated Financial Statements. FIN No. 46 provides guidance regarding the identification of, and financial reporting for entities over which control is achieved through means other than voting rights; such entities are considered variable interest entities. FIN No. 46 requires the consolidation of variable interest entities in which an enterprise is deemed to be the primary beneficiary, which is determined by the obligation to absorb a majority of the entitys expected losses, the right to receive a majority of an entitys expected residual returns or both. In December 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued FASB Interpretation 46(R), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities. FIN 46(R) replaces FIN 46 and clarifies the accounting for interests in variable interest entities. FIN 46(R) should be applied to entities considered to be Special Purpose Entities (SPEs) no later than the end of the first reporting period after December 15, 2003 and by the end of the first reporting period that ends after March 15, 2004 to entities other than SPEs. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on the Companys financial position or results of operations.
In May 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity, which provides standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. The statement is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003 and for pre-existing instruments as of the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. In 2003, the FASB elected to indefinitely defer the effective date for certain provisions of SFAS No. 150 relating to investments in
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limited-life entities. The adoption of the provisions of SFAS No. 150 not deferred by the FASB did not have a material effect on the Companys financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. The Company has not completed its evaluation of the effect of those provisions for which the effective dates have been deferred.
NOTE 4: LONG TERM OBLIGATIONS
In September of 2003, the Company amended its Credit Agreement with the holders of its Senior Notes via the First Amendment to the Credit Agreement (the Amendment). Under the terms of the Amendment, the holders of the Companys Senior Notes agreed to bifurcate such notes into a new $10 million revolving credit facility and a $32 million term loan obligation. The Amendment leaves unchanged the maturity date of the Credit Agreement, as applicable to the term loan. The revolving credit facility matures on December 31, 2005. These obligations are collateralized by a lien on all property of the Company, guaranties of certain of the Companys subsidiaries, as well as pledges of the capital stock of certain subsidiaries. Borrowings under the revolving credit facility and the term loan obligation bear interest at a rate of prime (floating) plus 2.5 percent (6.50% at March 31, 2004). The Credit Agreement and Amendment contain restrictions on acquisitions, disposition of assets, and the incurrence of other liabilities and contain certain financial covenants related to minimum EBITDA, liquidity, ratio of earnings to fixed charges and certain restrictions on capital expenditures. At March 31, 2004, the Company had $4 million outstanding on its $10 million revolving credit facility. In addition to the quarterly principal payments, the Credit Agreement calls for principal reductions from net cash proceeds received from the sale or disposition of assets.
Aggregate maturities of the Senior Notes and revolving credit facility subsequent to March 31, 2004 and through maturity are $4,000, $8,000, $4,000, and $11,944.
The Companys long-term obligations also include a unsecured, non-interest bearing Junior Note issued to certain key managers (who were also ex-owners of businesses acquired by Lason). The Junior Note calls for semi-annual principal payments with final maturity at December 31, 2006. Aggregate maturities for the Junior Note subsequent to March 31, 2004 are as follows (in thousands):
2004 |
$ | 624 | ||||
2005 |
624 | |||||
2006 |
1,246 | |||||
Total |
$ | 2,494 | ||||
Unamortized Discount at March 31, 2004 | (383 | ) | ||||
Junior Note Balance | $ | 2,111 | ||||
The Junior Note Indenture provides that the principal payments outlined above will be made, subject to the express condition that certain performance tests are satisfied. Based upon the Companys current information, it believes that the performance tests will be satisfied and the payments will be made.
NOTE 5: INCOME TAXES
In connection with the Companys past plan of reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code, a gain on cancellation of indebtedness was realized by the Companys predecessor in the amount of approximately $236.0 million. The ultimate gain realized by the Company will depend upon the final resolution of claims in the Bankruptcy Court and could vary from that currently realized. This gain was not taxable since the gain resulted from reorganization under the Bankruptcy Code. However, at the beginning of its 2003 taxable year, the Company reduced certain attributes including net operating loss carry forwards (NOLs), certain tax credits and tax basis in assets in an amount equal to such gain on extinguishment. At March 31, 2004, the Company estimates that its NOLs aggregated approximately $23.6 million, which will expire in 2022.
At March 31, 2004 and 2003, the Company has a provision for income taxes of $0.04 and $0.1 million for foreign and state income taxes.
