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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
Mark One
X Annual report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
- --- Exchange Act of 1934 for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2000.
Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
- --- Exchange Act of 1934.
Commission file number 333-56551
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
(Exact name as specified in its charter)
TEXAS 74-2337775
(State or other jurisdiction (IRS employer identification no.)
of incorporation or organization)
11103 West Avenue
San Antonio, Texas 78213-1392
(Address of principal executive offices, including ZIP Code)
(210) 340-3531
(Company's telephone number, including area code)
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT: NONE
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT: NONE
Indicate by check mark whether the Company (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 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. N/A
---
Aggregate market value of common stock held by non-affiliates of the
registrant is $358,770. As the registrant's common stock is not traded publicly,
the per share price used in this calculation is based on the per share price of
the registrant's last transaction which was the Recapitalization effective April
24, 1998 ($10.41 per share after stock split).
Applicable only to Corporate Registrants: Indicate the number of shares
outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock as of the latest
practicable date: 7,426,945 shares of common stock as of March 1, 2000.
Documents incorporated by reference: None
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FORM 10-K INDEX
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS....................................................................................... 2
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.....................................................................................21
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS..............................................................................22
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS............................................22
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS...........................23
ITEM 6. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA...........................................................23
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS..........25
ITEM 7a. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.....................................33
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA....................................................34
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE...........34
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.............................................35
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.........................................................................38
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.................................41
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.................................................43
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS
ON FORM 8-K....................................................................................44
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain statements contained herein constitute "forward-looking statements
within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended." All statements
other than statements of historical facts included in this report regarding the
Company's financial position, business strategy, budgets and plans and
objectives of management for future operations are forward-looking statements.
Although the management of the Company believes that the expectations reflected
in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that
such expectations will prove to have been correct. Such forward-looking
statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that
may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company, or
industry results, to be materially different from those contemplated or
projected, forecasted, estimated or budgeted in or expressed or implied by such
forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the risk and
other factors set forth under "Risk Factors" in the Company's Registration
Statement on Form S-4 filed with the Commission and under the heading
"Government Regulation" herein as well as the following: general economic and
business conditions; industry trends; the loss of major customers or suppliers;
cost and availability of raw materials; changes in business strategy or
development plans; availability and quality of management; and availability,
terms and deployment of capital. SPECIAL ATTENTION SHOULD BE PAID TO THE FACT
THAT STATEMENTS ARE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO,
STATEMENTS RELATING TO (I) THE COMPANY'S ABILITY TO EXECUTE ITS BUSINESS
STRATEGY (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, WITH RESPECT TO NEW STORE OPENINGS AND
INCREASING THE COMPANY'S PARTICIPATION IN MANAGED VISION CARE PROGRAMS), (II)
THE COMPANY'S ABILITY TO OBTAIN SUFFICIENT RESOURCES TO FINANCE ITS WORKING
CAPITAL AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURE NEEDS AND PROVIDE FOR ITS OBLIGATIONS, (III) THE
CONTINUING SHIFT IN THE OPTICAL RETAIL INDUSTRY OF MARKET SHARE FROM INDEPENDENT
PRACTITIONERS AND SMALL REGIONAL CHAINS TO LARGER OPTICAL RETAIL CHAINS, (IV)
INDUSTRY SALES GROWTH AND CONSOLIDATION, (V) CONTINUING IMPACT OF REFRACTIVE
SURGERY, (VI) THE COMPANY'S MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS WITH PROFESSIONAL
CORPORATIONS AND (VII) THE ABILITY OF THE COMPANY TO MAKE AND INTEGRATE
ACQUISITIONS.
GENERAL
Eye Care Centers of America, Inc. ("the Company") is the third largest
retail optical chain in the United States as measured by net revenues, operating
or managing 360 stores, 282 of which are optical superstores. The Company
operates predominately under the trade name "EyeMasters," and in certain
geographical regions under the trade names "Visionworks," "Hour Eyes," "Dr.
Bizer's VisionWorld," "Dr. Bizer's ValuVision," "Doctor's ValuVision," "Stein
Optical," "Eye DRx," "Vision World" and "Binyon's." The Company utilizes a
strategy of clustering its stores within its targeted markets in order to build
local market leadership and strong consumer brand awareness, as well as to
achieve economies of scale in advertising, management and field overhead.
Management believes that the Company has the number one or two superstore market
share position in
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fourteen of its top fifteen markets, including Washington, D.C., Minneapolis,
Dallas, Houston, Tampa/St. Petersburg, Phoenix, Miami/Ft. Lauderdale, Portland
and San Antonio. Based on a survey conducted on behalf of the Company in seven
of its top markets, the Company has average total brand awareness of 90% and a
reputation for quality service and value. The Company has achieved positive same
store sales growth in each of the past seven years and generated net revenues
and EBITDA (as defined within the heading "Item 6. Selected Consolidated
Financial Data") for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2000, ("fiscal 1999") of
$293.8 million and $42.4 million, respectively.
The Company's stores, which average approximately 4,100 square feet, carry
a broad selection of branded frames at competitive prices, including designer
eyewear such as Armani, Laura Ashley, Calvin Klein, Eddie Bauer and Polo/Ralph
Lauren, as well as its own proprietary brands. In addition, the Company's
superstores offer customers "one-hour service" on most prescriptions, utilizing
on-site processing laboratories to grind, coat and edge lenses. Moreover,
independent optometrists ("ODs") located inside or adjacent to all of the
Company's stores offer customers convenient eye exams and provide a consistent
source of retail business. In the Company's experience, over 80% of such ODs'
regular eye exam patients purchase eyewear from the Company.
Since joining the Company as President and Chief Executive Officer in early
1996, Bernard W. Andrews has built a management team with extensive operating,
financial, merchandising and marketing experience in the retail industry. This
management team has focused on improving operating efficiencies and growing the
business through both strategic acquisitions and new store openings. Under
current management, the Company's net revenues have increased from $140.2
million in fiscal 1995 to $293.8 million in fiscal 1999, while the Company's
store base increased from 152 to 360 over the same period, primarily as a result
of four acquisitions. The Company's senior management team owns or has the right
to acquire approximately 15% of the Company's common stock on a fully diluted
basis, through direct ownership and incentive option plans.
BUSINESS STRATEGY
The Company plans to capitalize on the favorable industry trends discussed
under the heading "Industry" by building local market leadership through the
implementation of the following key elements of its business strategy.
MAXIMIZE STORE PROFITABILITY. Management plans to continue to improve the
Company's operating margins through enhanced day-to-day store execution,
customer service and inventory asset management. The Company has implemented
various programs focused on (i) increasing sales of higher margin, value-added
and proprietary products, (ii) continuing store expense reductions, (iii)
offering extensive productivity-enhancing employee training and (iv) upgrading
the point-of-sale information system. Management believes its store clustering
strategy will enable the Company to continue to leverage local advertising and
field management costs to improve its operating margins. In addition, management
believes that the Company can achieve further improvement in
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its operating margins by realizing certain synergies from its recent
acquisitions, particularly from the introduction of its point-of-sale
information system to the acquired stores.
EXPAND STORE BASE. In order to continue to build leadership in its targeted
markets, the Company plans to take advantage of significant "fill-in"
opportunities in its existing markets, as well as enter attractive new markets
where it can achieve a number one or two market share position. Consequently,
the Company currently plans to open twenty to thirty new stores per year over
the next three years, with approximately one-third of these new stores currently
expected to be opened in existing markets. Management believes that the Company
has in place the systems and infrastructure to execute its expanded new store
opening plan. The Company uses a sophisticated site selection model utilizing
proprietary software which incorporates industry and internally generated data
(such as competitive market factors, demographics and customer specific
information) to evaluate the attractiveness of new store openings. The Company
has reduced the site development costs of opening a new store from approximately
$450,000 in 1993 to $430,000 in 1999, by utilizing a smaller store format
averaging approximately 3,500 square feet and by equipping each new store with
standardized fixtures and equipment. In addition, pre-opening costs average
$18,000 and initial inventory requirements for new stores average $85,000, of
which approximately 40% are typically financed by vendors.
PURSUE ACQUISITION OPPORTUNITIES. The Company has successfully consummated
and integrated four acquisitions over the last four years:
o In September 1996, the Company acquired Visionworks Holdings, Inc. and its
subsidiaries (collectively, "Visionworks"), a sixty store optical retailer
located along the Atlantic Coast from Florida to Washington, D.C. (the
"Visionworks Acquisition").
o In September 1997, the Company acquired The Samit Group, Inc. and its
subsidiaries (collectively, "TSGI"), with ten Hour Eyes stores in Maryland
and Washington, D.C., and certain of the assets of Hour Eyes Doctors of
Optometry, P.C., a Virginia professional corporation formerly known as Dr.
Samit's Hour Eyes Optometrist, P.C. (the "PC"), and simultaneously entered
into long-term management agreements with the PC to manage the PC's twelve
stores in Virginia (collectively, the "Hour Eyes Acquisition").
o In September 1998, the Company acquired certain of the assets of Dr.
Bizer's VisionWorld, PLLC and related entities (the "Bizer Entities"), a
nineteen store optical retailer located primarily in Kentucky and
Tennessee, and simultaneously entered into long-term management agreements
with a private optometrist ("Bizer OD") to manage such nineteen stores
(collectively, the "Bizer Acquisition").
o In August 1999, the Company acquired from Vision Twenty-One, Inc. ("Vision
Twenty-One") substantially all of the assets used to operate an aggregate
of 76 retail eyewear outlets (the "VTO Retail Acquisition") located in
Minnesota, North Dakota, Iowa, South Dakota and Wisconsin operating under
the tradename
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"Vision World," in Wisconsin operating under the tradename "Stein Optical,"
and in New Jersey operating under the tradename "Eye DRx." Simultaneously,
the Company assumed the rights and obligations under a management agreement
with a private optometrist ("VTO OD", and together with the PC and Bizer
OD, the "OD PCs") to manage the nineteen Eye DRx stores.
Management believes that the Company has the experience, internal resources
and information systems to continue to identify and integrate acquisitions
successfully. Acquisition candidates typically would be independent
practitioners and smaller chains, which face increasing difficulties competing
with larger, more efficient chains, particularly in a managed care environment.
In addition, acquisition candidates generally would have significant market
share in a given geographic region and offer the Company opportunities to
increase revenues, generate cost savings and extend managed care coverage.
CAPITALIZE ON MANAGED VISION CARE. Management has made a strategic decision
to pursue managed care contracts aggressively in order to help grow the
Company's retail business and over the past five years has devoted significant
management resources to the development of its managed care business. As part of
its effort, the Company has (i) implemented direct marketing programs and
information systems necessary to compete for managed care contracts with large
employers, groups of employers and other third party payors, (ii) developed
significant relationships with certain HMOs and insurance companies (e.g.,
United Healthcare and Humana), which have strengthened the Company's ability to
secure managed care contracts, (iii) obtained a single service HMO license in
Texas to target additional managed care contracts with large employers and
groups of employers and (iv) been asked to participate on numerous regional and
national managed care panels. While the average ticket price on products
purchased under managed care reimbursement plans is typically lower, managed
care transactions generally earn comparable operating profit margins as they
require less promotional spending and advertising support. The Company believes
that the increased volume resulting from managed care contracts more than
offsets the lower average ticket price. As of January 1, 2000, the Company
participated in managed vision care programs covering approximately 4.1 million
lives, with retail sales from managed care lives totaling approximately 26% of
fiscal 1999 optical sales. Management believes that the increasing role of
managed vision care will continue to benefit the Company and other large retail
optical chains with strong local market shares, broad geographic coverage and
sophisticated information management and billing systems.
ACQUISITION HISTORY
The Company was incorporated in Texas in 1984, acquired by Sears, Roebuck
and Co. in 1987, acquired by Desai Capital Management Incorporated in 1993 and
the Thomas H. Lee Company recapitalized the Company in April 1998. From its
organization through 1988, the Company expanded its business through the
acquisition of: (i) a thirteen store Phoenix-based chain named 20/20 Eye Care in
1986, (ii) a twelve store
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Texas and Louisiana-based chain named EyeMasters in 1986, (iii) five stores in
Phoenix from EyeCo. in 1988 and (iv) a twenty store Portland-based chain named
Binyon's in 1988.
Since the current management team implemented a strategy focused on
improving operating efficiencies and increasing the store base in early 1996,
the Company has acquired and integrated four acquisitions.
o In September 1996, the Company consummated the Visionworks
Acquisition, acquiring a sixty store optical retailer located along
the Atlantic Coast from Florida to Washington, D. C., with forty-nine
superstores and eleven optical stores located near Eckerd Corporation
stores.
o In September 1997, the Company consummated the Hour Eyes Acquisition,
acquiring ten Hour Eyes stores in Maryland and Washington, D.C., and
certain of the assets of the PC relating to the twelve Hour Eyes
stores in Virginia, and simultaneously entered into long-term
management agreements with the PC to manage the PC's twelve stores in
Virginia.
o In September 1998, the Company consummated the Bizer Acquisition,
acquiring certain of the assets of the Bizer Entities relating to the
nineteen optical stores located primarily in Kentucky and Tennessee
operated under the tradenames Dr. Bizer's VisionWorld, Dr. Bizer's
ValuVision and Doctor's ValuVision, and simultaneously entered into
long-term management agreements with the Bizer OD to manage such
nineteen stores.
o In August 1999, the Company consummated the VTO Retail Acquisition,
acquiring all of the assets used to operate 76 retail eyewear outlets
located in Minnesota, North Dakota, Iowa, South Dakota and Wisconsin
operating under the tradename "Vision World," in Wisconsin operating
under the tradename "Stein Optical," and in New Jersey operating under
the tradename "Eye DRx." Simultaneously, the Company assumed the
rights and obligations under a management agreement with the VTO OD to
manage the nineteen Eye DRx stores.
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The following table sets forth a summary of the Company's stores, as of
March 1, 2000, ranked by number of stores by trade name:
NUMBER OF GEOGRAPHIC AVERAGE STORE
TRADE NAME STORES FOCUS FORMAT BUSINESS MIX
------------------------------------ --------- ------------ ------------- ------------
EyeMasters 161 Southwest, Superstores Glasses
Midwest, Sq. Ft. 4,000 Managed Care
Southeast Lab
OD Subleases
Visionworks 59 Mid Atlantic, Superstores Glasses
Southeast Sq. Ft. 6,700 Contacts
Lab Managed Care
OD Subleases
Hour Eyes 27 Mid Atlantic Conventional Glasses
Sq. Ft. 2,900 Contacts
Lab Managed Care
Dr. Bizer's VisionWorld, Dr. Bizer's 23 Southeast Superstores Glasses
ValuVision and Doctor's ValuVision Sq. Ft. 5,900 Contacts
Lab Managed Care
Vision World 39 Midwest Conventional Glasses
Sq. Ft. 2,300 Contacts
Managed Care
Stein Optical 18 Midwest Superstores Glasses
Sq. Ft. 3,200 Contacts
Lab Managed Care
Eye DRx 19 Northeast Conventional Glasses
Sq. Ft. 3,000 Contacts
Managed Care
Binyon's 14 Pacific Superstores Glasses
Northwest Sq. Ft. 4,200 Managed Care
Lab
OD Subleases
------
Total 360
======
STORE OPERATIONS
OVERVIEW. The Company believes that the location of its stores is an
essential element of its strategy to compete effectively in the optical retail
market. The Company emphasizes locations within regional shopping malls, power
centers, strip shopping centers and freestanding locations. The Company
generally targets retail space that is close to high volume retail anchor stores
frequented by middle to high-income clientele. In order to generate economies of
scale in advertising, management and field overhead expenses, the Company
attempts to cluster its stores within a direct marketing area.
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The following table sets forth as of January 1, 2000 the Company's top
fifteen markets and management's estimate of the Company's superstore market
share ranking is number one or two in each of these markets as measured by
sales.
NUMBER OF
DESIGNATED MARKET AREA SUPERSTORES
---------------------- -----------
Washington, D.C. 25
Minneapolis/St. Paul 25
Dallas 19
Houston 18
Tampa/St. Petersburg 13
Louisville 6
Milwaukee 18
Phoenix 13
Miami/Ft. Lauderdale 10
Portland 12
San Antonio 8
Cleveland/Akron 11
Kansas City 8
Charlotte/Gastonia 6
Austin 14
-------
Total of Top Fifteen Markets 206
=======
LOCATIONS. The Company operates 360 stores, 282 of which are superstores,
located primarily in the Southwest, Midwest and Southeast, along the Gulf Coast
and Atlantic Coast and in the Pacific Northwest regions of the United States. Of
the Company's stores, 177 are located in enclosed regional malls, 118 are in
strip shopping centers and 65 are freestanding locations.
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The following table sets forth by location, ranked by number of stores, the
Company's store base as of March 1, 2000.
LOCATION EYEMASTERS VISIONWORKS HOUR EYES BIZER VISION WORLD STEIN EYE DRX BINYON'S TOTAL
- ---------------- ---------- ----------- --------- ----- ------------ ----- ------- -------- -----
Texas 74 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 74
Florida -- 42 -- -- -- -- -- -- 42
Minnesota -- -- -- -- 33 -- -- -- 33
Wisconsin -- -- -- -- 2 18 -- -- 20
New Jersey -- -- -- -- -- -- 19 -- 19
Tennessee 7 -- -- 12 -- -- -- -- 19
Virginia -- 1 15 -- -- -- -- -- 16
Arizona 14 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 14
Oregon -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 13 13
North Carolina -- 12 -- -- -- -- -- -- 12
Louisiana 12 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 12
Ohio 9 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 9
Maryland -- -- 9 -- -- -- -- -- 9
Kentucky -- -- -- 9 -- -- -- -- 9
Missouri 6 -- -- 1 -- -- -- -- 7
Oklahoma 6 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 6
Kansas 5 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 5
Nevada 5 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 5
Alabama 4 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 4
New Mexico 4 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 4
Nebraska 4 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 4
Mississippi 3 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 3
Idaho 3 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 3
South Carolina -- 3 -- -- -- -- -- -- 3
Washington, D.C. -- -- 3 -- -- -- -- -- 3
Utah 3 -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 3
Iowa 1 -- -- -- 2 -- -- -- 3
Washington 1 -- -- -- -- -- -- 1 2
Georgia -- 1 -- -- -- -- -- -- 1
Indiana -- -- -- 1 -- -- -- -- 1
North Dakota -- -- -- -- 1 -- -- -- 1
South Dakota -- -- -- -- 1 -- -- -- 1
--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---
Total 161 59 27 23 39 18 19 14 360
=== === === === === === === === ===
STORE LAYOUT AND DESIGN. The average size of the Company's stores is
approximately 4,100 square feet. In the last three years, the Company has
developed and implemented a smaller and more efficient new store prototype,
which averages approximately 3,500 square feet in size. This new store prototype
typically has approximately 450 square feet dedicated to the in-house lens
processing area and 1,750 square feet devoted to product display and fitting
areas. The optometrist's office is generally 1,300 square feet and is, depending
on state regulation, either in or adjacent to the store. Each store follows a
uniform merchandise layout plan, which is designed to emphasize fashion, invite
customer browsing and enhance the customer's shopping experience. Frames are
displayed in self-serve cases along the walls and on tabletops located
throughout the store
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and are organized by gender suitability and frame style. The Company believes
its self-serve displays are more effective than the less customer friendly
locked glass cases or "under the shelf" trays used by some of its competitors.
Above the display racks are photographs of men and women which are designed to
help customers coordinate frame shape and color with their facial features.
In-store displays and signs are rotated periodically to emphasize key vendors
and new styles.
IN-HOUSE LENS PROCESSING. Most stores have an on-site lens-processing
laboratory of approximately 450 square feet in which most prescriptions can be
prepared in one hour or less. Lens processing involves grinding, coating and
edging lenses. Some stores utilize the Company's main laboratory in San Antonio,
Texas, which has a typical turnaround of two to four days and also handles
unusual or difficult prescriptions.
ON-SITE OPTOMETRIST. Most stores have an OD, located in or adjacent to the
store, who performs eye examinations and in some cases dispenses contact lenses.
The ODs are generally available during the same hours as the Company's store
hours. The ODs offer customers convenient eye exams and provide a consistent
source of retail business. In the Company's experience, over 80% of such ODs'
regular eye exam patients purchase eyewear from the adjacent eyewear store. In
addition, the Company believes proficient ODs help to generate repeat customers
and reinforce the quality and professionalism of each store. Due to the various
applicable state regulations, the ODs are either independent optometrists (the
"Independent ODs") who lease space in or adjacent to each store from the Company
or landlord, employees of the OD PCs, or employees of the Company. Independent
ODs represent approximately 74% of the ODs and most pay the Company monthly rent
consisting of a percentage of gross receipts, base rental or a combination of
both. Approximately 19% of the ODs are employed by the OD PCs and the remaining
7% are employees of the Company.
STORE MANAGEMENT. Each store has an operating plan, which maps out
appropriate staffing levels to maximize store profitability. In addition, a
general manager who is responsible for its day-to-day operations runs each
store. In higher volume locations, a retail manager supervises the merchandising
area and the eyewear specialists. Customer service is highly valued by the
Company and is monitored by location and associate. A lab manager trains the lab
technicians and supervises eyewear manufacturing. Sales personnel are trained to
assist customers effectively in making purchase decisions. A portion of store
managers' and territory directors' compensation is based on sales, profitability
and customer service scores at their particular stores. The stores are open
during normal retail hours, typically 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week, and
typically 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sundays.
MERCHANDISING
The Company's merchandising strategy is to offer its customers a wide
selection of high quality and fashionable frames at various price points, with
particular emphasis on offering a broad selection of competitively priced
designer and proprietary branded
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frames. The Company's product offering is supported by strong customer service
and advertising. The key elements of the Company's merchandising strategy are
described below.
BREADTH AND DEPTH OF SELECTION. The Company offers its customers high
quality frames, lenses, accessories and sunglasses, including designer and
proprietary brand frames. Frame assortments are tailored to match the
demographic composition of each store's market area. On average, each store
features between 1,500 and 2,000 frame stock keeping units in 350 to 400
different styles of frames. This represents two to three times the assortment
provided by conventional optical retail chains or independent optical retailers.
Approximately 25% of the frames carry designer names such as Polo, Armani,
Gucci, Liz Claiborne, Laura Ashley and Calvin Klein. In fiscal 1999, other
well-known frame manufacturers supplied over 24% of the Company's frames and
about 32% of the Company's frames were manufactured specifically for the Company
under proprietary brands. The Company believes that a broader selection of
high-quality, lower-priced proprietary brand frames allow it to offer more value
to customers while improving the Company's gross margin. In addition, the
Company also offers customers a wide variety of value-added eyewear features and
services on which it realizes a higher gross margin. These include thinner and
lighter lenses, progressive lenses and customer lens features, such as tinting,
anti-reflecting coatings, scratch-resistant coatings, ultra-violet protection
and edge polishing.
PROMOTIONAL STRATEGY. The Company's frames and lenses are generally
comparably priced or priced lower than its direct superstore competitors, with
prices varying based on geographic region. The Company employs a comprehensive
promotional strategy on a wide selection of frames and/or lenses, offering
discounts and "two for one" promotions. These promotions are highly effective at
attracting customers to shop the Company's stores. While the promotional
strategy is fairly common for optical retail chains, independent optometric
practitioners tend to offer fewer promotions in order to guard their margins and
mass merchandisers tend to generally adhere to an "Every Day Low Pricing"
strategy.
EFFECTIVE PRODUCT DISPLAY. The Company employs an "easy-to-shop" store
layout. Merchandise in each store is organized by gender suitability, frame
style and brand. Sales personnel are trained to assist customers in selecting
frames, which complement an individual's attributes such as facial features,
face shape and skin tone. See "- Store Layout and Design." In-store displays
focus customer attention on premium priced products, such as designer frames and
thinner and lighter lenses.
