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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
_________________________
FORM 10-K
[ X ] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended Commission File Number
July 31, 1998 0-24287
BLUE RHINO CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 56-1870472
(State of other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
____________________________
104 Cambridge Plaza Drive
Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27104
(Address of principal executive offices)
(336) 659-6900
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:
Name of each exchange
Title of each class on which registered
------------------- ---------------------
None None
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT:
Common Stock
------------
(Title of Class)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [ X ]. No [ ]
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K ( 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and
will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive
proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this
Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [ X ]
At September 30, 1998, the aggregate market value of the registrant's
Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately
$46,572,185.
At September 30, 1998, the number of shares outstanding of registrant's
Common Stock was 7,630,873.
Documents Incorporated by Reference
Portions of the Registrant's definitive Proxy Statement for the annual
meeting of Stockholders which will be filed within 120 days after the fiscal
year end covered by this report on Form 10-K are incorporated by reference in
Part III of this Form 10-K.
Certain exhibits to the Registrant's registration statements on Form S-1
dated May 18, 1998 and September 30, 1998 are incorporated by reference as
exhibits to this Form 10-K.
Forward Looking Statements
Certain statements in Item 1 - Business and Item 7 - Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contain
forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties, such as
statements of the Company's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions. The
cautionary statements made in this Form 10K should be read as being applicable
to all related forward-looking statements wherever they may appear in this Form
10K. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those discussed
herein. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but
are not limited to, those discussed in "Risk Factors" as described in the
Company's Registration Statements on Form S-1 as filed with the SEC on May 18,
1998 and September 30, 1998 as well as those discussed elsewhere herein. Unless
otherwise indicated, all references to years in this Form 10-K refer to the
Company's fiscal years, which ran as follows: from August 1, 1994 through July
31, 1995, August 1, 1995 through July 28, 1996, July 29, 1996 through July 31,
1997 and August 1, 1997 through July 31, 1998. The Blue Rhino(R) name, rhino
logo, RhinoTUFF(R) and Tri-Safe/TM/ are registered trademarks of the Company.
This Form 10-K also includes trademarks of companies other than the Company.
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BLUE RHINO CORPORATION
INDEX
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For the fiscal year ended July 31, 1998
PART 1:
Item 1: Business 4
Item 2: Properties 11
Item 3: Legal Proceedings 11
Item 4: Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders 11
PART II:
Item 5: Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters 12
Item 6: Selected Financial Data 12
Item 7: Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations 14
Item 7: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 23
Item 8: Financial Statements and Supplementary Data 24
Item 9: Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
Accounting and Financial Disclosure 45
PART III:
Item 10: Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant 46
Item 11: Executive Compensation 47
Item 12: Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management 47
Item 13: Certain Relationships and Related Transactions 48
PART IV:
Item 14: Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K 49
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PART I
Item 1 - Business
General
Blue Rhino Corporation ("Blue Rhino" or the "Company") is a leading
provider of grill cylinder exchange in the United States with cylinder exchange
displays at over 9,500 retail locations in 46 states and Puerto Rico as of July
31, 1998. Cylinder exchange provides consumers with a convenient means to
exchange empty grill cylinders for clean, safer, precision-filled cylinders.
Blue Rhino cylinder exchange is offered at many of the major home
center/hardware, mass merchant, grocery and convenience stores such as Home
Depot, Lowe's, Sears Hardware, Wal*Mart, Kroger and SuperAmerica. Blue Rhino
partners retailers and independent distributors to provide consumers with a
nationally branded product as an alternative to traditional grill cylinder
refill. The Company is focused on promoting its Blue Rhino brand through
retailers and leveraging its network of 53 independent propane distributors.
Because the distributors make the necessary investments in distribution
infrastructure, Blue Rhino can dedicate its efforts and capital to brand
development, value-added marketing, customer service and management information
systems ("MIS"). During the fiscal year ended July 31, 1998, the Company's sales
increased approximately 93% from the prior year's comparable period to
approximately $27.4 million as a result of the growth of sales at existing
locations and the addition of over 5,000 new retail locations.
Blue Rhino is creating a new paradigm for the grill cylinder exchange
market which provides benefits to consumers, retailers and distributors. Blue
Rhino offers consumers a new, convenient, branded product alternative to grill
cylinder refilling. Blue Rhino provides retailers with a high margin, turn-key
branded service which has the potential to increase customer traffic and
utilization of exterior retail space. Blue Rhino's cylinder exchange program
provides independent distributors with a counter-seasonal complement to their
traditional propane business as well as access to major retail accounts,
sophisticated MIS and marketing support.
The Company believes that in the highly fragmented and regionally
focused cylinder exchange industry, opportunities exist to expand through
selective acquisitions of smaller cylinder exchange businesses with established
retail accounts. During fiscal 1998, the Company completed 15 acquisitions of
regional cylinder exchange providers, adding over 2,200 retail locations for a
total purchase price of approximately $4.7 million, including approximately $3.6
million in cash, seller financing of $318,000 and $750,000 worth of Common
Stock. The largest acquisition involved the acquisition of 750 new locations.
Typically the Company resells or leases assets acquired in these acquisitions to
the Blue Rhino distributor which services the accounts acquired by the Company.
After operating as a privately held business for several years, the
Company registered and sold 3,105,000 shares of its Common Stock to the public
in May 1998 (the "Initial Public Offering") becoming subject to the reporting
requirements under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, on May 18,
1998. In connection with its Initial Public Offering, the Company undertook a
recapitalization of its existing equity which included (i) converting all
outstanding shares of its Series A Convertible Participating Preferred Stock
("Preferred Stock") into Common Stock, (ii) converting the accrued dividends on
the Preferred Stock into Common Stock (iii) issuing Common Stock upon the
cashless exercise of all warrants issued prior to 1998 and (iv) undertaking a 1
for 13.22513 reverse split of its Common Stock.
Blue Rhino Corporation was incorporated in North Carolina on March 24,
1994 and reincorporated in Delaware on December 16, 1994. The Company has two
wholly owned subsidiaries, Rhino Services, L.L.C., a Delaware limited liability
company ("Rhino Services"), and CPD Associates, Inc., a North Carolina
corporation ("CPD"). Rhino Services offers centralized purchasing services to
the Company's distributors. CPD was formed to hold the Company's intangible
assets. The Company maintains its executive offices at 104 Cambridge Plaza
Drive, Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27104. The Company's telephone number is
(336) 659-6900.
Industry Background
Barbecue Grill Market. Outdoor barbecuing is increasingly one of the
most popular outdoor activities in the United States driven by consumer trends
to healthier food preparation, as well as the desire to spend more time outside
at family and social gatherings. The popularity of propane grills has increased
significantly in recent years with Barbecue Industry Association ("BIA")
statistics indicating that propane grill sales now exceed the combined sales of
charcoal, natural gas and electric grills. According to a 1997 survey ("1997
BIA Study") conducted on behalf of the BIA, consumers enjoy the
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convenience of propane grills over charcoal grills as they light easier, heat up
faster and require less preparation and clean up time. Furthermore, the 1997 BIA
Study indicates that approximately 68% of propane grill owners use their grills
throughout the year.
According to the 1997 BIA Study, approximately 38.5 million United
States households own a propane grill, with the number of propane grill
purchases growing at a rate of 8% per year from 3.2 million in 1990 to more than
6.0 million in 1997. The 1997 BIA Study also indicates that the average propane
grill owner uses 1.8 cylinders of propane per year, creating an estimated market
for grill cylinder fills of approximately 69.0 million per year. Based on these
estimates, the Company believes the annual retail market for grill cylinder
refills is approximately $1.0 billion. There can be no assurance that such
growth rates will continue or be sustained or that the Company will benefit from
any such growth.
Grill Cylinder Exchange. In recent years, cylinder exchange has
emerged as a convenient alternative to refilling cylinders at traditional
propane filling stations. Cylinder exchange, in which the consumer exchanges an
empty grill cylinder for one which is full, is available at retail locations
such as home center/hardware, mass merchant, grocery and convenience stores.
These retailers typically have longer business hours and are more convenient for
consumers than filling stations. The Company believes that as cylinder exchange
becomes more widely available consumers will embrace it in place of refilling,
which often involves traveling to a remote location and waiting for a refill.
Growing consumer acceptance of cylinder exchange is indicated by BIA estimates
that cylinder exchange increased from less than 10% of grill cylinder
transactions in 1995 to 21% in 1997.
The Company believes that the grill cylinder exchange industry is
highly fragmented with numerous regional distributors typically serving less
than 500 locations each. The Company believes this fragmentation results in part
from the relative newness of cylinder exchange and the unique set of challenges
cylinder exchange poses to commercially focused traditional propane
distributors. To build critical mass at the consumer level, propane distributors
must establish and maintain relationships with major retailers, many of which
prefer to stock quality, branded products supplied by reliable, sophisticated
vendors. To service retail cylinder exchange accounts, propane distributors must
make capital investments in cylinder displays, grill cylinders, refurbishing
equipment and vehicles not used in their traditional propane business. Finally,
to properly account for complex exchange, upgrade and sale transactions, propane
distributors must invest in sophisticated management information and accounting
systems tailored to servicing retailers.
The Blue Rhino Product
Blue Rhino is creating a new paradigm for the cylinder exchange market
which provides benefits to consumers, retailers and distributors. Blue Rhino
offers consumers a new, convenient, branded product alternative to grill
cylinder refilling. Blue Rhino provides retailers with a high margin, turn-key
branded service which has the potential to increase customer traffic and
utilization of exterior retail space. In addition, Blue Rhino offers retailers a
full service program, including direct delivery, regular inventory maintenance,
centralized billing, electronic data interchange ("EDI") and detailed
reporting typically unavailable from traditional propane distributors. For Blue
Rhino's independent distributors, this cylinder exchange program provides a
counter-seasonal complement to their traditional propane business as well as
access to major retail accounts, sophisticated MIS and marketing support.
Business Strategy
Blue Rhino's strategy is to continue to build its national brand and
capitalize on its position as the leading grill cylinder exchange provider
through the following initiatives:
Promote the Blue Rhino Brand and Drive Consumer Awareness. The
Company's branding efforts focus on developing and maintaining a brand identity
synonymous with a convenient, clean and safer product. Blue Rhino has created a
distinctive Blue Rhino brand name and rhino logo which are prominently displayed
on cylinder sleeves and displays. The Company also plans to undertake brand
marketing and promotional initiatives, including point of purchase displays,
cross marketing promotions with other barbecue-related products, print media and
cooperative advertising. The Company's recognized brand also provides a platform
to introduce new Blue Rhino products to the backyard living category.
Deliver Clean, Safer Cylinders at Convenient Locations. The Company
believes that convenience and safety are critical factors in achieving consumer
acceptance of cylinder exchange. Blue Rhino cylinder exchange allows consumers
to exchange empty cylinders for clean, precision-filled, cylinders at a variety
of well known, convenient retail locations. Blue
5
Rhino distributors refill and resleeve cylinders according to prescribed
standards designed to prevent overfills or refills of unsafe cylinders. Each
Blue Rhino cylinder has a consistent, like-new appearance, which the Company
believes enhances retail sales and consumer loyalty.
Expand Relationships and Increase Sales with Retailers. The Company's
relationships with major retailers such as Home Depot, Lowe's, Sears Hardware,
Wal*Mart, Kroger and SuperAmerica, allow it to place cylinders in a large number
of convenient, high traffic locations. The Company believes that its ability to
provide national and regional retailers with a single vendor for branded grill
cylinder exchange supported by value-added customer service, marketing and MIS
gives it a competitive advantage over traditional propane distributors. The
Company believes there are approximately 225,000 potential grill cylinder
exchange locations in its targeted markets of which it currently services
approximately 9,500. The Company plans to continue to increase the number of new
retail locations by driving sales within existing retail accounts. In fiscal
1998, the Company added over 5,000 retail locations.
Leverage National Distributor Network. Over the past two years the
Company has established a network of 53 independent distributors serving 46
states and Puerto Rico. The Company believes that this distribution network
strategically positions it to cover approximately 90% of the grilling markets in
the United States. The Company plans to leverage this network by aggressively
increasing each distributor's market penetration through the addition of new
retail locations. Additionally, five of these distributors are dedicated
exclusively to developing and providing Blue Rhino cylinder exchange in certain
of the Company's key geographic markets.
Pursue Strategic Account Acquisitions. The Company believes that in
the highly fragmented and regionally focused cylinder exchange industry,
opportunities exist to expand through selective acquisitions of smaller cylinder
exchange businesses with established retail accounts. The Company has added over
2,200 retail locations in fiscal 1998 via a number of acquisitions for a total
purchase price of approximately $4.7 million, including approximately $3.6
million in cash, seller financing of $318,000 and $750,000 worth of Common
Stock. Subsequent to July 31, 1998, the Company has completed three acquisitions
representing approximately 450 retail locations and has signed six letters of
intent to acquire approximately 1,150 locations.
Cylinder Exchange Program
A typical cylinder exchange transaction begins when a Blue Rhino
distributor visits a retail location to replenish the grill cylinder display.
The distributor enters an inventory of the cylinders in the display rack into a
handheld computer which, utilizing an advanced algorithm in the Company's
proprietary Blue Rhino Electronic Accounting System ("BREAS") software,
automatically calculates the number and type of cylinder exchanges, upgrades and
sales for the location and creates a delivery ticket for the retailer.
Distributors routinely electronically transfer their delivery and inventory
information to Blue Rhino. Blue Rhino then prepares a centralized bill for each
retailer which typically is transmitted in a customized electronic format
compatible with their existing systems. Blue Rhino collects invoiced amounts
directly from the retailers and in turn remits a fixed amount per cylinder
transaction to its distributors. The Company negotiates terms of payment with
retailers which are generally 30 days from the date of invoice, as is standard
for consumable retail products. The Company in turn remits payment to its
distributors on the fifteenth of each month for transactions occurring during
the previous month.
Brand Marketing
The Company's marketing efforts focus primarily on developing and
maintaining a brand identity synonymous with a convenient, clean and safer
product which enhances consumer loyalty and builds retailer and distributor
relationships. The Company's brand marketing efforts include the following
Company initiatives:
Blue Rhino Cylinder Packaging. Blue Rhino cylinders are covered with a
distinctive and colorful RhinoTUFF cylinder sleeve. The RhinoTUFF cylinder
sleeve contains safety and use information along with a prominent display of the
Blue Rhino name and rhino logo. The RhinoTUFF sleeve also protects the cylinders
from damage during shipping and handling and from exposure to the elements. The
Company believes that this unique branded packaging increases consumer
recognition and loyalty.
Blue Rhino Cylinder Displays. Blue Rhino cylinder displays, which
prominently feature the Blue Rhino name and logo, are typically located near a
retailer's main entrance or in their lawn and garden department providing
"billboard" advertising
6
for the Company's products. The Company believes these cylinder displays enhance
consumer awareness of the Blue Rhino brand and reinforce the association of Blue
Rhino with convenient, clean and safer grilling.
Promotions. Blue Rhino has selectively placed targeted broadcast and
print media advertising campaigns that focus on raising consumer awareness of
the Blue Rhino name and service. Such advertising may also include certain
special promotions to encourage purchases of spare filled cylinders before the
grilling season. Blue Rhino is actively involved with consumer, trade and
regulatory associations in an effort to promote the growth of cylinder exchange.
Ongoing Blue Rhino promotions include development of the Company's web site
(www.bluerhino.com), co-operative advertising programs, cooking and safety
demonstrations and direct mail initiatives.