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The Companys management, in assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, must consider whether it is more likely than not that part or all of the deferred tax assets may not be realized. This assessment includes consideration for the scheduled reversal of temporary taxable difference, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies. At March 31, 2004 and December 31, 2003 due to the high degree of uncertainty surrounding their realizability, a full valuation allowance has been established on all of the deferred taxes.
NOTE 6: LOSS PER SHARE
Basic income per share has been computed in accordance with SFAS No. 128, Earnings per Share. The weighted average common shares used for the three month periods ending March 31, 2004 and 2003 were 30,045,000. This includes shares reserved for distribution under the Companys Plan, in addition to shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2004 and March 31, 2003, respectively.
NOTE 7: COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company is a defendant in an adversary proceeding in the Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware in Wilmington (the Court). The plaintiff is Ark 2000-1 CLO, Limited (Ark), one of the Companys senior secured lenders. The nature of the dispute is over certain provisions in the Companys Pre-petition Credit Agreements and Plan, which call for the sharing of net proceeds from certain designated asset sales between the Company and the senior secured lenders. The net proceeds in dispute are approximately $1.7 million. On October 15, 2003, the Court ruled in favor of the Company, denying the plaintiffs motion and any claim by the plaintiffs to the proceeds. On October 24, 2003, Ark filed a motion before the Court asking it to reconsider its ruling. The Company believes the plaintiffs arguments are without merit and it is vigorously defending itself in this matter. An unfavorable outcome or settlement, if any, in this matter may result in a charge to current earnings.
In addition to the foregoing, the Company is subject to lawsuits and pending or asserted claims with respect to matters arising out of the ordinary course of business. Although the Company cannot predict the outcomes of these legal proceedings, it is not currently aware of any claim or action, in the aggregate, that would have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
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ITEM 2: MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
Lason is a leading provider of integrated information outsourcing solutions through in excess of 55 locations and facilities management sites in 22 states, India, China (service relationship), Mexico and Canada. The Company serves over 3,500 active customers primarily in the healthcare, financial services, government and manufacturing and industrial vertical markets. The Companys core competency resides in its ability to enhance the performance of its customers business by outsourcing their non-core business processes and back office operations. The Companys primary services are data, document and image capture, web-based document repository services via its Document DNA (digital network access) product, analog services, on-site facilities management, print and mail type services, database management and other professional services. The Companys service capabilities across a broad range of data and media types allows its customers to fulfill their business process and information outsourcing needs with a single vendor regardless of geography. Lasons capability to capture, manage and output information includes both traditional and digital services that support customer migration to new technologies including internal-based applications.
The Companys strategy is to be a value-added business partner to its customers by leveraging its integrated Business Process Outsourcing ("BPO") capabilities across a broad geographical spectrum to continually assist them in reducing their information management and back office costs and minimize their on-going technology and capital requirements. Key components to this strategy are the Companys strategically located off-shore capabilities and solution offerings, such as Document DNA (its web-based document repository), which allow it to fulfill customers BPO needs cost effectively twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
Results of OperationsThree Months Ended March 31, 2004 Compared with Three Months Ended March 31, 2003
Consolidated net revenues were $35.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004 as compared to $44.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2003. The decline in revenues was a result of several factors, including an effort to focus on more complex BPO and integrated solution sales, which require a longer sales cycle, a cyclical decline in volumes within certain applications, such as mortgage loan processing, due to external macro-economic factors, continued decline in the demand for the Companys analog services, and due to customers that elected to pursue strategic resourcing alternatives following the Companys emergence from its previous Chapter 11 proceedings. The demand for the Companys BPO services remains high and it has developed a substantial pipeline of opportunities as compared to the first quarter of 2003. The Companys revenues are generally based upon transaction volumes of information and data sent to it by third parties. For the most part, these volumes are not contractually required or guaranteed. In addition, the mix of the Companys revenue is dependent upon the application or service being provided and can vary between project and recurring type work. In many cases, the work being performed by the Company for an individual customer contains elements of both project and recurring type work. Project work represents one-time services. Recurring work represents services being provided to a customer on a consistent basis that are generally under contract or have been regularly provided by the Company to the customer through a long standing relationship.
Gross profit was $7.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004 as compared to $11.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2003. Gross profit as a percentage of net revenues was 22.2 percent for the three months ended March 31, 2004 versus 26.0 percent for the three months ended March 31, 2003. The decrease in gross profit and gross margin percentage is due principally to lower revenue levels and the mix of applications or services provided. The Companys cost of revenues consist primarily of wages and benefits to its employees, the cost of materials and equipment and other items related to directly providing services and products to its customers.