MARKETING
The Company actively supports its stores by aggressive local advertising in
individual geographical markets. Advertising expenditures totaled $26.9 million,
or 9.1% of net revenues, in fiscal 1999. The Company utilizes a variety of
advertising media and promotions in order to establish the Company's image as a
high quality, cost competitive
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eyewear provider with a broad product offering. The Company's brand positioning
is supported by a marketing campaign which features the phrase "See Better, Look
Better." Through this campaign, the Company has recognized an increase in top of
mind brand awareness with consumers. In addition, the Company's strategy of
clustering stores in each targeted market area allows it to maximize the benefit
of its advertising expenditures. As managed care becomes a larger part of the
Company's business in certain local markets, advertising expenditures as a
percentage of sales are likely to decrease in those markets, since managed care
programs tend to reduce the need for marketing expenditures to attract customers
to shop the Company's stores.
STORE EXPANSION
The Company has an aggressive but disciplined new store expansion strategy.
The Company currently plans to open approximately twenty to thirty new stores
per year over the next three years, with one-third of these new stores expected
to be opened in existing markets. The new stores are expected to have an on-site
OD and a lens-processing laboratory. The Company uses a sophisticated site
selection model utilizing proprietary software which incorporates industry and
internally generated data (such as competitive market factors, demographics and
customer specific information) to evaluate which new markets to enter. The
Company has reduced the new store site development costs of opening a new store
from approximately $450,000 in fiscal 1993 to $430,000 in fiscal 1999, by
utilizing a smaller store format averaging approximately 3,500 square feet and
by equipping each new store with standardized fixtures and equipment. In
addition, pre-opening costs average $18,000 and initial inventory requirements
for new stores average $85,000, of which approximately 40% are typically
financed by vendors.
EMPLOYEE TRAINING
The Company believes that its dedication to employee training has improved
customer service, increased morale among its employees and contributed to the
Company's increased productivity levels. Each new employee with no prior
experience in the optical industry receives approximately eighty hours of
initial training. New employees with previous optical experience receive
approximately forty hours of initial training. Store managers participate in
approximately fifty hours of annual training. The American Board of Opticianary
("ABO") has certified the Company to offer up to seventy hours of ABO continuing
education credits to maintain opticianary-licensing requirements. Employee
training emphasizes customer service, thorough product and service knowledge,
optical knowledge, lab skills, selling techniques and the utilization of store
performance data to better manage day-to-day store operations. Store level
employees may also be cross-trained in sales and lab-related skills to promote
increased staffing flexibility. Ongoing training is conducted periodically to
familiarize management and employees with new products and services, to improve
the level of understanding of store operations and productivity and to maintain
the Company's overall high quality standards.
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COMPETITION
The retail optical industry is fragmented and highly competitive. The
Company competes with (i) independent practitioners (including opticians,
optometrists and ophthalmologists who operate an optical dispensary within their
practice) (ii) optical retail chains (including superstores) and (iii) mass
merchandisers and warehouse clubs. The Company's largest optical retail chain
competitors are LensCrafters, Inc. and Cole National Corporation. From time and
time, competitors have launched aggressive promotional programs, which have
temporarily impacted the Company's ability to achieve comparable stores sales
growth and maintain gross margin. Some of the Company's competitors are larger,
have longer operating histories, greater financial resources and greater market
recognition than the Company.
VENDORS
The Company purchases a majority of its lenses from four principal vendors
and purchases frames from over twenty different vendors. In fiscal 1999, four
vendors collectively supplied approximately 55.3% of the frames purchased by the
Company. Two vendors supplied over 44.2% of the Company's lens materials during
the same period. While such vendors supplied a significant share of the lenses
used by the Company, lenses are a generic product and can be purchased from a
number of other vendors on comparable terms. Management of the Company therefore
does not believe that it is dependent on such vendors or any other single vendor
for frames or lenses. Management of the Company believes that the Company's
relationships with its existing vendors are satisfactory. Management of the
Company believes that significant disruption in the delivery of merchandise from
one or more of its current principal vendors would not have a material adverse
effect on the Company's operations because multiple vendors exist for all of the
Company's products.
MANAGED VISION CARE
Managed vision care has grown in importance in the eyewear market. Health
insurers have sought a competitive advantage by offering a full range of health
insurance options, including coverage of primary eye care. Managed vision care,
including the benefits of routine annual eye examinations and eyewear discounts,
is being utilized by a growing number of managed care participants. Since
regular eye examinations may assist in the identification and prevention of more
serious conditions, managed care programs encourage members to have their eyes
examined more regularly, which in turn typically results in more frequent
eyewear replacement.
While the average ticket price on products purchased under managed care
reimbursement plans is typically lower, managed care transactions generally earn
comparable operating profit margins as they require less promotional spending
and advertising support. Management of the Company believes that the increased
volume resulting from managed care contracts more than offsets the lower average
ticket price.
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While managed vision care encompasses many of the conventional attributes
of managed care, there are significant differences. For example, there is no
medical risk involved, as these programs cover only a customer's eye examination
and no medical condition of such customer. Moreover, less than 1% of the
Company's total revenues are derived from traditional capitated managed care
programs. In capitated programs, the Company is compensated by a third party on
a per member per month flat fee basis. The Company allocates such payment
between the provider of services: the OD for eye examinations performed at
non-Company employed OD locations and the Company (or the OD PC, where
applicable) for eyewear purchased. Since the number of visits to an OD is
limited to annual or bi-annual appointments, exam utilization is more
predictable, so costs to insurers are easier to quantify, generally resulting in
lower capitation risk. Even though managed vision care programs typically limit
coverage to a certain dollar amount or discount for an eyewear purchase, the
member's eyewear benefit generally allows the member to "trade up." Management
believes that the growing consumer perception of eyewear as a fashion accessory
as well as the consumer's historical practice of paying for eyewear purchases
out-of-pocket contributes to the frequency of "trading-up." The Company has
historically found that managed care participants who take advantage of the eye
exam benefit under the managed care program in turn have typically had their
prescriptions filled at adjacent optical stores.
Management has made a strategic decision to pursue managed care contracts
aggressively in order to help grow the Company's retail business and over the
past five years has devoted significant management resources to the development
of this business. As part of its effort, the Company has (i) implemented direct
marketing programs and information systems necessary to compete for managed care
contracts with large employers, groups of employers and other third party
payors, (ii) developed significant relationships with certain HMOs and insurance
companies (e.g., United Healthcare and Humana), which have strengthened the
Company's ability to secure managed care contracts, (iii) obtained a single
service HMO license in Texas to target additional managed care contracts with
large employers and groups of employers and (iv) been asked to participate on
numerous regional and national managed care panels.
As of January 1, 2000, the Company participated in managed vision care
programs covering approximately 4.1 million lives, with retail sales from
managed care lives totaling approximately 26% of fiscal 1999 optical sales.
Management believes that the increasing role of managed vision care will
continue to benefit the Company and other large retail optical chains. Managed
care is likely to accelerate industry consolidation as payors look to contract
with large retail optical chains who deliver superior customer service, have
strong local brand awareness, offer competitive prices, provide multiple
convenient locations and hours of operation, and possess sophisticated
information management and billing systems. Large optical retail chains are
likely to be the greatest beneficiaries of this trend as independents cannot
satisfy the scale requirements of managed care programs and mass merchandisers'
"Every Day Low Price" strategy is generally incompatible with the price
structure required by the managed vision care model.
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GOVERNMENT REGULATION
At 266 of the Company's stores, the Company or its landlord leases a
portion of the store or adjacent space to Independent ODs. The availability of
such professional services in or adjacent to the Company's stores is critical to
the Company's marketing strategy. At 68 of the stores, to address and comply
with certain regulatory restrictions, the Company and the OD PCs have entered
into long-term management contracts whereby the Company (through its
subsidiaries) provides certain management services such as accounting, human
resources, marketing and information services for an agreed upon fee. The OD
PCs employ doctors and manage the practice of optometry.
The delivery of health care, including the relationships among health care
providers such as optometrists and suppliers (e.g., providers of eyewear), is
subject to extensive federal and state regulation. The laws of most states
prohibit business corporations such as the Company from practicing optometry or
exercising control over the medical judgments or decisions of optometrists and
from engaging in certain financial arrangements, such as splitting fees with
optometrists.
Management of the Company believes the operations of the Company are in
material compliance with federal and state laws and regulations; however, these
laws and regulations are subject to interpretation and finding the Company is
not in such compliance could have a material adverse effect upon the Company.
The Company currently is required to maintain local and state business
licenses to operate. However, as a result of the capitation element of some of
its managed care contracts, the Company is required in the states of North
Carolina, Texas and California to obtain insurance licenses and to comply with
certain routine insurance laws and regulations as an insurer in order to offer
managed care discount programs to various employee groups. The cost of such
compliance is minimal. These insurance laws require that the Company make
certain mandatory filings with the state relating to: (i) pertinent financial
information and (ii) quality of care standards. Violation of any of these laws
or regulations could possibly result in the Company incurring monetary fines
and/or other penalties. Management of the Company believes the Company is
currently in material compliance with each of these laws and regulations.
The fraud and abuse provisions of the Social Security Act and anti-kickback
laws and regulations adopted in many states prohibit the solicitation, payment,
receipt, or offering of any direct or indirect remuneration in return for, or as
an inducement to, certain referrals of patients, items or services. Provisions
of the Social Security Act also impose significant penalties for false or
improper billings to Medicare and Medicaid, and many states have adopted similar
laws applicable to any payor of health care services. In addition, the Stark
Self-Referral Law imposes restrictions on physicians' referrals for designated
health services reimbursable by Medicare or Medicaid to entities with which the
physicians have financial relationships, including the rental of space if
certain requirements have not been satisfied. Many states have adopted similar
self-referral laws
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which are not limited to Medicare or Medicaid reimbursed services. Violations of
any of these laws may result in substantial civil or criminal penalties,
including double and treble civil monetary penalties, and, in the case of
violations of federal laws, exclusion from participation in the Medicare and
Medicaid programs. Such exclusions and penalties, if applied to the Company,
could have a material adverse effect on the Company. Management of the Company
believes the Company is currently in material compliance with all of the
foregoing laws and no determination of any violation in any state has been made
with respect to the foregoing laws. Finding it is not in compliance could have a
material adverse effect on the Company.
TRADEMARK AND TRADE NAMES
The Company's superstores operate under the trade names "EyeMasters,"
"Binyon's," "Visionworks," "Hour Eyes," "Dr. Bizer's VisionWorld", "Dr. Bizer's
ValuVision," "Doctor's ValuVision," "Stein Optical," "Vision World" and "Eye
DRx." In addition, "SlimLite" is the Company's trademark for its line of
lightweight plastic lenses and "SunMasters" is the trade name for the sunglass
kiosk within the "EyeMasters" superstore. Other trademarks and trade names used
by the Company are "Master Eye Associates," "Master Eye Exam," "EyeMasters" and
the "eyeball" mark used in conjunction with the trade name "EyeMasters."
EMPLOYEES
As of January 1, 2000, the Company employed approximately 4,200 employees.
Approximately 90 hourly paid workers in the Eye DRx stores are affiliated with
the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement
Workers of America, with which the Company has a contract extending through
November 30, 2003. The Company considers its relations with its employees to be
good.
THE RECAPITALIZATION
On March 6, 1998, ECCA Merger Corp. ("Merger Corp."), a Delaware
corporation formed by Thomas H. Lee Company ("THL Co."), and the Company entered
into a recapitalization agreement (the "Recapitalization Agreement") providing
for, among other things, the merger of such corporation with and into the
Company (the "Merger" and, together with the financing of the recapitalization
and related transactions described below, the "Recapitalization"). Upon
consummation of the Recapitalization on April 24, 1998, Thomas H. Lee Equity
Fund IV, L.P. ("THL Fund IV") and other affiliates of THL Co. (collectively with
THL Fund IV and THL Co., "THL") owned approximately 89.7% of the issued and
outstanding shares of common stock of the Company ("Common Stock"), existing
shareholders (including management) of the Company retained approximately 7.3%
of the issued and outstanding Common Stock and management purchased additional
shares representing approximately 3.0% of the issued and outstanding Common
Stock. The total transaction value of the Recapitalization was approximately
$323.8 million, including related fees and expenses, and the implied total
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equity value of the Company following the Recapitalization was approximately
$107.3 million.
Certain of the funds needed to consummate the Recapitalization were
obtained through the sale, pursuant to Rule 144A promulgated under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), of $100,000,000 in
principal amount of 9 1/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008 (the "Fixed Rate
Notes") and $50,000,000 in principal amount of Floating Interest Rate
Subordinated Term Securities due 2008 (the "Floating Rate Notes" and, together
with the Fixed Rate Notes, the "Initial Notes"). The Initial Notes were issued
by the Company and guaranteed by the subsidiary guarantors. Under that certain
Indenture, dated April 24, 1998 (the "Indenture"), by and among the Company, the
subsidiary guarantors, and the United States Trust Company of New York as
Trustee governing the Initial Notes, the Company and the subsidiary guarantors
are jointly and severally liable for payment of the Initial Notes. In addition
to the net proceeds from the sale of the Initial Notes, the Recapitalization was
financed with (a) approximately $55.0 million of borrowings under the New Credit
Facility (see "Introduction" in Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operation) and (b) approximately $99.4
million from the sale of capital stock to THL, Bernard W. Andrews and other
members of management (the "Equity Contribution") consisting of (i)
approximately $71.6 million from the sale of Common Stock and (ii) approximately
$27.8 million from the sale of shares of a newly created series of preferred
stock of the Company ("New Preferred Stock"). The Company used the proceeds from
such bank borrowings, the sale of the Initial Notes, and the Equity Contribution
principally to finance the conversion into cash of the shares of Common Stock
which were not retained by existing shareholders, to refinance certain existing
indebtedness of the Company, to redeem certain outstanding preferred stock of
the Company and to pay related fees and expenses of the Recapitalization. In
connection with the Recapitalization, the Company in-substance defeased its
previously issued 12% Senior Notes due 2003 (the "Senior Notes") by depositing
with the trustee for the Senior Notes (i) an irrevocable notice of redemption of
the Senior Notes on October 1, 1998 and (ii) United States government securities
in an amount necessary to yield on October 1, 1998 $78.4 million, which
constituted the principal amount, premium and interest payable on the Senior
Notes on the October 1, 1998 redemption date. The Senior Notes were defeased as
scheduled on October 1, 1998.
The Company filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange
Commission with respect to an offer to exchange the Initial Notes for notes
which have terms substantially identical in all material respects to the Initial
Notes, except such notes are freely transferable by the holders thereof and are
issued without any covenant regarding registration (the "Exchange Notes"). The
registration statement was declared effective on January 28, 1999. The exchange
period ended March 4, 1999. The Exchange Notes are the only notes of the Company
which are currently outstanding.
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SEASONALITY AND QUARTERLY RESULTS
The Company's sales fluctuate seasonally. Historically, the Company's
highest sales and earnings occur in the first and third quarters. In addition,
quarterly results are affected by the opening of new stores; therefore, the
Company's growth, the Visionworks Acquisition, the Hour Eyes Acquisition, the
Bizer Acquisition and the VTO Retail Acquisition may affect seasonal
fluctuations. Hence, quarterly results are not necessarily indicative of results
for the entire year.
INDUSTRY
OVERVIEW. Optical retail sales in the United States totaled $16.0 billion
in 1999, according to industry sources. The optical retail market has grown each
year at an average annual rate of approximately 5% from 1991 to 1997. During
1998 and 1999, the average annual growth rate decreased to approximately 2.5%.
Management believes that the industry will continue to grow at the current rates
until consolidation reduces the number of retail optical superstores.
The following chart sets forth expenditures (based upon products sold) in
the optical retail market over the past nine years according to a leading
industry publication.
U.S. OPTICAL RETAIL SALES BY SECTOR 1991 - 1999
(DOLLARS IN BILLIONS)
1999
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 SHARE
-------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ -------
Lenses/treatments $ 5.2 $ 5.6 $ 6.0 $ 6.5 $ 6.8 $ 7.2 $ 7.6 $ 7.4 $ 7.4 46.3%
Frames 3.9 4.0 4.1 4.1 4.4 4.6 5.0 4.8 4.8 30.0
Sunglasses 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.2 1.3 8.1
Contact lenses 1.8 1.8 1.7 1.8 1.9 1.9 1.9 2.4 2.5 15.6
-------- ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ ------ -------
$ 11.5 $ 11.9 $ 12.3 $ 12.9 $ 13.8 $ 14.6 $ 15.4 $ 15.8 $ 16.0 100.0%
======== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== ====== =======
DISTRIBUTION. Eye care services in the United States are delivered by local
providers consisting of approximately 65,000 opticians, 31,000 optometrists and
16,500 ophthalmologists. The optical retail industry in the United States is
highly fragmented and consists of (i) independent practitioners (including
opticians, optometrists and ophthalmologists) who operate an optical dispensary
within their practice, (ii) optical retail chains and (iii) warehouse clubs and
mass merchandisers. In 1998, optical retail chains accounted for approximately
33.0% of the total market, while independent practitioners comprised
approximately 59.9% and other distribution channels represented approximately
7.1%. Optical retail chains have begun consolidating the optical retail market
resulting in a decreased marketshare for independent practitioners. Independent
practitioners' market share dropped from 63.0% to 59.9% between 1996 and 1998,
while optical retail chains' market share increased over the same period from
31.3% to 33.0%.
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Independent Practitioners. In 1998, independent practitioners represented
$9.5 billion of eyewear retail sales, or 59.9% of the industry's total optical
retail sales volume of $15.8 billion. Independent practitioners typically cannot
provide quick turnaround of eyeglasses because they do not have laboratories on
site and generally charge higher prices than other competitors. Moreover, their
eyewear product assortment is usually narrow, although a growing portion
includes some designer or branded products. Prior to 1974, independent
practitioners benefited from regulatory and other factors which inhibited
commercial retailing of prescription eyewear. In 1974, the Federal Trade
Commission began requiring doctors to provide their patients with copies of
their prescriptions, enabling sophisticated retailers to implement retail
marketing concepts which gave way to a more competitive marketplace. Independent
practitioners' market share has declined from approximately 100% in 1974 to
59.9% in 1998, dropping 3.1% from 1996. Management believes that independent
practitioners will continue to lose market share over the next several years.
Optical Retail Chains. Optical retail chains represented 33.0% of the total
optical retail market in 1998. Over the past four years, the top one hundred
optical retail chains (in terms of net revenues) have grown at a rate faster
than the overall market. Optical retail chains include both superstores and
conventional optical stores. Optical retail chains offer quality service
provided by on-site optometrists and also carry a wide product line, emphasizing
the fashion element of eyewear, although lower-priced lenses and frames are also
available. In addition, the retail optical chains, particularly the superstores,
are generally able to offer better value and service through a reduced cost
structure, sophisticated merchandising and display, economies of scale and
greater volume. Furthermore, they can generate greater market awareness than the
fragmented independent practitioners as optical retail chains usually invest
more in advertising and promotions. Management believes that large optical
chains are best positioned to benefit from industry consolidation trends
including the growth in managed vision care.
Warehouse Clubs and Mass Merchandisers. Warehouse clubs and mass
merchandisers usually provide eyewear in a host environment which is typically a
larger general merchandise store. This segment typically provides some of the
service elements of retail optical chains, but competes primarily on price. As a
result, its eyewear selection tends to focus on lower-priced optical products.
Moreover, this segment's "Every Day Low Price" strategy is generally
incompatible with the pricing structure required by the managed vision care
model. Warehouse clubs and mass merchandisers' market share increased from 4.2%
in 1996 to 5.0% in 1998.
Other. Other participants in the optical retail market include HMOs and
school-controlled dispensaries. In 1998, other participants represented
approximately 2.0% of the total optical retail market.
TRENDS. Management believes that growth and consolidation in the optical
retail market is being driven by the following trends:
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Favorable Demographics. Approximately 60% of the U.S. population, or 160
million individuals, and nearly 95% of people over the age of forty-five,
require some form of corrective eyewear. In addition to their higher utilization
of corrective eyewear, the over forty-five segment spends more per pair of
glasses purchased due to their need for premium priced products like bifocals
and progressive lenses and their generally higher levels of discretionary
income. In 1996, the over forty-five segment represented 58% of retail optical
spending despite representing just 33% of the U.S. population. As the "baby
boom" generation ages and life expectancies increase, management believes that
this demographic trend is likely to increase the number of eyewear customers and
the average price per purchase.
Increasing Role of Managed Vision Care. Management believes that optical
retail sales through managed vision care programs, which were approximately $5.0
billion (or approximately 30% of the market) in 1997, will continue to increase
over the next several years. Managed vision care, including the benefits of
routine annual eye examinations and eyewear discounts, is being utilized by a
growing number of managed care participants. Since regular eye examinations may
assist in the identification and prevention of more serious conditions, managed
care programs encourage members to have their eyes examined more regularly,
which in turn typically results in more frequent eyewear replacement. Management
believes that large optical retail chains are likely to be the greatest
beneficiaries of this trend as payors look to contract with chains who deliver
superior customer service, have strong local brand awareness, offer competitive
prices, provide multiple convenient locations and flexible hours of operation,
and possess sophisticated information management and billing systems.
Consolidation. Although the optical retail market in the United States is
highly fragmented, the industry is experiencing increased consolidation. In
1998, the top ten and the top one hundred optical retail chains represented
approximately 18% and 28% of the total optical market, respectively. The
remaining 72% of the market included independent practitioners, smaller chains,
warehouse clubs and mass merchandisers. Independent practitioners' market share
dropped from 63.0% to 59.9% between 1996 and 1998, while optical retail chains'
market share increased over the same period from 31.3% to 33.0%. Management
believes that several factors are likely to drive further consolidation: (i) the
importance of scale to managed care programs which require providers with strong
store brand awareness, multiple locations and sophisticated information
management and billing systems; (ii) efficiencies of scale in merchandising,
marketing, manufacturing and sourcing product; (iii) the significant capital
required to build lens processing laboratories on premises; (iv) the desire of
small regional chains and independent practitioners to achieve liquidity by
selling to larger optical retail chains and (v) the slower industry growth rates
in 1998 and 1999 will cause acceleration of consolidation opportunities.
Management believes that the large optical retail chains are better positioned
than mass merchandisers and warehouse clubs to benefit from this consolidation
trend and that such chains will continue to gain market share from the
independent practitioners over the next several years.
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New Product Innovations. Since the late 1980's, several technological
innovations have led to the introduction of new optical lenses and lens
treatments, including progressive addition lenses (no-line bifocals), high-index
and aspheric lenses (thinner and lighter), polycarbonate lenses (shatter
resistant) and anti-reflective coatings. These innovative products are popular
among consumers, generally command premium prices and yield higher margins than
traditional lenses. The average retail price for all lenses and lens treatments
has increased over 5% per year from $88 to $102 between 1995 and 1998,
reflecting, in part, the rising popularity of these products. Similarly, during
the same period, the average retail price for eyeglass frames has increased over
12% per year from $57 to $83, due in large part to both technological innovation
and an evolving customer preference for higher priced, branded frames.
Greater Frequency of Purchase. Since 1983, the frequency of eyewear
purchases has increased over 45%, from an average purchase of new eyewear every
2.2 years to every 1.5 years. Management believes that managed care has
contributed to this trend and is likely to serve as a continuing catalyst to
further increases in the frequency of eyewear purchases, as plan participants
are encouraged to have their eyes examined more frequently. In addition,
consumers are currently purchasing multiple eyewear products for distinct
occasions (work, casual, fashion, driving, sun, sport, etc.), driven, in part,
by the growing consumer perception of eyewear as a fashion accessory.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
As of March 1, 2000, the Company operated 360 retail locations in the
United States. The Company believes its properties are adequate and suitable for
its purposes. The Company leases all its retail locations, the majority of which
are under triple net leases that require payment by the Company of its pro rata
share of real estate taxes, utilities, and common area maintenance charges.
These leases range in terms of up to 15 years. Certain leases require percentage
rent based on gross receipts in excess of a base rent. The Company subleases a
portion of substantially all of the stores or the landlord leases an adjacent
space, to an independent optometrist or a corporation controlled by an
independent optometrist. With respect to the OD PC, the Company subleases the
entire store to the OD PC. The terms of these leases or subleases range from one
to fifteen years, with rentals consisting of a percentage of gross receipts, a
base rental, or a combination of both. The general character of the Company's
stores is described in Item 1 of this report.
The Company leases combined corporate offices and a retail location in San
Antonio, Texas, pursuant to a fifteen-year lease. In addition, the Company
leases a combined distribution center and central laboratory in San Antonio,
pursuant to a seven-year lease. The Company believes central distribution
improves efficiency through better inventory management and streamlined
purchasing.
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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is a party to routine litigation in the ordinary course of its
business. Except for the matters set forth below, no such pending matters,
individually or in the aggregate, are deemed to be material to the business or
financial condition of the Company.
The Government of the District of Columbia, Office of Corporate Counsel has
terminated its investigation relating to Medicaid claims submitted for
reimbursement by certain optometrists who provided services from (i) one Hour
Eyes store located in Washington, D.C. which was subsequently acquired by the
Company in connection with the Hour Eyes Acquisition and (ii) one other Hour
Eyes store located in Washington, D.C. which was not acquired by the Company but
which was under common control with the corporation which sold certain Hour Eyes
stores to the Company in 1997. This matter has been referred to the Commission
of Health Care Finance for the Department of Health Care for the District of
Columbia (the "Health Commission") for further handling and disposition. The
Company is entitled to certain rights of indemnification with respect to matters
arising out of this investigation under the stock purchase agreement relating to
the Hour Eyes Acquisition, and a limited dollar amount has been set aside in an
escrow account to secure the sellers' indemnification obligations. In light of
the ongoing investigation by the Health Commission, the Company at this time is
unable to determine whether any action or claim will be brought against the
Company or, if brought, the precise nature or extent of any such action or
claim. No assurance can be given that the Health Commission or any other
governmental body will not bring an action, assert one or more claims or seek
material damages, interest, fines and/or penalties, including criminal
penalties, against the Company for matters arising out of this investigation.
The Company believes the indemnification arrangement under this agreement is
reasonably adequate to satisfy any assessed penalties.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None.
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PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED SHAREHOLDER MATTERS
The Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, of the Company is not traded on
any established public trading market. There are 16 holders of the Common Stock.
No dividends were paid in fiscal 1998 or 1999 and payment of dividends is
restricted by the Indenture governing the Exchange Notes. See discussion under
"The Recapitalization."
ITEM 6. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
The following table sets forth selected financial data and other operating
information of the Company. The selected financial data in the table are derived
from the consolidated financial statements of the Company. The following
selected financial data should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated
Financial Statements, the related notes thereto and other financial information
included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. All references in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K to 1995 or fiscal 1995, 1996 or fiscal 1996, 1997 or
fiscal 1997, 1998 or fiscal 1998 and 1999 or fiscal 1999 relate to the fiscal
years ended December 30, 1995, December 28, 1996, January 3, 1998, January 2,
1999 and January 1, 2000 respectively.
December 30, December 28, January 3, January 2, January 1,
1995 1996 1998 1999 2000
------------ ------------ ---------- ---------- ----------
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net revenues $ 140,198 $ 158,224 $ 219,611 $ 237,851 $ 293,795
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold 47,525 51,884 77,134 80,636 98,184
Selling, general and administrative (a) 87,402 91,897 120,319 132,390 170,146
Recapitalization and other expenses -- -- -- 25,803 --
Amortization of intangible assets 5,551 2,938 2,870 3,705 5,653
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total costs and expenses 140,478 146,719 200,323 242,534 273,983
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Operating income (loss) (280) 11,505 19,288 (4,683) 19,812
Interest expense, net 8,839 9,899 13,738 19,159 24,685
In-substance defeased bonds interest expense, net -- -- -- 2,418 --
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Income (loss) before income taxes (9,119) 1,606 5,550 (26,260) (4,873)
Income tax expense -- 188 335 13 384
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net income (loss) before extraordinary item (9,119) 1,418 5,215 (26,273) (5,257)
Cumulative effect of change in acct principle -- -- -- -- 491
Extraordinary loss -- -- -- 8,355 --
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net income (loss) $ (9,119) $ 1,418 $ 5,215 $ (34,628) $ (5,748)
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
OTHER FINANCIAL DATA:
Depreciation and amortization (b) $ 15,229 $ 12,449 $ 15,001 $ 16,050 $ 22,753
Capital expenditures 6,765 4,233 9,470 20,656 19,920
Gross Margin % 66.1% 67.2% 64.9% 66.1% 66.6%
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(c) -- 1.11x 1.27x 0.14x 0.85x
MISCELLANEOUS DATA:
EBITDA (d) $ 14,949 $ 23,954 $ 34,289 $ 37,170 $ 42,386
EBITDA margin % 10.7% 15.1% 15.6% 15.6% 14.4%
Comparable store sales growth (e) 4.2% 3.5% 3.8% 1.1% 1.1%
End of period stores 152 218 239 270 360
Sales per store (f) $ 904 $ 935 $ 995 $ 1,007 $ 987
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(a) The Company recorded a $0.7 million non-cash impairment charge related to
its investment in its subsidiary in Mexico, which is included in selling,
general and administrative expenses for 1996.
(b) Depreciation and amortization shown here does not include the amortization
of store pre-opening costs, which prior to 1999 was included in selling,
general and administrative expenses.
(c) In computing the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, "earnings" represents
income (loss) before income tax expense plus fixed charges. "Fixed charges"
consists of interest, amortization of debt issuance costs and a portion of
rent, which is representative of interest factor (approximately one-third
of rent expense). For the year ended December 30, 1995, earnings were
insufficient to cover fixed charges by $9.1 million.
(d) EBITDA represents consolidated net income (loss) before interest expense,
income taxes, depreciation and amortization (other than amortization of
store pre-opening costs) and recapitalization and other expenses. The
Company has included information concerning EBITDA because it believes that
EBITDA is used by certain investors as one measure of a company's
historical ability to fund operations and meet its financial obligations.
EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to, or more meaningful
than, operating income (loss) or net income (loss) in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principals as an indicator of the Company's
operating performance or cash flow as a measure of liquidity. Additionally,
EBITDA presented may not be comparable to similarly titled measures
reported by other companies.
(e) Comparable store sales growth increase is calculated comparing net revenues
for the period to net revenues of the prior period for all stores open at
least twelve months prior to each such period.
(f) Sales per store is calculated on a monthly basis by dividing total net
revenues by the total number of stores open during the period. Annual sales
per store is the sum of the monthly calculations.
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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
INTRODUCTION
Eye Care Centers of America, Inc. is the third largest retail optical chain
in the United States as measured by net revenues, operating 360 stores, 282 of
which are optical superstores. The Company operates predominately under the
trade name "EyeMasters," and in certain geographical regions under the trade
names "Binyon's," "Visionworks," "Hour Eyes," "Dr. Bizer's VisionWorld," "Dr.
Bizer's ValuVision," "Doctor's ValuVision," "Stein Optical," "Vision World" and
"Eye DRx." The Company operates in the $5.0 billion retail optical chain sector
of the $16.0 billion optical retail market. Management believes that key drivers
of growth for retail optical chains include (i) the aging of the United States
population, (ii) the increased role of managed vision care, (iii) the
consolidation of the industry, (iv) new product innovations and (v) the greater
frequency of eyewear purchases.
The industry is highly fragmented and is undergoing significant
consolidation. See the discussion under the heading "Industry" within "ITEM 1.
BUSINESS." Under the current management team, the Company has successfully
acquired and integrated four acquisitions.
o In September 1996, the Company consummated the Visionworks
Acquisition.
o In September 1997, the Company consummated the Hour Eyes Acquisition
and simultaneously entered into a long-term business management
agreement with the PC to manage an additional twelve Hour Eyes optical
stores in Virginia.
o In September 1998, the Company consummated the Bizer Acquisition and
simultaneously entered into a long-term business management agreement
with the Bizer OD to manage the nineteen stores primarily in Kentucky
and Tennessee.
o In August 1999, the Company acquired "Vision World," "Stein Optical,"
and "Eye DRx." Simultaneously, the Company entered into a long-term
management agreement with the VTO OD to manage the nineteen Eye DRx
stores in New Jersey.
Concurrent with the closing of the VTO Retail Acquisition, the Company
entered into a strategic alliance with Vision Twenty-One involving their
respective managed care programs, optometry and ophthalmology practices and the
co-marketing of Vision Twenty-One's refractive surgery program. Additionally,
Vision Twenty-One currently manages 21 optometric practices in Florida, 9 in
Arizona and 6 in Texas which are located in or adjacent to the Company's stores.
On October 25, 1999, Vision Twenty-One announced it has developed an initial
plan to substantially exit the business of managing practices of optometry and
ophthalmology and the discontinuation of select managed care contracts that are
not consistent with the business plan. Additionally, Vision Twenty-One announced
in January 2000 that it has agreed to a merger with Opticare Health Systems,
Inc., subject to shareholder approval from both companies. In light of the
foregoing, the status of the strategic alliance with Vision Twenty-One and the
impact on the Company's
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stores located adjacent to the optometric practices managed by Vision Twenty-One
is uncertain.
Management believes that optical retail sales through managed vision care
programs will continue to increase over the next several years. As a result,
management has made a strategic decision to pursue managed care contracts
aggressively in order to help the Company's retail business grow and over the
past four years has devoted significant management resources to the development
of its managed care business. While the average ticket price on products
purchased under managed care reimbursement plans is typically lower, managed
care transactions generally earn comparable operating profit margins as they
require less promotional spending and advertising support. The Company believes
that the increased volume resulting from managed care contracts more than
offsets the lower average ticket price. During fiscal year 1999, approximately
26% of the Company's total revenues were derived from managed care programs.
Management believes that the increasing role of managed vision care will
continue to benefit the Company and other large retail optical chains with
strong local markets shares, broad geographic coverage and sophisticated
information management and billing systems.
Historically, the Company has operated on a calendar year basis. Effective
January 1, 1994, the Company began reporting using a 52- or 53-week fiscal year
ending on the Saturday closest to December 31, with monthly results on a 4-4-5
week basis each quarter. Fiscal 1998 and 1999 were 52-week fiscal years and
fiscal 1997 was a 53-week year.
On March 6, 1998, Merger Corp., THL Co., and the Company entered into the
Recapitalization Agreement providing for, among other things, the Merger of
Merger Corp. with and into the Company. Upon consummation of the
Recapitalization on April 24, 1998, THL owned approximately 89.7% of the issued
and outstanding shares of Common Stock of the Company, existing shareholders
(including management) of the Company retained approximately 7.3% of the issued
and outstanding Common Stock and management purchased additional shares
representing approximately 3.0% of the issued and outstanding Common Stock. The
total transaction value of the Recapitalization was approximately $323.8
million, including related fees and expenses, and the implied total equity value
of the Company following the Recapitalization was approximately $107.3 million.
Certain of the funds needed to consummate the Recapitalization were
obtained through the sale, pursuant to rule 144A promulgated under the
Securities Act, of the Initial Notes in the aggregate principal amount of $150.0
million. The Initial Notes were issued by the Company and guaranteed by the
subsidiary guarantors. Under the Indenture governing the Initial Notes, the
Company and the subsidiary guarantors are jointly and severally liable for
payment of the Initial Notes. In addition to the net proceeds from the sale of
the Initial Notes, the Recapitalization was financed with (a) approximately
$55.0 million of borrowings under the New Credit Facility (see "Liquidity and
Capital Resources" in Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results
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of Operations) and (b) approximately $99.4 million from the Equity Contribution
through the sale of capital stock to THL, Bernard W. Andrews and other members
of management consisting of (i) approximately $71.6 million from the sale of
Common Stock and (ii) approximately $27.8 million from the sale of shares of New
Preferred Stock. The Company used the proceeds from such bank borrowings, the
sale of the Initial Notes, and the Equity Contribution principally to finance
the conversion into cash of the shares of Common Stock which were not retained
by existing shareholders, to refinance certain existing indebtedness of the
Company, to redeem certain outstanding preferred stock of the Company and to pay
related fees and expenses of the Recapitalization. In connection with the
Recapitalization, the Company in-substance defeased its previously issued Senior
Notes by depositing with the trustee for the Senior Notes (i) an irrevocable
notice of redemption of the Senior Notes on October 1, 1998 and (ii) United
States government securities in an amount necessary to yield on October 1, 1998
$78.4 million, which constituted the principal amount, premium and interest
payable on the Senior Notes on the October 1, 1998 redemption date. The Senior
Notes were defeased as scheduled on October 1, 1998.
The following is a discussion of certain factors affecting the Company's
results of operations from fiscal 1997 to fiscal 1999 and its liquidity and
capital resources. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the
consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere in this
document.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth the percentage relationship to net revenues
of certain income statement data.
FISCAL YEAR ENDED
---------------------------------------
1997 1998 1999
----- ----- -----
Net Revenues:
Optical sales 99.7% 98.9% 99.0%
Management fee 0.3 1.1 1.0
----- ----- -----
Total net revenues 100.0 100.0 100.0
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold (a) 35.2 34.3 33.8
Selling, general and administrative expenses (a) 55.0 56.3 58.5
Recapitalization and other expenses -- 10.8 --
Amortization of intangibles 1.3 1.6 1.9
----- ----- -----
Total operating costs and expenses 91.2 102.0 93.3
----- ----- -----
Income (loss) from operations 8.8 (2.0) 6.7
Interest expense, net 6.3 8.1 8.4
In-substance defeased bonds interest expense, net -- 1.0 --
----- ----- -----
Income (loss) before income taxes 2.5 (11.1) (1.7)
Income tax expense (0.1) -- 0.1
----- ----- -----
Net income (loss) before extraordinary item 2.4 (11.1) (1.8)
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle -- -- 0.2
Extraordinary loss on early extinguishment of long-
term debt -- 3.5 --
----- ----- -----
Net income (loss) 2.4 (14.6) (2.0)
===== ===== =====
EBITDA margin 15.1% 15.6% 14.4%
(a) Percentages based on optical sales only
FISCAL 1999 COMPARED TO FISCAL 1998
Net Revenues. The increase in net revenues to $293.8 million in 1999 from
$237.9 million in fiscal 1998 was largely the result of the VTO Retail
Acquisition and the Bizer Acquisition and an increase in comparable store sales
of 1.1%. These acquisitions resulted in an increase in net revenues of $44.3
million for fiscal 1999.
Gross Profit. Gross profit increased to $195.6 million in fiscal 1999 from
$157.2 million in fiscal 1998. Gross profit as a percentage of optical sales
increased to 66.2% ($192.6 million) in fiscal 1999 as compared to 65.7% ($154.6
million) in fiscal 1998. This percentage increase was primarily due to increased
productivity within the store labs.
Selling General & Administrative Expenses (SG&A). SG&A increased to $170.1
million in fiscal 1999 from $132.4 in fiscal 1998. SG&A as a percentage of
optical sales increased to 58.5% in fiscal 1999 from 56.3% in fiscal 1998. This
percentage increase was due primarily to the inclusion of doctor payroll
expenses for the stores acquired
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through the Bizer Acquisition and VTO Retail Acquisition and increases in
overhead expenses. The increases in overhead expenses were primarily due to
non-recurring expenses related to the integration of the VTO Retail Acquisition.
These increased costs were partially offset by savings realized through
economies of scale achieved in advertising.
Amortization Expense. Amortization expense (excluding the amortization of
store pre-opening costs for fiscal 1998) increased to $5.7 million for fiscal
1999 from $3.7 million in fiscal 1998. This increase was due to amortization of
the goodwill related to the Bizer Acquisition and the VTO Retail Acquisition,
which were recorded during the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998 and fiscal 1999,
respectively.
Net Interest Expense. Net interest expense increased to $24.7 million for
fiscal 1999 from $19.2 million for fiscal 1998. This increase was due to the
increased borrowings made in connection to the Recapitalization and the Bizer
Acquisition and VTO Retail Acquisition but is partially offset by reduced rates
on the new debt issued in the Recapitalization.
Cumulative Effect Of Change in Accounting Principle. Upon the adoption of
SOP 98-5, the Company recorded a charge of $0.5 million for the write-off of
capitalized store preopening costs and organization costs.
FISCAL 1998 COMPARED TO FISCAL 1997
Net Revenues. The increase in net revenues to $237.9 million in 1998 from
$219.6 million in fiscal 1997 was largely the result of the Hour Eyes
Acquisition and the Bizer Acquisition and an increase in comparable store sales
of 1.1%. These acquisitions resulted in an increase in net revenues of $16.7
million for fiscal 1998.
Gross Profit. Gross profit increased to $157.2 million in fiscal 1998 from
$142.5 million in fiscal 1997. Gross profit as a percentage of optical sales
increased to 65.7% ($154.6 million) in fiscal 1998 as compared to 64.8% ($141.8
million) in fiscal 1997. This percentage increase was primarily due to stores
acquired in the Hour Eyes Acquisition which perform at a higher margin than the
stores owned by the Company prior to the Hour Eyes Acquisition. This is
primarily due to the doctor examination revenues and expenses at the Hour Eyes
stores in Maryland and Washington, D.C., which are not earned by the Company's
other locations.
Selling General & Administrative Expenses (SG&A). SG&A increased to $132.4
million in fiscal 1998 from $120.3 in fiscal 1997. SG&A as a percentage of
optical sales increased to 56.3% in fiscal 1998 from 55.0% in fiscal 1997. This
percentage increase was due primarily to increases in operating lease
expenditures and increases in overhead expenses related to a delayed
point-of-sale system implementation. These increased costs were partially offset
by savings realized through economies of scale achieved in advertising.
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Recapitalization and Other Expenses. As a result of the Recapitalization,
the Company has incurred approximately $25.1 million of non-recurring expenses.
These expenses consisted of compensation expense recorded in connection with the
exercise of employee stock options and other transaction related expenses.
Additionally, the Company incurred approximately $0.7 million in connection with
a point-of-sale system write-off.
Amortization Expense. Amortization expense (excluding the amortization of
store pre-opening costs) increased to $3.7 million for fiscal 1998 from $2.9
million in fiscal 1997. This increase was due to amortization of the goodwill
related to the Hour Eyes Acquisition and the Bizer Acquisition, which were
recorded during the fourth quarter of fiscal 1997 and fiscal 1998, respectively.
Net Interest Expense. Net interest expense increased to $19.2 million for
fiscal 1998 from $13.7 million for fiscal 1997. This increase was due to the
increased borrowings made in connection to the Recapitalization but is partially
offset by reduced rates on the new debt issued in the Recapitalization.
In-substance Defeased Bonds Net Interest Expense. Net interest expense
related to the in-substance defeased bonds was $2.4 million in 1998 and reflects
the net amount of interest expense related to the in-substance defeased bonds
and the interest income related to the investment securities-restricted from
April 24, 1998 (date the bonds were in-substance defeased) until the defeasement
on October 1, 1998.
Extraordinary Item. An extraordinary loss of $8.4 million that was due to
the write-off of deferred financing fees related to the early extinguishment of
debt and to the call premiums on the Senior Notes was incurred during fiscal
1998.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cash flows from operating activities provided net cash for 1999, 1998 and
1997 of $15.3 million, $0.2 million and $15.5 million, respectively. As of
January 1, 2000, the Company had $3.0 million of cash available to meet the
Company's obligations.
Capital expenditures for 1999, 1998 and 1997 were $19.9 million, $20.7
million and $9.5 million, respectively. Capital expenditures for 2000 are
projected to be approximately $18 to $20 million. Capital expenditures are
related to the construction of new stores, repositioning of existing stores in
some markets and new computer systems for the stores. These capital expenditures
include leasehold improvements, laboratory, equipment, furniture and fixtures,
doctors' equipment, point-of-sale equipment, and computer hardware and software.
On April 24, 1998, the Company entered into a credit agreement (the "New
Credit Facility") which consists of (i) the $55.0 million term loan facility
(the "Term Loan Facility"); (ii) the $35.0 million revolving credit facility
(the "Revolving Credit Facility"); and (iii) the $100.0 million acquisition
facility (the "Acquisition Facility"), of
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which $50.0 million was committed at April 24, 1998. The proceeds of the "New
Credit Facility" were used to pay long term debt outstanding under the previous
credit facility. At January 1, 2000, the Company had $52.0 million in term loans
outstanding under the Term Loan Facility, $7.5 million under the Revolving
Credit Facility, and $69.2 million outstanding under the Acquisition Facility
which funded the Bizer Acquisition and the VTO Retail Acquisition. Borrowings
made under the New Credit Facility bear interest at a rate equal to, at the
Company's option, LIBOR plus 2.25% or the Base Rate (as defined in the New
Credit Facility) plus 1.25%. The Term Loan Facility matures five years from the
closing date of the New Credit Facility and will amortize quarterly in aggregate
annual principal amounts of approximately $0.0 million, $4.0 million, $12.0
million, $18.0 million, and $21.0 million, respectively, for years one through
five after April 24, 1998.
In connection with the Recapitalization, the Company in-substance defeased
its previously issued Senior Notes by depositing with the trustee for the Senior
Notes (i) an irrevocable notice of redemption of the Senior Notes on October 1,
1998 and (ii) United States government securities in an amount necessary to
yield on October 1, 1998 $78.4 million, which constitutes the principal amount,
premium and interest payable on the Senior Notes on the October 1, 1998
redemption date. On October 1, 1998, the Senior Notes were defeased as scheduled
and the Company recorded an extraordinary charge of $4.2 million on the
statement of operations for defeasance costs during the third quarter related to
the call premium on the bonds.
In connection with the Recapitalization, the Company completed a debt
offering of the Initial Notes, consisting of the Fixed Rate Notes and the
Floating Rate Notes. Interest on the Initial Notes will be payable semiannually
on each May 1 and November 1, commencing on November 1, 1998. Interest on the
Fixed Rate Notes accrues at the rate of 9 1/8% per annum. The Floating Rate
Notes bear interest at a rate per annum, reset semiannually, and equal to LIBOR
(as defined in the Indenture) plus 3.98%. The Initial Notes will not be entitled
to the benefit of any mandatory sinking fund. For discussion of restrictions on
subsidiaries, see Note 8 to the January 1, 2000 Consolidated Financial
Statements. On April 24, 1998, the Company entered into an interest rate swap
agreement that converts a portion of the Floating Rate Notes to a fixed rate.
The Company filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange
Commission with respect to an offer to exchange the Initial Notes for Exchange
Notes. The registration statement was declared effective on January 28, 1999.
The exchange period ended March 4, 1999. The Exchange Notes are the only notes
of the Company which are currently outstanding.
During 1996, the Company issued 110,000 shares of Series A Cumulative
Mandatorily Redeemable Exchangeable Pay-in-Kind Preferred Stock ("Preferred
Stock"). In conjunction with the Recapitalization, the Company repurchased the
Preferred Stock, canceled it and issued 300,000 shares of a new series of
preferred stock (the "New Preferred Stock"), par value $.01 per share. Dividends
on shares of New Preferred Stock
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are cumulative from the date of issue (whether or not declared) and will be
payable when and as may be declared from time to time by the Board of Directors
of the Company. Such dividends accrue on a daily basis from the original date of
issue at an annual rate per share equal to 13% of the original purchase price
per share, with such amount to be compounded quarterly. The New Preferred Stock
will be redeemable at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, at $100
per share plus (i) the per share dividend rate and (ii) all accumulated and
unpaid dividends, if any, to the date of redemption, upon occurrence of an
offering of equity securities, a change of control or certain sales of assets.
In connection with the Visionworks Acquisition, the Company assumed an
agreement to sublease land, buildings and equipment at eight operating
locations. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company committed to purchase
such properties for $10.0 million and to pay Eckerd Corporation an annual rent
of $1.3 million for the subleases. During the second quarter of 1999, a third
party paid $8.6 million of the Company's $10.0 million capital lease obligations
to the Eckerd Corporation. The Company simultaneously leased seven of these same
properties under separate lease agreements, accounting for these transactions as
sales leaseback transactions. The remaining capital lease obligation of $1.4
million under the original $10.0 million capital lease obligation was renewed as
an operating lease. A gain of $0.5 million has been deferred related to the
sales leaseback transactions.