Retailer Relationships
The Company targets the following four categories of retailers:
Retail Category Major Accounts
- ------------------------------- ----------------------------------
Home Centers/Hardware Stores Home Depot, Lowe's, Sears Hardware
Mass Merchants Wal*Mart, Kmart, Meijer
Grocery Stores Kroger, Food Lion, Winn Dixie
Convenience Stores SuperAmerica, Kwik Shop, Conoco
Retailer Opportunity. Blue Rhino offers retailers the opportunity to
increase sales and profits with minimal time and financial investment. Blue
Rhino cylinder exchange is available to retailers nationally, providing
retailers with attractive sales margins while utilizing exterior retail space.
In addition, Blue Rhino has the potential to increase retailers' sales of
ancillary products through increased traffic from repeat cylinder exchange
customers and cross-marketing initiatives with other barbecue-related products.
Account Set-Up. Blue Rhino actively assists distributors and retailers
in obtaining local permits to set up the cylinder exchange program and
developing a site plan for cylinder displays. The permitting process is
generally completed within sixty days. Typically, within two weeks of obtaining
the necessary permits or other approvals, the distributor installs the cylinder
displays at the retail location. During the set-up process, Blue Rhino's
customer service and training personnel conduct in-store training and provide
safety manuals to store employees.
Account Service. Blue Rhino cylinder exchange is a turn-key program in
which the Company and its distributors set up new accounts, train store
employees, deliver the cylinders directly to retail locations, maintain the
display racks and cylinder inventory and provide ongoing marketing and sales
support. In addition, through its nationwide distributor network, the Company
can install and service the Blue Rhino program at almost any domestic location
of the retailer.
Sales Support. The Company's retail sales organization is divided into
four regions and includes seven corporate sales executives supported by a
network of approximately 500 independent sales representatives and grocery
brokers. This sales force is responsible for selling the Blue Rhino program to
targeted retailers and developing value-added relationships with manufacturers
of grills and other barbecue-related products. Blue Rhino's sales managers
analyze sales volume by location and coordinate promotions to maximize sales
opportunities.
Systems Support. Through the use of its electronic accounting software
BREAS, the Company provides accurate, timely customized invoices and can provide
EDI to relieve store managers of processing invoices generated by a local
propane distributor. The Company, through the use of its Online Account Sales
Information System ("OASIS"), is capable of providing retailers with detailed
information regarding sales trends at each of its Blue Rhino locations.
Customer Service. The Company places a high priority on customer
service and as a result has hired a telemarketing service company, Ruppman
Marketing Technologies, Inc. ("Ruppman"), to provide customer and retailer
assistance. Ruppman is an experienced customer service organization which has
provided similar services to a variety of major consumer product companies,
including Saturn, Motorola Inc. and Sony Corp. By staffing this function through
an experienced outside vendor, the Company believes it provides a vital service
to its end-users while taking advantage of the cost savings associated with a
dedicated third party provider.
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Major Retailers. The Company depends upon its relationships with a
limited number of major retailers for a significant portion of its sales. Home
Depot, Lowe's and Wal*Mart each represented in excess of 15% of the Company's
sales for fiscal 1998. These retailers, as a group, represented approximately
58% of the Company's sales for fiscal 1998 with Home Depot representing 26% of
the Company's sales for the period. As a result, the Company's success depends,
in part, upon the business success and growth of such retailers and such
retailers' willingness to offer Blue Rhino cylinder exchange. Failure to
maintain relationships with any of these retailers could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
Distributor Network
In an effort to build a strong national cylinder exchange program,
Blue Rhino has sought to attract experienced, well-capitalized, safety conscious
propane distributors to service its target gas grilling markets nationwide.
Distributor Opportunity. Propane distributors have traditionally
generated a large part of their sales during cold weather months. Blue Rhino
provides distributors with an attractive counter-seasonal propane business and
access to major retail accounts in a growing market. The Company continually
pursues new relationships and additional locations with existing retail partners
to increase the density of each distributor's territory. Blue Rhino personnel
are experienced in regulatory matters and assist distributors in completing the
permitting and set-up process. The Company established the Distributor Incentive
Stock Option Plan (the "Distributor Option Plan") pursuant to which it has
reserved 400,000 shares of its Common Stock for issuance upon the exercise of
options granted to distributors. The Company has granted existing distributors
options to purchase 240,887 shares under the Distributor Option Plan. The
Company, through its Rhino Services, L.L.C. subsidiary, also offers distributors
a cooperative propane buying program and cylinder financing program. The Company
leases cylinder display racks and subleases handheld computers to its
distributors. The cylinder display racks are subject to leases pursuant to which
the distributors pay the Company monthly rental payments equal to 1% of the
initial purchase price of the display racks for the term of the lease. The
distributors are also responsible for maintenance, insurance and risk of loss
with respect to the subleased cylinder display racks. The cylinder display rack
leases may be terminated by either party on 60 days notice. The distributors pay
$1.00 per month for each handheld computer which they sublease from the Company,
which is approximately $155 less than the average monthly rents the Company pays
on its leases for the handheld computers. Either party may terminate the
handheld computer subleases on 60 days notice.
Distributor Standards. The Company sets standards for and continually
monitors its distributors to ensure a high level of account service.
Distributors are encouraged to develop an infrastructure sufficient to: (i)
complete customer installations within two weeks of receipt of all necessary
permits and governmental approvals; (ii) resolve stock-outs within 48 hours;
(iii) respond to emergency requests within 30 minutes; and (iv) refurbish and,
when necessary, recertify cylinders according to prescribed standards. The
Company helps ensure product quality by regularly checking on distributor
compliance with Blue Rhino refilling, packaging, safety and delivery standards.
Distributor Selection Process. Blue Rhino has selectively identified
and pursued high quality distributors through direct contacts and industry trade
forums. The Company screens all distributor candidates by reviewing credit
reports and safety records and conducting management reference checks. As a
result of this thorough selection process, Blue Rhino has replaced only two
distributors to date.
Distributor Services. Blue Rhino employs business development managers
to cultivate and manage ongoing distributor relationships, address set-up and
servicing problems and provide distributors with marketing feedback and industry
updates. Blue Rhino also employs safety and training personnel who provide set-
up seminars and safety training. This continuing support allows distributors to
concentrate their efforts on opening and servicing retail locations.
Dedicated Distributors. In order to establish a presence in and
rapidly develop certain key markets, the Company has entered into distribution
agreements with five distributors dedicated solely to providing Blue Rhino
cylinder exchange. Platinum Propane, the Company's largest distributor by
locations served and sales revenues generated, covers the Company's
south/southeast, Chicago and Los Angeles markets and Ceramic Industries Inc.
serves the Houston and Dallas markets. Three recently formed distributors,
Caribou Propane, Javelina Propane and Raven Propane service the Pacific
northwest, Phoenix and New Jersey/Philadelphia markets, respectively. These
distributors are related parties to the Company.
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Distribution Agreements. The Company has entered into distribution
agreements with each of its 53 distributors on substantially similar terms.
Pursuant to these agreements, each distributor must meet prescribed service
standards and maintain designated amounts of liability insurance naming the
Company as an additional insured party. The agreements typically run for a term
of five years and may be terminated by the Company if, among other things, the
distributor does not meet certain required service levels. Each agreement also
includes a two-year non-compete clause in the event an agreement is terminated.
Major Distributors. Approximately 48% of the Company's retail
locations are serviced by five of the Company's 53 distributors. Sales by these
key distributors resulted in approximately 63% of the Company's revenues for
fiscal 1998. A related party, Platinum Propane Holding, L.L.C. and its
subsidiaries (collectively, ''Platinum Propane'') accounted for approximately
38% and Ceramic Industries, Inc. accounted for approximately 10% of the
Company's revenues, for fiscal 1998. A disruption in service by one or more of
these key distributors may adversely affect the Company's results of operations.
In connection with the Company's transition from a vertically
integrated business model to an independent distributor business model, the
Company sold most of its distribution assets to its independent distributors. In
most of these sales the purchase price was represented by a promissory note from
the distributor to the Company payable monthly over 60 months and bearing 10.5%
interest. The Company has a lien on the assets which it sold to the distributors
pursuant to security agreements which contain standard representations and
covenants intended to protect the Company's security interest. As of July 31,
1998, seven distributors owed the Company in the aggregate approximately $1.3
million for the purchase of distribution assets from the Company.
Management Information Systems
The Company has made a substantial investment in MIS which enhances
its ability to serve retailers and helps to differentiate the Company from other
providers of cylinder exchange and cylinder refill services. Blue Rhino's
technology utilizes highly integrated, scalable software applications which
cost-effectively support the Company's growing retail location base. The
Company's systems also allow the Company to use historical data to further
enhance the execution, service and identification of new markets and marketing
opportunities. The primary components of the Company's systems include the
following:
Sales and Marketing Support System. In partnership with Information
Management System Services (''IMSS''), a subsidiary of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco
Company, the Company has developed and implemented a custom relational database
and information repository known as OASIS (Online Account Sales Information
System). This system facilitates the exchange of information between
distributors and the Company and allows the Company to develop a database to
track delivery and transaction statistics.
Distributor Level Technology. Each distributor is electronically
linked to the Company's accounting and database systems which allow drivers to
provide delivery, inventory and invoicing information through handheld
computers. This technology provides retailers with accurate and timely inventory
and invoices and assists the distributor in avoiding location stock-outs.
Financial Systems. The Company uses BREAS, a custom software module
which bridges the handheld computers used by the distributors to the Company's
accounting and financial reporting system. All delivery transaction information
entered into the handheld computers is uploaded routinely into BREAS where it is
validated and transmitted to the Company's accounting system for invoice
processing. Many retailers are invoiced via EDI, eliminating paper processing of
those transactions. The Company pays distributors via electronic deposits to
further minimize administrative costs. In connection with a planned enhancement
of BREAS, the system will be upgraded to address year 2000 compliance issues.
The Company has engaged Integrated Solutions International, L.L.C. to upgrade
BREAS and believes that it will be fully operational and in year 2000 compliance
within the next six months, however any failure to complete this upgrade by
January 1, 2000 could lead to a significant disruption in the Company's ability
to account for sales and deliveries, having a material adverse affect on the
Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
9
Seasonality
The Company's business is subject to seasonal fluctuations, especially
in colder regions of the United States, which have caused, and are expected to
continue to cause, significant fluctuations in its quarterly results of
operations. Approximately 48.8% of the Company's sales in fiscal 1998 occurred
during its fourth quarter ending July 31, 1998. The Company anticipates that it
will continue to derive the majority of its operating revenues from the spring
and summer seasons when consumers are more likely to grill out, which coincide
with the Company's third and fourth fiscal quarters (ending April 30 and July
31, respectively). The Company's timing and rate of establishing new retail
locations and expenses incurred in anticipation of increased sales also have
caused, and may continue to cause, quarterly fluctuations in the Company's
results of operations. Accordingly, the results of operations in any quarter
will not necessarily be indicative of the results that may be achieved for a
full fiscal year.
Competition
The grill cylinder refilling industry is highly fragmented and
intensely competitive. The Company competes primarily on the basis of quality of
product, service, perceived safety and price. The 1997 BIA Study results
indicated that approximately 79% of the retail demand for grill cylinders was
provided by traditional propane refilling stations rather than exchange. The
Company's primary competition comes from the approximately 20,000 bulk refilling
stations owned and operated by propane dealers, as well as certain rental
outlets, recreational vehicle centers and hardware stores. Major propane
providers such as AmeriGas Propane Partners, L.P. and Suburban Propane Partners,
L.P. offer cylinder exchange in limited locations and could expand their
cylinder exchange business nationally. These major propane providers have
greater resources than the Company and may be able to undertake more extensive
marketing campaigns and adopt more aggressive pricing policies than the Company.
The Company also competes with numerous regional cylinder exchange programs
which typically have operated in one or two states. There can be no assurance
that these competitors will not expand their cylinder exchange programs
nationwide. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able
to compete effectively with current or future competitors or that the
competitive pressures faced by the Company will not have a material adverse
effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
Governmental Regulation
The storing and dispensing of propane is governed by guidelines
published by the NFPA in Pamphlets 54 and 58. Recent NFPA initiatives include a
requirement that all grill cylinders placed in use or recertified after
September 30, 1998 be fitted with an overfill prevention device valve (''OPD
Valve'') and all grill cylinders refilled after April 2002 have an OPD Valve.
The distributor is also governed by local laws and regulations which vary by
municipality and state. Typically, a distributor is required to obtain permits
from a local fire marshal for each location at which propane is sold. The
Company's regional and corporate staffs attempt to assist the distributors in
this process whenever feasible. The Company plays an active role in drafting
model state legislation through the National Propane Gas Association (''NPGA''),
an industry association, which attempts to make state and local legislation
uniform to provide consumers, retailers and distributors with up to date and
appropriate regulations and safety.
Proprietary Rights
The Company has invested substantial time, effort and capital in
establishing the Blue Rhino brand name and believes that its trademarks are an
important part of its business strategy. The Company has a trademark for the use
of the Blue Rhino name and logo, the RhinoTUFF name, and trademark applications
pending for Tri-Safe and Fuel Check names. While the Company may apply for
additional trademarks or copyrights in the future, no assurance can be given
that any trademarks or copyrights will be issued, that any of the Company's
trademarks or patents will be held valid if subsequently challenged or that
others will not claim rights in or ownership of the trademarks or copyrights and
other proprietary rights held by the Company.
Employees
As of July 31, 1998, the Company had 56 employees, of whom 17 were
engaged in sales and marketing, 11 in distributor services, five in information
systems and 23 in administration and finance. The Company has not experienced
any work stoppages and considers its relations with its employees to be good.
10
Item 2 -- Properties
The Company's headquarters are located in Winston-Salem, North
Carolina in facilities leased by the Company from Platinum Services Corporation,
an entity affiliated with the Corporation by common ownership and control.
Pursuant to the terms of the lease, the Company pays annual rent of $82,000,
plus its allocable share of all taxes, utilities and maintenance. Although the
lease terminates, on December 31, 1998, the Company expects to renew the lease
on substantially similar terms for an additional three-year term.
Item 3 -- Legal Proceedings
In the ordinary course of its business, the Company is involved in
certain pending or threatened legal proceedings from time to time. In the
opinion of management, none of such legal proceedings currently pending or
threatened will have a material effect on the financial position or results of
operations of the Company.
Item 4 - Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
The Company did not submit any matters to a vote of its security
holders during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered in this report.
11
PART II
Item 5 -- Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder
Matters
The Common Stock of the Company has been traded on the Nasdaq National
Market under the symbol RINO since the Company's initial public offering on May
19, 1998 (the "Initial Public Offering"). The highest and lowest closing sale
prices for the Common Stock, as reported by the Nasdaq National Market, for the
periods indicated, are set forth in the following table.
Fiscal 1998 High Low
------- -------
First Quarter - -
Second Quarter - -
Third Quarter - -
Fourth Quarter $19.125 $14.375
As of July 31, 1998, there were approximately 54 holders of record of
the Company's Common Stock.
The Company has never declared or paid any cash dividends on shares of
its Common Stock. The Company currently intends to retain its earnings for
future growth and, therefore, does not anticipate paying any cash dividends in
the foreseeable future. The payment of cash dividends in the future will be at
the discretion of the Board of Directors and may be prohibited under any then
existing financing agreements. There can be no assurance that the Company will
pay any dividends in the future.
In connection with the Initial Public Offering, the Company issued a
total of 3,105,000 shares of Common Stock and received proceeds, net of
underwriters discounts and commissions and other offering expenses, of
approximately $36.4 million. The Company utilized the net proceeds from the
Initial Public Offering to repay approximately $29.1 million of principal and
interest on indebtedness including approximately $16.5 million on the Company's
10.5% Senior Discount Notes, approximately $7.0 million outstanding under the
Bank Credit Facility, approximately $3.4 million on the 1998 Stockholder Loans
and approximately $2.1 million for the purchase of cylinder displays previously
financed under an operating lease facility. The Company used approximately
$350,000 of the net proceeds to acquire assets from seven local and regional
cylinder exchange providers adding approximately 200 new accounts through these
acquisitions. The Company also used approximately $1.3 million for general
corporate purposes during the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998. As of July 31,
1998, the remaining net proceeds from the Initial Public Offering totaled
approximately $5.9 million which the Company intends to use for general
corporate purposes, including working capital and future acquisitions.