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $3.1 million to $8.2 million or 23.4 percent of net revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2004 from $11.3 million or 25.7 percent of net revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2003. The reduction is due to the Companys ongoing integration and restructuring activities to realign organizationally, eliminate excess capacity and streamline its
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operations and further enhance its off-shore service capabilities, consistent with its strategic focus on more complex BPO and integrated solution sales.
Included in the results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 was approximately $0.7 and $0.6 million, respectively, in depreciation expense related to property and equipment.
Net interest expense was $0.5 million and $0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and three months ended March 31, 2003, respectively, consisting principally of interest on the Companys long term obligations.
The provision for income taxes was approximately $0.04 and $0.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The provision is primarily related to foreign and state income taxes.
Net loss for the three months ended March 31, 2004 was $0.9 million in comparison to net loss of $0.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2003.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
At March 31, 2004, the Company had net working capital of $22.5 million and cash and cash equivalents of $11.6 million. The Companys net senior debt (defined as total term loan and revolving credit borrowings less cash and cash equivalents) was $16.3 million at March 31, 2004. In addition, at March 31, 2004, the Company had $6.0 million of availability on its revolving credit facility. The Company has funded its operations and integration and restructuring activities through cash from operations. Net cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2004 was $1.8 million.
Net cash used in investing activities totaled $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004. These funds were used for investments in capital assets.
In September of 2003, the Company amended its Credit Agreement with the holders of its Senior Notes via the First Amendment to the Credit Agreement (the Amendment). Under the terms of the Amendment, the holders of the Companys Senior Notes agreed to bifurcate such notes into a new $10 million revolving credit facility and a $32 million term loan obligation. The Amendment leaves unchanged the maturity date of the Credit Agreement, as applicable to the term loan. The revolving credit facility matures on December 31, 2005. Such obligations are collateralized by a lien on all property of the Company, guaranties of certain of the Companys subsidiaries, as well as pledges of the capital stock of certain subsidiaries. Borrowings under the revolving credit facility and term loan obligation bear interest at a rate of prime (floating) plus 2.5 percent (6.50% at March 31, 2004). The Credit Agreement and Amendment contain restrictions on acquisitions, disposition of assets, and the incurrence of other liabilities and contain certain financial covenants related to minimum EBITDA, liquidity, ratio of earnings to fixed charges, and cash-flow levels and certain restrictions on capital expenditures. At March 31, 2004, the Company had $6 million of availability on its $10 million revolving credit facility.
The Junior Note Indenture provides that the principal payments will be made, subject to the express condition that certain performance tests are satisfied. Based upon the Companys current information, it believes that the performance tests will be satisfied and the payments will be made.
Management believes that it has sufficient liquidity through its cash from operations, cash on hand of $11.6 million and $6.0 million of revolving credit availability at March 31, 2004 to meet its on-going business needs, including satisfying its long term obligations as they become due. The Company consistently monitors and evaluates its capital structure and options for maximizing the efficiency and availability of such. Should the Company require future financing, no assurances can be given that the terms or availability of such would be favorable to the Company.
Contractual Obligations
Information regarding our contractual obligations is contained in Item 7 of our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003. No material changes to such information have occurred during the three months ended March 31, 2004.
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Risk Factors
If any of the following risks actually occur, the Companys business, financial condition or results of operations could be negatively impacted. You should also refer to the other information contained in this report and incorporated in this report by reference, including our consolidated financial statements and the related notes.
Volatility of Available Temporary Labor and Paper Prices
The Company is dependent primarily upon two basic supplies: temporary labor and paper. The Company uses and relies on temporary labor to manage fluctuations in its business. The supply and price of available and trained temporary labor is dependent upon general economic conditions that are beyond the Companys control. There can be no assurance that the Company will continue to have access to the trained temporary labor necessary to manage its business as it would expect, nor assurance that it will be available at the prices the Company would like. Further, the price of paper can be highly volatile. There can be no assurance that the price of paper will not change in the future. Any significant price increase in either temporary labor or paper that cannot be passed on to customers or a shortage in the supply of available temporary labor could have a material adverse effect on the Companys business, financial condition or results of operations.