The Company anticipates that cash from operations and funds available under
the Revolving Credit Facility will be sufficient to finance the Company's
continuing operations and to make all required payments of principal and
interest on the Exchange Notes through the next twelve months.
In August 1997, the Company sold, for net proceeds of $4.8 million, the
building in which its corporate headquarters is located. The Company entered
into a 15 year operating lease with the new owners and will maintain its current
location. As a result of this transaction, the Company recorded a deferred gain,
which will be amortized over the life of the lease.
INFLATION
The impact of inflation on the Company's operations has not been
significant to date. While the Company does not believe its business is highly
sensitive to inflation, there can be no assurance that a high rate of inflation
would not have an adverse impact on the Company's operations.
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SEASONALITY AND QUARTERLY RESULTS
The Company's sales fluctuate seasonally. Historically, the Company's
highest sales and earnings occur in the first and third quarters. In addition,
quarterly results are affected by the opening of new stores; therefore, the
Company's growth, the Visionworks Acquisition, the Hour Eyes Acquisition, the
Bizer Acquisition and VTO Retail Acquisition may affect seasonal fluctuations.
Hence, quarterly results are not necessarily indicative of results for the
entire year.
YEAR 2000 UPDATE
In prior years, the Company discussed the nature and progress of its plans
to become Year 2000 ready. In late 1999, the Company completed its remediation
and testing of systems. As a result of those planning and implementation
efforts, the Company experienced no significant disruptions in mission critical
information technology and non-information technology systems and believes those
systems successfully responded to the Year 2000 date change. The Company
expensed approximately $4,000,000 during 1999 in connection with remediating its
systems. The Company is not aware of any material problems resulting from Year
2000 issues, either with our products, our internal systems, or the products and
services of third parties. The Company will continue to monitor its mission
critical computer applications and those of its suppliers and vendors throughout
the year 2000 to ensure that any latent Year 2000 matters that may arise are
addressed promptly.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The Company is exposed to various market risks. Market risk is the
potential loss arising from adverse changes in market prices and rates. The
Company does not enter into derivative or other financial instruments for
trading or speculative purposes.
INTEREST RATE RISK
The Company's primary market risk exposure is interest rate risk, with
specific vulnerability to changes in LIBOR. At January 1, 2000, $128.7 million
of the Company's long-term debt bears interest at variable rates, with $66.6
million of that amount effectively converted to fixed rates through interest
rate swap agreements. Accordingly, the Company's net income is affected by
changes in interest rates. Assuming a two hundred basis point change in the 1999
average interest rate under the $62.1 million in unhedged borrowings, the
Company's 1999 interest expense would have changed approximately $1.2 million.
At January 1, 2000, the Company had an unrealized gain of $0.3 million
related to the $66.6 million swap portfolio. The Company's fixed pay rate is
5.9% while the floating
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receive rate is based on LIBOR, 6.1% at end of fiscal 1999. A two hundred basis
point change in the receive rate would affect the Company's position by $1.3
million.
In the event of an adverse change in interest rates, management could take
actions to mitigate its exposure. However, due to the uncertainty of the actions
that would be taken and their possible effects, this analysis assumes no such
actions. Further, this analysis does not consider the effects of the change in
the level of overall economic activity that could exist in such an environment.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The financial statements and supplementary data are set forth in this
annual report on Form 10-K commencing on page F-1.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
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PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The table below sets forth the names, ages and positions of the executive
officers and directors of the Company.
NAME AGE POSITION
---- --- --------
Bernard W. Andrews 58 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
David E. McComas 57 President and Chief Operating Officer
Alan E. Wiley 52 Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary and
Treasurer
George E. Gebhardt 49 Executive Vice President of Merchandising and Managed Vision Care
Michele M. Benoit 43 Senior Vice President of Human Resources
Charles A. Brizius 31 Director
Anthony J. DiNovi 37 Director
Norman S. Matthews 66 Director
Warren C. Smith, Jr. 43 Director
Antoine G. Treuille 50 Director
Directors of the Company are elected at the annual shareholders' meeting
and hold office until their successors have been elected and qualified. The
officers of the Company are chosen by the Board of Directors and hold office
until they resign or are removed by the Board of Directors.
Bernard W. Andrews has been Chairman of the Company since the consummation
of the Recapitalization. Mr. Andrews joined the Company as Director and Chief
Executive Officer in March 1996. From January 1994 to April 1995, Mr. Andrews
was President and Chief Operating Officer as well as a Director of Montgomery
Ward-Retail. He was an Executive Vice President and a Director of Circuit City
Stores, Inc., from October 1990 to January 1994. Mr. Andrews was with Montgomery
Ward-Retail from October 1983 to May 1990, serving as President-Hardlines,
Executive Vice President-Marketing and Vice President-Home Fashions. Prior to
that, Mr. Andrews spent twenty years with Sears, Roebuck & Co. in a number of
merchandising, marketing and operating positions.
David E. McComas has served as the President and Chief Operating Officer of
the Company since July 1998. Prior to that, Mr. McComas was Western Region
President and Corporate Vice President, Circuit City Stores, Inc., responsible
for eight Western States and Hawaii since 1994. Prior to 1994, Mr. McComas was
General Manager of Circuit City Stores, Inc. Mr. McComas has over thirty years
of store management experience including stints at Montgomery Ward Holding
Corporation and Sears, Roebuck & Co.
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Alan E. Wiley has served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer of the Company since November 1998. From 1992 until November 1998, Mr.
Wiley served as the Senior Executive Vice President, Secretary, Chief Financial
and Administrative Officer and a Director of The Cato Corporation. From 1981
through 1990, Mr. Wiley held senior administrative and financial positions with
British American Tobacco, U.S. in various companies of the specialty retail
division.
George E. Gebhardt has served as the Company's Executive Vice President of
Merchandising, since September 1996 when the Company purchased his former
employer, Visionworks. He assumed the responsibilities of Marketing in June 1998
and Managed Vision Care Sales in February 1999. Mr. Gebhardt was with
Visionworks from February 1994 to September 1996 serving in various positions,
most recently Senior Vice President of Merchandising and Marketing. Prior to
that, Mr. Gebhardt spent over thirteen years with Eckerd Corporation in various
operational positions including Senior Vice President, General Manager of Eckerd
Vision Group. Mr. Gebhardt also spent seven years working for Procter & Gamble
serving in various positions including Unit Sales Manager of Procter & Gamble's
Health and Beauty Care Division.
Michele M. Benoit has served as the Company's Senior Vice President of
Human Resources since April 1997. From 1995 until joining the Company, she was
Vice President, Human Resources for Ben Franklin Retail Stores, Inc. Prior to
1995, Ms. Benoit was a Vice President and Managing Director with Kennedy and
Company, a retail executive search firm based in Chicago, Illinois. She also
spent fourteen years with Montgomery Ward and Company where she held a variety
of human resources and operational positions.
Norman S. Matthews has served as a Director of the Company since October
1993 and served as Chairman from December 1996 to April 1998. Mr. Matthews is
Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Company's Board of Directors. From
1988 to the present, Mr. Matthews has been an independent retail consultant and
venture capitalist. Mr. Matthews was President of Federated Department Stores
from 1987 to 1988, and served as Vice Chairman from 1983 to 1987. He is also a
Director of Finlay Fine Jewelry Corporation, Toys "R" Us, Inc., The Progressive
Corporation and Lechters, Inc.
Antoine G. Treuille has served as a Director of the Company since October
1993. In March 1998, Mr. Treuille became Managing Director of Financo, Inc., an
investment bank. Mr. Treuille has served as President of Charter Pacific Corp.
since May 1996. Prior to his current position, Mr. Treuille served as Senior
Vice President of DCMI. From September 1985 to April 1992, he served as
Executive Vice President with the investment firm of Entrecanales, Inc. Mr.
Treuille also serves as a Director of Societe BIC S.A. and Special Metals Corp.
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Anthony J. DiNovi has served as a Director of the Company since the
consummation of the Recapitalization. Mr. DiNovi has been employed by Thomas H.
Lee Company since 1988 and currently serves as a Managing Director. Mr. DiNovi
is a Managing Director and Member of THL Equity Advisors IV, LLC, the general
partner of Thomas H. Lee Equity Fundy IV, LP and Vice President of Thomas H. Lee
Advisors I and T.H. Lee Mezzanine II, affiliates of ML-Lee Acquisition Fund
L.P., ML-Lee Acquisition Fund II, L.P. and ML-Lee Acquisition fund II
(Retirement Accounts), L.P., respectively. Mr. DiNovi also serves as a Director
of Safelite Glass Corp., Fisher Scientific International, Inc., LiveWire
Systems, LLC, MJD Communications, Inc., ProcureNet Inc. and Tibbar, LLC.
Warren C. Smith, Jr., has served as a Director of the Company since the
consummation of the Recapitalization. Mr. Smith has been employed by Thomas H.
Lee Company since 1990 and currently serves as a Managing Director. Mr. Smith is
a Managing Director and Member of THL Equity Advisors IV, LLC, the general
partner of Thomas H. Lee Equity Fund IV, LP and Vice President of Thomas H. Lee
Advisors I and T.H. Lee Mezzanine II, affiliates of ML-Lee Acquisition Fund,
L.P., ML-Lee Acquisition Fund II, L.P. and ML-Lee Acquisition Fund II
(Retirement Accounts), L.P., respectively. Mr. Smith also serves as a Director
of Rayovac Corporation and Finlay Fine Jewelry Corporation.
Charles A. Brizius has served as a Director of the Company since the
consummation of the Recapitalization. Mr. Brizius worked at Thomas H. Lee
Company from 1993 to 1995, rejoined in 1997 and currently serves as an
Associate. Mr. Brizius is a Member of THL Equity Advisors IV, LLC, the general
partner of Thomas H. Lee Equity Fund IV, LP. From 1991 to 1993, Mr. Brizius
worked at Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated in the Corporate Finance Department.
Mr. Brizius also serves as a Director of United Industries Corporation and Big V
Supermarkets, Inc.
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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth certain information concerning the
compensation paid during the last three years to the Company's Chief Executive
Officer during fiscal 1999 and the four other most highly compensated executive
officers serving as executive officers at the end of fiscal 1999 (the "Named
Executive Officers").
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
LONG-TERM
COMPENSATION
ANNUAL -------------
COMPENSATION AWARDS
------------------------------------------------------
OTHER ANNUAL SECURITIES ALL OTHER
NAME AND COMPENSATION UNDERLYING COMPENSATION
PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY($)(a) BONUS($)(b) ($)(c) OPTIONS(#) ($)(d)
------------------ ---- ------------ ----------- ------------ ---------- ------------
Bernard W. Andrews 1999 530,774 100,000 -- -- 5,211
Chairman and Chief 1998 489,480 -- -- 371,376 8,663,996
Executive Officer 1997 398,567 -- -- -- 4,591
David E. McComas 1999 340,800 75,000 -- -- --
President and Chief 1998 153,750 500,000 -- 120,000 --
Operating Officer 1997 -- -- -- -- --
Alan E. Wiley 1999 226,269 73,508 75,991 -- --
Executive Vice 1998 34,615 38,850 -- 32,500 --
President, Chief 1997 -- -- -- -- --
Financial Officer,
Secretary and Treasurer
George E. Gebhardt 1999 206,769 40,000 -- -- --
Executive Vice President 1998 205,577 -- -- 35,000 790,175
of Merchandising, Marketing 1997 188,231 -- 49,166 -- --
and Managed Vision Care
Sales
Michele Benoit 1999 140,923 25,000 -- -- --
Senior Vice President of 1998 143,673 -- -- 25,000 384,379
Human Resources 1997 81,731 25,000 55,798 7,000 --
- ------------
(a) Represents annual salary, including any compensation deferred by the Named
Executive Officer pursuant to the Company's 401(k) defined contribution
plan or the Company's deferred stock plan.
(b) Represents annual bonus earned by the Named Executive Officer for the
relevant fiscal year.
(c) Except with respect to Mr. George E. Gebhardt and Ms. Michele Benoit for
1997 and Mr. Alan E. Wiley for 1999, the dollar value of the perquisites
and other personal benefits, securities or property paid to each Named
Executive Officer did not exceed the lesser of $50,000 or 10% of reported
annual salary and bonus received by the Named Executive Officer. Of the
total other annual compensation received by Mr. Gebhardt in 1997, $41,966
related to relocation expenses paid by the Company on behalf of Mr.
Gebhardt. Of the total other annual compensation received by Ms. Benoit in
1997, $51,090 related to relocation expenses paid by the Company on behalf
of Ms. Benoit. Of the total other annual compensation received by Mr. Wiley
in 1999, $68,791 related to relocation expenses paid by the Company on
behalf of Mr. Wiley.
(d) In connection with the Recapitalization, all outstanding options were
simultaneously vested and exercised. Except with respect to Mr. Bernard W.
Andrews' term life insurance premiums discussed below, all 1998 amounts
represent the compensation amounts related to the exercise of options.
During 1999, 1998 and 1997, the Company paid $5,211, $4,893 and $4,591,
respectively, for premiums for term life insurance for Mr. Andrews.
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40
STOCK OPTION GRANTS. The Named Executive Officers have not been granted any
options or SARs in fiscal 1999.
STOCK OPTION EXERCISES AND HOLDINGS TABLE. The following table sets forth
information with respect to the Named Executive Officers concerning unexercised
options held as of January 1, 2000. The Named Executive Officers have not been
granted any SARs.
AGGREGATED OPTION EXERCISES IN LAST FISCAL YEAR AND FY-END OPTION VALUES
NUMBER OF
SECURITIES VALUE OF
UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED
UNEXERCISED IN-THE-MONEY
OPTIONS AT OPTIONS AT
FY-END (#) FY-END ($)
SHARES VALUED ------------------------------------
ACQUIRED ON REALIZED EXERCISABLE/ EXERCISABLE/
NAME EXERCISE(#) ($) UNEXERCISABLE UNEXERCISABLE(a)
- ---- ----------- -------- ------------- ----------------
Bernard W. Andrews -- -- 92,844/278,532 --
David E. McComas -- -- 12,000/108,000 --
George E. Gebhardt -- -- 3,500/31,500 --
Alan E. Wiley -- -- 3,250/29,250 --
Michele Benoit -- -- 2,500/22,500 --
(a) There is currently no active trading market for the Common Stock and thus
the fair market value as of January 1, 2000 is not determinable.
(b) All options have been granted at an exercise price of $10.41 per share and
with the exception of Mr. Andrews' grant begin vesting one year after the
date of grant in four installments of 10%, 15%, 25% and 50%. For a
discussion of Mr. Andrews' vesting schedule see the heading "Employment
Agreement."
COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors has an Executive Committee of which Norman S.
Matthews is chairman and, as of the date hereof, the sole member.
The Board of Directors has a Compensation Committee currently consisting of
Messrs. Matthews, DiNovi and Smith. The Compensation Committee makes
recommendations concerning the salaries and incentive compensation of employees
of and consultants to the Company.
The Board of Directors has an Audit Committee currently consisting of
Messrs. DiNovi, Smith, Treuille and Brizius. The Audit Committee is responsible
for reviewing the results and scope of audits and other services provided by the
Company's independent auditors.
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41
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
The Company compensates its directors for services rendered in such
capacity as follows.
The Company entered into a three year consulting agreement (the "Consulting
Agreement"), effective as of the closing of the Recapitalization, with Norman S.
Matthews, which provides for the payment of an annual consulting fee of $50,000.
The Consulting Agreement provides for the grant to Mr. Matthews, concurrently
with the closing of the Recapitalization, of an option to purchase up to 1.5% of
the fully diluted Common Stock or approximately 110,000 shares as of the closing
of the Recapitalization, subject to a vesting schedule which will be one-half
time based and one-half performance based, at an exercise price equal to
approximately $10.41 per share, the same price paid by THL in connection with
the Recapitalization.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
Bernard W. Andrews entered into an employment agreement with the Company,
effective as of the closing of the Recapitalization, which provides for his
employment with the Company for an initial term of three years, and will
thereafter be renewed for consecutive one year terms unless terminated by either
party. Mr. Andrews is entitled to a base salary of $500,000 during the first
year following the Recapitalization, $550,000 during the second year and
$600,000 during the third year. Mr. Andrews will be eligible to receive an
annual performance bonus upon the achievement by the Company of certain EBITDA
targets as determined from year to year by the Board of Directors.
Under the terms of his employment agreement, Mr. Andrews purchased $1.0
million of Common Stock at the same price that THL paid in connection with the
Recapitalization. Mr. Andrews paid for these shares by delivering a promissory
note with an original purchase amount of $1.0 million, which shall accrue
interest at a fixed rate equal to the Company's initial borrowing rate. The
repayment of such note is secured by Mr. Andrews' shares of Common Stock.
Mr. Andrews is entitled to receive severance of two times his base salary
upon termination by the Company without cause or by Mr. Andrews for good reason,
as defined within the employment agreement. Severance shall be paid over twelve
months. Mr. Andrews is also subject to a standard restrictive covenants
agreement (including non-competition, non-solicitation, and non-disclosure
covenants) during the term of his employment and for a period of three years
following termination for any reason.
Mr. Andrews has received non-qualified options to purchase 371,376 shares
of Common Stock at an exercise price of $10.41 per share. Certain of these
options vest over time and others vest upon the Company reaching certain
profitability levels. If the
40
42
profitability levels are not reached for a given year, the options fail to
become exercisable and are carried forward to the next succeeding vesting
period.
The remaining Named Executive Officers are each subject to annual employment
agreements that automatically renew unless either party gives thirty days
notice. Each Named Executive Officer is eligible to participate in the Company's
Incentive Plan for Key Management, whereby they may receive a certain percentage
of their base compensation upon the achievement of certain EBITDA levels as
determined by the Board of Directors.
Upon termination without cause, as defined in the employment agreement, the
Named Executive Officers are eligible for a range of nine to twelve months of
severance. The employment agreements also contain standard restrictive covenants
such as non-competition, non-solicitation and non-disclosure during the term of
employment and for a period of two years following termination for any reason.
STOCK OPTION PLAN
The Company has granted stock options to certain officers under the
Company's 1999 stock option plan. As of March 1, 2000, options to purchase
515,000 shares of Common Stock were outstanding. Subject to acceleration under
certain circumstances, the options vest over a four-year period. The per option
exercise price is $10.41. Generally, all unvested options will be forfeited upon
termination of employment.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION. During 1999,
the Compensation Committee consisted of Messrs. Matthews, DiNovi and Smith, none
of whom were an officer or employee of the Company.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth information with respect to the anticipated
beneficial ownership of shares of the Common Stock as of March 1, 2000 by
persons who are beneficial owners of more than 5% of the common stock, by each
director, by each Named Executive Officer of the Company and by all directors
and executive officers as a group, as determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). All
shares of the Common Stock are voting stock.
41
43
SHARES OF PERCENTAGE
COMMON STOCK OF CLASS
------------ ----------
Affiliates of THL Co.(b).................................................. 6,664,800 89.7%
Equity-Linked Investors-II (c)............................................ 383,616 5.2
Bernard W. Andrews (e).................................................... 315,912 4.2
David E. McComas (f)...................................................... 36,015 *
Norman S. Matthews (g).................................................... 30,833 *
Antoine G. Treuille (h)................................................... .7,028 *
George E. Gebhardt (i).................................................... 38,499 *
Alan E. Wiley(k).......................................................... 12,856 *
Michele Benoit (j)........................................................ 12,100 *
Anthony J. DiNovi (b)..................................................... 6,664,800 89.7
Warren C. Smith (b)....................................................... 6,664,800 89.7
Charles A. Brizius (b).................................................... 6,664,800 89.7
All directors and executive officers of the Company as a group (11)(d).... 7,110,793 93.9
- ---------------
* Less than 1%.
(a) Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the
Securities and Exchange Commission and reflects general voting power and/or
investment power with respect to securities.
(b) The business address for such person(s) is c/o Thomas H. Lee Company, 75
State Street, Suite 2600, Boston, Massachusetts 02109. Of the securities
held by affiliates of Thomas H. Lee Company, 5,664,330 are held by the
Thomas H. Lee Equity Fund IV, L.P., 195,133 are held by the Thomas H. Lee
Foreign Fund IV, L.P., 551,323 are held by Thomas H. Lee Foreign Fund IV-B,
L.P. and 254,014 are held by others. All such voting securities may be
deemed to be beneficially owned by THL Equity Advisors IV, LLC
("Advisors"), the general partner of THL Fund IV, Thomas H. Lee, Messrs.
DiNovi, Smith and the other managing directors and by Mr. Brizius and the
other officers of THL Co., in each case pursuant to the definition of
beneficial ownership provided in footnote (a). Each of such persons
disclaims beneficial ownership of such shares.
(c) Equity-Linked Investors-II is an investment partnership managed by Desai
Capital Management Incorporated. The business address for such person is
c/o Desai Capital Management, Incorporated, 540 Madison Avenue, New York,
New York 10022.
(d) Includes 6,664,800 shares beneficially owned by THL described in footnote
(b).
(e) Includes 123,792 shares issuable pursuant to presently exercisable options
(or those exercisable prior to May 1, 2000). Excludes 247,584 shares
issuable pursuant to options which are not currently exercisable (or
exercisable prior to May 1, 2000).
(f) Includes 12,000 shares issuable pursuant to presently exercisable options
(or those exercisable prior to May 1, 2000). Excludes 108,000 shares
issuable pursuant to options which are not currently exercisable (or
exercisable prior to May 1, 2000).
(g) Includes 11,141 shares issuable pursuant to presently exercisable options
(or those exercisable prior to May 1, 2000). Excludes 100,271 shares
issuable pursuant to options which are not currently exercisable (or
exercisable prior to May 1, 2000).
(h) Includes 500 shares issuable pursuant to presently exercisable options (or
those exercisable prior to May 1, 2000). Excludes 9,500 shares issuable
pursuant to options which are not currently exercisable (or exercisable
prior to May 1, 2000).
(i) Includes 3,500 shares issuable pursuant to presently exercisable options
(or those exercisable prior to May 1, 2000). Excludes 31,500 shares
issuable pursuant to options which are not currently exercisable (or
exercisable prior to May 1, 2000).
(j) Includes 2,500 shares issuable pursuant to presently exercisable options
(or those exercisable prior to May 1, 2000). Excludes 22,500 shares
issuable pursuant to options which are not currently exercisable (or
exercisable prior to May 1, 2000).
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44
(k) Includes 3,250 shares issuable pursuant to presently exercisable options or
those exercisable prior to May 1, 2000). Excludes 29,250 shares issuable
pursuant to options which are not currently exercisable (or exercisable
prior to May 1, 2000).
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
The Company and THL Co. entered into a management agreement as of the
closing date of the Recapitalization (the "Management Agreement"), pursuant to
which THL Co. received a financial advisory fee of $6.0 million in connection
with structuring, negotiating and arranging the Recapitalization and
structuring, negotiating and arranging the debt financing. In addition, pursuant
to the Management Agreement, THL Co. initially receives $500,000 per year plus
expenses for management and other consulting services provided to the Company,
including one percent (1%) of the gross purchase price for acquisitions for its
participation in the negotiation and consummation of any such acquisition. The
Management Agreement continues unless and until terminated by mutual consent of
the parties in writing, for so long as THL Co. provides management and other
consulting services to the Company. The Company believes that the terms of the
Management Agreement are comparable to those that would have been obtained from
unaffiliated sources.
STOCKHOLDERS' AGREEMENT
The Company entered into a Stockholders' Agreement (the "Stockholders'
Agreement") among THL and the other shareholders of the Company upon the
consummation of the Recapitalization. Pursuant to the Stockholders' Agreement,
the shareholders are required to vote their shares of capital stock of the
Company to elect a Board of Directors of the Company consisting of directors
designated by THL. The Stockholders' Agreement also grants THL the right to
require the Company to effect the registration of shares of Common Stock they
hold for sale to the public, subject to certain conditions and limitations. If
the Company proposes to register any of its securities under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, whether for its own account or otherwise, the shareholders
are entitled to notice of such registration and are entitled to include their
shares in such registration, subject to certain conditions and limitations. All
fees, costs and expenses of any registration effected on behalf of such
shareholders under the Stockholders' Agreement (other than underwriting
discounts and commissions) will be paid by the Company.
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45
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.
Page
of 10-K
-------
1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Report of Independent Auditors F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets at January 2, 1999 and January 1, 2000 F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended January 3, 1998,
January 2, 1999 and January 1, 2000 F-4
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity/(Deficit) January 3, 1998,
January 2, 1999 and January 1, 2000 F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows January 3, 1998,
January 2, 1999 and January 1, 2000 F-7
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements F-9
2. FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
Schedule II - Consolidated Valuation and Qualifying Accounts - For the Years Ended
January 3, 1998, January 2, 1999 and January 1, 2000 F-48
3. EXHIBITS
2.1 Stock Purchase Agreement dated August 15, 1996 by and between
Eye Care Centers of America, Inc., Visionworks Holdings, Inc.
and the Sellers listed therein. (a)
2.2 Stock Purchase Agreement, dated September 30 1997, by and among
Eye Care Centers of America, Inc., a Texas corporation, Robert
A. Samit, O. D. and Michael Davidson, O. D. (a)
2.3 Recapitalization Agreement dated as of March 6, 1998 among ECCA
Merger Corp., Eye Care Centers of America, Inc. and the sellers
Listed therein. (a)
2.4 Amendment No. 1 to the Recapitalization Agreement dated as of
April 23, 1998 among ECCA Merger Corp., Eye Care Centers of
America, Inc, and the sellers listed therein. (a)
2.5 Amendment No. 2 to the Recapitalization Agreement dated as of
April 24, 1998 among ECCA Merger Corp., Eye Care Centers of
America, Inc. and the sellers listed therein. (a)
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46
2.6 Articles of Merger of ECCA Merger Corp. with and into Eye Care
Centers of America, Inc. dated April 24, 1998. (a)
2.7 Master Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 22, 1998,
by and among Eye Care Centers of America, Inc., Mark E. Lynn,
Dr. Mark Lynn & Associates, PLLC; Dr. Bizer's Vision World,
PLLC and its affiliates. (a)
2.8 Letter Agreement, dated October 1, 1998, amending and modifying
that certain Master Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of
August 22, 1998, by and among Eye Care Centers of America,
Inc.; Mark E. Lynn; Dr. Mark Lynn & Associates, PLLC; Dr.
Bizer's VisionWorld, PLLC and its affiliates. (a)
2.9 Asset Purchase Agreement, date July 7,1999, by and among Eye
Care Centers of America, Inc., Vision Twenty-One, Inc., and The
Complete Optical Laboratory, Ltd., Corp. + (c)
2.10 Letter Agreement, dated August 31,1999, amending and modifying
that certain Asset Purchase Agreement, date July 7,199 by and
among Eye Care Centers of America, Inc., Vision Twenty-One,
Inc., and The Complete Optical Laboratory, Inc., Corp. (d)
2.11 Agreement Regarding Strategic Alliance. (d)
3.1 Restated Articles of Incorporation of Eye Care Centers of
America Inc. (a)
3.2 Statement of Resolution of the Board of Directors of Eye Care
Centers of America, Inc. designating a series of Preferred
Stock. (a)
3.3 Amended and Restated By-laws of Eye Care Centers of America,
Inc. (a)
4.1 Indenture dated as of April 24, 1998 among Eye Care Centers of
America, Inc., the Guarantors named therein and United States
Trust Company of New York, as Trustee for the 9 1/8% Senior
Subordinated Notes Due 2008 and Floating Interest Rate
Subordinated Term Securities. (a)
4.2 Form of Fixed Rate Exchange Note (included in Exhibit 4.1
Hereto). (a)
4.3 Form of Floating Rate Exchange Note (included in Exhibit 4.1
Hereto). (a)
4.4 Form of Guarantee (included in Exhibit 4.1 hereto). (a)
4.5 Registration Rights Agreement dated April 24, 1998 between Eye
Care Centers of America, Inc., the subsidiaries of the Company
named as guarantors therein, BT Alex. Brown Incorporated and
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated. (a)
10.1 Form of Stockholders' Agreement dated as of April 24, 1998 by
and among Eye Care of America, Inc. and the shareholders listed
therein. (a)
10.2 1998 Stock Option Plan. (a)
47
10.3 Amended and Restated Deferred Stock Plan of Eye Care Centers of
America, Inc. (a)
10.4 Employment Agreement dated April 24, 1998 by and between Eye
Care Centers of America, Inc. and Bernard W. Andrews. (a)
10.5 Stock Option Agreement dated April 24, 1998 by and between
Bernard W. Andrews and Eye Care Centers of America, Inc. (a)
10.6 Form of Employment Agreement dated January 1, 1998 between Eye
Care Centers of America, Inc. and George Gebhardt. (a)
10.7 Employment Agreement dated March 24, 1997 between Eye Care
Centers of America, Inc. and Michele Benoit. (a)
10.8 Management Agreement, dated as of April 24, 1998, by and
between Thomas H. Lee Company and Eye Care Centers of America,
Inc. (a)
10.9 Retail Business Management Agreement, dated September 30, 1997,
by and between Dr. Samit's Hour Eyes Optometrist, P.C., a
Virginia professional corporation, and Visionary Retail
Management, Inc., a Delaware corporation. + (a)
10.10 Professional Business Management Agreement dated September 30,
1997, by and between Dr. Samit's Hour Eyes Optometrists, P.C.,
a Virginia professional corporation, and Visionary MSO, Inc., a
Delaware corporation. + (a)
10.11 Contract for Purchase and Sale dated May 29, 1997 by and
between Eye Care Centers of America, Inc. and JDB Real
Properties, Inc. (a)
10.11 Contract for Purchase and Sale dated May 29, 1997 by and
between Eye Care Centers of America, Inc. and JDB Real
Properties, Inc. (a)
10.12 Amendment to Contract for Purchase and Sale dated July 3, 1997
by and between Eye Care Centers of America, Inc. and JDB Real
Properties, Inc. (a)
10.13 Second Amendment to Contract for Purchase and Sale dated July
10, 1997 by and between Eye Care Centers of America, Inc. and
JDB Real Properties, Inc. (a)
10.14 Third Amendment to Contract for Purchase and Sale by and
between Eye Care Centers of America, Inc., John D. Byram,
Dallas Mini #262. Ltd. and Dallas Mini #343, Ltd. (a)
10.15 Commercial Lease Agreement dated August 19, 1997 by and between
John D. Byram, Dallas Mini #262, Ltd. and Dallas Mini #343,
Ltd. And Eye Care Centers of America, Inc. (a)
10.16 1997 Incentive Plan for Key Management. (a)
10.17 1998 Incentive Plan for Key Management. (a)
48
10.18 Employment Agreement and Noncompetition Agreement, dated
December 31, 1996 by and between Eye Care Centers of America,
Inc. and Gary D. Hahs, together with letter, dated November 21,
1997, regarding extension of term. (a)
10.19 Master Lease Agreement, dated August 12, 1997, by and between
Pacific Financial Company and Eye Care Centers of America,
Inc., together with all amendments, riders and schedules
thereto. (a)
10.20 Credit Agreement, dated as of April 23, 1998, among Eye Care
Centers of America, Inc., Various Lenders, Bankers Trust
Company, as Administrative Agent, and Merrill Lynch Capital
Corporation, as Syndication Agent. (a)
10.21 Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 24, 1998, by and among
Eye Care Centers of America, Inc., the subsidiaries of Eye Care
Centers of America, Inc. named therein, BT Alex. Brown
Incorporated and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated. (a)
10.22 Secured Promissory Note, dated April 24, 1998, issued by
Bernard W. Andrews in favor of Eye Care Centers of America,
Inc. (a)
10.23 Form of Eye Care Centers of America, Inc. standard managed care
contract. (a)
10.24 Employment Agreement, dated July 8, 1998, by and between Eye
Care Centers of America, Inc. and David E. McComas. (a)
10.25 Employment Agreement, dated November 2, 1998, by and between
Eye Care Centers of America, Inc. and Alan E. Wiley. (a)
10.26 Retail Business Management Agreement, dated October 1, 1998, by
and between Visionary Retail Management, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, and Dr. Mark Lynn & Associates, PLLC, a Kentucky
professional limited liability company. + (b)
10.27 Professional Business Management Agreement, dated October 1,
1998, by and between Visionary MSO, Inc., a Delaware
Corporation, and Dr. Mark Lynn & Associates, PLLC, a Kentucky
professional limited liability company. + (b)
10.28 Form of Stock Option Agreement. (e)
12.1 Statement re Computation of Ratios (e)
21.1 List of subsidiaries of Eye Care Centers of America, Inc. (e)
24.1 Powers of Attorney (contained on the signature pages of this
report). (e)
27.1 Financial Data Schedule. (e)
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49
- ---------
+ Portions of this Exhibit have been omitted pursuant to an
application for an order declaring confidential treatment filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission.
(a) Incorporated by reference from the Registration Statement on Form
S-4 (File No. 333 - 56551).
(b) Previously provided with, and incorporated by reference from, the
Company's annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January
2,1999.
(c) Previously provided with, and incorporated by reference from, the
Company's quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July
3,1999.
(d) Previously, provided with, and incorporated by reference from, the
Company's quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
October 2,1999.
(e) Filed herewith.
(b) The Company filed no current reports on Form 8-K with the Securities and
Exchange Commission during the thirteen weeks ended January 1, 2000.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION TO BE FURNISHED WITH REPORTS FILED PURSUANT TO SECTION
15(D) OF THE ACT BY REGISTRANTS WHICH HAVE NOT REGISTERED SECURITIES PURSUANT TO
SECTION 12 OF THE ACT.
No annual report or proxy materials have been sent to security holders of the
Company.
48
50
SIGNATURES
PURSUANT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934, THE REGISTRANT HAS DULY CAUSED THIS REPORT TO BE SIGNED ON
ITS BEHALF BY THE UNDERSIGNED, THEREUNTO DULY AUTHORIZED, IN THE CITY OF SAN
ANTONIO, STATE OF TEXAS, ON MARCH 13, 2000.
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
By: /S/ BERNARD W. ANDREWS
------------------------------
BERNARD W. ANDREWS
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD AND
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Bernard W. Andrews and Alan E. Wiley and each of
them, with the power to Act without the other, his true and lawful
attorney-in-fact and agent, with full power of substitution and resubstitution,
for him or in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to sign any
and all amendments to this report, and to file the same, with all exhibits
thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each
of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every Act and thing
requisite or necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all
intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their
or his substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1934, this report has
been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates
indicated.
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
Chairman of the Board and
/S/ Bernard W. Andrews Chief Executive Officer March 13, 2000
- ----------------------- (Principal Executive Officer)
BERNARD W. ANDREWS
Executive Vice President and
/S/ Alan E. Wiley Chief Financial Officer March 13, 2000
- ------------------------- (Principal Financial and
ALAN E. WILEY Accounting Officer)
/S/ Norman S. Matthews Director March 13, 2000
- -------------------------
NORMAN S. MATTHEWS
/S/ Antoine G. Treuille Director March 13, 2000
- -------------------------
ANTOINE G. TREUILLE
/S/ Anthony J. DiNovi Director March 13, 2000
- -------------------------
ANTHONY J. DINOVI
/S/ Warren C. Smith, Jr. Director March 13, 2000
- -------------------------
WARREN C. SMITH, JR.
/S/ Charles A. Brizius Director March 13, 2000
- -------------------------
CHARLES A. BRIZIUS
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51
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Report of Independent Auditors F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets at January 2, 1999 and January 1, 2000 F-3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended January 3, 1998,
January 2, 1999 and January 1, 2000 F-4
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity/(Deficit) as of
January 3, 1998, January 2, 1999 and January 1, 2000 F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended January 3, 1998,
January 2, 1999 and January 1, 2000 F-7
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements F-9
Schedule II - Consolidated Valuation and Qualifying Accounts - For the
Years Ended January 3, 1998, January 2, 1999, and January 1, 2000 F-48
52
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Board of Directors and Shareholders
Eye Care Centers of America, Inc.
San Antonio, Texas
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Eye Care Centers
of America, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of January 1, 2000 and January 2, 1999, and
the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders'
equity/(deficit), and cash flows for the fiscal years ended January 1, 2000,
January 2, 1999, and January 3, 1998. Our audits also included the financial
statement schedule listed in the index at Item 14. These financial statements
and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and
schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted
in the United States. Those standards 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. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Eye
Care Centers of America, Inc. and Subsidiaries at January 1, 2000 and January 2,
1999, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for
the fiscal years ended January 1, 2000, January 2, 1999, and January 3, 1998, in
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedules, when considered
in relation to the basic financial statements taken as whole, present fairly in
all material respects the information set forth therein.
Ernest & Young LLP
San Antonio, Texas
March 3, 2000
F-2
53
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE)
JANUARY 2, JANUARY 1,
1999 2000
---------- ----------
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,127 $ 2,955
Accounts and notes receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $559
in 1998 and $1,471 in 1999 6,453 11,215
Inventory, less reserves of $852 in 1998 and $700 in 1999 26,977 30,146
Prepaid expenses and other 2,286 1,514
Deferred income taxes 391 446
--------- ---------
Total current assets 41,234 46,276
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of
$58,134 in 1998 and $74,053 in 1999 68,118 74,489
Intangibles, net of accumulated amortization of $10,344 in 1998 and $15,702 in
1999 102,459 129,908
Other assets 11,096 11,005
--------- ---------
Total Assets $ 222,907 $ 261,678
========= =========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 20,921 $ 22,773
Current portion of long-term debt 3,578 10,799
Deferred revenue 5,331 6,132
Accrued payroll expense 2,788 4,832
Accrued interest 3,347 3,584
Other accrued expenses 8,186 10,573
--------- ---------
Total current liabilities 44,151 58,693
Deferred income taxes 391 446
Long-term debt, less current maturities 242,945 272,968
Deferred rent 3,246 3,599
Deferred gain 2,175 2,467
--------- ---------
Total liabilities 292,908 338,173
--------- ---------
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' deficit:
Common stock, par value $.01 per share; 20,000,000 shares authorized;
issued and outstanding 7,451,030 in 1998 and 7,426,945 in 1999 75 74
Preferred stock, par value $.01 per share, 300,000 shares authorized, issued
and outstanding in 1998 and 1999 32,793 37,268
Additional paid-in capital 60,958 55,738
Accumulated deficit (163,827) (169,575)
--------- ---------
Total shareholders' deficit (70,001) (76,495)
--------- ---------
$ 222,907 $ 261,678
========= =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
financial statements
F-3
54
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE)
FISCAL YEAR ENDED
------------------------------------------
JANUARY 3, JANUARY 2, JANUARY 1,
1998 1999 2000
---------- ---------- ----------
Revenues:
Optical sales $ 218,958 $ 235,236 $ 290,789
Management fees 653 2,615 3,006
--------- --------- ---------
Net revenues 219,611 237,851 293,795
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold 77,134 80,636 98,184
Selling, general and administrative expenses 120,319 132,390 170,146
Recapitalization and other expenses -- 25,803 --
Amortization of intangibles:
Goodwill 2,722 3,552 4,994
Noncompete and other intangibles 148 153 659
--------- --------- ---------
Total operating costs and expenses 200,323 242,534 273,983
--------- --------- ---------
Income (loss) from operations 19,288 (4,683) 19,812
Interest expense, net 13,738 19,159 24,685
In-substance defeased bonds interest expense, net -- 2,418 --
--------- --------- ---------
Income (loss) before income taxes 5,550 (26,260) (4,873)
Income tax expense 335 13 384
--------- --------- ---------
Net income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in
accounting principle and extraordinary item 5,215 (26,273) (5,257)
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle -- -- 491
Extraordinary loss on early extinguishment of
long-term debt -- 8,355 --
--------- --------- ---------
Net income (loss) $ 5,215 $ (34,628) $ (5,748)
========= ========= =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
financial statements.
F-4
55
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY/(DEFICIT)
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE)
Total
Additional Shareholders'
Common Stock Paid-In Preferred Accumulated Equity
Shares Amount Capital Stock (Deficit) (Deficit)
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------- ------------
Balance at December 28, 1996 1,008,548 $ 10 $ 31,864 $ -- $ (28,342) $ 3,532
Proceeds from deferred stock
compensation plan -- -- 179 -- -- 179
Purchase of deferred stock shares -- -- (96) -- -- (96)
Stock options exercised 3,000 -- 195 -- -- 195
Dividends accrued on mandatorily
redeemable preferred stock -- -- (897) -- -- (897)
Net income -- -- -- -- 5,215 5,215
---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Balance at January 3, 1998 1,011,548 $ 10 $ 31,245 $ -- $ (23,127) $ 8,128
Dividends accrued on mandatorily
redeemable preferred stock -- -- (268) -- -- (268)
Repurchase of common stock and
conversion of options and warrants
as a part of the recapitalization (1,011,548) 10 (30,977) -- (98,198) (129,185)
Common stock issued as a part of the
recapitalization 565,923 6 70,684 -- -- 70,690
Rollover of shares of common stock to
common stock and preferred stock
as a part of the recapitalization 45,030 -- 5,624 2,250 (7,874) --
Common stock issued for shareholder
loan as a part of the recapitalization 8,005 -- -- -- -- --
Preferred stock issuance as a part of
the recapitalization -- -- -- 27,750 -- 27,750
Recapitalization fees -- -- (12,733) -- -- (12,733)
Stock split 6,808,538 68 (68) -- -- --
Dividends accrued on preferred stock -- -- (2,793) 2,793 -- --
Stock buyback (19,680) -- (205) -- -- (205)
Issuance of common stock 43,227 1 449 -- -- 450
Net loss -- -- -- (34,628) (34,628)
F-5
56
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY/(DEFICIT) (CONTINUED)
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE)
Total
Additional Shareholders'
Common Stock Paid-In Preferred Accumulated Equity
Shares Amount Capital Stock (Deficit) (Deficit)
------------ --------- ------------ ---------- ------------- -------------
Balance at January 2, 1999 7,451,030 $ 75 $ 60,958 $ 32,793 $ (163,827) $(70,001)
------------ ------- ----------- --------- ------------ --------
Dividends accrued on preferred stock (4,475) 4,475 --
Interest receivable on loan to (164) (164)
shareholder
Distribution to affiliated OD (331) (331)
Stock buyback (42,266) (1) (439) (440)
Issuance of common stock 18,181 -- 189 189
Net loss (5,748) (5,748)
------------ -------- ----------- --------- ------------ --------
Balance at January 1, 2000 7,426,945 $ 74 $ 55,738 $ 37,268 $ (169,575) $(76,495)
============ ======== =========== ========= ============ ========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
financial statements
F-6
57
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE)
FISCAL YEAR ENDED
---------------------------------------------------
JANUARY 3, JANUARY 2, JANUARY 1,
1998 1999 2000
---------- ---------- ----------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss) $ 5,215 $(34,628) $ (5,748)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Depreciation 12,131 12,345 16,610
Amortization of intangibles 2,870 3,705 5,653
Other amortization 983 1,578 1,551
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle -- -- 491
Amortization of deferred gain (53) (159) (455)
Deferred revenue 232 654 801
Deferred rent 602 204 353
Other (125) (515) (176)
(Gain) loss on disposition of property and equipment (120) 633 725
Expenses to affect capital lease retirement -- -- (431)
Extraordinary loss on early extinguishment of long- -- 8,355 --
term debt
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts and notes receivable (1,667) (189) (3,678)
Inventory 951 68 319
Prepaid expenses and other (2,848) 1,168 (1,408)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (2,655) 6,974 647
-------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by operating activities 15,516 193 15,254
-------- -------- --------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of property and equipment (9,470) (20,656) (19,920)
Net outflow for the VTO Retail Acquisition -- -- (38,845)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment 5,731 1,196 100
Purchase of retail outlet -- -- (368)
Payment received on notes receivable 375 177 177
Net outflow for The Samit Group, Inc. (17,462) -- --
Net outflow for the Bizer acquisition -- (33,042) --
Purchase of investment securities - restricted -- (76,618) --
Maturity of investment securities - restricted -- 78,400 --
-------- -------- --------
Net cash used in investing activities (20,826) (50,543) (58,856)
-------- -------- --------
F-7
58
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE)
FISCAL YEAR ENDED
------------------------------------------
JANUARY 3, JANUARY 2, JANUARY 1,
1998 1999 2000
---------- ---------- ----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments related to deferred compensation $ (96) $ -- $ --
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 9,000 234,611 48,618
Distribution to affiliated OD -- -- (331)
Proceeds from the stock option exercises 195 -- --
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock -- 71,140 189
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock -- 27,750 --
Payments related to debt issuance -- (11,153) (875)
Payments to retire mandatorily redeemable preferred stock -- (12,385) --
Redemption of common stock -- (129,390) --
Stock buyback -- (440)
Recapitalization fees -- (12,773) --
Payments on debt and capital leases (7,440) (112,917) (5,731)
Proceeds from deferred stock compensation plan 179 -- --
Payment of call premium -- (4,200) --
Payment of in-substance defeased bonds interest expense, net -- (2,418) --
--------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by financing activities 1,838 48,305 41,430
--------- --------- ---------
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (3,472) (2,045) (2,172)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 10,644 7,172 5,127
--------- --------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 7,172 $ 5,127 $ 2,955
========= ========= =========
Supplemental cash flow disclosures:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest $ 13,580 $ 17,781 $ 22,660
Taxes 160 -- 505
Noncash investing and financing activities:
Additions of property and equipment 495 588 1,476
Dividends accrued on mandatorily redeemable cumulative
preferred stock 897 268 --
Dividends accrued on preferred stock -- 2,793 4,475
Adjustment of Visionworks property and equipment to fair
market value 4,684 -- --
Adjustment of Hour Eyes property and equipment to fair
market value -- 43 --
Rollover of common stock to common stock as a part of the
recapitalization -- 5,624 --
Rollover of common stock to Preferred Stock as a part of the
recapitalization -- 2,250 --
Loan to shareholder to acquire common stock -- 1,000 --
Adjustment of noncompete agreement to goodwill -- 735 --
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated
financial statements
F-8
59
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE)
1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND ORGANIZATION
Description of Business. Eye Care Centers of America, Inc. (the "Company")
operates optical retail stores which sell prescription eyewear, contact lenses,
sunglasses and ancillary optical products, and feature on-site laboratories. The
Company's operations are located in 32 states, primarily in the Pacific
Northwest, Southwest, Midwest and Southeast, in the Mid-Atlantic States and
along the Gulf and East Coasts.
Organization. On March 6, 1998, ECCA Merger Corp. ("Merger Corp."), a
Delaware corporation formed by Thomas H. Lee Company ("THL Co."), and the
Company entered into a recapitalization agreement (the "Recapitalization
Agreement") providing for, among other things, the merger of such corporation
with and into the Company (the "Merger" and, together with the financing of the
recapitalization and related transactions described below, the
"Recapitalization"). Upon consummation of the Recapitalization on April 24,
1998, Thomas H. Lee Equity Fund IV, L.P. ("THL Fund IV") and other affiliates of
THL Co. (collectively with THL Fund IV and THL Co., "THL") owned approximately
89.7% of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the Company
("Common Stock"), existing shareholders (including management) of the Company
retained approximately 7.3% of the issued and outstanding Common Stock and
management purchased additional shares representing approximately 3.0% of the
issued and outstanding Common Stock.
The Company financed the Recapitalization with (a) the proceeds from the
offering of $150.0 million aggregate principal amount of its senior subordinated
notes due 2008, consisting of $100.0 million aggregate principal amount of its
9 1/8% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008 (the "Fixed Rate Notes") and $50.0
million aggregate principal amount of its Floating Interest Rate Subordinated
Term Securities due 2008 (the "Floating Rate Notes" and, together with the Fixed
Rate Notes, the "Initial Notes") (b) approximately $55.0 million of borrowings
under the New Credit Facility (defined herein) and (c) approximately $99.4
million from the sale of capital stock to THL, Bernard W. Andrews and other
members of management (the "Equity Contribution") consisting of (i)
approximately $71.7 million from the sale of Common Stock and (ii) approximately
$27.7 million from the sale of shares of a newly created series of preferred
stock of the Company ("New Preferred Stock"). Additionally, existing
shareholders rolled over $7.9 million in Common Stock and New Preferred Stock.
The proceeds from such bank borrowings, the sale of the Notes, and the Equity
Contribution was used principally to finance the conversion into cash of the
shares of Common Stock which were not retained by existing shareholders, to
refinance certain existing indebtedness of the
F-9
60
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE)
Company, to redeem certain outstanding preferred stock of the Company and to pay
related fees and expenses of the Recapitalization.
In connection with the Recapitalization, the Company in-substance defeased
its previously issued 12% Senior Notes due 2003 (the "Senior Notes") by
depositing with the trustee for the Senior Notes (i) an irrevocable notice of
redemption of the Senior Notes on October 1, 1998 and (ii) United States
government securities in an amount necessary to yield on October 1, 1998 $78.4
million, which constitutes the principal amount, premium and interest payable on
the Senior Notes on the October 1, 1998 redemption date. The bonds were defeased
on October 1, 1998 and the Company recorded an extraordinary charge of $4.2
million on the statement of operations for defeasance costs during the third
quarter related to the call premium on the bonds. Additionally, an extraordinary
loss of $4.2 million related to the write-off of unamortized deferred loan costs
related to the early extinguishment of debt was recorded as part of the
Recapitalization.
As a result of the Recapitalization, the Company incurred approximately
$25.1 million of non-recurring expenses. These expenses consisted of
compensation expense recorded in connection with the exercise of employee stock
options and other transaction related expenses. Additionally, the Company
incurred approximately $0.7 million in connection with a point-of-sale system
write-off.
Effective April 24, 1998, the Board of Directors of the Company authorized
a twelve-for-one stock split to shareholders of record on that date. The par
value of the Common Stock remained at $0.01. The stock split had no effect on
the percentage ownership of shareholders.
Recent Acquisitions. On September 27, 1996 ("Visionworks Acquisition") the
Company acquired all of the outstanding shares of the capital stock of
Visionworks Holdings, Inc. ("VHI"). At the time of the acquisition, VHI was a 60
store optical retailer located along the Atlantic Coast from Florida to
Washington, D.C. with 49 superstores and 11 optical centers located near Eckerd
Corporation drug stores. The Visionworks Acquisition price of $61.5 million was
financed through (i) the issuance of $11.0 million in mandatorily redeemable
preferred stock plus nondetachable warrants to purchase 150,000 shares of common
stock of the Company, (ii) borrowing under an amended and restated credit
facility agreement of $40.0 million, (iii) existing cash from the Company and
(iv) the assumption of a capital lease with Eckerd Corporation.
The Visionworks Acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of
accounting. Accordingly, a portion of the purchase price was allocated to the
identifiable
F-10
61
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE)
net assets acquired based on their estimated fair values with the balance of the
purchase price, $38.6 million, included in goodwill. The cost in excess of net
assets of the business acquired is being amortized over 25 years. Results of
operations for this acquired entity were included in the Company's operating
results from the date of acquisition.
Effective September 30, 1997, the Company acquired The Samit Group, Inc.
and its subsidiaries (collectively, "TSGI"), with ten stores in Maryland and
Washington, D.C., and certain of the assets of Hour Eyes Doctors of Optometry,
P.C., a Virginia professional corporation formerly known as Dr. Samit's Hour
Eyes Optometrist, P.C. (the "PC"), and simultaneously entered into long-term
management agreements with the PC to manage the PC's twelve stores in Virginia
(collectively, the "Hour Eyes Acquisition"). Results of operations for TSGI
were included in the Company's operating results from the date of acquisition.
As a result of the agreement with the PC, the Company records a management fee
but does not include the results of operations from the twelve Virginia stores
in the Company's consolidated results of operations. The acquisition cost to the
Company was $22.25 million less TSGI's acquisition date liabilities. The Hour
Eyes Acquisition was financed through (i) borrowing under the Amended Credit
Facility (defined herein) of $9.0 million and (ii) existing cash from the
Company.
The Hour Eyes Acquisition, which occurred during the fourth quarter of
1997, was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. Accordingly, a
portion of the purchase price was allocated to the identifiable net assets
acquired based on their estimated fair values with the balance of the purchase
price, $17.8 million, included in goodwill. Included in identifiable net assets
acquired is a management agreement being amortized over 25 years and a
noncompete agreement being amortized over three years. The cost in excess of
identifiable net assets of the business acquired is being amortized over 25
years.
On September 30, 1998, the Company acquired (the "Bizer Acquisition")
substantially all of the assets, properties and rights (collectively, the
"Assets") of Dr. Bizer's VisionWorld, PLLC and its affiliates: Doctor's
ValuVision, PLLC; Bizer Enterprises, LLC; Bizer Service Company, LLC; Eye Care
Associates, PLLC; Optical Processors, LLC; The Eye Surgery Center, PSC; American
Vision Administrators, LLC; and Vision for Less of Kentucky, Inc. (collectively,
the "Bizer Entities"). Each of the Bizer Entities is engaged in the business of
providing optometric and ophthalmologic services, selling optical goods and
providing other related services in Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana and Missouri.
Simultaneously with the Bizer Acquisition, the Company entered into long-term
business management agreements with a certain private optometrist ("Bizer OD")
to manage the stores. Based on the terms of this agreement, the
F-11
62
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE)
Company includes the results of operations for the Bizer OD in the Company's
operating results from the date of acquisition. The aggregate cash consideration
paid by the Company in the Bizer Acquisition was $32.3 million. The Bizer
Acquisition was financed through borrowings under the Company's Acquisition
Facility (defined herein) and $3.0 million of the Company's existing cash.
The Bizer Acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of
accounting. Accordingly, a portion of the purchase price was allocated to the
identifiable net assets acquired based on their estimated fair values with the
balance of the purchase price, $30.3 million, included in goodwill. Included in
identifiable net assets acquired is a noncompete agreement being amortized over
five years. The cost in excess of identifiable net assets acquired is being
amortized over 25 years on a straight-line basis.
On August 31, 1999, the Company acquired from Vision Twenty-One, Inc.
("Vision Twenty-One") and its subsidiary, The Complete Optical Laboratory, Ltd.,
Corp. (the "Subsidiary"), substantially all of the assets used to operate 76
retail eyewear outlets pursuant to that certain Asset Purchase Agreement, dated
July 7, 1999, by and among the Company, Vision Twenty-One and the Subsidiary
(the "VTO Retail Acquisition"). As a result of this acquisition, the Company
(through its subsidiaries) (i) owns and operates 39 stores under the name
"Vision World" in Minnesota, North Dakota, Iowa, South Dakota, and Wisconsin and
18 stores under the name "Stein Optical" in Wisconsin, and (ii) manages 19
stores under the name "Eye Drx" in New Jersey pursuant to a business management
agreement with a private optometrist ("VTO Retail OD" and together with Bizer
OD, "ODs"). Based on the terms of this agreement, the results of operations for
the Bizer OD been included in the Company's operating results from the date of
acquisition.
The aggregate cash consideration paid at the closing by the Company to
Vision Twenty-One and the Subsidiary in the VTO Retail Acquisition was $36.4
million. Subsequent transaction expenses of approximately $2.4 million were
incurred related to this acquisition. The Company utilized its existing $100.0
million Acquisition Facility (defined herein) to finance the transaction.
The VTO Retail Acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method
of accounting. Accordingly, a portion of the purchase price has been
preliminarily allocated to the identifiable net assets acquired based on their
estimated fair values with the balance of the purchase price included in
goodwill. Included in identifiable net assets acquired is a noncompete and a
strategic alliance agreement being amortized over three years. The
F-12
63
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE)
cost in excess of identifiable net assets acquired is being amortized over 25
years on a straight-line basis.
The Company entered into the strategic alliance agreement with Vision
Twenty-One simultaneously with the closing and it involves their respective
managed care programs, optometry and ophthalmology practices and the
co-marketing of Vision Twenty-One's refractive surgery program. On October 25,
1999, Vision Twenty-One announced it has developed an initial plan to
substantially exit the business of managing practices of optometry and
ophthalmology and the discontinuation of select managed care contracts that are
not consistent with the business plan. Additionally, Vision Twenty-One announced
in January 2000 that it has agreed to a merger with Opticare Health Systems
Inc., subject to shareholder approval from both companies. Vision Twenty-One
currently manages 21 optometric practices in Florida, 9 in Arizona and 6 in
Texas which are located within or adjacent to the Company's stores. In light
of the foregoing, the status of the strategic alliance with Vision Twenty-One
and the impact on the Company's stores located adjacent to the optometric
practices managed by Vision Twenty-One is uncertain.
Assuming the VTO Retail Acquisition consummated on August 31, 1999 and the
Bizer Acquisition consummated on September 30, 1998 had occurred at the
beginning of fiscal year 1998 the consolidated pro forma results of operations
(unaudited) would have shown the following results:
FISCAL FISCAL
1998 1999
--------- ---------
Revenues $ 320,533 $ 332,090
Net loss before accounting change and extraordinary item (26,700) (7,854)
Net loss (35,055) (8,345)
Such pro forma amounts are not necessarily indicative of what actual
consolidated results of operations might have been if the acquisition had been
effective at the beginning of such fiscal years nor should such results be
deemed predictive of future results of operations.
2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of Presentation. The financial statements include the accounts of the
Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Enclave Advancement Group, Inc.
("EAGI"), ECCA Managed Vision Care, Inc. ("MVC"), VisionWorks Holdings, Inc.
("VHI"), Eye Care Holdings, Inc ("Holdings") and the affiliated ODs. All
significant intercompany accounts
F-13
64
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE)
and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain
reclassifications have been made to the prior period statements to conform to
the current period presentation.
Use of Estimates. In preparing financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles, management is required to make
estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported
amount of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and
liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenses
during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Reporting Periods. The Company uses a 52/53-week reporting format. The
fiscal years ended 1998 and 1999 consisted of 52 weeks. The fiscal year ended
1997 consisted of 53 weeks.
Segment Disclosure. As of January 4, 1998, the Company adopted FASB No.
131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information
("Statement 131"). Statement 131 establishes standards for the way that public
business enterprises report information about operating segments in annual
financial statements and requires that those enterprises report selected
information about operating segments in interim financial reports. Statement 131
also establishes standards for related disclosures about products and services,
geographic areas, and major customers. The adoption of Statement 131 did not
affect results of operations or financial position. Furthermore, the statement
did not affect disclosure of segment information as the Company operates in one
business segment, the optical retail segment.
Foreign Currency Translation. During fiscal year 1998, the U.S. dollar
represented the functional currency of the Mexico subsidiary. During fiscal year
1998, translation gains and losses are included in determining net income and
foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in net income. The
retail Mexico location was sold in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1998 and all
operations of the subsidiary have ceased.
Cash and Cash Equivalents. All short-term investments that mature in less
than 90 days when purchased are considered cash equivalents for purposes of
disclosure in the consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of
cash flows. Cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates market
value.
F-14
65
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE)
Accounts and Notes Receivable. Accounts receivable are primarily from third
party payors related to the sale of eyeware and include receivables from
insurance reimbursements, credit card companies, merchandise, rent and license
fee receivables. Notes receivable are from certain optometrists which have
purchased optical equipment from the Company. Merchandise receivables result
from product returned to vendors pending credit or exchange for new product.
Inventory. Inventory consists principally of eyeglass frames, ophthalmic
lenses and contact lenses and is stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is
determined using the weighted average method which approximates the first-in,
first-out (FIFO) method.
The Company purchases approximately 33% of its frames, 44% of it lenses and
47% of its contacts from two principal vendors in each inventory category and
while these suppliers provide a significant share of the eyewear used by the
Company, eyewear is considered a commodity product and can be purchased from a
number of other vendors on comparable terms. The Company believes its
relationships with its existing vendors are satisfactory.
Prepaid Expenses - Store Preopening Costs. In April 1998, the AICPA issued
Statement of Position 98-5, Reporting on the Costs of Start-Up Activities ("SOP
98-5"). SOP 98-5 requires that start-up costs, including organizational costs,
be expensed as incurred. The SOP broadly defines start-up activities as those
one-time activities related to opening a new facility, introducing a new product
or services, conducting business in a new territory, conducting business with a
new class of customer or beneficiary, initiating a new process in an existing
facility, or commencing some new operation. The Company adopted this SOP for the
fiscal year ended January 1, 2000. The effect of the adoption of the SOP on the
Company's results of operations was a write off of previously capitalized
pre-opening and organization costs of $491, which was reflected as a cumulative
effect of change in accounting principle during the first quarter of fiscal
1999. Additionally, the Company's 1999 charges to operations related to store
opening costs were $467.
Property and Equipment. Property and equipment is recorded at cost. For
property and equipment acquired through acquisitions, balances are adjusted to
reflect their fair market value, as determined by an independent appraisal. For
financial statement purposes, depreciation of building, furniture and equipment
is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of
the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line method over
the shorter of the life of the lease or the estimated useful lives of the
assets. Depreciation of capital leased assets is
F-15
66
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE)
included in depreciation expense and is calculated using the straight-line
method over the term of the lease.
Estimated useful lives are as follows:
Building 20 years
Furniture and equipment 3 to 10 years
Leasehold improvements 5 to 10 years
Maintenance and repair costs are charged to expense as incurred.
Expenditures for significant betterments are capitalized.
Intangibles. Intangibles principally consist of the amounts of excess
purchase price over the market value of acquired net assets ("goodwill"),
management agreements, noncompete agreements, and a strategic alliance
agreement. Goodwill is being amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of
25 years. The noncompete agreement intangibles, which are related to the Hour
Eyes Acquisition, the Bizer Acquisition and the VTO Retail Acquisition, are
being amortized over the life of the agreements on a straight-line basis.
Other Assets. Other assets consist primarily of deferred debt financing
costs associated with the Recapitalization. These costs are being amortized into
expense over the life of the associated debt.
Long-Lived Assets. Periodically, the Company evaluates the realizability of
long-lived assets, including intangibles, based upon expectations of
nondiscounted cash flows and operating income. If non-discounted cash flows and
operating income is negative for a period of time, depending on the nature of
the long-lived asset, the Company assesses the recoverability of the asset based
on current market prices and discounted future cash flows; and if impairment is
indicated, the asset is written down to the estimated market value through
operations. Based upon its most recent analysis, the Company believes that no
impairment of long-lived assets exists at January 1, 2000.
Deferred Revenue - Replacement Certificates and Warranty Contracts. At the
time of a frame sale, some customers purchase a warranty contract covering frame
defects or damage during the 12-month period subsequent to the date of the sale.
F-16
67
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE)
Revenue relating to these contracts is deferred and recognized on a
straight-line basis over the life of the warranty contract (one year). Costs
incurred to fulfill the warranty are expensed when incurred. Certain frame
purchases include a one-year warranty period without requiring the separate
purchase of a warranty contract. Reserves are established for the expected cost
of repair related to these frame sales. At the end of fiscal 1998 and 1999, the
Company has established a reserve of approximately $392 and $484, respectively,
related to these warranties which is included in other accrued expenses on the
accompanying balance sheet.
Income Taxes. The Company records income taxes under FASB No. 109 using the
liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are
determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of
assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws
that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse.
Revenue Recognition. Sales and related costs are recognized by the Company
upon the sale of products at company-owned retail locations. Licensing fees
collected from independent optometrists for using the Company's trade name
"Master Eye Associates," insurance premiums and management fees are recognized
when earned. Historically, the Company's highest sales occur in the first and
third quarters.
Advertising Costs. Advertising costs of the Company include costs related
to broadcast and print media advertising expenses. The Company expenses
production costs and media advertising costs the first time the advertising
takes place. For the fiscal years ended 1997, 1998 and 1999, advertising costs
amounted to approximately $24,611, $23,816 and $26,860, respectively.
Interest Expense, Net. Interest expense, net consists of the following:
YEAR-ENDED
----------------------------------
JANUARY 3, JANUARY 2, JANUARY 1,
1998 1999 2000
---------- ---------- ----------
Interest expense $ 14,380 $ 23,804 $ 25,092
Interest income (642) (2,227) (407)
-------- --------- --------
Interest expense, net $ 13,738 $ 21,577 $ 24,685
======== ========= ========
F-17
68
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE)
Stock Based Compensation. The Company grants stock options for a fixed
number of shares to employees with an exercise price equal to the fair value of
the shares at the date of grant. In accordance with FASB No. 123, "Accounting
for Stock-Based Compensation," the Company has continued to account for stock
option grants in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock
Issues to Employees," and, accordingly, recognized no compensation expense for
the stock option grants.
Comprehensive Income. As of January 4, 1998, the Company adopted FASB No.
130, Reporting Comprehensive Income ("Statement 130"). Statement 130 establishes
new rules for the reporting and display of comprehensive income and its
components; however, the adoption of Statement 130 had no impact on the
Company's net income or shareholders' equity (deficit). There were no other
components of comprehensive income other than net income (loss).
Derivatives. Derivatives are used to hedge interest rate exposure by
modifying the interest rate characteristics of related balance sheet
instruments. The specific criteria for derivatives used for these purposes are
described below. Derivatives used as hedges must be effective at reducing the
risk associated with the exposure being hedged and must be designated as a hedge
at the inception of the derivative contract. Derivatives currently used for
hedging purposes include interest rate swaps. These swap transactions allow
management to structure the interest rate sensitivity of the liability side of
the Company's long-term debt. The fair value of derivative contracts are carried
off-balance sheet and the unrealized gains or losses on derivative contracts are
generally deferred. The interest component associated with derivatives used as
hedges or to modify the interest rate characteristics of liabilities is
recognized over the life of the contract in interest expense. Upon contract
settlement or early termination, the cumulative change in the market value of
such derivatives is recorded as an adjustment to the carrying value of the
underlying liability and recognized in interest expense over the expected
remaining life of the derivative contract. In instances where the underlying
hedge instrument is repaid, the cumulative change in the value of the associated
derivative is recognized immediately in earnings.
F-18
69
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE)
In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued FASB No. 133,
Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, which is required
to be adopted in years beginning after June 15, 1999. In June 1999, FASB No.
137, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities-Deferral of
the Effective Date of FASB 133 (an amendment of FASB 133), was issued, which
delays the required adoption of FASB No. 133 by one year. The statement permits
early adoption as of the beginning of any fiscal quarter after its issuance. The
statement will require the Company to recognize all derivatives on the balance
sheet at fair value. Derivatives that are not hedges must be adjusted to fair
value through income. If the derivative is a hedge, depending on the nature of
the hedge, changes in the fair value of derivatives will either be offset
against the change in fair value of the hedged assets, liabilities, or firm
commitments through earnings or recognized in other comprehensive income until
the hedged item is recognized in earnings. The ineffective portion of a
derivative's change in fair value will be immediately recognized in earnings.
The Company has not yet determined what the effect of FASB No. 133 will have on
the earnings and financial position of the Company.
3. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company and THL Co. entered into a management agreement as of the
closing date of the Recapitalization (the "Management Agreement"), pursuant to
which THL Co. received a financial advisory fee of $6.0 million in connection
with structuring, negotiating and arranging the Recapitalization and related
debt financing. In addition, pursuant to the Management Agreement, THL Co.
received approximately $500 plus expenses in 1998 and 1999 for management and
other consulting services provided to the Company. After a term of ten years
from the closing date, April 24, 1998, the Management Agreement is automatically
renewable on an annual basis unless either party serves notice of termination at
least ninety days prior to the renewal date.
F-19
70
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE)
4. PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER
Prepaid expenses and other consists of the following:
JANUARY 2, JANUARY 1,
1999 2000
---------- ----------
Prepaid insurance $ 787 $ 387
Prepaid store supplies 1,001 821
Other 498 306
--------- -------
$ 2,286 $ 1,514
========= =======
5. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment, net consists of the following:
JANUARY 2, JANUARY 1,
1999 2000
---------- ----------
Land $ 6,000 $ 2,785
Building 3,201 1,563
Furniture and equipment 77,775 91,421
Leasehold improvements 39,276 52,773
-------- --------
126,252 148,542
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (58,134) (74,053)
--------- --------
Property and equipment, net $ 68,118 $ 74,489
======== ========
F-20
71
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE)
6. INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The following is a summary of the components of intangible assets along
with the related accumulated amortization for the fiscal years then ended.
JANUARY 2, JANUARY 1,
1999 2000
---------- ----------
Goodwill and other $ 103,989 $ 133,257
Management agreement 7,988 7,988
Less accumulated amortization (10,148) (14,957)
--------- ---------
Net 101,829 126,288
--------- ---------
Noncompete and strategic alliance agreements 826 4,365
Less accumulated amortization (196) (745)
--------- ---------
Net 630 3,620
--------- ---------
Intangibles, net $ 102,459 $ 129,908
========= =========
7. OTHER ACCRUED EXPENSES
Other accrued expenses consists of the following:
JANUARY 2, JANUARY 1,
1999 2000
---------- ----------
Property taxes $ 1,159 $ 405
Professional fees 478 690
Payroll and sales/use taxes 622 1,111
Store expenses 952 885
Insurance 230 1,110
Construction 1,083 --
Advertising 1,598 1,626
Severance and exit fees -- 404
Lease termination fees -- 2,055
Store closures -- 702
Other 2,064 1,585
------- -------
Other accrued expenses $ 8,186 $10,573
======= =======
F-21
72
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE)
8. LONG-TERM DEBT
New Credit Facility. In connection with the Recapitalization, the amounts
owed under the Amended Credit Facility were paid in full and the facility
canceled. Simultaneously, the Company entered into a credit agreement (the "New
Credit Facility") which consists of (i) the $55.0 million term loan facility
(the "Term Loan Facility"); (ii) the $35.0 million revolving credit facility
(the "Revolving Credit Facility"); and (iii) the $100.0 million acquisition
facility (the "Acquisition Facility"). At January 1, 2000, the Company had $52.0
million in term loans outstanding under the Term Loan Facility, $7.5 million
under the Revolving Credit Facility and $69.2 million outstanding under the
Acquisition Facility which funded the Bizer Acquisition and the VTO Retail
Acquisition. Borrowings made under the New Credit Facility bear interest at a
rate equal to, at the Company's option, LIBOR plus 2.25% or the Base Rate (as
defined in the New Credit Facility) plus 1.25%.
The Term Loan Facility matures five years from the closing date of the New
Credit Facility and will amortize quarterly in aggregate annual principal
amounts of approximately $0.0 million, $4.0 million, $12.0 million, $18.0
million, and $21.0 million, respectively, for years one through five after the
closing of the New Credit Facility on April 24, 1998. In addition, the Company
has agreed to guarantee a $1.0 million loan that is related to the long-term
business agreement entered into at the time of the Hour Eyes Acquisition.
Senior Notes. In 1993, the Company issued $70.0 million 12 percent senior
notes with detachable warrants to acquire common stock (the "Warrants"). The
senior notes and the Warrants were offered as Units (the "Units") consisting of
$1,000 principal amount of senior notes and one Warrant to acquire 0.4522 share
of common stock of the Company for no additional consideration. The fair value
of the Warrants at issuance was $600 and this value was recorded in
shareholders' equity/(deficit) with a corresponding discount from the face value
of the senior notes. This discount was accreted to interest expense using the
effective interest method over the life of the debt.
In June 1994, the senior notes discussed above were exchanged for $70.0
million of publicly registered 12% Senior Notes. The Senior Notes contained
substantially the same provisions as the senior notes described above.
In connection with the Recapitalization, the Company in-substance defeased
its previously issued 12% Senior Notes due 2003 by depositing with the trustee
for the
F-22
73
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE)
Senior Notes (i) an irrevocable notice of redemption of the Senior Notes on
October 1, 1998 and (ii) United States government securities in an amount
necessary to yield on October 1, 1998 $78.4 million, which constitutes the
principal amount, premium and interest payable on the Senior Notes on the
October 1, 1998 redemption date. On October 1, 1998, the Senior Notes were
defeased as scheduled and the Company recorded an extraordinary charge of $4.2
million on the statement of operations for defeasance costs during the third
quarter related to the call premium on the bonds.
In connection with the Recapitalization, the Company completed a debt
offering of the Initial Notes, consisting of the Fixed Rate Notes and the
Floating Rate Notes. Interest on the Initial Notes will be payable semiannually
on each May 1 and November 1, commencing on November 1, 1998. Interest on the
Fixed Rate Notes accrues at the rate of 9 1/8% per annum. The Floating Rate
Notes bear interest at a rate per annum, reset semiannually, and equal to LIBOR
plus 3.98%. The Fixed Rate Notes and Floating Rate Notes will not be entitled to
the benefit of any mandatory sinking fund. As discussed in Note 9, on April 24,
1998, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement that converts a
portion of the Floating Rate Notes to a fixed rate.
The Company filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange
Commission with respect to an offer to exchange the Initial Notes for notes
which have terms substantially identical in all material respects to the Initial
Notes, except such notes are freely transferable by the holders thereof and are
issued without any covenant regarding registration (the "Exchange Notes"). The
registration statement was declared effective on January 28, 1999. The exchange
period ended March 4, 1999. The Exchange Notes are the only notes of the Company
which are currently outstanding.
The Exchange Notes are senior uncollateralized obligations of the Company
and will rank pari passu with all other indebtedness of the Company that by its
terms other indebtedness is not subordinate to the Exchange Notes. In connection
with the issuance of the Exchange Notes, the Company incurred approximately
$11.2 million in debt issuance costs. These amounts are classified within other
assets in the accompanying balance sheets and are being amortized over the life
of the Exchange Notes. The unamortized amount of debt issuance costs as of
January 1, 2000 related to the Exchange Notes was $9.6 million.
The Exchange Notes contain various restrictive covenants which apply to
both the Company and the Guarantor Subsidiaries (defined herein), including
limitations on additional indebtedness, restriction on dividends and sale of
assets other than in the normal course of business.
F-23
74
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE)
The New Credit Facility contains additional restrictive covenants including
a limitation on capital requirements, minimum interest coverage, maximum
leverage ratio, minimum net worth and working capital requirements. As of
January 1, 2000 the Company was in compliance with the financial reporting
covenants.
Capital Leases. In connection with the Visionworks Acquisition, the Company
assumed an agreement to sublease land, buildings and equipment at eight
operating locations. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company committed to
purchase such properties for $10.0 million and to pay Eckerd Corporation an
annual interest amount of $1.3 million.
During the second quarter of 1999, a third party paid $8.6 million of the
Company's $10.0 million capital lease obligations to the Eckerd Corporation. The
Company simultaneously leased seven of these same properties under separate
lease agreements, accounting for these transactions as sales leaseback
transactions. The remaining capital lease obligation of $1.4 million under the
original $10.0 million capital lease obligation was renewed as an operating
lease. A gain of $0.5 million has been deferred related to the sales leaseback
transactions.
Additionally, in connection with the Bizer Acquisition, the Company assumed
agreements to sublease equipment at the related operating locations. The Company
has accounted for the equipment subleases and four of the property leases as
capital leases and has recorded the assets, as shown below, and the future
obligations on the balance sheet at $5.4 million. The remaining three property
leases are being accounted for as operating leases.
JANUARY 2, JANUARY 1,
1999 2000
---------- ----------
Land $ 6,000 $ 2,857
Buildings and equipment 5,884 2,606
------- -------
$11,884 $ 5,463
======= =======
F-24
75
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE)
The Company's scheduled future minimum lease payments for the next five
fiscal years under the property and equipment capital leases are as follows:
2000 $ 1,216
2001 1,183
2002 909
2003 613
2004 659
-------
Beyond 2004 2,876
-------
Total minimum lease payments 7,456
-------
Amounts representing interest 1,993
-------
Present value of minimum lease payments $ 5,463
=======
Long-term debt outstanding, including capital lease obligations, consists
of the following:
JANUARY 2, JANUARY 1,
1999 2000
---------- -----------
Exchange Notes, face amount of $150,000,
net of unamortized debt discount of $461
and $407, respectively $ 149,539 $ 149,593
New Credit Facility 85,100 121,211
Capital Lease Obligations 11,884 5,463
Revolving Credit Facility -- 7,500
--------- ---------
246,523 283,767
Less current portion (3,578) (10,799)
--------- ---------
$ 242,945 $ 272,968
========= =========
F-25
76
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE)
Future principal maturities for long-term debt and capital lease
obligations are as follows:
2000 $ 10,799
2001 31,710
2002 40,047
2003 39,171
2004 10,027
Beyond 2004 152,013
---------
Total future principal payments on debt $ 283,767
=========
As of the end of fiscal 1999, the fair value of the Company's Exchange
Notes was approximately $110.0 million and the fair value of the capital lease
obligations was approximately $5.4 million. The estimated fair value of
long-term debt is based primarily on quoted market prices for the same or
similar issues and the estimated fair value of the capital lease obligation is
based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. The carrying amount
of the variable rate New Credit Facility approximates its fair value.
9. INTEREST RATE SWAP
The Company does not hold or issue financial instruments for trading
purposes nor is it a party to leveraged derivatives. The Company uses interest
rate swaps that are "vanilla" and involve little complexity as hedge instruments
to manage interest rate risk.
The counter parties to the Company's derivatives consist of major
international financial institutions. Because of the number of these
institutions and their high credit ratings, management believes these
derivatives do not present significant credit risk to the Company.
WEIGHTED
NOTIONAL AMOUNTS WEIGHTED AVERAGE AVERAGE FLOATING
JANUARY 1, 2000 MATURITY DATE FIXED PAY RATE RECEIVE RATE
---------------- ------------- ---------------------- ----------------
$33.3 million 2000 5.9% 6.1%
$33.3 million 2001 5.9% 6.1%
F-26
77
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE)
Interest rate swap agreements effectively convert floating rates on
long-term debt to fixed rates. The Company's intent is to reduce overall
interest expense while maintaining an acceptable level of risk to interest rate
fluctuations. The swap agreements specifically hedge a portion of both $50.0
million aggregate principle amount of the Company's Floating Interest Rate
Subordinated Term Securities due 2008 and $50.0 million of the Company's Credit
Facility, which consists of (i) the $55.0 million term loan facility; (ii) the
$35.0 million revolving credit facility; and (iii) the $100.0 million
acquisition facility. As market interest rates fluctuate, the unrealized gain or
loss on the swap portfolio moves in relationship to the fair value of the
underlying debt. The Company had an unrealized gain on the interest rate swap
portfolio of $328 as of January 1, 2000. The change in the market value of these
interest rate swaps is not recorded in the financial position or operations of
the Company. Interest to be paid or received is accrued as an adjustment to
interest expense. Upon termination of interest rate swaps, the fair value of the
swaps is recorded through operations. If the hedged item is repaid early, the
Company will evaluate if the swap agreement is to be redesignated or exited.
10. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING INFORMATION
The Exchange Notes described in Note 8 were issued by Eye Care Centers of
America, Inc. ("ECCA") and are guaranteed by EAGI, MVC, VHI and Holdings but are
not guaranteed by ODs. The guarantor subsidiaries are wholly owned by the
Company and the guarantees are full, unconditional and joint and several. The
following condensed consolidating financial information presents the financial
position, results of operations and cash flows of (i) ECCA, as parent, as if it
accounted for its subsidiaries on the equity method, (ii) EAGI, MVC, VHI and
Holdings (the "Guarantor Subsidiaries"), and (iii) ODs. There were no
transactions between the Guarantor Subsidiaries during any of the periods
presented. Separate financial statements of the Guarantor Subsidiaries are not
presented herein as management does not believe that such statements would be
material to investors. Fiscal 1997 is not presented herein as the non-guarantor
ODs were consolidated starting in fiscal 1998 and prior to this date all
subsidiaries were guarantors.
F-27
78
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE)
Consolidating Balance Sheet
January 2, 1999
Guarantor Consolidated
ASSETS Parent Subsidiaries ODs Eliminations Company
--------- ------------ --------- ------------ ------------
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 3,119 $ 1,223 $ 785 $ -- $ 5,127
Accounts and notes receivable 83,553 15,732 1,497 (94,329) 6,453
Inventory 16,210 10,766 1 -- 26,977
Prepaid expenses and other 1,915 331 40 -- 2,286
Deferred income taxes 391 -- -- -- 391
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total current assets 105,188 28,052 2,323 (94,329) 41,234
Property and equipment 38,780 29,338 -- -- 68,118
Intangibles 19,488 82,872 99 -- 102,459
Other assets 10,606 490 -- -- 11,096
Investment in subsidiaries 6,235 -- -- (6,235) --
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total Assets $ 180,297 $ 140,752 $ 2,422 $(100,564) $ 222,907
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 28,803 $ 84,280 $ 2,167 $ (94,329) $ 20,921
Current portion of long-term debt 3,000 578 -- -- 3,578
Deferred revenue 3,497 1,834 -- -- 5,331
Accrued payroll expense 1,415 1,373 -- -- 2,788
Accrued interest 2,953 390 4 -- 3,347
Other accrued expenses 5,345 2,753 88 -- 8,186
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total current liabilities 45,013 91,208 2,259 (94,329) 44,151
Deferred income taxes 391 -- -- -- 391
Long-term debt, less current maturities 201,539 41,306 100 -- 242,945
Deferred rent 2,272 974 -- -- 3,246
Deferred gain 2,175 -- -- -- 2,175
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total liabilities 251,390 133,488 2,359 (94,329) 292,908
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Shareholders' equity/(deficit):
Common stock 75 -- -- -- 75
Preferred stock 32,793 -- -- -- 32,793
Additional paid-in capital 59,866 1,092 -- -- 60,958
Accumulated deficit (163,827) 6,172 63 (6,235) (163,827)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total shareholders' equity/(deficit) (71,093) 7,264 63 (6,235) (70,001)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
$ 180,297 $ 140,752 $ 2,422 $(100,564) $ 222,907
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
F-28
79
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE)
Consolidating Statements of Operations
For the Year Ended January 2, 1999
Guarantor Consolidated
Parent Subsidiaries ODs Eliminations Company
--------- ------------ --------- ------------ ------------
Revenues:
Optical sales $ 147,973 $ 79,545 $ 7,718 $ -- $ 235,236
Management fees 1,438 2,615 -- (1,438) 2,615
Investment earnings in subsidiaries 2,398 -- -- (2,398)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net revenues 151,809 82,160 7,718 (3,836) 237,851
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold 49,314 29,552 1,770 -- 80,636
Selling, general and administrative expenses 83,388 44,558 5,882 (1,438) 132,390
Recapitalization and other expenses 25,819 (16) -- -- 25,803
Amortization of intangibles:
Goodwill 994 2,557 1 -- 3,552
Noncompete and other intangibles -- 153 -- -- 153
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total operating costs and expenses 159,515 76,804 7,653 (1,438) 242,534
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Income (loss) from operations (7,706) 5,356 65 (2,398) (4,683)
Interest expense, net 16,058 3,099 2 -- 19,159
In-substance defeased bonds
Interest expense, net 2,418 -- -- -- 2,418
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Income (loss) before income taxes (26,182) 2,257 63 (2,398) (26,260)
Income tax expense 91 (78) -- -- 13
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net income (loss) before extraordinary item (26,273) 2,335 63 (2,398) (26,273)
Extraordinary loss on early extinguishment of
long-term debt 8,355 -- -- -- 8,355
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net income (loss) $ (34,628) $ 2,335 $ 63 $ (2,398) $ (34,628)
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
F-29
80
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE)
Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the Year Ended January 2, 1999
Guarantor Consolidated
Parent Subsidiaries ODs Eliminations Company
--------- ------------ --------- ------------ ---------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss) $ (34,628) $ 2,335 $ 63 $ (2,398) $ (34,628)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net
Cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation 8,656 3,689 -- -- 12,345
Amortization of intangibles 993 2,711 1 -- 3,705
Other amortization 1,415 163 -- -- 1,578
Amortization of deferred gain (159) -- -- -- (159)
Deferred revenue 494 160 -- -- 654
Deferred rent 99 105 -- -- 204
Other (1,511) 996 -- -- (515)
(Gain) loss on disposition of property and
equipment 775 (142) -- -- 633
Extraordinary loss on early extinguishment of
long-term debt 8,355 -- -- -- 8,355
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts and notes receivable (62,032) (12,959) (64) 74,866 (189)
Inventory 669 (601) -- -- 68
Prepaid expenses and other 661 507 -- -- 1,168
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 21,005 60,835 -- (74,866) 6,974
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities (55,208) 57,799 -- (2,398) 193
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of property and equipment (16,923) (3,733) -- -- (20,656)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment 1,011 185 -- -- 1,196
Payment received on notes receivable 2 175 -- -- 177
Net outflow for the Bizer Acquisition -- (32,942) (100) -- (33,042)
Purchase of investment securities - restricted (76,618) -- -- -- (76,618)
Maturity of investment securities - restricted 78,400 -- -- -- 78,400
Investment in Subsidiaries (2,398) -- -- 2,398 --
Reclass Mexico Retained Earning to Parent (1,997) 1,997 -- -- --
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (18,523) (34,318) (100) 2,398 (50,543)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
F-30
81
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE)
Guarantor Consolidated
Parent Subsidiaries ODs Eliminations Company
--------- ------------ --------- ------------ ----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt $ 204,511 $ 30,000 $ 100 $ -- $ 234,611
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock 71,140 -- -- -- 71,140
Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock 27,750 -- -- -- 27,750
Payments related to debt issuance (11,153) -- -- -- (11,153)
Payments to retire mandatorily redeemable
preferred stock -- (12,385) -- -- (12,385)
Stock buyback (130,775) 1,385 -- -- (129,390)
Recapitalization fees (12,733) -- -- -- (12,733)
Payments on debt and capital leases (70,000) (42,917) -- -- (112,917)
Payment of call premium (4,200) -- -- -- (4,200)
Payment of in-substance defeased bonds
interest expense, net (2,418) -- -- -- (2,418)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 72,122 (23,917) 100 -- 48,305
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (1,609) (436) -- -- (2,045)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 4,728 2,444 -- -- 7,172
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 3,119 $ 2,008 $ -- $ -- $ 5,127
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
F-31
82
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE)
Consolidating Balance Sheet
January 1, 2000
GUARANTOR CONSOLIDATED
ASSETS PARENT SUBSIDIARIES ODS ELIMINATIONS COMPANY
--------- ------------ --------- ------------ ------------
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 862 $ 1,656 $ 437 $ -- $ 2,955
Accounts and notes receivable 111,532 4,146 2,609 (107,072) 11,215
Inventory 16,463 12,330 1,353 -- 30,146
Prepaid expenses and other 1,026 444 44 -- 1,514
Deferred income taxes 446 -- -- -- 446
--------- --------- ------- ---------- ----------
Total current assets 130,329 18,576 4,443 (107,072) 46,276
Property and equipment 44,153 30,336 -- -- 74,489
Intangibles 18,805 111,008 95 -- 129,908
Other assets 9,666 1,339 -- -- 11,005
Investment in subsidiaries 5,514 -- -- (5,514) --
--------- --------- ------- ---------- ----------
Total assets $ 208,467 $ 161,259 $ 4,538 $ (112,586) $ 261,678
========= ========= ======= ========== ==========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' DEFICIT
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 16,899 $ 108,996 $ 3,950 $ (107,072) $ 22,773
Current portion of long-term debt 10,000 799 -- -- 10,799
Deferred revenue 4,213 1,919 -- -- 6,132
Accrued payroll expense 1,884 2,944 4 -- 4,832
Accrued interest 3,134 450 -- -- 3,584
Other accrued expenses 6,615 3,750 208 -- 10,573
--------- --------- ------- ---------- ----------
Total current liabilities 42,745 118,858 4,162 (107,072) 58,693
Deferred income taxes 446 446
Long-term debt, less current maturities 238,211 34,657 100 -- 272,968
Deferred rent 2,472 1,127 -- -- 3,599
Deferred gain 1,849 618 -- -- 2,467
--------- --------- ------- ---------- ----------
Total liabilities 285,723 155,260 4,262 (107,072) 338,173
--------- --------- ------- ---------- ----------
Shareholders' equity/(deficit):
Common stock 74 -- -- -- 74
Preferred stock 37,268 -- -- -- 37,268
Additional paid-in capital 54,977 1,092 (331) -- 55,738
Accumulated deficit (169,575) 4,907 607 (5,514) (169,575)
--------- --------- ------- ---------- ----------
Total shareholders' equity/(deficit) (77,256) 5,999 276 (5,514) (76,495)
--------- --------- ------- ---------- ----------
$ 208,467 $ 161,259 $ 4,538 $ (112,586) $ 261,678
========= ========= ======= ========== ==========
F-32
83
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE)
Consolidating Statements of Operations
For the Year Ended January 1,2000
GUARANTOR CONSOLIDATED
PARENT SUBSIDIARIES ODS ELIMINATIONS COMPANY
--------- ------------ -------- ------------ ------------
Revenues:
Optical sales $ 157,171 $ 93,499 $ 40,119 $ -- $ 290,789
Management fees -- 12,748 -- (9,742) 3,006
Investment earnings in subsidiaries (739) -- -- 739 --
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net revenues 156,432 106,247 40,119 (9,003) 293,795
Operating costs and expenses:
Cost of goods sold 52,437 35,591 10,156 -- 98,184
Selling, general and administrative expenses 86,603 64,265 29,020 (9,742) 170,146
Amortization of intangibles:
Goodwill 1,051 3,939 4 -- 4,994
Noncompete and other intangibles 35 624 -- -- 659
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Total operating costs and expenses 140,126 104,419 39,180 (9,742) 273,983
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Income (loss) from operations 16,306 1,828 939 739 19,812
Interest expense, net 21,740 2,937 8 -- 24,685
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Income (loss) before income taxes (5,434) (1,109) 931 739 (4,873)
Income tax expense (51) 48 387 -- 384
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net income (loss) before cumulative effect of (5,383) (1,157) 544 739 (5,257)
change in accounting principle and
extraordinary item
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle 365 126 -- -- 491
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Net income (loss) $ (5,748) $ (1,283) $ 544 $ 739 $ (5,748)
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
F-33
84
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE)
Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
For the Year Ended January 1, 2000
GUARANTOR CONSOLIDATED
PARENT SUBSIDIARIES ODS ELIMINATIONS COMPANY
--------- ------------ -------- ------------ ------------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss) $ (5,748) $ (1,283) $ 544 $ 739 $ (5,748)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss)
to netcash provided by operating
activities:
Depreciation 11,164 5,446 0 -- 16,610
Amortization of intangibles 1,050 4,599 4 -- 5,653
Other amortization 1,551 -- -- -- 1,551
Cumulative effect of change in
accounting principle 365 126 -- -- 491
Amortization of deferred gain (326) (129) -- -- (455)
Deferred revenue 716 85 -- -- 801
Deferred rent 200 153 -- -- 353
Other -- (176) -- -- (176)
(Gain) loss on disposition of property
and equipment 387 338 -- -- 725
Expenses to affect capital lease retirement -- (431) -- -- (431)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts and notes receivable (28,417) 14,460 (2,464) 12,743 (3,678)
Inventory 524 (201) (4) -- 319
Prepaid expenses and other (557) (851) -- -- (1,408)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (11,850) 23,337 1,903 (12,743) 647
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities (30,941) 45,473 (17) 739 15,254
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Acquisition of property and equipment (15,228) (4,692) -- -- (19,920)
Net outflow for The VTO Retail Acquisition -- (38,845) -- -- (38,845)
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment 170 (70) -- -- 100
Purchase of retail outlet (368) -- -- -- (368)
Payment received on notes receivable 4 173 -- -- 177
Investment in Subsidiaries 739 -- -- (739) --
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net cash used in investing activities (14,683) (43,434) -- (739) (58,856)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
F-34
85
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE)
GUARANTOR CONSOLIDATED
PARENT SUBSIDIARIES ODS ELIMINATIONS COMPANY
--------- ------------ -------- ------------ ------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 48,618 -- -- -- 48,618
Distribution to affiliated OD -- -- (331) -- (331)
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock 189 -- -- -- 189
Payments related to debt issuance -- (875) -- -- (875)
Stock buyback (440) -- -- -- (440)
Payments on debt and capital leases (5,000) (731) -- -- (5,731)
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 43,637 (1,606) (331) -- 41,430
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net decrease/(increase) in cash and cash equivalents (2,257) 433 (348) -- (2,172)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 3,119 1,223 785 -- 5,127
-------- -------- -------- -------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 862 $ 1,656 $ 437 $ -- $ 2,955
======== ======== ======== ======== ========
F-35
86
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE)
11. PREFERRED STOCK
During 1996, the Company issued 110,000 shares of Series A Cumulative
Mandatorily Redeemable Exchangeable Pay-in-Kind Preferred Stock ("Preferred
Stock"). In conjunction with the Recapitalization, the Company repurchased the
Preferred Stock, canceled it and issued 300,000 shares of New Preferred Stock,
par value $ .01 per share. Dividends on shares of New Preferred Stock are
cumulative from the date of issue (whether or not declared) and will be payable
when and as may be declared from time to time by the Board of Directors of the
Company. Such dividends accrue on a daily basis from the original date of issue
at an annual rate per share equal to 13% of the original purchase price per
share, with such amount to be compounded quarterly. Cumulative preferred
dividends in arrears were $2.8 million and $7.3 million as of January 2, 1999
and January 1, 2000, respectively. The New Preferred Stock will be redeemable at
the option of the Company, in whole or in part, at $100 per share plus (i) the
per share dividend rate and (ii) all accumulated and unpaid dividends, if any,
to the date of redemption, upon occurrence of an offering of equity securities,
a change of control or certain sales of assets. The New Preferred Stock has no
voting rights.
12. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Warrants. As discussed in Note 8, the Senior Notes were issued with
detachable warrants entitling the holder to acquire, for no additional
consideration, 0.4522 shares of common stock. In conjunction with the
Recapitalization and the repayment of the Senior Notes, the warrants were issued
and exercised.
Senior Officers' Stock Options. In 1993, the Company entered into
employment agreements with certain senior officers (the "Senior Officers"). In
connection with these employment agreements, each Senior Officer also entered
into a non-qualified stock option agreement whereby each Senior Officer was
granted stock options to purchase common stock of the Company at $31.00 per
share.
F-36
87
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE)
Certain of these options vested at issuance while others vest over time or
upon the Company reaching certain profitability levels for fiscal years 1995
through 1998. In connection with the Recapitalization, the outstanding options
were simultaneously vested and exercised on April 24, 1998.
Following is a summary of activity in the plan for the years 1997 and 1998
and does not reflect the 12 for 1 stock split on April 24, 1998.
AVERAGE OPTION
PRICE OPTIONS OPTIONS
PER SHARE($) OUTSTANDING EXERCISABLE
-------------- ----------- -----------
Outstanding - December 28, 1996 75,000 10,000
Granted 31.00 -- --
Became Exercisable 31.00 -- 28,333
Canceled or expired -- --
----------- -----------
Outstanding - January 3, 1998 75,000 38,333
Granted 31.00 -- --
Became Exercisable 31.00 -- 36,667
Exercised 31.00 (75,000) (75,000)
----------- -----------
Outstanding - January 2, 1999 -- --
=========== ===========
1993 Executive Stock Option Plan. In 1993, the Company authorized a
non-qualified stock option plan whereby key executives (other than the Senior
Officers) may be offered options to purchase the Company's common stock. Under
the plan, the exercise price set by the Board of Directors of the Company must
at least equal the fair market value of the Company's common stock at the date
of grant. The options vest in four equal annual installments provided the
optionee is an employee of the Company on the anniversary date and shall expire
10 years after the date of grant. In connection with the Recapitalization, the
outstanding options were simultaneously vested and exercised on April 24, 1998.