Item 6 -- Selected Consolidated Financial Data
The following selected consolidated income statement and balance sheet
data of the Company as of and for the fiscal years ended July 31, 1994, July 31,
1995, July 28, 1996, July 31, 1997 and July 31, 1998 have been derived from the
Company's audited consolidated financial statements. The financial data set
forth below should be read in conjunction with "Item 7 - Management's Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Item 8 -
Financial Statements and Supplemental Data - Consolidated Financial Statements
of the Company and Related Notes Thereto" included elsewhere herein.
12
Predecessor
-----------
Company(1) Fiscal Year
---------- -------------------------------------------------------------
June 30, July 31, July 31, July 28, July 31, July 31,
-------- -------- -------- -------- -------- --------
1994 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
(in thousands, except per share and selected operating data)
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:
Net sales--distributors............................ $ -- $ -- $ -- $ 2,386 $ 13,060 $27,372
Net sales--direct.................................. 393 56 2,728 5,830 1,151 --
----- ------ ------- -------- -------- -------
Total net sales.................................. 393 56 2,728 8,216 14,211 27,372
----- ------ ------- -------- -------- -------
Cost of sales--distributors........................ -- -- -- 1,811 9,873 20,525
Cost of sales--direct.............................. 126 59 3,523 6,089 1,771 --
----- ------ ------- -------- -------- -------
Total cost of sales.............................. 126 59 3,523 7,900 11,644 20,525
----- ------ ------- -------- -------- -------
Gross profit (loss)................................ 267 (3) (795) 316 2,567 6,847
----- ------ ------- -------- -------- -------
Operating expenses (income):
Sales and marketing.............................. -- -- 532 1,112 1,950 2,392
General and administrative....................... 228 374 2,787 3,192 3,022 3,591
Lease income, net................................ -- -- -- (89) (143) (81)
Depreciation and amortization.................... 25 3 284 868 873 1,278
Nonrecurring charges (2)......................... -- -- -- 1,363 970 563
----- ------ ------- -------- -------- -------
Total operating expenses....................... 253 377 3,603 6,446 6,672 7,743
----- ------ ------- -------- -------- -------
Income (loss) from operations...................... 14 (380) (4,398) (6,130) (4,105) (896)
Other expense (income):
Interest expense................................. 5 -- 287 1,469 1,665 1,707
Other (income) expense, net...................... (2) -- (25) (168) (186) (234)
----- ------ ------- -------- -------- -------
Net income (loss).............................. $ 11 $ (380) $(4,660) $ (7,431) $ (5,584) $(2,369)
===== ====== ======= ======== ======== =======
Loss applicable to common stockholders (3).... -- $ (380) $(5,055) $ (8,067) $ (6,271) $(2,965)
===== ====== ======= ======== ======== =======
Loss per common share:
Basic and diluted................................ -- $(0.25) $ (3.09) $ (4.96) $ (3.74) $ (1.01)
Pro forma diluted (4)............................ -- -- $ (1.08) $ (1.72) $ (1.27) $ (0.47)
Weighted average common shares used in computing
loss per common share:
Basic and diluted................................ -- 1,517 1,638 1,628 1,678 2,945
Pro forma diluted (4)............................ -- -- 4,303 4,313 4,406 5,077
Selected Operating Data:
Retail locations (at period end)................... -- 331 1,608 2,981 4,400 9,500
Cylinder transactions (000's)...................... -- 5 306 769 1,239 2,201
July 31, July 31, July 28, July 31, July 31,
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
(in thousands)
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:
Cash and cash equivalents.......................... $ 150 $ 209 $ 1,126 $ 325 $ 5,908
Working capital.................................... 109 (3,264) 1,580 737 11,689
Total assets....................................... 631 10,424 11,897 9,974 30,577
Long-term obligations, less current maturities..... 518 1,361 14,174 16,110 260
Total stockholders' (deficit) equity............... (179) (5,149) (13,217) (18,488) 24,923
- -------------
(1) Effective June 30, 1994, the assets of American Cylinder Exchange (the
"Predecessor Company") were contributed to the Company in exchange for
approximately 98,000 shares of Common Stock which were distributed to the
Predecessor Company's shareholders.
(2) See Note 11 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for an explanation
of the nonrecurring charges.
13
(3) Includes net loss less redeemable preferred stock dividends of $395, $636,
$687 and $596 for fiscal 1995, 1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively.
(4) The unaudited pro forma information assumes the conversion of Preferred
Stock, Preferred Stock dividends and the exercise of warrants outstanding
(other than the 1998 Warrants) were effective as of the beginning of the
first year presented.
Item 7 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with
"Item 6--Selected Consolidated Financial Data" and the Company's Consolidated
Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in Item 8 of this Form 10K.
Overview
Blue Rhino was founded in March 1994 and has become a leading provider of
grill cylinder exchange in the United States offering consumers a convenient
means to obtain fuel for their barbecue grills. The Company originally focused
on serving markets in the southeastern United States and has since developed a
network of 53 independent distributors which deliver Blue Rhino grill cylinder
exchange to approximately 9,500 retail locations in 46 states and Puerto Rico as
of July 31, 1998. During the fiscal year ended July 31, 1998, the Company's
sales increased approximately 93% from the prior year's comparable period to
approximately $27.4 million as a result of the growth of sales at existing
locations and the addition of over 5,000 new retail locations.
Since its formation, the Company has focused on creating an infrastructure
to support its nationwide cylinder exchange program. Initially, the Company
developed a vertically integrated operation, purchasing and leasing grill
cylinders, cylinder displays, filling sites, refurbishing equipment and delivery
trucks while at the same time developing a sales, marketing and MIS
infrastructure. In March 1996, the Company began to transition from a vertically
integrated business model to an independent distributor business model in order
to implement its cylinder exchange program in a more capital efficient manner
and to accelerate development of its program. At this time, the Company began
to dispose of distribution assets and to enter into exclusive agreements with
independent distributors to refurbish and refill cylinders and service Blue
Rhino's retail accounts. As a result, the Company has significantly accelerated
the growth of its nationwide service, pursued additional retailer relationships
and invested in the sales, marketing and MIS infrastructure to support its
growing cylinder exchange program. The Company expects to focus future capital
investments on cylinders, cylinder displays and continued enhancement of its
MIS. The transition to a 100% independent distributor business model was
completed in the third quarter of fiscal 1997 although some expenses related to
the prior business model were incurred in 1998.
The Company currently offers three types of grill cylinder transactions:
(i) like for like cylinder exchanges; (ii) cylinders with valve upgrades
offering additional safety features; and (iii) outright cylinder sales. The
Company's net sales from cylinder exchanges, cylinder upgrades and cylinder
sales comprised approximately 81%, 10% and 9%, respectively, of the Company's
net sales for fiscal 1998. The Company's suggested retail prices for cylinder
exchanges, cylinder upgrades and cylinder sales are currently $14.99, $24.99 and
$39.99, respectively, although the actual prices for these transactions may vary
from retailer to retailer. The Company recognizes net sales at the time its
distributor makes a delivery at a retail location. The Company invoices its
retailers, receives payment and remits a fixed portion of this payment to its
distributors for their services. The Company's net sales growth depends on
increasing sales at existing locations and increasing the number of new retail
locations that it serves. Other factors which influence net sales include
seasonality, consumer awareness, weather conditions, new grill sales,
alternative uses for grill cylinders, promotional activities and advertising.
The Company's cost of sales are comprised of a fixed charge per cylinder
transacted which is paid to distributors based upon the type of transaction and
determined on a contractual basis. Cylinder sales have the highest cost of sales
per unit while cylinder exchanges have the lowest cost of sales. Selling and
marketing expenses are primarily comprised of compensation, commissions and
promotional and travel costs. General and administrative expenses are primarily
comprised of compensation, professional fees, rent, software development and
travel costs. Lease income, net is comprised of revenue from cylinder displays
and certain plant facilities and equipment leased to distributors offset by rent
expense paid by the Company to lease the cylinder displays under an operating
lease. Depreciation and amortization consist primarily of depreciation of
cylinder displays and to a lesser extent, depreciation on equipment, buildings,
computer hardware and software and amortization of intangibles. Operating
expenses also include non-recurring charges of approximately $1.4
14
million, $1.0 million and $563,000 incurred during fiscal 1996, 1997 and 1998,
respectively, as the Company transitioned from a vertically integrated business
model to its present independent distributor business model. The Company does
not anticipate incurring any additional charges in connection with this
transition.
While the Company believes that it has created the infrastructure necessary
to support a nationwide cylinder exchange program, development of this
infrastructure has resulted in an accumulated deficit of approximately $21.4
million as of July 31, 1998. This has resulted in a net operating loss
carryforward for federal income tax purposes of approximately $19.9 million
which is available to be used to offset future taxable income, if any. Based on
the Company's history of operating losses, the Company has recorded a valuation
allowance to the full extent of its net deferred tax asset.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the percentage
relationship of certain items from the Company's statement of operations to net
sales. Due to the Company's change in its business model and its rapid sales
growth, any trends reflected by the following table may not be indicative of
future results.
Percentage of total Net Sales
-----------------------------
Fiscal Year Ended
-----------------------
July 28, July 31, July 31,
-------- -------- --------
1996 1997 1998
---- ---- ----
Total net sales.................................... 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Total cost of sales................................ 96.2 81.9 75.0
------ ------ -----
Gross margin....................................... 3.8 18.1 25.0
------ ------ -----
Operating expenses (income):
Sales and marketing............................. 13.5 13.7 8.7
General and administrative...................... 38.9 21.3 13.2
Lease income, net............................... (1.1) (1.0) (0.3)
Depreciation and amortization................... 10.6 6.1 4.7
Nonrecurring charges............................ 16.5 6.8 2.1
------ ------ -----
Total operating expenses.................... 78.4 46.9 28.4
------ ------ -----
Loss from operations............................... (74.6) (28.8) (3.4)
Other expense (income):
Interest expense................................ 17.8 11.7 6.2
Other income, net............................... (2.0) (1.3) (0.9)
------ ------ -----
Net loss........................................... (90.4)% (39.2)% (8.7)%
====== ====== =====
As a percentage of total net sales
Net sales--distributors......................... 29.0% 91.9% 100.0%
Net sales--direct............................... 71.0% 8.1% --
Total gross margin................................. 3.8% 18.1% 25.0%
Gross margin of net sales--distributors......... 24.1% 24.4% 25.0%
Gross loss of net sales--direct................. (4.4)% (53.9)% --
Comparison of Years Ended July 31, 1997 and 1998
Net sales. Net sales consist of net sales from the Company's current
independent distributor network ("net sales--distributors") and to a lesser
extent to the Company's previous vertically integrated distribution operations
("net sales--direct"). During the third quarter of fiscal 1997, the Company
completed its transition to the independent distributor business model and, as a
result, all of the Company's net sales during fiscal 1998 were, and for the
foreseeable future will be, net sales--distributors. Total net sales increased
92.6% from approximately $14.2 million for fiscal 1997 to approximately $27.4
million for fiscal 1998. Net sales--distributors increased 109.6% from
approximately $13.1 million in fiscal 1997 to approximately $27.4 million in
fiscal 1998. The increase in net sales--distributors was due primarily to the
increase in the number of retail locations placed in service and the
corresponding increase in the number of cylinder transactions during the period.
The installed base of retail locations increased 116.0% from approximately 4,400
locations
15
at July 31, 1997 to approximately 9,500 locations at July 31, 1998. The number
of cylinders transacted increased 77.6% from approximately 1.2 million units in
fiscal 1997 to approximately 2.2 million units in fiscal 1998.
Gross margin. Gross margin increased from 18.1% in fiscal 1997 to 25.0% in
fiscal 1998. This increase was due to the shift in net sales from a vertically
integrated business model to an independent distributor business model. With
respect to net sales--distributors, gross margin increased from 24.4% in fiscal
1997 to 25.0% in fiscal 1998. This increase was due to a shift in the mix of
cylinders transacted, with lower margin cylinder sales accounting for a smaller
percentage of total net sales than in previous years as well as a price
increase, which became effective April 1, 1998 on all cylinder transactions.
Sales and marketing expenses. Sales and marketing expenses increased 22.7%
from approximately $2.0 million in fiscal 1997 to approximately $2.4 million in
fiscal 1998 but decreased as a percentage of total net sales from 13.7% in
fiscal 1997 to 8.7% in fiscal 1998. The increase in absolute sales and marketing
expense was due primarily to additional commissions to outside brokers, which
are based on a percentage of net sales. The decrease in sales and marketing
expenses as a percentage of net sales was due primarily to the fact that a
significant portion of the compensation of the Company's sales and marketing
staff is fixed and, as a result, sales and marketing expenses increased at a
slower rate than net sales.
General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses
increased 18.8% from approximately $3.0 million in fiscal 1997 to approximately
$3.6 million in fiscal 1998 but decreased as a percentage of total net sales
from 21.3% in fiscal 1997 to 13.2% in fiscal 1998. The increase in absolute
general and administrative expenses was due primarily to additional compensation
costs. The decrease in general and administrative expense as a percentage of net
sales was due primarily to the fact that a significant portion of compensation
is fixed and, as a result, general and administrative expenses increased at a
slower rate than net sales.
Lease income, net. Gross lease income for fiscal 1997 and 1998 increased
from approximately $295,000 to $566,000, respectively, while gross rent expense
for the same period increased from approximately $152,000 to $485,000. The
increase in lease income was due to the implementation of a plant facility and
equipment lease with a distributor during the second quarter of fiscal 1997 and
the addition of new retail locations resulting in an increase in the number of
cylinder displays under lease. The increase in rent expense was due primarily to
the increase in the number of cylinder displays purchased under an operating
lease facility was initiated in the first quarter of fiscal 1997. The Company
purchased all of the assets leased pursuant to the lease facility and terminated
the lease facility in May 1998 with proceeds of the Initial Public Offering.
Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization increased from
approximately $873,000 in fiscal 1997 to approximately $1.3 million in fiscal
1998. Depreciation expense increased by $337,000 from $764,000 in fiscal 1997 to
$1.1 million in fiscal 1998 principally due to the purchase of additional
cylinder display panels and the acquisition of computer technology under capital
leases. Amortization expense increased by approximately $68,000 from
approximately $109,000 in fiscal 1997 to approximately $177,000 in fiscal 1998
principally due to increased goodwill amortization associated with the
acquisitions of retail locations from local and regional cylinder exchange
providers.
Nonrecurring charges. Nonrecurring charges decreased from approximately
$1.0 million in fiscal 1997 to approximately $563,000 for fiscal 1998.
Nonrecurring charges are associated with the Company's transition from a
vertically integrated business model to an independent distributor business
model and consist primarily of the write-down of facilities and equipment
purchased to support the vertically integrated business model. The Company does
not expect to incur any additional nonrecurring charges related to the
transition to the independent distributor business model. During fiscal 1998,
the Company made a commitment to acquire new handheld terminal technology and
recorded a $202,000 impairment adjustment to reduce the carrying value of
existing handheld terminals as the future benefit of these assets could not be
fully recoverable over their original estimated lives.
Interest expense. Interest expense remained relatively constant at
approximately $1.7 million for fiscal 1997 and 1998. Interest expense was
attributed to accretion of interest on the Company's 10.5% Senior Discount Notes
(the "Senior Discount Notes") issued in October 1995, additional borrowings
under lines of credit and, to a lesser extent, borrowings from stockholders.
However, these debts were paid in full in May 1998 with proceeds from the
Initial Public Offering, eliminating the incurrence of additional interest
expense.