Effect of Potential Fluctuations in Quarterly Operating Results; Seasonality
The Company has experienced, and in the future may experience, significant quarter to quarter fluctuations in its operating results. Quarterly operating results may fluctuate as a result of a variety of factors, including but not limited to, the size and timing of customer contracts, changes in customer budgets, variations in the cost of temporary labor and paper, the demand for the Companys services, the timing and introduction of new services, the market acceptance of new services, the introduction and timing of new services by the Companys competitors, competitive conditions in the industry and general economic conditions. The Companys businesses are also typically seasonal as sales and profitability are typically lower during the fourth quarter of the year. Negative trends or variations in these items could have a material adverse effect on the Companys business, financial condition or results of operations.
Importance of Continued Development of New Services
The introduction of competing services incorporating new technologies and the emergence of new technical standards could render some or all of the Companys services unmarketable. The Company believes that its future success depends upon its ability to enhance its current services and develop new services that address the increasingly sophisticated needs of its customers. The failure of the Company to continue to service its customers, develop and enhance its existing services and introduce new services in a timely and cost effective manner in response to changing technologies, competition and customer requirements could have a material adverse effect on the Companys business, financial condition or results of operations.
Potential Liability for Unauthorized Disclosure of Confidential Information and Intellectual Property Infringement
A substantial portion of the Companys business involves the handling of documents containing confidential information. Although the Company has established procedures intended to eliminate any unauthorized disclosure of confidential information and, in some cases, has contractually limited its potential liability for unauthorized disclosure of such information, there can be no assurance that unauthorized disclosures will not result in liability to the Company. It is possible that such liabilities could have a material adverse effect on the Companys business, financial condition or results of operations.
The Company from time to time may be required to indemnify customers for claims of intellectual property infringement made by third parties from using our products and services. To the extent that the Company enters into these arrangements, and a claim occurs, the Company could be subject to damages, loss of existing business or future business, or other remedies under such agreements, which could have a material adverse effect on the Companys business, financial condition or results of operations.
Risk of Business Interruptions and Dependence on Single Facilities for Certain Services
The Company believes that its ability and its future ability to retain customers has been due to and will continued to be dependent upon the continued delivery of prompt, efficient, high value services to its customers. Certain of the Companys operations are performed at a single location and are dependent on continuous computer, electrical, telephone and data communication service. As a result, any disruption of the Companys day-to-day operations could have a material adverse effect upon the Company. There can be no assurance that a fire, flood, earthquake, power loss, phone or data service loss or
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other disaster affecting one or more of the Companys facilities would not disable these functions. Any significant damage to any such facility or other failure that causes significant interruptions in the Companys operations may not be covered by insurance and could have a material adverse effect on the Companys business, financial condition or results of operations.
Lack of Continued Growth in the Business Process Outsourcing Industry
The Company believes, based upon independent market research, that the business process outsourcing market will continue to experience growth for the next several years. The industry growth assumptions are based upon, among other things, the continued advancement of technology, increased government regulations regarding document retention, increased customer expectations regarding low-cost and efficient electronic access to records and a continued focus on business and profit enhancement though outsourcing of non-core activities. There can be no assurance that these factors will ultimately facilitate industry growth or that other foreseen or unforeseen changes in the market dynamics will not negatively impact projected market growth. Any negative impact upon general market trends for the business process outsourcing industry will have a material adverse effect on the Companys business, financial condition and results of operations.
HIPAA Regulations
As a result of statutory authority granted pursuant to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), the United States Department of Health and Human Services has issued regulations regarding the use and disclosure of personal health information by health care providers, health plans, and certain other covered entities operating in the health care industry. The HIPAA regulations require covered entities to take steps to maintain the privacy and security of personal health information. While the Company is not a covered entity directly governed by these regulations, many of its customers are covered entities under the HIPAA regulations and these customers are required to adjust their business arrangements to comply with HIPAA. These customers will be required to enter into business associate arrangements with the Company that conform to the requirements of HIPAA. The requirements of HIPAA, and the costs of complying with HIPAA, may adversely affect the business operations of these customers, which could have a negative impact on the Companys business operations. Furthermore, the requirements of the business associate arrangements, and the changes the Company will have to make in its operations to comply with such agreements, will increase the Companys costs of operations. To the extent the Company is unable to comply with the provisions of such agreements, it could lose the business generated by those clients or could be subject to damages for violation of its business associate agreements with those clients.