Following is a summary of activity in the plan for the years 1997 and 1998
and does not reflect the 12 for 1 stock split on April 24, 1998.
F-37
88
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE)
AVERAGE OPTION
PRICE OPTIONS OPTIONS
PER SHARE($) OUTSTANDING EXERCISABLE
-------------- ----------- -----------
Outstanding - December 28, 1996 18,645 7,678
Granted -- --
Became exercisable 31.00 -- 8,584
Canceled or expired --
----------- -----------
Outstanding - January 3, 1998 18,645 16,262
Granted -- --
Became exercisable 31.00 -- 2,383
Exercised 31.00 (18,645) (18,645)
----------- -----------
Outstanding - January 2, 1999 -- --
=========== ===========
1996 Executive Stock Option Plan. On September 5, 1996, the Company
authorized a non-qualified stock option plan whereby key executives (other than
the Senior Officers) may be offered options to purchase the Company's common
stock. Under the plan, the exercise price set by the Board of Directors of the
Company must at least equal the fair market value of the Company's common stock
at the date of grant.
The options begin vesting one year after the date of grant in four
installments of 10%, 15%, 25% and 50% provided the optionee is an employee of
the Company on the anniversary date and shall expire 10 years after the date of
grant. Under certain specified conditions the vesting schedule may be altered.
During 1996, the Company granted options to purchase 91,000 shares under this
plan at an option price of $31 to $65 per share. During 1997, the Company
granted options to purchase 26,000 shares under this plan. In connection with
the Recapitalization, the outstanding options were simultaneously vested and
exercised on April 24, 1998.
Following is a summary of activity in the plan for the years 1997 and 1998
and does not reflect the 12 for 1 stock split on April 24, 1998.
F-38
89
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE)
AVERAGE OPTION
PRICE OPTIONS OPTIONS
PER SHARE($) OUTSTANDING EXERCISABLE
-------------- ----------- -----------
Outstanding - December 28, 1996 91,000 --
Granted 70.00 to 105.00 26,000 --
Became exercisable 31.00 to 65.00 -- 6,450
Canceled or expired 31.00 (7,500) (200)
----------- -----------
Outstanding - January 3, 1998 109,500 6,250
Granted 70.00 to 105.00 -- --
Became exercisable 31.00 to 65.00 -- 103,250
Exercised 31.00 to 105.00 (109,500) (109,500)
----------- -----------
Outstanding - January 2, 1999 -- --
=========== ===========
1998 Executive Stock Option Plan. On April 25, 1998, the Company authorized
a non-qualified stock option plan whereby key executives and senior officers may
be offered options to purchase the Company's Common Stock. Under the plan, the
exercise price set by the Board of Directors of the Company must at least equal
the fair market value of the Company's Common Stock at the date of grant. The
options begin vesting one year after the date of grant in four installments of
10%, 15%, 25% and 50% provided the optionee is an employee of the Company on the
anniversary date and shall expire 10 years after the date of grant. Under
certain specified conditions the vesting schedule may be altered. During 1999,
the Company granted options to purchase 122,000 shares under this plan at an
option price of $10.41 per share. Following is a summary of activity in the plan
for fiscal 1998 and 1999.
F-39
90
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE)
AVERAGE OPTION
PRICE OPTIONS OPTIONS
PER SHARE($) OUTSTANDING EXERCISABLE
-------------- ----------- -----------
Outstanding - January 3, 1998 - -
Granted 10.41 482,000 -
Became exercisable - -
Canceled or expired 10.41 (12,500) -
----------- -----------
Outstanding - January 2, 1999 469,500 -
Granted 10.41 122,000 -
Became exercisable - 39,550
Canceled or expired 10.41 (76,500) (250)
----------- -----------
Outstanding - January 1, 2000 515,000 39,300
=========== ===========
Other Stock Options and Warrants. In November 1993, the Company granted
stock options to two directors to purchase 3,000 and 6,000 shares, respectively,
of the Company's common stock. Each option is exercisable at $31.00 per share to
be vested in equal installments on December 31, of each of 1994, 1995, and 1996
with such options expiring 10 years from the date of grant. Additionally, in
December 1995 the Company granted stock options to a director to purchase 4,000
shares of the Company's common stock. The option is exercisable at $31.00 per
share to vest upon the date of grant and expire 10 years from the date of grant.
In December 1996, the Company granted stock options to three directors to
purchase shares of the Company's common stock. Each option vests in four equal
installments starting on December 5, 1997 and expires ten years from the date of
grant. One director was granted stock options of 5,000, 4,000 and 4,000 shares
exercisable at $70, $90 and $110 per share, respectively. Another director was
granted 1,000 shares at $70 per share. A third director was granted 1,000 and
3,000 shares at $70 and $65 per share, respectively. Also, the third director
was granted 3,000 shares at $70 per share. In connection with the
Recapitalization, all 29,226 outstanding options under the plan were
simultaneously vested and exercised on April 24, 1998.
Subsequent to the Recapitalization, two directors were granted options to
purchase 5,000 and 111,412 shares, respectively. Each option is exercisable at
$10.41 per share and begin vesting one year after the date of grant in four
installments of 10%, 15%, 25%, and 50% with such options expiring 10 years from
the date of grant. Similarly, the Company's chief executive officer was granted
options to purchase 371,376 shares. Each option is
F-40
91
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE)
exercisable at $10.41 per share and subject to a vesting schedule which will be
one-half time based and one-half performance based. During 1999, one director
was granted options to purchase 5,000 shares. Each option is exercisable at
$10.41 per share and begin vesting one year after the date of grant in four
installments of 25% with such options expiring 10 years from the date of grant.
In November 1993, the Company granted a warrant to a foreign bank to
purchase a total of 3,000 shares of the Company's common stock. In connection
with the Recapitalization, the warrant was exercised on April 24, 1998.
The Company has elected to follow Accounting Principles Board Opinion No.
25 "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" ("APB 25") and related
interpretations in accounting for its employee stock options because, as
discussed below, the alternative fair value accounting provided for under FASB
Statement No. 123 "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation," requires use of
option valuation models that were not developed for use in valuing employee
stock options of privately held companies. Under APB 25, because the exercise
price of the Company's employee stock options equals the estimated fair value of
the underlying stock on the date of grant, no compensation expense is
recognized.
Pro forma information regarding net income and earnings per share is
required by FASB Statement No. 123, which also requires that the information be
determined as if the Company has accounted for its employee stock options
granted subsequent to December 31, 1994 under the fair value method of that
Statement. The fair value for these options was estimated at the date of the
grant using the minimum value method with the following assumptions for 1997,
1998, and 1999 respectively: risk-free interest rates of 6%; no dividend yield;
and a weighted-average expected life of the options of 4 years.
Option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions.
Because the Company's employee stock options have characteristics significantly
different from those of traded options, and because changes in the subjective
input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in management's
opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single
measure of the fair value of its employee stock options.
F-41
92
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE)
For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the
options is amortized to expense over the options' vesting period. The Company's
pro forma net income for fiscal year 1997, 1998 and 1999 are as follows:
FISCAL FISCAL FISCAL
1997 1998 1999
------ ------ ------
Pro forma Net Loss $ 4,802 $ (34,735) $ (5,987)
The pro forma calculations include only the effects of 1995 through 1999
grants. As such, the impacts are not necessarily indicative of the effects on
reported net income of future years.
Deferred Stock Plan. Effective January 1, 1994, the Company adopted a
Deferred Stock Plan whereby certain directors, executives or employees of the
Company (as approved by the Board of Directors) may elect to defer part of their
compensation to be used to purchase common stock of the Company at fair market
value to be determined in advance by the Board of Directors. At April 24, 1998,
all 17,291 issuable shares in the plan were issued in connection with the
Recapitalization.
13. INCOME TAXES
The provision for income taxes is comprised of the following:
YEAR ENDED
---------------------------------------------
JANUARY 3, JANUARY 2, JANUARY 1,
1998 1999 2000
---------- ---------- ----------
Current $ 335 $ 13 $ 384
Deferred -- -- --
------- ------ -------
$ 335 $ 13 $ 384
======= ====== =======
F-42
93
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE)
The reconciliation between the federal statutory tax rate at 34% and the
Company's effective tax rate is as follows:
JANUARY 3, JANUARY 2, JANUARY 1,
1998 1999 2000
----------- ------------ -----------
Expected tax expense (benefit) $ 1,887 $ (11,769) $ (1,657)
Goodwill 872 1,079 1,079
Deferred rent 142 142 --
Investment in foreign subsidiary 45 -- --
Nondeductible meals and donations 29 26 32
Change in valuation allowance (2,294) 9,938 5,384
Other 284 597 (336)
------------ ------------ ------------
$ 335 $ 13 $ 384
============ ============ ============
The above reconciliation takes into account certain entities that are
consolidated for GAAP purposes but are not consolidated for tax purposes,
therefore, the net operating loss carryforward can not offset the income from
the non-consolidated entities.
The components of the net deferred tax assets are as follows:
JANUARY 2, JANUARY 1,
1999 2000
------------ ------------
Total deferred tax liabilities, current $ (37) $ (140)
Total deferred tax liabilities, long-term (354) (306)
Total deferred tax assets, current 3,274 3,192
Total deferred tax assets, long-term 13,944 19,465
Valuation allowance (16,827) (22,211)
------------ ------------
Net deferred tax assets $ -- $ --
============ ============
F-43
94
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE)
The sources of the difference between the financial accounting and tax
basis of the Company's assets and liabilities which give rise to the deferred
tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are as follows:
JANUARY 2, JANUARY 1,
1999 2000
-------- --------
Deferred tax assets:
Deferred rent $ 678 $ 796
Deferred compensation -- 21
Deferred revenue 1,402 1,477
Net operating loss and credit carryforwards 9,535 12,320
Inventory basis differences 590 445
Accrued salaries 433 768
Property and equipment 4,409 5,999
Other 171 831
-------- --------
Total deferred tax assets 17,218 22,657
Valuation allowance (16,827) (22,211)
-------- --------
Net deferred tax assets $ 391 $ 446
======== ========
Deferred tax liabilities:
Store pre-opening costs $ 135 $ --
Prepaid expense -- 116
Goodwill -- 158
Other 256 172
-------- --------
Net deferred tax liability $ 391 $ 446
======== ========
At January 1, 2000 and January 2, 1999, the Company had, subject to the
limitations discussed below, net operating loss carryforwards for tax purposes
of $36,236 and $28,044, respectively. These loss carryforwards will expire from
2008 through 2018 if not utilized.
F-44
95
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE)
Uncertainties exist as to the future realization of the deferred tax asset
under the criteria set forth under FASB Statement No. 109. Therefore, the
Company has established a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets of $22,211
at January 1, 2000 and $16,827 at January 2, 1999.
14. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
401 (K) Plan. The Company maintains a defined contribution plan whereby
substantially all employees who have been employed for at least six consecutive
months are eligible to participate. Contributions are made by the Company as a
percentage of employee contributions. In addition, discretionary contributions
may be made at the direction of the Company's Board of Directors. Total Company
contributions were approximately $163, $127, and $156 for fiscal 1997, 1998 and
1999, respectively.
15. LEASES
The Company is obligated as lessee under operating leases for substantially
all of the Company's retail facilities as well as certain warehouse space. In
addition to rental payments, the leases generally provide for payment by the
Company of property taxes, insurance, maintenance and its pro rata share of
common area maintenance. These leases range in terms of up to 15 years. Certain
leases also provide for additional rent in excess of the base rentals calculated
as a percentage of sales.
The Company subleases a portion of substantially all of the stores to an
independent optometrist or a corporation controlled by an independent
optometrist. The terms of these leases or subleases are principally one to
fifteen years with rentals consisting of a percentage of gross receipts, base
rentals, or a combination of both. Certain of these leases contain renewal
options.
Certain of the Company's lease agreements contain provisions for scheduled
rent increases or provide for occupancy periods during which no rent payment is
required. For financial statement purposes, rent expense is recorded based on
the total rentals due over the entire lease term and charged to rent expense on
a straight-line basis. The difference between the actual cash rentals paid and
rent expenses recorded for financial statement purposes is recorded as a
deferred rent obligation. At the end of fiscal years 1998 and 1999, deferred
rent obligations aggregated approximately $3.2 million and $3.6 million,
respectively.
F-45
96
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE)
In December 1993, the Company purchased its headquarters facilities
location, which was previously leased under an operating lease. During 1997, the
Company sold this location for net proceeds of $4.8 million. The Company entered
into a 15 year operating lease with the new owners and will maintain its
corporate headquarters at its current location. As a result of this transaction,
the Company recorded a deferred gain, which will be amortized over the life of
the lease. In addition, the Company continues to sublease office space on terms
that range from one to four years within the headquarters facility.
Rent expense for all locations, net of lease and sublease income, is as
follows. For the purposes of this table, base rent expense includes common area
maintenance costs. Common area maintenance costs were approximately 22, 21 and
20 percent of base rent expense for fiscal years 1997, 1998 and 1999.
JANUARY 3, JANUARY 2, JANUARY 1,
1998 1999 2000
------------ ------------ ------------
Base rent expense $ 24,007 $ 26,204 $ 31,604
Rent as a percent of sales 186 151 239
Lease and sublease income (4,338) (4,211) (4,282)
------------ ------------ ------------
Rent expense, net $ 19,855 $ 22,144 $ 27,561
============ ============ ============
Future minimum lease payments, excluding common area maintenance costs, net
of future minimum lease and sublease income under noncancelable operating leases
for the next five years and beyond are as follows:
OPERATING LEASE AND OPERATING
RENTAL SUBLEASE LEASE
PAYMENTS INCOME NET
---------- ---------- ----------
2000 $ 28,417 $ 1,570 $ 29,987
2001 25,439 1,387 26,826
2002 23,235 1,167 24,402
2003 20,058 955 21,013
2004 17,409 486 17,895
Beyond 2004 59,662 1,272 60,934
---------- ---------- ----------
Total minimum lease payments $ 174,220 $ 6,837 $ 181,057
========== ========== ==========
F-46
97
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(DOLLAR AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS UNLESS INDICATED OTHERWISE)
16. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company is involved in various claims and legal actions arising in the
ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate
disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the
Company's consolidated financial position or consolidated results of operations.
F-47
98
SCHEDULE II
EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
CONSOLIDATED VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
CHARGED TO/ CHARGED TO/
BALANCE AT CREDITED CREDITED FROM DEDUCTIONS BALANCE
BEGINNING OF FROM COSTS OTHER FROM AT CLOSE
PERIOD AND EXPENSES ACCOUNTS RESERVE OF PERIOD
------------ ------------ ------------- ---------- ---------
Allowance for doubtful accounts of
current receivables:
Year Ended January 3, 1998 251,000 -- 67,000 -- 318,000
Year ended January 2, 1999 318,000 -- 241,000 -- 559,000
Year ended January 1, 2000 559,000 912,000 -- -- 1,471,000
Inventory obsolescence reserves:
Year Ended January 3, 1998 561,000 -- -- -- 561,000
Year Ended January 2, 1999 561,000 (9,000) 300,000 -- 852,000
Year Ended January 1, 2000 852,000 (152,000) -- -- 700,000
F-48
99
EXHIBIT INDEX
EXHIBITS DESCRIPTION
-------- -----------
2.1 Stock Purchase Agreement dated August 15, 1996 by and between
Eye Care Centers of America, Inc., Visionworks Holdings, Inc.
and the Sellers listed therein. (a)
2.2 Stock Purchase Agreement, dated September 30 1997, by and among
Eye Care Centers of America, Inc., a Texas corporation, Robert
A. Samit, O. D. and Michael Davidson, O. D. (a)
2.3 Recapitalization Agreement dated as of March 6, 1998 among ECCA
Merger Corp., Eye Care Centers of America, Inc. and the sellers
Listed therein. (a)
2.4 Amendment No. 1 to the Recapitalization Agreement dated as of
April 23, 1998 among ECCA Merger Corp., Eye Care Centers of
America, Inc, and the sellers listed therein. (a)
2.5 Amendment No. 2 to the Recapitalization Agreement dated as of
April 24, 1998 among ECCA Merger Corp., Eye Care Centers of
America, Inc. and the sellers listed therein. (a)
2.6 Articles of Merger of ECCA Merger Corp. with and into Eye Care
Centers of America, Inc. dated April 24, 1998. (a)
2.7 Master Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of August 22, 1998,
by and among Eye Care Centers of America, Inc., Mark E. Lynn,
Dr. Mark Lynn & Associates, PLLC; Dr. Bizer's Vision World,
PLLC and its affiliates. (a)
2.8 Letter Agreement, dated October 1, 1998, amending and modifying
that certain Master Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of
August 22, 1998, by and among Eye Care Centers of America,
Inc.; Mark E. Lynn; Dr. Mark Lynn & Associates, PLLC; Dr.
Bizer's VisionWorld, PLLC and its affiliates. (a)
2.9 Asset Purchase Agreement, date July 7,1999, by and among Eye
Care Centers of America, Inc., Vision Twenty-One, Inc., and The
Complete Optical Laboratory, Ltd., Corp. + (c)
2.10 Letter Agreement, dated August 31,1999, amending and modifying
that certain Asset Purchase Agreement, date July 7,199 by and
among Eye Care Centers of America, Inc., Vision Twenty-One,
Inc., and The Complete Optical Laboratory, Inc., Corp. (d)
2.11 Agreement Regarding Strategic Alliance. (d)
3.1 Restated Articles of Incorporation of Eye Care Centers of
America Inc. (a)
3.2 Statement of Resolution of the Board of Directors of Eye Care
Centers of America, Inc. designating a series of Preferred
Stock. (a)
3.3 Amended and Restated By-laws of Eye Care Centers of America,
Inc. (a)
100
4.1 Indenture dated as of April 24, 1998 among Eye Care Centers of
America, Inc., the Guarantors named therein and United States
Trust Company of New York, as Trustee for the 9 1/8% Senior
Subordinated Notes Due 2008 and Floating Interest Rate
Subordinated Term Securities. (a)
4.2 Form of Fixed Rate Exchange Note (included in Exhibit 4.1
Hereto). (a)
4.3 Form of Floating Rate Exchange Note (included in Exhibit 4.1
Hereto). (a)
4.4 Form of Guarantee (included in Exhibit 4.1 hereto). (a)
4.5 Registration Rights Agreement dated April 24, 1998 between Eye
Care Centers of America, Inc., the subsidiaries of the Company
named as guarantors therein, BT Alex. Brown Incorporated and
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated. (a)
10.1 Form of Stockholders' Agreement dated as of April 24, 1998 by
and among Eye Care of America, Inc. and the shareholders listed
therein. (a)
10.2 1998 Stock Option Plan. (a)
10.3 Amended and Restated Deferred Stock Plan of Eye Care Centers of
America, Inc. (a)
10.4 Employment Agreement dated April 24, 1998 by and between Eye
Care Centers of America, Inc. and Bernard W. Andrews. (a)
10.5 Stock Option Agreement dated April 24, 1998 by and between
Bernard W. Andrews and Eye Care Centers of America, Inc. (a)
10.6 Form of Employment Agreement dated January 1, 1998 between Eye
Care Centers of America, Inc. and George Gebhardt. (a)
10.7 Employment Agreement dated March 24, 1997 between Eye Care
Centers of America, Inc. and Michele Benoit. (a)
10.8 Management Agreement, dated as of April 24, 1998, by and
between Thomas H. Lee Company and Eye Care Centers of America,
Inc. (a)
10.9 Retail Business Management Agreement, dated September 30, 1997,
by and between Dr. Samit's Hour Eyes Optometrist, P.C., a
Virginia professional corporation, and Visionary Retail
Management, Inc., a Delaware corporation. + (a)
10.10 Professional Business Management Agreement dated September 30,
1997, by and between Dr. Samit's Hour Eyes Optometrists, P.C.,
a Virginia professional corporation, and Visionary MSO, Inc., a
Delaware corporation. + (a)
10.11 Contract for Purchase and Sale dated May 29, 1997 by and
between Eye Care Centers of America, Inc. and JDB Real
Properties, Inc. (a)
101
10.12 Amendment to Contract for Purchase and Sale dated July 3, 1997
by and between Eye Care Centers of America, Inc. and JDB Real
Properties, Inc. (a)
10.13 Second Amendment to Contract for Purchase and Sale dated July
10, 1997 by and between Eye Care Centers of America, Inc. and
JDB Real Properties, Inc. (a)
10.14 Third Amendment to Contract for Purchase and Sale by and
between Eye Care Centers of America, Inc., John D. Byram,
Dallas Mini #262. Ltd. and Dallas Mini #343, Ltd. (a)
10.15 Commercial Lease Agreement dated August 19, 1997 by and between
John D. Byram, Dallas Mini #262, Ltd. and Dallas Mini #343,
Ltd. And Eye Care Centers of America, Inc. (a)
10.16 1997 Incentive Plan for Key Management. (a)
10.17 1998 Incentive Plan for Key Management. (a)
10.18 Employment Agreement and Noncompetition Agreement, dated
December 31, 1996 by and between Eye Care Centers of America,
Inc. and Gary D. Hahs, together with letter, dated November 21,
1997, regarding extension of term. (a)
10.19 Master Lease Agreement, dated August 12, 1997, by and between
Pacific Financial Company and Eye Care Centers of America,
Inc., together with all amendments, riders and schedules
thereto. (a)
10.20 Credit Agreement, dated as of April 23, 1998, among Eye Care
Centers of America, Inc., Various Lenders, Bankers Trust
Company, as Administrative Agent, and Merrill Lynch Capital
Corporation, as Syndication Agent. (a)
10.21 Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 24, 1998, by and among
Eye Care Centers of America, Inc., the subsidiaries of Eye Care
Centers of America, Inc. named therein, BT Alex. Brown
Incorporated and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated. (a)
10.22 Secured Promissory Note, dated April 24, 1998, issued by
Bernard W. Andrews in favor of Eye Care Centers of America,
Inc. (a)
10.23 Form of Eye Care Centers of America, Inc. standard managed care
contract. (a)
102
10.24 Employment Agreement, dated July 8, 1998, by and between Eye
Care Centers of America, Inc. and David E. McComas. (a)
10.25 Employment Agreement, dated November 2, 1998, by and between
Eye Care Centers of America, Inc. and Alan E. Wiley. (a)
10.26 Retail Business Management Agreement, dated October 1, 1998, by
and between Visionary Retail Management, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, and Dr. Mark Lynn & Associates, PLLC, a Kentucky
professional limited liability company. + (b)
10.27 Professional Business Management Agreement, dated October 1,
1998, by and between Visionary MSO, Inc., a Delaware
Corporation, and Dr. Mark Lynn & Associates, PLLC, a Kentucky
professional limited liability company. + (b)
10.28 Form of Stock Option Grant. (e)
12.1 Statement re Computation of Ratios (e)
21.1 List of subsidiaries of Eye Care Centers of America, Inc. (e)
24.1 Powers of Attorney (contained on the signature pages of this
report). (e)
27.1 Financial Data Schedule. (e)
- ---------
+ Portions of this Exhibit have been omitted pursuant to an
application for an order declaring confidential treatment filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission.
(a) Incorporated by reference from the Registration Statement on Form
S-4 (File No. 333 - 56551).
(b) Previously provided with, and incorporated by reference from, the
Company's annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January
2,1999.
(c) Previously provided with, and incorporated by reference from, the
Company's quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July
3,1999.
(d) Previously, provided with, and incorporated by reference from, the
Company's quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
October 2,1999.
(e) Filed herewith.