16
Other income, net. Other income, net increased from approximately $186,000
in fiscal 1997 to approximately $234,000 in fiscal 1998. Other income, net
consists primarily of interest income from various notes receivable and excess
cash balances.
Comparison of Years Ended July 28, 1996 and July 31, 1997
Net sales. Total net sales increased 72.9% from approximately $8.2 million
for fiscal 1996 to approximately $14.2 million for fiscal 1997. Net sales--
distributors increased from approximately $2.4 million for fiscal 1996 to
approximately $13.1 million for fiscal 1997. The increase in net sales--
distributors was due primarily to the Company's transition from a vertically
integrated business model to an independent distributor business model, as well
as an increase in the number of retail locations placed in service and an
increase in the number of cylinder transactions during the period. The installed
base of retail locations increased 47.6% from approximately 3,000 locations at
the end of fiscal 1996 to approximately 4,400 locations at the end of fiscal
1997. The number of cylinders transacted increased 61.1% from approximately
769,000 units for fiscal 1996 to approximately 1.2 million units for fiscal
1997.
Gross margin. Gross margin increased from 3.8% for fiscal 1996 to 18.1% for
fiscal 1997. This increase was due to the shift in net sales from a vertically
integrated business model to an independent distributor business model. With
respect to net sales--distributors, gross margin increased from 24.1% for fiscal
year 1996 to 24.4% for fiscal 1997.
Sales and marketing expenses. Sales and marketing expenses increased 75.4%
from approximately $1.1 million for fiscal 1996 to approximately $2.0 million
for fiscal 1997 and as a percentage of total net sales increased from 13.5% for
fiscal 1996 to 13.7% for fiscal 1997. The increase in absolute sales and
marketing expenses was due primarily to additional compensation, promotional and
advertising expenditures.
General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses
decreased 5.3% from approximately $3.2 million for fiscal 1996 to approximately
$3.0 million for fiscal 1997, and decreased as a percentage of total net sales
from 38.9% for fiscal 1996 to 21.3% for fiscal 1997. The decrease in absolute
general and administrative expenses was due to the transition to the independent
distributor business model.
Lease income, net. Lease income, net increased 60.7% from $89,000 for
fiscal 1996 to approximately $143,000 for fiscal 1997. The increase in lease
income, net was due to the implementation of certain plant facilities and
equipment leases with distributors during the fourth quarter of fiscal 1996 and
the second quarter of fiscal 1997 and the addition of new retail locations
resulting in an increase in the number of cylinder displays under lease.
Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization increased from
approximately $868,000 for fiscal 1996 to approximately $873,000 for fiscal
1997.
Nonrecurring charges. Nonrecurring charges are associated with the
transition to the independent distributor model and decreased from approximately
$1.4 million during fiscal 1996 the first year of the transition to
approximately $1.0 million during fiscal 1997.
Interest expense. Interest expense increased from approximately $1.5
million for fiscal 1996 to approximately $1.7 million for fiscal 1997 due to
accretion of interest on Senior Discount Notes and additional borrowings under
the Company's Bank Credit Facility.
Other income--net. Other income--net increased from approximately $168,000
for fiscal 1996 to approximately $186,000 for fiscal 1997.
Selected Quarterly Results of Operations
The Company has experienced and is expected to continue to experience
significant seasonal fluctuations in net sales and net income (loss). The
Company's net sales generally are highest in the third and fourth quarters,
which include the majority of the grilling season, and historically have been
lower in the first and second quarters which include the winter months.
Sustained periods of poor weather, particularly in the spring and summer
seasons, can negatively impact sales. The Company's rate of establishing new
retail locations and expenses incurred in anticipation of increased sales also
cause
17
quarterly fluctuations in the Company's results of operations. Accordingly, the
results of operations in any quarter will not necessarily be indicative of the
results that may be achieved for a full fiscal year or any future quarter.
The following table sets forth selected unaudited quarterly financial
information and operating data for the last five quarters. This information has
been prepared on the same basis as the Consolidated Financial Statements and
includes, in the opinion of management, all normal and recurring adjustments
that management considers necessary for a fair statement of the quarterly
results for the periods. Given the Company's limited operating history, seasonal
demand for its product and market acceptance of cylinder exchange by retailers
and consumers, there may be significant variation in the Company's operating
results for any quarter. The operating results and data for any quarter are not
necessarily indicative of the results for future periods.
Quarter Ended
-------------------------------------------------------------
July 31, October 31, January 31, April 30, July 31,
--------- ----------- ----------- --------- --------
1997 1997 1998 1998 1998
---- ---- ---- ---- ----
(in thousands, except per share data)
Total net sales................................... $ 6,702 $ 4,139 $ 4,175 $ 5,694 $13,364
Total cost of sales............................... 5,160 3,154 3,217 4,322 9,832
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Gross profit................................... 1,542 985 958 1,372 3,532
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Operating expenses (income):
Sales and marketing............................. 666 564 463 563 802
General and administrative...................... 900 844 862 906 978
Lease income, net............................... (19) 8 15 18 (122)
Depreciation and amortization................... 251 245 271 331 432
Nonrecurring charges............................ 224 281 127 99 56
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Total operating expenses....................... 2,022 1,942 1,738 1,917 2,146
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Income (loss) from operations..................... (480) (957) (780) (545) 1,386
Other expense (income):
Interest expense................................ 415 434 495 566 211
Other income, net............................... (63) (51) (51) (44) (86)
------- ------- ------- ------- -------
Net income (loss)................................. $ (832) $(1,340) $(1,224) $(1,067) $ 1,261
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Income (loss) applicable to common stockholders... $(1,010) $(1,447) $(1,485) $(1,280) $ 1,247
======= ======= ======= ======= =======
Income (loss) per common share:
Basic........................................... $ (0.57) $ (0.81) $ (0.83) $ (0.72) $ 0.20
Diluted......................................... $ (0.57) $ (0.81) $ (0.83) $ (0.72) $ 0.19
Pro forma diluted (1)........................... $ (0.19) $ (0.30) $ (0.27) $ (0.24) $ 0.19
Weighted average common shares used in computing
income (loss) per common share:
Basic........................................... 1,779 1,779 1,779 1,779 6,407
Diluted......................................... 1,779 1,779 1,779 1,779 6,611
Pro forma diluted (1)........................... 4,464 4,464 4,464 4,464 6,611
Percentage of Total Net Sales
Quarter Ended
---------------------------------------
July 31, October 31, January 31, April 30, July 31,
-------- ------------ ------------ ---------- --------
1997 1997 1998 1998 1998
-------- ------------ ------------ ---------- --------
Total net sales.................................... 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0%
Total cost of sales................................ 77.0 76.2 77.1 75.9 73.6
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Gross margin................... 23.0 23.8 22.9 24.1 26.4
Operating expenses (income):
Sales and marketing................. 9.9 13.6 11.1 9.9 6.0
General and administrative.......... 13.4 20.4 20.6 15.9 7.3
Lease income, net................... (0.3) 0.2 0.4 0.3 (0.9)
Depreciation and amortization....... 3.7 5.9 6.5 5.8 3.2
Nonrecurring charges................ 3.5 6.8 3.0 1.8 0.4
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
Total operating expenses....... 30.2 46.9 41.6 33.7 16.0
----- ----- ----- ----- -----
18
Income (loss) from operations...................... (7.2) (23.1) (18.7) (9.6) 10.4
Other expense (income):
Interest expense............................... 6.1 10.5 11.8 9.9 1.6
Other income, net.............................. (0.9) (1.2) (1.2) (0.8) (0.6)
------ ------ ------ ------ -----
Net income (loss).................................. (12.4)% (32.4)% (29.3)% (18.7)% 9.4%
====== ====== ====== ====== =====
- -------------
(1) The unaudited pro forma information assumes the conversion of Preferred
Stock, Preferred Stock dividends and the exercise of Warrants outstanding
(other than the 1998 Warrants) were effective as of the beginning of the
first period presented.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company's primary sources of funds have been the issuance of stock and
the incurrence of debt. The Company had positive working capital of
approximately $11.7 million as of July 31, 1998 resulting primarily from the
available proceeds from the Initial Public Offering, seasonal increase in
accounts receivable and the purchases of cylinders from distributors.
Net cash used in operations was approximately $4.9 million, $2.2 million
and $5.2 million for fiscal 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively. For all periods
net cash used in operations resulted primarily from net losses from operations
as well as increases in accounts receivable due to the seasonal nature of the
business and significant growth in sales year over year. Also, during fiscal
1998, the Company paid approximately $1.7 million to purchase cylinders from
distributors.
Net cash used in investing activities was approximately $6.0 million for
fiscal 1998. Net cash provided by investing activities was approximately
$342,000 for fiscal 1997 and net cash used in investing activities was
approximately $1.4 million for fiscal 1996. Investments in property and
equipment represented the primary component of cash used in investing activities
with the exception of fiscal 1998 when cash used in acquisitions aggregated
approximately $3.6 million and the Company loaned $635,000 to Bison Valve,
L.L.C.. The primary components of cash provided from investing activities
included collections on notes receivable and proceeds from the sale of property
and equipment.
Net cash provided by financing activities was approximately $16.5 million
for fiscal 1998, $1.0 million for fiscal 1997 and $7.5 million for fiscal 1996.
The primary components of cash provided by financing activities included net
proceeds from the Initial Public Offering, the issuance of Senior Discount
Notes, 1998 Stockholder Loans (as hereinafter defined) and bank borrowings. The
primary components of cash used in financing activities included repayment of
the Senior Discount Notes, 1998 Stockholder Loans the purchase of previously
leased display racks and payments on various notes payable, long-term debt and
capital lease obligations.
In connection with the Initial Public Offering, the Company issued a total
of 3,105,000 shares of Common Stock and received proceeds, net of underwriters
discounts and commissions and other offering expenses, of approximately $36.4
million. The Company utilized the net proceeds from the Initial Public Offering
to repay approximately $29.1 million of principal and interest on indebtedness
including approximately $16.5 million on the Company's 10.5% Senior Discount
Notes, approximately $7.0 million outstanding under the Bank Credit Facility,
approximately $3.4 million on the 1998 Stockholder Loans and approximately $2.1
million for the purchase of cylinder displays previously financed under an
operating lease facility. The Company also used approximately $350,000 of the
net proceeds to acquire assets from seven local and regional cylinder exchange
providers adding approximately 200 new accounts through these acquisitions. The
Company also used approximately $1.3 million for general corporate purposes
during the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998. As of July 31, 1998, the remaining
net proceeds from the Initial Public Offering totaled approximately $5.9 million
which the Company intends to use for general corporate purposes, including
working capital and future acquisitions.
In January 1998, four stockholders collectively loaned the Company $3.25
million (the "1998 Stockholder Loans") which bore interest at 10.5% per annum.
In connection with the Stockholder Loans, the stockholders also received
warrants (the "1998 Warrants") to purchase 81,913 shares of the Company's
Common Stock. The 1998 Warrants may be exercised prior to December 31, 2008 at
an exercise price of $13.00 per share. The 1998 Stockholder Loans were repaid in
full in May 1998 with approximately $3.4 million of the proceeds of the Initial
Public Offering.
19
In December 1997, the Company entered into a loan agreement with
NationsBank, N.A. (the "Bank Credit Facility") which allows for maximum
borrowing of $9.0 million, including (i) a $3.0 million revolving line of credit
with a $1.0 million overadvance provision, (ii) a $1.0 million capital
expenditure line of credit and (iii) a $4.0 million acquisition line of credit.
The Bank Credit Facility is collateralized by a lien on substantially all of the
assets of the Company. The Bank Credit Facility requires the Company to meet
certain covenants, including minimum net worth and cash flow ratios. The Bank
Credit Facility was amended at July 30, 1998 to remove certain covenants,
release the guarantees of a principal stockholder and an entity affiliated with
certain principal stockholders and to waive a violation of the cash flow ratio
as of April 30, 1998. The Company was in compliance with the amended covenants,
and had no amounts outstanding under the Bank Credit Facility, as of July 31,
1998. The loans under the Bank Credit Facility bear interest at the prime rate
plus 0.5% per annum. Any amounts outstanding under the Bank Credit Facility are
due on November 30, 1998. The Company is presently in discussions with the
lender to replace this line of credit.
The Company currently leases 200 handheld computers from three lessors
under the terms of three master leases. Pursuant to a master lease agreement
with Leasing Innovations, Incorporated, the Company leases 150 handheld
computers for a term of 30 months under which the Company pays approximately
$222,000 in total annual rents. At the end of the term of the lease term, the
Company may purchase the equipment for its fair market value. Pursuant to a
master lease agreement with Nelco, Ltd., the Company leases 25 handheld
computers for a term of 42 months under which the Company pays approximately
$45,000 in total annual rents. At the end of the lease term, the Company may
purchase the equipment for $1.00 per handheld unit. The Company leases 25
handheld computers for a term of 36 months pursuant to a master lease agreement
with Green Tree Vendor Services Corporation under which the Company pays
approximately $37,000 in total annual rents. The Company may purchase the
equipment for $1.00 per hand held unit at the end of the lease term. Under each
of the three handheld computer leases, the Company is responsible for insurance,
maintenance and taxes on the leased equipment.
The Company currently leases its offices under a lease from Platinum
Services Corporation, an entity affiliated with the Company by common ownership
and control. Pursuant to the terms of the lease, the Company pays annual rent of
$82,000, plus its allocable share of all taxes, utilities, and maintenance.
Although the lease terminates on December 31, 1998, the Company expects to renew
the lease on substantially similar terms for an additional three year term.
In September 1996, the Company entered into a $3.0 million operating
lease facility with Forsythe/McArthur Associates, Inc. to finance cylinder
displays (the "Cylinder Display Lease Facility"). Under the Cylinder Display
Lease Facility, the Company leased cylinder display racks for a minimum term of
48 months. The Company purchased the display racks leased under and terminated
the Cylinder Display Lease Facility with approximately $2.1 million of the
proceeds of the Initial Public Offering in May 1998.
In October 1995, the Company sold 12,575 units (the "Units") for $1,000
per Unit, each Unit being comprised of a 10.5% Senior Discount Note due October
11, 2000 with a face value of $1,364.93 and a warrant to purchase approximately
40 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of approximately $4.59 per share.
The gross proceeds of the Unit offering was approximately $12.6 million. The
Senior Discount Notes were repaid in full with approximately $16.5 million of
the proceeds of, and the warrants were converted in a cashless exercise into
Common Stock in connection with, the Initial Public Offering in May 1998.
In December 1994, the Company raised approximately $6.7 million pursuant
to an offering of its Preferred Stock and warrants to purchase 318,650 shares of
Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.45 per share. The Company used the
proceeds primarily to fund development of cylinder refurbishing and distribution
plants and to establish the infrastructure for its national cylinder exchange
program. The Preferred Stock and accrued preferred dividend were converted to
Common Stock in connection with the Initial Public Offering.
The Company anticipates that the total capital expenditures excluding
acquisitions for fiscal 1999 will be approximately $5.5 million, and will relate
primarily to cylinder displays, computer hardware and software development. The
Company's capital expenditure and working capital requirements in the
foreseeable future will change depending on the rate of the Company's expansion,
the Company's operating results and any other adjustments in its operating plan
as needed in response to competition, acquisition opportunities or unexpected
events. The Company believes that the existing borrowing capacity under the Bank
Credit Facility, together with the remaining proceeds from the Initial Public
Offering and cash provided by operations, will be sufficient to meet the
Company's working capital requirements through fiscal 1999.
20
There can be no assurance that the Company will not seek or require additional
capital in the future as a result of future acquisitions, expansion or
otherwise.
Impact of New Accounting Pronouncements
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 130 ("SFAS No. 130")
establishes standards for reporting and display of comprehensive income and its
components (revenues, gains, expenses, losses) in a full set of general purpose
financial statements and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December
15, 1997. Management of the Company does not expect SFAS No. 130 to have any
impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No.
131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information"
("SFAS No. 131"). SFAS No. 131 requires public business enterprises to adopt
its provisions for periods beginning after December 15, 1997, and to report
certain information about operating segments in complete sets of financial
statements of the enterprise and in condensed financial statements of interim
periods issued to shareholders. Management of the Company does not expect SFAS
No. 131 to have any impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In February 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS
No. 132, "Employers' Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement
Benefits" ("SFAS No. 132"). This statement standardizes the disclosure
requirements for pensions and postretirement benefits and will require changes
in disclosures of benefit obligations and fair values of plan assets. The
Company believes SFAS No. 132 will have no effect on its consolidated financial
statements as the Company has no pension or postretirement benefit plans.
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 133,
"Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" ("SFAS No. 133").
SFAS No. 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivative
instruments and hedging activities. It also requires entities to recognize all
derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the statement of financial
position and measure those instruments at fair value. Management of the Company
does not expect SFAS No. 133 to have any impact on the Company's consolidated
financial statements as the Company does not invest in any derivative
instruments or engage in any hedging activities.
Year 2000 Compliance
Year 2000 issues are the result of computer programs that were written
using two digits rather than four to define the applicable year. For example,
date sensitive software may recognize a date using "00" as the year 1900
rather than the year 2000. This could result in system failures or
miscalculations causing disruptions of operations, including, among other
material adverse consequences, a temporary inability to process transactions or
engage in similar normal business activities. The Company depends on its MIS to
process orders, manage inventory and accounts receivable collections, maintain
distributor and customer information, assist distributors in delivering products
on a timely basis and in maintaining cost-efficient operations. See "Business--
Management Information Systems."
The Company's State of Readiness for Year 2000. The Company began the
process of evaluating its MIS for Year 2000 compliance in January 1997. The
Company is developing a Year 2000 compliance policy encompassing employee
education, testing, progress reporting, funding requirements, external impact
plans and contingency plans. The Company has assigned its Chief Information
Officer ("CIO") to implement its Year 2000 compliance policy and oversee the
remediation and testing of MIS. The Company's non-information technology systems
are also being evaluated to determine whether such systems are Year 2000
compliant. Final test procedures for Year 2000 compliance are being developed by
the CIO. Currently, the Company believes that it is approximately 50% ready for
the Year 2000. By March 31, 1999, management believes the Company itself will be
100% Year 2000 compliant. In addition, the Company intends to have solicited
Year 2000 compliance certificates from all material third parties by such date.
However, if the Company's modifications, testing and solicitations of third
party compliance are not made on a timely basis or do not resolve Year 2000
issues facing the Company, such issues could have a material adverse effect on
the Company's operations.
Historical and Estimated Costs. The Company has not established a separate
Year 2000 compliance budget and does not expect to do so in the immediate
future. To date, the Company has incurred approximately $8,000 in Year 2000
compliance costs. The Company currently anticipates that the implementation of
its Year 2000 compliance policy will cost
21
approximately $35,000, all of which will be expensed. Although no assurances can
be given, management does not expect future costs related to Year 2000
compliance to have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of
operations or financial condition. Costs are based on current estimates and
actual results may vary significantly from such estimates.
Most Reasonably Likely Worst Case Scenario. The most reasonably likely
worst case Year 2000 scenario facing the Company is an interruption of the
Company's business operations caused by the inadvertent failure of third parties
with which it has a material relationship to achieve Year 2000 compliance. The
consequences of such a third party failure are unknown, but could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's business. The Company is considering
several contingency plans to address possible business interruptions caused by a
non-compliant third party. Possible contingency plans include using alternate
service providers, increasing the inventory of critical raw materials and using
a manual payment and collection system. In addition, in an effort to protect
itself and increase the awareness of third parties with which it has a material
relationship, the Company is seeking to obtain certifications from such third
parties that they are Year 2000 compliant.
22
Item 7A - Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
The Company is exposed to market risk related to changes in interest rates
on its borrowing under its Bank Credit Facility however the Company does not
believe these risks to be material given the low amount of borrowing under and
the short term of the Bank Credit Facility. Under the Bank Credit Facility, the
sole commitment to lend remaining outstanding is a $3.0 million revolving line
of credit which bears interest at 0.5% over the prime interest rate. Amounts due
under the revolving line of credit are due on November 30, 1998. At July 31,
1998, the Company had no balance outstanding under its Bank Credit Facility.
While the Company may negotiate a new line of credit upon expiration of the
existing Bank Credit Facility, the Company does not expect to borrow under the
Bank Credit Facility prior to its maturity.
The Company has no derivative financial instruments or derivative commodity
instruments in its cash and cash equivalents and investments. The Company
invests its cash and cash equivalents in high-quality and highly liquid
investments consisting of certificates of deposit, money market instruments and
overnight investments in high grade commercial paper. As of July 31, 1998, the
Company's cash and cash equivalents and investments consisted primarily of
taxable money market instruments, bank certificates of deposit, commercial paper
and overnight repurchase agreements with maturities of less than 35 days. The
Company believes that its overall market risk exposure with respect to the
investment of its cash and cash equivalents is not material because the overall
contribution to net revenue of the Company was under 1% for fiscal 1998 and the
Company does not anticipate a higher contribution percentage during fiscal 1999.
All of the Company's transactions are conducted and accounts are
denominated in United States Dollars and as such the Company does not currently
have exposure to foreign currency risk. Furthermore, the Company does not have
any direct exposure to commodity price risk.
23
Item 8 - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
BLUE RHINO CORPORATION
Page
----
Report of Independent Accountants...................................................................... 25
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of July 31, 1997 and 1998............................................... 26
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Fiscal Years Ended July 28, 1996 and July 31, 1997 and
1998.................................................................................................. 27
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) for the Fiscal Years Ended July
28, 1996 and July 31, 1997 and 1998................................................................... 28
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Fiscal Years Ended July 28, 1996, and July 31, 1997 and
1998.................................................................................................. 29
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements............................................................. 30
24
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors of and Stockholders of
Blue Rhino Corporation:
In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the
related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders' equity
(deficit) and cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial
position of Blue Rhino Corporation and its subsidiaries at July 31, 1998 and
1997, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the
three fiscal years in the period ended July 31, 1998, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management; our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our
audits of these statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe our audits
provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Greensboro, North Carolina
September 22, 1998
25
BLUE RHINO CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
As of July 31, 1997 and 1998
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
ASSETS 1997 1998
---------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents................................ $ 325 $ 5,908
Trade accounts receivable, net........................... 3,110 7,771
Cylinder inventories..................................... 220 2,377
Notes receivable......................................... 417 540
Prepaid expenses and other current assets................ 81 487
-------- --------
Total current assets.................................... 4,153 17,083
Property and equipment, net.............................. 4,438 8,418
Notes receivable......................................... 1,196 1,424
Intangibles, net......................................... 104 3,532
Other assets............................................. 83 120
-------- --------
Total assets............................................ $ 9,974 $ 30,577
======== ========
LIABILITIES, CONVERTIBLE REDEEMABLE PREFERRED
STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
-----------------------------------------------
Trade accounts payable................................... $ 2,407 $ 4,421
Acquisition notes payable................................ 81 212
Current portion of long-term debt
and capital lease obligations........................... 165 286
Accrued liabilities...................................... 763 475
-------- --------
Total current liabilities............................... 3,416 5,394
Long-term debt, less current maturities.................. 15,142 104
Notes payable to bank.................................... 840 --
Capital lease obligations, less
current maturities...................................... 128 156
-------- --------
Total liabilities....................................... 19,526 5,654
-------- --------
Commitments
Convertible redeemable preferred stock................... 8,936 --
-------- --------
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 100,000,000
shares authorized, 1,778,920 and
7,630,873 shares issued and outstanding
at July 31, 1997 and 1998, respectively................ 2 8
Additional paid-in capital.............................. 332 46,320
Accumulated deficit..................................... (18,822) (21,405)
-------- --------
Total stockholders' equity (deficit).................. (18,488) 24,923
-------- --------
Total liabilities, convertible redeemable
preferred stock and stockholders'
equity (deficit)..................................... $ 9,974 $ 30,577
======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements.
26
BLUE RHINO CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the Fiscal Years Ended July 28, 1996, and July 31, 1997 and 1998
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
Fiscal Years Ended
------------------------------
1996 1997 1998
-------- --------- ---------
Net sales--distributors................................. $ 2,386 $13,060 $27,372
Net sales--direct....................................... 5,830 1,151 --
------- ------- -------
Total net sales..................................... 8,216 14,211 27,372
------- ------- -------
Cost of sales:
Cost of sales--distributors............................ 1,811 9,873 20,525
Cost of sales--direct.................................. 6,089 1,771 --
------- ------- -------
Total cost of sales................................. 7,900 11,644 20,525
------- ------- -------
Gross profit........................................ 316 2,567 6,847
------- ------- -------
Operating expenses (income):
Sales and marketing.................................... 1,112 1,950 2,392
General and administrative............................. 3,192 3,022 3,591
Lease income, net...................................... (89) (143) (81)
Depreciation and amortization.......................... 868 873 1,278
Nonrecurring charges................................... 1,363 970 563
------- ------- -------
Total operating expenses............................ 6,446 6,672 7,743
------- ------- -------
Loss from operations................................ (6,130) (4,105) (896)
Other expenses (income):
Interest expense....................................... 1,469 1,665 1,707
Other income, net...................................... (168) (186) (234)
------- ------- -------
Net loss............................................ $(7,431) $(5,584) $(2,369)
======= ======= =======
Basic and diluted loss per common share................. $ (4.96) $ (3.74) $ (1.01)
======= ======= =======
Weighted average common shares used in computing basic
and diluted loss per common share...................... 1,628 1,678 2,945
======= ======= =======
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements.
27
BLUE RHINO CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' (DEFICIT) EQUITY
For the Fiscal Years Ended July 28, 1996 and, July 31, 1997 and 1998
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
Common Additional
----------------------- paid-in Accumulated
Shares Amount capital deficit Total
----------------------- ----------- ------------ ------
Balances, July 31, 1995................................ 1,687,428 $2 $ 20 $ (5,171) $ (5,149)
Cancellation of restricted stock for nonvested
terminations.......................................... (59,735) -- (1) -- (1)
Preferred dividends.................................... -- -- -- (636) (636)
Net loss............................................... -- -- -- (7,431) (7,431)
--------- -- ------- -------- --------
Balances, July 28, 1996................................ 1,627,693 2 19 (13,238) (13,217)
Issuance of common stock............................... 151,227 -- 1,000 -- 1,000
Preferred dividends.................................... -- -- (687) -- (687)
Net loss............................................... -- -- -- (5,584) (5,584)
--------- -- ------- -------- --------
Balances, July 31, 1997................................ 1,778,920 2 332 (18,822) (18,488)
Preferred dividends.................................... -- (332) (264) (596)
Issuance of common stock in connection with Initial
Public Offering, net of offering expenses of
$4,320................................................ 3,105,000 3 36,042 -- 36,045
Compensation expense related to stock option plan...... -- -- -- 50 50
Conversion of preferred stock and preferred
dividends............................................. 1,750,472 2 9,528 -- 9,530
Exercise of warrants................................... 938,789 1 -- -- 1
Issuance of common stock as partial consideration for
an acquisition........................................ 57,692 -- 750 -- 750
Net loss............................................... -- -- -- (2,369) (2,369)
--------- -- ------- -------- --------
Balances, July 31, 1998 7,630,873 $8 $46,320 $(21,405) $ 24,923
========= == ======= ======== ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements.
28
BLUE RHINO CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Fiscal Years Ended July 28, 1996, July 31, 1997 and 1998
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
Fiscal Years Ended
-----------------------------
1996 1997 1998
-------- -------- ---------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss...................................................................... $(7,431) $(5,584) $ (2,369)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Accretion on senior discount notes............................................ 1,049 1,489 1,378
Depreciation and amortization................................................. 868 873 1,278
Nonrecurring charges.......................................................... 1,268 963 285
Compensation expense related to Distributor Option Plan....................... -- -- 50
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of business
acquisitions:
Trade accounts receivable..................................................... (990) (1,186) (4,661)
Cylinder inventories.......................................................... (473) 127 (1,726)
Other current assets.......................................................... 35 166 (389)
Accounts payable.............................................................. 624 1,045 1,516
Accrued liabilities........................................................... (120) (85) (261)
------- ------- --------
Net cash used in operating activities......................................... (5,170) (2,192) (4,899)
------- ------- --------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Business acquisitions......................................................... -- -- (3,640)
Payment of organizational costs............................................... -- -- (25)
Proceeds from disposal of cylinders........................................... 29 340 --
Purchases of property and equipment........................................... (1,840) (537) (2,283)
Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment.............................. 360 159 65
Issuance of note receivable................................................... -- -- (635)
Collections on notes receivable............................................... 58 380 496
------- ------- --------
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities........................... (1,393) 342 (6,022)
------- ------- --------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of expenses paid of
$3,947 in 1998................................................................ -- 1,000 36,418
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock..................................... 100 400 --
Proceeds from issuance of senior discount notes............................... 12,575 -- --
Repayment of senior discount notes............................................ -- -- (16,491)
Proceeds from stockholder loans............................................... -- -- 3,250
Payments of Stockholder loans................................................. -- -- (3,250)
Proceeds from notes payable to bank........................................... 2,700 3,995 8,411
Payments on notes payable to bank............................................. (4,900) (3,155) (9,251)
Payment on cylinder display lease facility.................................... -- -- (2,119)
Payments on acquisition notes payable......................................... (669) (90) (108)
Payment of debt issuance costs................................................ (57) (58) (108)
Repayment of note payable to vendor........................................... (948) (752) --
Payments on long-term debt and capital lease obligations...................... (1,321) (291) (248)
------- ------- --------
Net cash provided by financing activities..................................... 7,480 1,049 16,504
------- ------- --------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents.............................. 917 (801) 5,583
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period.............................. 209 1,126 325
------- ------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period.................................... $ 1,126 $ 325 $ 5,908
======= ======= ========
Supplemental disclosure of cash paid for:
Interest...................................................................... $ 428 $ 176 $ 342
======= ======= ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements.
29
BLUE RHINO CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS--(Continued)
For the Fiscal Years Ended July 28, 1996, July 31, 1997 and 1998
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
Supplemental schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:
During the fiscal years ended July 28, 1996, and July 31, 1997 and
1998, the Company entered into capital lease obligations in the amounts of
approximately $541, $243, and $306, respectively, for computers, vehicles and
certain equipment.
In connection with the conversion to an independent distributor
network, as further discussed in Note 1, the Company consummated the following
transactions:
. During the fiscal year ended July 31, 1997, the Company transferred
capital leases to distributors for vehicles with remaining book values of
$351 and remaining obligations of approximately $344.
. In the fiscal years ended July 31, 1997 and 1998, the Company sold
cylinders and certain equipment aggregating approximately $310 and $224,
respectively, in exchange for notes receivable from distributors (Notes 4
and 15).
. In the fiscal year ended July 31, 1997, certain assets approximating $70
were reclassified as notes receivable.
During the fiscal year ended July 31, 1998, the Company purchased certain
assets from existing cylinder exchange companies under various agreements which
have been recorded as follows (Note 5):
Property and equipment..... $ 774
Cylinders.................. 439
Intangibles................ 3,495
------
$4,708
======
Cash paid.................. $3,640
Common stock issued........ 750
Acquisition notes payable.. 318
------
$4,708
======
The Company accreted preferred dividends from paid in capital and
accumulated deficit of $636, $687 and $596 for the fiscal years ended July 28,
1996, and July 31, 1997 and 1998, respectively.
The Company has unpaid costs associated with its Initial Public Offering
of $373 outstanding at July 31, 1998.
The Company financed the premiums on certain insurance policies in the
amount of $164.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated financial
statements.
30
BLUE RHINO CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
1. Description of Business and Basis of Presentation:
Blue Rhino Corporation (the "Company" or "Blue Rhino") was founded in
March 1994 and commenced operations on July 1, 1994. The Company has become the
leading provider of grill cylinder exchange in the United States offering
consumers a convenient means to obtain fuel for their barbecue grills. The
Company currently offers three types of grill cylinder transactions: (i) like
for like cylinder exchanges; (ii) cylinders with valve upgrades offering
additional safety features; and (iii) outright cylinder sales. The Company
originally focused on serving markets in the southeastern United States and has
since developed a network of independent distributors which deliver Blue Rhino
grill cylinder exchange to retail locations across the United States.
Since its formation, the Company has focused on creating an infrastructure
to support its nationwide cylinder exchange program. Initially, the Company
developed a vertically integrated operation, purchasing and leasing grill
cylinders, cylinder displays, filling sites, refurbishing equipment and delivery
trucks while at the same time developing a sales, marketing and management
information systems ("MIS") infrastructure. In March 1996, the Company began
to transition from a vertically integrated business model to an independent
distributor business model in order to implement its cylinder exchange program
in a more capital efficient manner and to accelerate development of its program.
At this time, the Company began to dispose of distribution assets and began to
enter into exclusive agreements with independent distributors to refurbish and
refill cylinders and service Blue Rhino's retail accounts. As a result, the
Company has significantly accelerated the growth of its nationwide service,
pursued additional retailer relationships and invested in the sales, marketing
and MIS infrastructure to support its growing cylinder exchange program. The
Company expects to focus future capital investments on cylinders, cylinder
displays and continued enhancement of its MIS. The transition to a 100%
independent distributor network was completed in the fourth quarter of fiscal
1997.
While the Company believes that it has created the infrastructure
necessary to support a nationwide cylinder exchange program, development of this
infrastructure has resulted in an accumulated deficit of approximately $21.4
million as of July 31, 1998. Management believes that by leveraging the
distributors' existing infrastructure the Company has eliminated significant
capital requirements necessary to support the geographic expansion and further
penetration throughout the nation's significant demographic markets. Management
believes that the existing infrastructure and independent distribution business
model will improve future cash flows.
These consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Blue Rhino
and its wholly owned subsidiaries Rhino Services, L.L.C., formed in March 1997
and CPD Associates, Inc., formed in March 1998. All intercompany transactions
and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:
Revenue Recognition--Revenues are recognized upon delivery of cylinders to
customer locations. Sales returns, which are immaterial, occur principally upon
removal of cylinders and deinstallation of cylinder displays from customer
locations.
Cash and Cash Equivalents--The Company considers all highly liquid
investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash
equivalents. Cash equivalents consisting of certificates of deposit totaled $115
and $1,126 at July 31, 1997 and 1998, respectively.
Trade Accounts Receivable, Net--Trade accounts receivable, net include
allowances for doubtful accounts of approximately $154, and $264 at July 31,
1997 and 1998, respectively.
Cylinder Inventories--Cylinder inventories are valued at the lower of cost
or market determined on a first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis and represent
cylinders held for sale.
31
BLUE RHINO CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
Property and Equipment, Net--Property and equipment are stated at cost
and depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the related assets using the
straight-line method. The estimated useful lives are principally 30 years for
buildings and leasehold improvements, 10 years for machinery and equipment,
vehicles and cylinder displays, 5 years for computer hardware and 3 years for
computer software. Equipment leased under capital leases are amortized over
their estimated useful lives.
In the event that facts and circumstances indicate that the cost of
property and equipment, or other long-lived assets may not be recoverable, the
estimated future undiscounted cash flows is compared to the asset's carrying
value and if less, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount by which the
carrying amount exceeds its fair value. As a result of changes the Company made
to its business strategy (Note 11), impairments to property and equipment
recorded in 1997 and 1998 were $736 and $283, respectively.
Intangibles, net--Excess cost over fair value of assets acquired
(goodwill) is being amortized using the straight-line method, principally over
30 years. Noncompete agreements are being amortized using the straight-line
method over the life of the agreements ranging from three to five years. The
carrying value of intangible assets is periodically reviewed by the Company, as
well as, the amortization period to determine whether the current events and
circumstances warrant adjustments to the carrying values and/or revised
estimates of useful lives. This valuation is performed using the expected future
undiscounted cash flows associated with the intangible assets compared to the
carrying value to determine if a writedown is required. To the extent such
projection indicates that the undiscounted cash flow is not expected to be
adequate to recover the carrying amounts, the assets are written down to
discounted cash flow.
Advertising and Promotion--The Company expenses advertising and promotion
costs as incurred and these costs are included as sales and marketing expenses.
Advertising and promotion costs for the fiscal years ended July 28, 1996, and
July 31, 1997 and 1998 were $16, $36 and $114, respectively.
Income Taxes--Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based
on the difference between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and
liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the
differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is recorded when it
is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will not be realized.
Financial Instruments--Financial instruments consist of cash and cash
equivalents, accounts receivable, notes receivable, short-term debt and long-
term, variable-rate and fixed-rate debt. The Company estimates the fair value of
its long-term, fixed-rate debt using a discounted cash flow analysis based on
interest rates for similar types of debt currently available in the marketplace.
At July 31, 1997 and 1998 the carrying amounts of the Company's financial
instruments approximated their fair values.
Financial instruments which potentially subject the Company to
concentration of credit risk consist principally of temporary cash investments
and trade accounts receivable. The Company continually monitors the credit
quality of the domestic financial institutions in which temporary investments
are maintained. At times, such deposits may be in excess of the FDIC insurance
limit. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers'
financial condition and, generally, requires no collateral from its customers.
Due to the geographic dispersion and the high credit quality of the Company's
significant customers, credit risk relating to trade accounts receivable is
limited. The Company's three largest
32
BLUE RHINO CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
customers accounted for approximately 46%, 58% and 58%, of sales in the fiscal
years ended July 28, 1996, and July 31, 1997 and 1998 as follows:
1996 1997 1998
---- ---- ----
Customer A.. 30% 29% 26%
Customer B.. 16 16 16
Customer C.. -- 13 16
---- ---- ----
46% 58% 58%
==== ==== ====
Approximately 32% and 53% of trade accounts receivable at July 31, 1997 and 1998
were from these customers, respectively. If the financial condition and
operations of these customers deteriorate, the Company's operating results could
be adversely affected.
Use of Estimates--The preparation of the consolidated financial statements
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management
to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities at the dates of the consolidated financial statements and the
reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual
results could differ from these estimates.
Statement of Accounting Standards not yet Adopted--Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 130 ("SFAS No. 130") establishes standards
for reporting and display of comprehensive income and its components (revenues,
gains, expenses, losses) in a full set of general purpose financial statements
and is effective in Fiscal 1999 for the Company. Management of the Company does
not expect SFAS No. 130 to have any impact on the Company's Consolidated
Financial Statements.
In June 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 131,
"Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information" ("SFAS
No. 131"). Statement 131 requires public business enterprises to adopt its
provisions for periods beginning after December 15, 1997, and to report certain
information about operating segments in complete sets of financial statements of
the enterprise and in condensed financial statements of interim periods issued
to shareholders. Management of the Company does not expect SFAS No. 131 to have
any impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In February 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No.
132, "Employers' Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits"
("SFAS No. 132"). This statement standardizes the disclosure requirements for
pensions and postretirement benefits and will require changes in disclosures of
benefit obligations and fair values of plan assets. The Company believes SFAS
No. 132 will have no effect on its financial statements as the Company has no
pension or postretirement benefit plans.
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 133,
"Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" ("SFAS No.
133"). SFAS No. 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards for
derivative instruments and hedging activities. It also requires entities to
recognize all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the statement of
financial position and measure those instruments at fair value. Management of
the Company does not expect SFAS No. 133 to have any impact on the Company's
consolidated financial statements as the Company has not invested in any
derivative instruments or engaged in any hedging activities.
Reclassification--Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to
conform to the presentation adopted in fiscal 1998.
33
BLUE RHINO CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
3. Property and Equipment, net:
Property and equipment consists of the following at July 31:
1997 1998
------- -------
Land............................................. $ 20 $ 20
Building and leasehold improvements.............. 661 661
Cylinder displays, including panel graphics...... 3,188 7,688
Machinery and equipment.......................... 1,361 1,235
Computer hardware and software................... 175 654
Equipment leased under capital leases............ 346 492
------- -------
5,751 10,750
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
(including $65 and $144, respectively, for
equipment under capital leases)................ (1,313) (2,332)
------- -------
$ 4,438 $ 8,418
======= =======
Depreciation and amortization expense for the fiscal years ended July 28,
1996, and July 31, 1997 and 1998 was $683, $764 and $1,101, respectively.
4. Notes Receivable:
In connection with the conversion to the distributor program discussed in
Note 1, the Company has financed the sale of cylinders and certain equipment
principally to distributors, including Platinum Propane Holding, L.L.C.
("PPH") (Note 15), who now service territories previously serviced by the
Company. These notes receivable are due at various times through 2002 and are
payable monthly with interest ranging from 9.25% to 12.5%.
On February 12, 1998, the Company loaned $635 to Bison Valve, L.L.C.
("Bison Valve"), an entity formed to market, produce and sell a specialty
valve to the Company's distributors and third parties. The loan is convertible
into 65% of the membership units of Bison Valve, at $1 per unit, at the option
of the Company. In the event of non-conversion the loan accrues interest at 9.5%
for four (4) years after which the principal and accrued interest will be
amortized over two (2) years.
The aggregate maturities of these notes receivable at July 31, 1998 are as
follows:
1999 $ 540
2000 350
2001 432
2002 510
2003 and after 132
------
$1,964
======
Interest income related to these notes for the fiscal years ended July 31,
1997 and 1998 was approximately $182 and $159, respectively. The notes
receivable from the sale of cylinders are collateralized by the cylinders.
34
BLUE RHINO CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
5. Intangibles, net:
During fiscal 1998, the Company completed a number of acquisitions (the
"Acquisitions") for approximately $4.7 million in the aggregate related to
assets including cylinders, cylinder display racks and other equipment and the
right, title and interest in and to sellers' retail propane cylinder exchange
accounts and locations.
The aggregate purchase price was paid approximately $3.6 million in cash,
initially financed with borrowings under the Bank Credit Facility and
subsequently repaid with proceeds from the Initial Public Offering, $750 in
common stock and $318 in seller financing. Acquisitions have been accounted for
under the purchase method and, accordingly, the operating results from these
acquisitions have been included in the Company's consolidated financial
statements since the dates of acquisition.
Intangibles consist of the following at July 31:
1997 1998
------ ------
Goodwill.................. $ 124 $3,518
Noncompete agreements..... -- 102
Accumulated amortization.. (20) (88)
----- ------
$ 104 $3,532
===== ======
Amortization expense for the fiscal years ended July 28, 1996, July 31,
1997 and 1998 was $8, $14 and $68, respectively.
The following unaudited pro forma summary presents the financial
information as if the acquisitions had occurred on August 1, 1996. These pro
forma results have been prepared for comparative purposes and do not purport to
be indicative of what would have occurred had the acquisitions been made on
August 1, 1996, nor it is indicative of future results.
1997 1998
------- -------
Net sales.................. $17,611 $28,717
======= =======
Net loss................... $(5,459) $(2,320)
======= =======
Net loss per common share.. $ (3.66) $ (0.99)
======= =======
6. Notes Payable to Bank:
On December 18, 1997, the Company entered into a short-term loan Agreement
(the "Bank Credit Facility") which allows for maximum borrowings up to $9.0
million including a $3.0 million revolving line of credit based on 80% of
eligible receivables with a $1.0 million overadvance provision, a $1.0 million
capital expenditures line of credit and a $4.0 million acquisition line of
credit. These lines of credit mature on November 30, 1998 and bear interest at
the prime rate (8.50% at July 31, 1998) plus 0.5%. As of July 31, 1998, the
Company had no outstanding borrowings under the Bank Credit Facility.
The agreement requires payment of a fee of 0.25 percent of the average
unused portion of the revolving line of credit, and requires the Company to meet
certain covenants, including minimum net worth and earnings before interest,
taxes, depreciation and amortization and restricts the level of capital
expenditures, as defined. The Company was in compliance with these covenants as
of July 31, 1998.
The Bank Credit Facility was amended at July 30, 1998 to remove certain
covenants, release the guarantees of a principal stockholder and an entity
affiliated with certain principal stockholders and to waive a violation of the
cash flow ratio as of April 30, 1998.
35
BLUE RHINO CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
7. Notes Payable to Vendor and Stockholder Loans:
In January 1998, several stockholders collectively loaned the Company $3.25
million (the "1998 Stockholder Loans"). The 1998 Stockholder Loans were repaid
in full in May 1998, including accrued interest at 10.5% with $3.4 million of
the proceeds from the Initial Public Offering. The stockholders also received
Warrants to purchase approximately .08 shares of Common Stock for every $3.00
they loaned to the Company for a total of 81,913 shares of common stock (the
"1998 Warrants"). The 1998 Warrants may be exercised prior to December 31,
2008 at a price per share equal to $13.00.
Prior to the conversion to the distributor program, the Company financed
the acquisition of certain cylinders with its primary cylinder vendor. The
original line of credit was for purchases up to approximately $1.9 million and
was to be repaid in various installments including interest at prime plus 1%.
The balance due on this note was paid in full during fiscal year ended July 31,
1997.
8. Long-Term Debt:
Long-term debt consists of the following at July 31:
1997 1998
------- -----
Senior discount notes due October 2000.................. $15,113 $ --
Various equipment and vehicle notes and insurance
premium financing bearing interest at rates
varying from 8% to 15%, due in monthly installments
through April 2001.................................... 65 174
------- -----
15,178 174
Less amounts due within one year........................ 36 70
------- -----
$15,142 $ 104
======= =====
The aggregate maturities of long-term debt at July 31, 1998 are $70, $66
and $38 for 1999, 2000 and 2001, respectively.
In October 1995, the Company issued 12,575 units, each consisting of
approximately $1 principal amount (approximately $17.2 million aggregate) of
senior discount notes due in October 2000 and warrants to purchase 39.764 shares
of common stock. The gross proceeds were $12,575. The notes accreted in value at
an effective rate of 10.5% through May 1998 until they were repaid with proceeds
from the Initial Public Offering in the amount of $16,491. Each warrant entitled
the holders to acquire one share of common stock for $4.5896 per share.
9. Capital Lease Obligations:
Capital lease obligations for computer equipment as of July 31, 1998 are as
follows:
1999.................................................. $254
2000.................................................. 157
2001.................................................. 10
----
Total minimum lease payments.......................... 421
Less imputed interest at varying rates ranging
from 11.75% to 19%.................................. 49
----
Present value of minimum lease payments............... 372
Less current maturities............................... 216
----
$156
====
36
BLUE RHINO CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
10. Operating Leases and Other Commitments:
The Company leases certain office and vehicle equipment under noncancelable
operating leases with original terms ranging from 36 to 51 months. Additionally,
the Company has a land lease with an original term of 5 years. This lease
carries 3 renewal options for periods of 5 years each.
Rent expense on these facilities and equipment for the fiscal years ended
July 28, 1996 and July 31, 1997 and 1998 was $435, $44 and $21, respectively.
In addition, the Company leases certain plant facilities and equipment to
distributors including PPH (Note 15). Lease income under these leases was $62,
$118 and $118 for the fiscal years ending 1996, 1997 and 1998, respectively.
In September 1996, the Company entered into a $3.0 million operating lease
facility to finance cylinder displays. In May 1998, the Company repaid the lease
facility, aggregating $2,119, with proceeds from the initial public offering.
Rental expense under this lease for the fiscal years ended July 31, 1997 and
1998 was approximately $152 and $485, respectively.
Lease income, net on the consolidated statements of operations is made up
of the following for the fiscal years ended:
1996 1997 1998
----- ---- -----
Lease income.......... $ (89) $(295) $(566)
Lease expense......... -- 152 485
----- ----- -----
Net (income) expense.. $ (89) $(143) $ (81)
===== ===== =====
Future minimum lease payments at July 31, 1998 from non-cancelable
operating leases with both affiliates (Note 15) and non-affiliates with initial
or remaining terms of one year or more are $109, $41, $33, $27 and $1 for 1999,
2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003, respectively.
The Company also executes operating lease agreements with its distributors
including PPH (Note 15) for cylinder displays (both leased and owned) for use
within each distributor's territory. Under these leases, the distributor
(lessee) is obligated for all maintenance, installation, deinstallation, taxes
and insurance related to the cylinder displays. The terms of the leases continue
until either party terminates upon 60 days written notice to the other party.
The monthly rental amounts are based on 1% of the original fair market value of
the cylinder displays. Lease income for the fiscal years ended July 28, 1996 and
July 31, 1997 and 1998 was approximately $27, $177 and $448, respectively. As of
July 31, 1998, estimated future minimum rental payments to be received are
approximately $664 per year through the year 2003.
In December 1997, the Company entered into a service agreement with
Information Management System Services (''IMSS'') whereby IMSS will provide
certain electronic data processing and telecommunications services including the
provision of customized software and hardware. Fees under the service agreement
for fiscal year ended July 31, 1998 were $306.
37
BLUE RHINO CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
11. Nonrecurring Charges:
As described in Note 1, the Company made changes to its business strategy,
including the conversion to an independent distributor network. As a result, the
Company recorded certain nonrecurring charges in fiscal years ended July 28,
1996 and July 31, 1997 and 1998 as summarized below:
1996 1997 1998
------ ----- -----
Adjust equipment, including leasehold improvements of $160,
$447 and $0, respectively, to net realizable value.......... $ 814 $736 $283
Impairment of goodwill....................................... 355 -- --
Severance, professional fees and other....................... 194 234 280
------ ----- -----
$1,363 $970 $563
====== ===== =====
In the fiscal years ended July 28, 1996 and July 31, 1997, equipment
including vehicles, display racks, leasehold improvements of two distribution
centers, cylinders, computer equipment and filling station equipment were
written down to estimated net realizable value. Substantially all the equipment
has either been sold or physically scrapped. In the fiscal year ended July 28,
1996, as part of the changes in business strategy it was determined not to focus
on the smaller convenience store locations due to lower profit margins. As a
result, the Company recorded an impairment of goodwill ascribed to the
convenience store locations of $355. In the fiscal year ended July 31, 1998, the
Company made a commitment to acquire new handheld terminal technology. As a
result, the Company recorded a $202 impairment adjustment to reduce the carrying
value of existing handheld terminals as the future benefit of these assets could
not be fully recoverable over their original estimated lives.
12. Convertible Redeemable Preferred Stock:
On December 21, 1994, the Company issued 1,572,474 shares of Series A
cumulative preferred stock and warrants to purchase 318,650 shares of common
stock to investors through a private placement offering. The exercise price for
these warrants was $0.45896 per share. These warrants were exercised upon
consummation of the initial public offering (Note 13).
Holders of Series A preferred stock were able to convert any portion of the
preferred shares into common shares at any time. Each share of Series A
preferred was convertible to one share of common stock. The preferred shares had
a liquidation preference equal to the liquidation value of $4.5896 as defined in
the Certificate of Incorporation. The preferred shares ranked senior to the
common stock in respect to dividend rights and had full voting rights.
The Company was required to redeem the outstanding Series A preferred
shares in equal increments semiannually between October 31, 2000 and April 30,
2002. The redemption price was $4.5896 per share plus undeclared, accrued
dividends at a rate of 8% compounded daily of $1,031, $1,718 and $596 at July
28, 1996, and July 31, 1997 and the period August 1, 1997 through May 18, 1998
(the date amounts were funded through issuance of common stock in conjunction
with the initial public offering), respectively. Dividends are cumulative until
declared by the Board.
In May 1998, contemporaneous with the closing of the initial public
offering, all outstanding shares of preferred stock were converted on a one for
one basis into common stock and common stock was issued in payment of accrued
preferred dividends of $2,314.
38
BLUE RHINO CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
13. Stockholders' Equity (Deficit):
On November 17, 1997, the Board approved the following matters for
which stockholder consent was received effective December 31, 1997 that were
executed contemporaneously with the closing of the IPO:
. A reverse stock split of 1 share of common stock for 13.225130 shares of
the Company's common shares outstanding. The reverse stock split has
been reflected in the average shares outstanding, shares outstanding and
loss per share amounts in the balance sheets, statements of operations
and changes in shareholders deficit.
. The authorized shares of the Capital Stock were increased to 120,000,000
comprised of 100,000,000 shares of Common Stock par value $0.001 per
share and 20,000,000 shares of preferred, with terms to be determined by
the Board.
. Issue shares of common stock to the holders of outstanding warrants to
satisfy their right to receive common stock (assuming a cashless
exercise of their warrants).
. Accelerate the vesting of all outstanding options under the 1994 Stock
Incentive Plan.
Common Stock Options and Restricted Stock--The Company has four active
stock option plans (the "Plans") and has reserved 981,853 shares of common
stock for use and distribution under terms of the Plans. Under the Plans, the
Company may, at its discretion, issue incentive or non-qualified stock options,
stock appreciation rights, restricted stock or deferred stock. The terms and
conditions of the awards made under the plans vary but, in general, are at the
discretion of the Board of Directors or its appointed committee.
The 1994 Stock Incentive Plan was adopted by the Board of Directors and
approved by the stockholders in December 1994 and has 181,853 shares of Common
Stock reserved for issuance upon the exercise of Options granted thereunder. As
of July 31, 1998, Options to purchase 181,853 shares of Common Stock at a
weighted average exercise price of $6.03 per share were outstanding under the
1994 Stock Incentive Plan. All Options are vested and exercisable, however, no
Options have been exercised. These options expire 10 years from their date of
grant. No additional options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock or
deferred stock can be granted under the 1994 Stock Incentive Plan.
The 1998 Stock Incentive Plan was adopted by the Board of Directors and
approved by the stockholders in May 1998 under which 300,000 shares of Common
Stock have been reserved for issuance upon the exercise of Options granted
thereunder. As of July 31, 1998, the Company had 275,300 Options outstanding,
none of the Options are vested or exercisable. The exercise price for
outstanding Common Stock options is $13.00 per share. Pursuant to the 1998 Stock
Incentive Plan, the Company may make grants of options to officers, employees,
consultants and advisors of the Company. These options vest ratably over 5 years
and expire 10 years from their date of grant.
39
BLUE RHINO CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
All non-employee directors are entitled to participate in the Non-Employee
Director Stock Option Plan (the "Director Option Plan"). The Director Option
Plan was adopted by the Board of Directors and approved by the stockholders in
November 1997, and became effective on May 18, 1998. The Company has reserved
100,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance under the Director Option Plan. As
of July 31, 1998, the Company has not granted any options under this plan. The
Board of Directors has approved an annual grant to each Director under the
Director Option Plan of options to purchase 4,000 shares of Common Stock at a
price per share equal to the fair market value per share of the Common Stock as
of the grant date consisting of 1,000 shares for each quarterly board meeting
such director attended during the previous year. One third of these options
will vest on each of the first three anniversaries of the grant date and expire
10 years from their date of grant.
In November 1997, the Board of Directors adopted and the stockholders
approved the Distributor Incentive Stock Option Plan (the "Distributor Option
Plan") which became effective on May 18, 1998. The Company has reserved 400,000
shares of Common Stock for issuance upon the exercise of options granted under
the Distributor Option Plan. In May 1998, the Company granted Options to
purchase 240,887 shares of Common Stock to existing Blue Rhino distributors at
an exercise price equal to $13.00 per share. Blue Rhino distributors and their
stockholders, partners, members, directors, general partners, managers,
officers, employees and consultants are eligible to receive options under the
Distributor Option Plan. As of July 31, 1998 the Company had 240,887 options
outstanding, none of the Options are vested or exercisable. Options issued under
the Distributor Option Plan vest ratably over 4 years and expire 10 years from
their date of grant. For the fiscal year ended 1997, the Company recognized
compensation expense of $50 related to the issuance of stock options under the
Distributor Option Plan.
The Company has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS No. 123,
"Accounting For Stock-Based Compensation." Accordingly, since options were
granted at fair value, no compensation cost has been recognized for stock
options granted to date. Had compensation cost for these plans been determined
for options granted since August 1, 1995 consistent with SFAS No. 123, the
Company's net loss and loss per share would have increased to the following pro
forma amounts.
For the Fiscal Years Ended
-----------------------------
1996 1997 1998
--------- -------- --------
Net loss:
As reported............................ $(7,431) $(5,584) $(2,369)
======= ======= =======
Pro forma.............................. $(7,454) $(5,649) $(2,694)
======= ======= =======
Basic and diluted loss per common share:
As reported............................ $ (4.96) $ (3.74) $ (1.01)
======= ======= =======
Pro forma.............................. $ (4.97) $ (3.78) $ (1.12)
======= ======= =======
The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using
the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average
assumptions used for all grants: expected lives of 6 years; expected volatility
30%; expected dividends of $0 and a risk-free interest rate of 5.5%.
40
BLUE RHINO CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
A summary of the status of the Company's Plans at July 31, 1996, July 31,
1997 and 1998 and changes during the periods then ended is presented in the
table and narrative below:
1994 Stock 1998 Stock Distributor Director
----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Incentive Plan Incentive Plan Option Plan Option Plan
----------------- ----------------- ----------------- -----------------
Weighted Weighted Weighted Weighted
-------- -------- -------- --------
Average Average Average Average
------- ------- ------- -------
Exercise Exercise Exercise Exercise
-------- -------- -------- --------
Shares Price Shares Price Shares Price Shares Price
------ ----- ------ ----- ------ ----- ------ -----
Shares under option:
Outstanding at August 1, 1995... 43,478 $4.59 -- $ -- -- $ -- -- $ --
Granted...................... 37,731 4.79 -- -- -- -- -- --
Exercised.................... -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Forfeited.................... 9,149 4.59 -- -- -- -- -- --
Exercisable.................. 7,183 4.59 -- -- -- -- -- --
Weighted average fair value of
options granted............... -- 1.53 -- -- -- -- -- --
Outstanding at July 28, 1996.... 72,060 4.70 -- -- -- -- -- --
Granted...................... 104,044 6.69 -- -- -- -- -- --
Exercised.................... -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Forfeited.................... 12,159 4.85 -- -- -- -- -- --
Exercisable.................. 21,399 4.67 -- -- -- -- -- --
Weighted average fair value of
options granted............... -- 2.21 -- -- -- -- -- --
Outstanding at July 31, 1997.... 163,945 5.94 -- -- -- -- -- --
Granted...................... 18,887 6.61 275,300 13.00 240,887 13.00 -- --
Exercised.................... -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
Forfeited.................... 979 6.15 -- --
Exercisable.................. 181,853 6.01 -- -- -- -- -- --
Weighted average fair value of
options granted............... -- 2.69 -- 5.29 -- 4.77 -- --
Outstanding at July 31, 1998.... 181,853 6.01 275,300 13.00 240,887 13.00 -- --
Options available for grant at
July 31, 1998................. -- -- 24,700 -- 159,113 -- 100,000 --
Warrants--During fiscal 1998, the Company issued 81,913 warrants ("1998
Warrants") to stockholders in connection with loans made to the Company (Note
7). In fiscal 1997, the Company issued approximately 226,841 warrants in
connection with the cylinder display lease facility (Note 10), and the issuance
of the common stock to PPH (Note 15). In addition, during fiscal years ended
July 28, 1996 and July 31, 1995, the Company issued approximately 303,513
warrants to individuals to purchase common stock for their assistance in
connection with various debt placements. During fiscal 1998, 938,789 shares of
common stock were issued for the exercise of all outstanding warrants, except
for the 1998 Warrants, upon consummation of the initial public offering.
41
BLUE RHINO CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
14. Loss per Share:
The Company has retroactively adopted SFAS No. 128, "Earnings Per
Share." The impact of adopting this statement had no effect on loss per share
for fiscal years 1998, 1997 and 1996. The basic and diluted loss per share was
determined as follows:
Fiscal Years Ended
-------------------------------
July 28, July 31, July 31,
--------- --------- ---------
1996 1997 1998
--------- --------- ---------
Basic and diluted loss per common share:
Net loss............................................ $(7,431) $(5,584) $(2,369)
Less: Redeemable preferred stock dividends.......... 636 687 596
------- ------- -------
Loss applicable to common stockholders................ $(8,067) $(6,271) $(2,965)
Weighted average common shares used in computing the
basic and diluted loss per common share (in
thousands)........................................... 1,628 1,678 2,945
------- ------- -------
Basic and diluted loss per common share............ $ (4.96) $ (3.74) $ (1.01)
======= ======= =======
Options to purchase common stock and the assumed exercise of warrants
during the fiscal years ended 1998, 1997 and 1996 have been excluded from the
computation of diluted earnings per common share as they were anti-dilutive.
15. Related Party Transactions:
PPH, Caribou Cylinder Exchange, L.L.C. ("Caribou"), Javelina Cylinder
Exchange, L.L.C. ("Javelina") and Raven Propane, L.L.C. ("Raven Propane"),
are affiliates and operate as distributors for the Company. PPH began operations
as a distributor during fiscal 1996, while Caribou, Javelina and Raven Propane
began operations as distributors during fiscal 1998. The following represents
related party balances with these affiliates outstanding at July 28, 1996 and
July 31, 1997 and 1998, and transactions for the fiscal years then ended,
respectively:
PPH Javelina Raven Caribou
---------------------- -------- ----- -------
1996 1997 1998 1998 1998 1998
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------
Notes receivable............. $1,399 $1,191 $1,072 $ -- $ -- $--
Trade accounts payable....... 407 648 903 33 130 33
Cost of sales--distributors.. 1,561 5,319 7,889 118 381 31
Interest income.............. 43 142 117 -- -- --
Lease income................. 25 160 160 2 3 1
Issuance of common stock..... -- 1,000 -- -- -- --
Cylinder usage fee........... -- -- 51 -- 3 --
Cylinder purchases........... -- -- 1,397 7 89 22
42
BLUE RHINO CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
Certain operational and financial management services were provided to
the Company by an affiliate through common ownership. Fees for these services
for the fiscal years ended July 28, 1996 and July 31, 1997 were approximately
$519, and $154, respectively.
The Company leases a facility from an affiliate under a noncancelable
operating lease which expires in December 1998. Future minimum lease payments
for the lease are $34 for the fiscal year ending 1999. Rent expense under this
lease was $22, $76, and $82 for the fiscal years ended July 28, 1996, and July
31, 1997 and 1998, respectively.
The Company leases a facility and certain equipment to PPH. Lease
income from PPH for the fiscal years ended July 28, 1996, July 31, 1997, and
1998 was $62, $56, and $55, respectively.
During fiscal 1998, the Company paid professional fees to Pedersen &
Houpt, P.C. ("P & H") in the amount of $401. A partner of P & H is also a
director of the Company.
16. Income Taxes:
Due to the Company's operating losses, there is no current or deferred
tax expense for the fiscal years ended July 28, 1996, and July 31, 1997 and
1998.
A reconciliation of the differences between the statutory federal
income tax rate of 34% and the effective rate of income tax expense is as
follows:
Fiscal Years Ended
-------------------------------
July 28, July 31, July 31,
1996 1997 1998
--------- --------- ---------
Federal statutory tax rate....................... 34.0% 34.0% 34.0%
Operating losses having no current tax benefit.. (33.8) (33.9) (33.1)
Permanent differences and other................. (0.2) (0.1) (0.9)
----- ----- -----
Effective tax rate............................... 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
===== ===== =====
The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant
portions of the deferred tax assets and liability are as follows at:
July 28, July 31, July 31,
1996 1997 1998
--------- --------- ---------
Assets:
Net operating loss carry forward....................... $ 4,842 $ 6,981 $ 7,745
Allowance for doubtful accounts........................ 32 60 242
Inventory capitalization............................... 19 4 105
Organization costs..................................... 37 24 12
Other.................................................. 34 78 23
Depreciation and amortization.......................... -- 1 --
------- ------- -------
Total gross deferred tax assets................... 4,964 7,148 8,127
Valuation allowance.................................... (4,960) (7,148) (8,059)
------- ------- -------
Net deferred tax assets........................... $ 4 $ -- $ 68
======= ======= =======
Liability:
Depreciation and amortization.......................... $ 4 $ -- $ 68
======= ======= =======
43
BLUE RHINO CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands, except share and per share data)
At July 31, 1998, the Company had a net operating loss carryforward for
federal income tax purposes of approximately $19.9 million which is available to
offset future federal taxable income, if any, in varying amounts through 2013.
17. Defined Contribution Plan:
The Company has a 401(k) plan, sponsored by an affiliate, which allows
participants to make voluntary pretax contributions, through payroll deductions,
up to 10% of total compensation, subject to Internal Revenue Service
limitations. All employees who have at least one year of service and 1,000 hours
within that year of service are eligible to participate in this plan. The plan
provides for discretionary profit sharing contributions by the Company. The
Company made no contributions to the plan during fiscal 1996, 1997 and 1998.
18. Change in Fiscal Year End:
In 1997, the Company changed from a 52--53 week year end, to a July 31 fiscal
year end. The effect of this change was not material.
19. Subsequent Events:
The Company completed three acquisitions in August and September 1998 for
approximately $1.1 million in the aggregate related to assets including
cylinders, cylinder display racks, and right, title and interest in and to
sellers' retail propane cylinder exchange accounts and locations. These
acquisitions were funded with proceeds received from the Initial Public
Offering.
20. Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited):
Fiscal 1997 Quarter Ended
-------------------------------------------------
October 31, January 31, April 30, July 31,
1996 1997 1997 1997
------------ ------------ ---------- --------
(in thousands, except per share data)
Net sales.................................... $ 2,491 $ 2,018 $ 3,000 $6,702
Gross profit................................. 285 218 522 1,542
------- ------- ------- ------
Net loss..................................... $(1,215) $(1,566) $(1,971) $ (832)
======= ======= ======= ======
Per share data:
Basic and diluted loss per common share... $ (0.85) $ (1.07) $ (1.26) $(0.57)
======= ======= ======= ======
Fiscal 1998 Quarter Ended
------------------------------------------------
October 31, January 31, April 30, July 31,
1997 1998 1998 1998
------------ ------------ ---------- --------
(in thousands, except per share data)
Net sales................................ $ 4,139 $ 4,175 $ 5,694 $13,364
Gross profit............................. 985 958 1,372 3,532
------- ------- ------- -------
Net income (loss)........................ $(1,340) $(1,224) $(1,067) $ 1,261
======= ======= ======= =======
Per share data:
Basic income (loss) per common share... $ (0.81) $ (0.83) $ (0.72) $ 0.20
======= ======= ======= =======
Diluted income (loss) per common share... $ (0.81) $ (0.83) $ (0.72) $ 0.19
======= ======= ======= =======
44
Item 9 - Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and
Financial Disclosure
None.
45
PART III
Item 10 - Executive Officers and Directors
Executive officers and directors of the Company, and their ages as of the
date hereof are as follows:
Name Age Position
- ---- --- ------------------------------------
Billy D. Prim (1)........................ 42 Chairman of the Board, President
and Chief Executive Officer
Andrew J. Filipowski (1)................. 47 Vice Chairman
Mark Castaneda........................... 34 Director, Secretary and Chief Financial Officer
Kay B. Martin............................ 45 Vice President, Chief Information Officer
Richard E. Belmont....................... 38 Vice President, Sales and Marketing
Joseph T. Culp........................... 41 Vice President, Partner Development
Steven D. Devick (2)(3).................. 46 Director
Craig J. Duchossois (1)(2)............... 53 Director
Richard A. Brenner (2)(3)................ 35 Director
John H. Muehlstein (3)................... 43 Director
- -------------
(1) Member of the Executive Committee.
(2) Member of the Compensation Committee.
(3) Member of the Audit Committee.
Billy D. Prim co-founded the Company in March 1994 and has served as its
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board since its incorporation and as
its President since January 1996. Mr. Prim also serves as President and Chief
Executive Officer and is a 51% stockholder of American Oil and Gas Company,
Inc., a North Carolina based holding company which until April 1995 was also a
distributor of propane gas, home heating oil, diesel fuel and kerosene. Mr. Prim
is a director and part owner of several privately-held companies, including
Platinum Propane, Caribou Propane, Javelina Propane and Raven Propane which act
as distributors for the Company. Mr. Prim is also a director of Bison Valve,
L.L.C., a valve distributor to which the Company has made a convertible loan,
Southern Community Bank & Trust and the National Propane Gas Association.
Andrew J. Filipowski co-founded the Company in March 1994 and has served
as Vice Chairman of the Board since May 1994. Mr. Filipowski is a co-founder of
Platinum Technology, Inc. and has been its Chairman of the Board, President and
Chief Executive Officer since its formation in April 1987. Mr. Filipowski is
also a director of Platinum Entertainment, Inc., Eagle River Interactive, Inc.,
System Software Associates, Inc. and several privately-held companies including
Platinum Propane, Caribou Propane, Javelina Propane and Raven Propane which act
as distributors for the Company.
Mark Castaneda has served as Chief Financial Officer since October 1997
as Secretary since February 1998 and as a director since August 1998. Prior to
joining the Company, Mr. Castaneda served as the Vice President of Finance and
the Chief Financial Officer for All Star Gas Corporation, from July 1995 until
October 1997; as a Director of Planning and
46
Controller of Skelgas Propane, Inc. from May 1991 to July 1995; and as a
certified public accountant with Deloitte & Touche, LLP from June 1986 to May
1991.
Kay B. Martin has served as Vice President and Chief Information Officer
since March 1997. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Martin served as the
Director of Information Resources for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company from March
1988 to March 1997.
Richard E. Belmont has served as Vice President of Sales and Marketing
since March 1995. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Belmont was the product
planning manager and parts and product manager with the Char-Broil Division of
W.C. Bradley Co. from January 1990 to March 1995. Mr. Belmont is currently a
director of the BIA.
Joseph T. Culp has served as Vice President of Partner Development since
November 1995. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Culp was the general manager of
Skelgas Propane, Inc. from February 1994 to November 1995, and as a regional
manager for Suburban Propane Partners, L.P. from January 1981 to February 1994.
Steven D. Devick has served as a director since May 1994. Mr. Devick is
the founder of Platinum Entertainment, Inc. and has served as its Chairman of
the Board and Chief Executive Officer since January 1992 and as its president
since January 1996. Mr. Devick is a director of Platinum Technology, Inc., as
well as serving as an officer and director of several privately-held companies.
Craig J. Duchossois has served as a director since May 1994. Mr.
Duchossois has been the Chief Executive Officer of Duchossois Industries, Inc.,
a privately-held diversified manufacturing and service company since 1995, and
previously served as its President from 1986 to 1995. Mr. Duchossois has also
served as a director of Platinum Entertainment, Inc., and currently serves as a
director of Bissell, Inc. and LaSalle National Bank as well as several
privately-held companies, including Bison Valve, L.L.C.
Richard A. Brenner, has served as a director since August 1998. Mr.
Brenner has served as President of Amarr Company since July 1993. Mr. Brenner
has served on the Board of Advisors of Wachovia Bank since 1993 and also acts as
a board member for several privately-held companies.
John H. Muehlstein has served as a director since September 1995. Since
1986, Mr. Muehlstein has been a partner of the law firm of Pedersen & Houpt,
P.C., legal counsel to the Company. Mr. Muehlstein also serves as a director of
Einstein/Noah Bagel Corp., SpinCycle, Inc. and several privately-held companies.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Based solely on a review of the Form 3, Form 4 and Form 5 disclosure
statements furnished to the Company by its executive officers, directors and the
beneficial owners of over 10% of the Company's common stock, the Company does
not believe that any of such reports were not filed on a timely basis or failed
to report any transaction required to be reported therein.
Item 11 - Executive Compensation
The Information concerning the compensation of the Company's executive
officers and directors, contained in the sections titled Director Compensation
and Executive Compensation in the Company's definitive Proxy Statement for the
annual meeting of Stockholders which will be filed within 120 days after the
fiscal year end covered by this report are incorporated herein by reference.
Item 12 - Principal Stockholders
The Information concerning the principal stockholders of the Company,
contained in the section titled Common Stock Ownership of Directors, Executive
Officers and Certain Beneficial Owners in the Company's definitive Proxy
Statement for the annual meeting of Stockholders which will be filed within 120
days after the fiscal year end covered by this report are incorporated herein by
reference.
47
Item 13 - Certain Transactions
The Information concerning certain transactions to be disclosed pursuant to
Rule 404, contained in the section titled Certain Transactions in the Company's
definitive Proxy Statement for the annual meeting of Stockholders which will be
filed within 120 days after the fiscal year end covered by this report are
incorporated herein by reference.
48
PART IV
Item 14 - Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K
(a) The following documents are filed as part of this report:
(1) Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company are included in
Part II, Item 8:
Report of Independent Accountants
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders'
(Deficit) Equity
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(2) Financial Statement Schedules
None of the financial statement schedules set forth in the
applicable accounting regulations of the Commission are
required to be made a part of this report under the
applicable instructions to such regulations.
(3) Exhibits
See the Exhibit Index following the Signature Page, which
is incorporated herein by reference.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
The Company did not file any reports on Form 8-K during the last
quarter of the period covered by this report.
49
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirement of the Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Date: October 29, 1998
BLUE RHINO CORPORATION
By: /s/ Billy D. Prim
-----------------------------------------
Billy D. Prim
Chairman, President and Chief Executive
Officer
50
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities indicated.
Signature Capacity Date
- --------- -------- ----
/s/ Billy D. Prim Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer October 29, 1998
- ------------------------- (Principal Executive Officer)
Billy D. Prim
/s/ Mark Castaneda Secretary, Chief Financial Officer and Director October 29, 1998
- ------------------------- (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
Mark Castaneda
/s/ Andrew J. Filipowski Vice Chairman of the Board October 29, 1998
- -------------------------
Andrew J. Filipowski
/s/ Craig J. Duchossois Director October 29, 1998
- -------------------------
Craig J. Duchossois
/s/ Steven D. Devick Director October 29, 1998
- -------------------------
Steven D. Devick
/s/ John H. Muehlstein Director October 29, 1998
- -------------------------
John H. Muehlstein
/s/ Richard A. Brenner Director October 29, 1998
- -------------------------
Richard A. Brenner
51
EXHIBITS
Exhibit
- ----------
Number Description of Exhibit
- ---------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3.1 Second Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Report on Form 10-Q dated July 2, 1998.
3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to
the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated May 18, 1998.
4.1 Form of Certificate of Common Stock of the Company, incorporated by reference to Exhibit
4.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated May 18, 1998.
10.1(a) Loan Agreement, dated as of December 18, 1997, between the Company and NationsBank,
N.A., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1(a) to the Company's Registration Statement
on Form S-1 dated May 18, 1998.
10.1(b) Security Agreement, dated as of November 26, 1997 between the Company and
NationsBank, N.A., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1(b) to the Company's Registration
Statement on Form S-1 dated May 18, 1998.
10.1(c) Amendment to Loan Agreement dated July 30, 1998 between the Company and NationsBank, N.A.,
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1(c) to the Company's Registration Statement
on Form S-1 dated September 30, 1998.
10.2 Note Purchase Agreement, dated as of January 1, 1998, among the Company and Craig J.
Duchossois, Andrew Filipowski, James Liautaud and Lennard Carlson, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated May
18, 1998.
10.4(a) Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 9, 1997, between the Company and Bison
Propane Bottle Exchange, LLC, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4(a) to the Company's
Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated May 18, 1998.
10.4(b) First Amendment to the Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 10, 1997, between the
Company and Bison Propane Bottle Exchange, LLC, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4(b)
to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated May 18, 1998.
10.5 Multi-Draw Convertible Secured Promissory Note, dated as of February 12, 1998, by Bison
Valve, L.L.C. to the Company, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Company's
Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated May 18, 1998.
10.6 Collateral Assignment of License Agreement, dated as of February 12, 1998, by Bison Valve,
L.L.C. to the Company, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Company's Registration
Statement on For S-1 dated May 18, 1998.
10.7(a) Form of Distribution Agreement of the Company and Its Distributors, incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 10.7(a) to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated May 18, 1998.
10.7(b) Form of Sublease of Personal Property between the Company and Its Distributors, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.7(b) to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated May 18,
1998.
52
10.8(a) Form of Security Agreement to Secure the Sale of Cylinders between the Company and its
Distributors, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8(a) to the Company's Registration
Statement on Form S-1 dated May 18, 1998.
10.8(b) Form of Promissory Note Evidencing the Sale of Cylinders between the Company and its
Distributors, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8(b) to the Company's Registration
Statement on Form S-1 dated May 18, 1998.
10.9 Director Option Plan of the Company, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the
Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated May 18, 1998.
10.10 Distributor Stock Option Plan of the Company, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.13
to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated May 18, 1998.
10.11 1994 Stock Incentive Plan of the Company, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 to
the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated May 18, 1998.
10.12 Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of March 1, 1997, among
the Company, Forsythe/Lunn Technology Partners, L.L.C., Platinum Propane Holding,
L.L.C., the Purchasers of Units pursuant to the Unit Purchase Agreement dated October 11,
1995 and the Purchasers of the Company's Series A Convertible Participating Preferred
Stock, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Company's Registration Statement
on Form S-1 dated May 18, 1998.
10.13 1998 Stock Incentive Plan of the Company, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to
the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated May 18, 1998.
10.14 Real Estate Lease between the Company and Platinum Services Corporation dated as of
January 1, 1996, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to the Company's Registration
Statement on Form S-1 dated May 18, 1998.
10.15(a) Master Lease dated as of February 1, 1996 between the Company and Nelco, Ltd., Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.20(a) to the Company's Registration Statement as Form S-1 dated May 18,
1998.
10.15(b) Lease Agreement dated July 30, 1996 between the Company and Leasing Innovations,
Incorporated incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20(b) to the Company's Registration
Statement as Form S-1 dated May 18, 1998.
10.15(c) Lease Agreement dated June 26, 1997 between the Company and Green Tree Vendor Services
Corporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20(c) to the Company's Registration Statement
on Form S-1 dated May 18, 1998.
10.16 Services Agreement dated June 1, 1997 between the Company and Information Management
Services.
53
10.17 Underwriting Agreement dated May 22, 1998 among the Company, Hambrecht & Quist,
L.L.C., NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC and Dain Raucher Wessels Incorporated
incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1.1 to the Company's Registration Statement on
Form S-1 dated May 18, 1998.
21.1 Subsidiaries of the Company incorporated by reference to Exhibit 21.1 to the Company's
Registration Statement on Form S-1 dated May 18, 1998.
24.1 Power of Attorney
27.1 Financial Data Schedule
-------
54