Future Financial Covenants
Under the Companys First Amendment to the Credit Agreement, it is subject to certain reporting requirements and financial covenants, including requirements that it maintain minimum levels of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) and cash-flow and certain other restrictions. Certain of these covenants become more restrictive over time. The Company is currently in compliance with such covenants as of March 31, 2004. While it is currently in compliance with such covenants, an erosion of its business could place the Company out of compliance in the future. Potential remedies for the lenders include declaring all outstanding amounts immediately payable, terminating commitments and enforcing any liens; however, in the event of any future noncompliance the Company would seek a waiver from such lenders related to these types of technical covenant violations.
International Operations
The Company operates in four countries outside the United States: India, China (service relationship), Mexico and Canada. Political and economic instability in these countries could have a material adverse impact on the Companys results of operations. The Companys future revenues, costs of operations and profits could be affected by a number of factors related to its international operations, including changes in foreign currency, exchange rates, changes in economic conditions from country to country, changes in a countrys political condition, trade protection measures, licensing and other legal requirements and local tax issues.
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Future Risks
The Company identifies and evaluates the material risks potentially impacting its business on an on-going basis. Certain risks which are material to the Companys business today may become immaterial in the future. Additionally, certain risks which are immaterial to the Companys business today may become material in the future. Further, new risks to the Companys business, which it is currently unaware of today, could develop in the future and dramatically impact its business, operations or financial condition.
ITEM 3: QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The Company has exposure to interest rate risk on its term loan and revolving credit facility, which bear interest at a variable rate. Based on the Companys outstanding balance on March 31, 2004 of $27.9 million, a one-percent increase or decrease in interest rates would decrease or increase, respectively, the Companys pre-tax earnings and operating cash flows by appropriately $0.3 million on an annualized basis.
Due to the Companys operations outside of the United States, the Company experiences foreign currency exchange gains and losses. Fluctuations between the United States dollar and other currencies may adversely affect the results of operations. As the Company does not currently engage in foreign currency hedging transactions, there is no assurance that such exchange rate fluctuations will not cause significant fluctuations in the Companys future results of operations.
ITEM 4: CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
The term disclosure controls and procedures is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act). These Rules refer to the controls and 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 Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within required time periods. Our Chief Executive Officer and Our Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report (the Evaluation Date), and have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in providing them with material information relating to the Company known to others within the Company which is required to be included in our periodic reports filed under the Exchange Act.
There has been no change in the Companys internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Companys last fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Companys internal control over financial reporting.
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Lason may from time to time provide information including certain statements included in or incorporated by reference in this Form 10-Q which constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Those forward-looking statements include the intent, belief or current expectations of the company and its management. Without limitation, the words believes, plans, expects, and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, but are not the exclusive means of identifying forward-looking statements in this Form 10-Q. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve a number of risks and uncertainties, and that actual results could differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements. Among the important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward looking statements are: (1) important information is of a preliminary basis and subject to further adjustment, (2) the assimilation of business units, (3) the economic, political and regulatory environment, (4) competitive risks and uncertainties, (5) dependence on key customers and management, (6) fluctuations in paper prices, (7) price and availability of qualified temporary labor, (8) reliability of Company data, (9) changes in the business outsourcing industry, (10) managements ability to implement its
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business plan, (11) the financial and legal effect of any outstanding litigation, (12) ultimate resolution and settlement of administrative and priority claims, including priority tax claims, whether known or unknown as a result of the Companys previous Chapter 11 filing, (13) status of the Companys financing, (14) other important factors beyond the control of Lason and (15) other risks identified from time to time in the Companys reports and registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual future results may vary significantly from those set forth herein. These forward-looking statements represent Lasons judgment as of the date of this report. Lason disclaims, however, any intent or obligation to update its forward-looking statements.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
a. Exhibits
31.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer | |||
31.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer | |||
32.1 | Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
b. Reports on Form 8-K
A Report on Form 8-K was filed on March 31, 2004, disclosing in Items 7 and 12 thereof, the results of operations for the year ended December 31, 2003.
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
LASON, INC. | ||
Date: May 14, 2004 | By: /s/ RONALD D. RISHER | |
Ronald D. Risher Chief Executive Officer; President and Director |
||
/s/ DOUGLAS S. KEARNEY | ||
Douglas S. Kearney Executive Vice President; Chief Financial Officer and Secretary |
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EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBIT NO. | DESCRIPTION | |
EX - 31.1
|
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 | |
EX - 31.2
|
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 | |
EX - 32.1
|
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |