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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended July 31, 2002
OR
[_] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _____________ to ______________
Commission file number 0-27022
OPTICAL CABLE CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Virginia 54-1237042
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
5290 Concourse Drive
Roanoke, Virginia 24019
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
(540) 265-0690
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or 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.
(1) Yes X No ______ (2) Yes X No ______
----- -----
As of September 12, 2002, 6,928,652 shares of the registrant's Common
Stock, no par value, were outstanding.
OPTICAL CABLE CORPORATION
Form 10-Q Index
Nine Months Ended July 31, 2002
Page
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Condensed Balance Sheets - July 31, 2002 and October 31,
2001 ............................................................... 2
Condensed Statements of Operations - Three Months and Nine
Months Ended July 31, 2002 and 2001 ................................ 3
Condensed Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity -
Nine Months Ended July 31, 2002 .................................... 4
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows - Nine Months Ended
July 31, 2002 and 2001 ............................................. 5
Condensed Notes to Condensed Financial Statements ..................... 6-14
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations ................................ 15-29
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk ............ 30
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings ..................................................... 31-32
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders ................... 32-33
Item 5. Other Information ..................................................... 33
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K ...................................... 33-34
SIGNATURES
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
OPTICAL CABLE CORPORATION
Condensed Balance Sheets
July 31, October 31,
Assets 2002 2001
------------ -------------
(unaudited)
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ -- $ 2,087,608
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts
of $790,022 at July 31, 2002 and $572,853 at October 31, 2001 7,631,570 10,678,214
Income taxes refundable 1,252,912 1,108,007
Other receivables 320,401 371,656
Due from employees, net of allowance for uncollectible advances
of $70,000 33,118 35,018
Inventories 10,357,925 14,084,931
Prepaid expenses 669,876 185,831
Deferred income taxes 362,210 260,709
------------ -------------
Total current assets 20,628,012 28,811,974
Other assets, net 278,896 367,469
Property and equipment, net 11,995,418 12,685,053
Deferred income taxes 953,139 933,801
------------ -------------
Total assets $ 33,855,465 $ 42,798,297
============ =============
Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
Current notes payable to bank $ -- $ 8,271,000
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 3,009,945 5,537,313
Accrued compensation and payroll taxes 504,672 798,203
Accrued shareholder litigation settlement expense 774,695 --
------------ -------------
Total current liabilities 4,289,312 14,606,516
Noncurrent note payable to bank 1,524,014 --
Other liabilities 164,659 326,553
------------ -------------
Total liabilities 5,977,985 14,933,069
------------ -------------
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock, no par value, authorized 1,000,000 shares; none
issued and outstanding -- --
Common stock, no par value, authorized 50,000,000 shares at
July 31, 2002 and 12,500,000 shares at October 31, 2001; issued and
outstanding 6,928,652 shares at July 31, 2002
and 6,928,910 shares at October 31, 2001 55,256 --
Retained earnings 27,822,224 27,865,228
------------ -------------
Total shareholders' equity 27,877,480 27,865,228
Commitments and contingencies
------------ -------------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 33,855,465 $ 42,798,297
============ =============
See accompanying condensed notes to condensed financial statements.
2
OPTICAL CABLE CORPORATION
Condensed Statements of Operations
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
July 31, July 31,
------------------------------- -------------------------------
2002 2001 2002 2001
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Net sales $ 9,736,383 $ 14,085,959 $ 32,043,422 $ 48,458,764
Cost of goods sold 6,524,303 7,980,010 20,727,283 26,646,073
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Gross profit 3,212,080 6,105,949 11,316,139 21,812,691
Selling, general and administrative expenses 3,352,583 3,822,853 10,107,774 11,496,973
Shareholder litigation settlement expense 991,554 -- 1,136,258 --
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Income (loss) from operations (1,132,057) 2,283,096 72,107 10,315,718
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Other income (expense):
Losses on trading securities, net -- (596,238) -- (9,751,494)
Interest income 6,276 19,498 26,922 44,328
Interest expense (53,724) (33,755) (180,567) (281,838)
Other, net 14,211 (5,562) 15,378 9,734
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Other expense, net (33,237) (616,057) (138,267) (9,979,270)
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Income (loss) before income
tax expense (benefit) (1,165,294) 1,667,039 (66,160) 336,448
Income tax expense (benefit) (409,661) 792,096 (23,156) 3,234,046
------------- ------------- ------------- -------------
Net income (loss) $ (755,633) $ 874,943 $ (43,004) $ (2,897,598)
============= ============= ============= =============
Net income (loss) per share:
Basic and diluted $ (0.11) $ 0.12 (0.01) $ (0.41)
============= ============= ============= =============
See accompanying condensed notes to condensed financial statements.
3
OPTICAL CABLE CORPORATION
Condensed Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity
(unaudited)
Nine Months Ended July 31, 2002
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stock Total
-------------------------- Retained Shareholders'
Shares Amount Earnings Equity
----------- ----------- --------------- --------------
Balances at October 31, 2001 6,928,910 $ -- $ 27,865,228 $ 27,865,228
Tax benefit of disqualifying
disposition of stock options
exercised -- 57,412 -- 57,412
Stock-based compensation -- (1,434) -- (1,434)
Cash payment for
fractional shares (258) (722) -- (722)
Net loss -- -- (43,004) (43,004)
----------- ----------- --------------- --------------
Balances at July 31, 2002 6,928,652 $ 55,256 $ 27,822,224 $ 27,877,480
=========== =========== =============== ==============
See accompanying condensed notes to condensed financial statements.
4
OPTICAL CABLE CORPORATION
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
(unaudited)
Nine Months Ended
July 31,
------------------------------
2002 2001
------------- -------------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss $ (43,004) $ (2,897,598)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided
by operating activities:
Depreciation, amortization and accretion 920,354 713,789
Bad debt expense 266,321 544,222
Deferred income tax expense (benefit) (120,839) 613,183
Tax benefit of disqualifying disposition of stock options
exercised 57,412 --
Stock-based compensation expense (1,434) 73,072
Unrealized losses on trading securities, net -- 413,047
Decrease in trading securities -- 11,765,143
Decrease in payable to investment broker related to
securities trading -- (3,146,017)
(Increase) decrease in:
Trade accounts receivable 2,780,323 (2,043,953)
Income taxes refundable (144,905) 682,327
Other receivables 51,255 125,143
Due from employees 1,900 1,175
Inventories 3,727,006 (6,444,602)
Prepaid expenses (484,045) (55,064)
Increase (decrease) in:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses (1,884,999) 2,610,984
Accrued compensation and payroll taxes (293,531) (179,557)
------------- -------------
Net cash provided by operating activities 4,831,814 2,775,294
------------- -------------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property and equipment (231,019) (1,734,705)
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance -- (82,434)
Receipt of cash surrender value of life insurance 367,469 --
------------- -------------
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 136,450 (1,817,139)
------------- -------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from (repayment of) notes payable to bank, net (6,746,986) 841,000
Payments for financing costs (308,164) --
Cash payment for fractional shares (722) --
Deferred stock issuance costs -- (127,000)
Repurchase of common stock -- (2,535,744)
Proceeds from exercise of employee stock options -- 292,771
------------- -------------
Net cash used in financing activities (7,055,872) (1,528,973)
------------- -------------
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (2,087,608) (570,818)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 2,087,608 1,458,896
------------- -------------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ -- $ 888,078
============= =============
See accompanying condensed notes to condensed financial statements.
5
OPTICAL CABLE CORPORATION
Condensed Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
Nine Months Ended July 31, 2002
(unaudited)
(1) General
The accompanying unaudited condensed financial statements of Optical
Cable Corporation (the "Company") have been prepared in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America
for interim financial reporting information and the instructions to Form
10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include
all of the information and notes required by accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial
statements. In the opinion of management, all material adjustments
(consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair
presentation have been included. Operating results for the nine months
ended July 31, 2002 are not necessarily indicative of the results that
may be expected for the fiscal year ending October 31, 2002. The
unaudited condensed financial statements and condensed notes are
presented as permitted by Form 10-Q and do not contain certain
information included in the Company's annual financial statements and
notes. For further information, refer to the financial statements and
notes thereto included in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for
the fiscal year ended October 31, 2001.
(2) Allowance for Doubtful Accounts for Trade Accounts Receivable
A summary of changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts for trade
accounts receivable for the nine months ended July 31, 2002 and 2001
follows:
Nine Months Ended
July 31,
----------------------------
2002 2001
---------- ------------
Balance at beginning of period $ 572,853 $ 1,909,069
Bad debt expense 266,321 544,222
Losses charged to allowance (49,152) (2,271,419)
Recoveries added to allowance -- 5,106
---------- ------------
Balance at end of period $ 790,022 $ 186,978
========== ============
In January 2001, one of the Company's two major distributors filed for
liquidation under bankruptcy laws. As of October 31, 2000, the Company
reserved approximately $1,772,000 for estimated uncollectible accounts
receivable from this distributor. As of January 31, 2001, the Company
wrote off that $1,772,000 reserve, as well as an additional bad debt
reserve related to this distributor of approximately $419,000 incurred
during the first quarter of fiscal year 2001, for a total write-off of
approximately $2,191,000 for estimated uncollectible accounts receivable
from this distributor for the nine months ended July 31, 2001. There were
no net sales attributed to this distributor subsequent to the first
quarter of fiscal year 2001.
6 (Continued)
OPTICAL CABLE CORPORATION
Condensed Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
Nine Months Ended July 31, 2002
(unaudited)
(3) Inventories
Inventories as of July 31, 2002 and October 31, 2001, consisted of the
following:
July 31, October 31,
2002 2001
------------ -------------
Finished goods $ 4,369,440 $ 4,328,379
Work in process 2,023,236 3,064,975
Raw materials 3,908,145 6,641,985
Production supplies 57,104 49,592
------------ -------------
$ 10,357,925 $ 14,084,931
============ =============
(4) Notes Payable to Bank
Under a loan agreement with its bank dated March 10, 1999 and amended on
October 30, 2001, the Company had a $5 million secured revolving line of
credit and a $4.5 million secured revolving line of credit. As of October
31, 2001, the Company had combined outstanding borrowings under these
lines of credit in the amount of $8,271,000, with $1,229,000 unused and
available.
The lines of credit bore interest at 1.50% above the monthly LIBOR rate
(3.79% as of October 31, 2001) and were equally and ratably
collateralized by the Company's accounts receivable, contract rights,
inventory, furniture and fixtures, machinery and equipment and general
intangibles.
On April 25, 2002, the Company entered into a new revolving credit
facility with Wachovia Bank, National Association (formerly First Union
National Bank). The new three-year credit facility provides up to a
maximum of $25 million and replaced the Company's previous $9.5 million
credit facility described above.
The new credit facility bears interest at three-quarters of one percent
(0.75%) per annum above the prime rate (5.5% as of July 31, 2002) and may
be reduced by one-quarter of one percent (0.25%) upon meeting certain
fixed charge coverage ratio requirements. The facility also provides a
LIBOR based rate at the Company's option. The facility is collateralized
by all of the Company's tangible and intangible assets. Borrowings under
the credit facility are subject to certain coverage ratios, advance
limits and qualifications that are applied to the Company's accounts
receivable, inventory and fixed assets. The Company's ability to access
the full amount of the credit facility will depend on the future growth
of the Company's borrowing base. As of July 31, 2002, the Company had
outstanding borrowings under the new credit facility in the amount of
$1,524,014, with $8,183,445 unused and available. The outstanding balance
on the credit facility has been reflected as noncurrent in the
accompanying condensed balance sheet as of July 31, 2002 based on the
scheduled maturity of the credit facility in April 2005.
7 (Continued)
OPTICAL CABLE CORPORATION
Condensed Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
Nine Months Ended July 31, 2002
(unaudited)
In connection with obtaining the new credit facility described above, the
Company incurred various costs totaling $308,164. These financing costs
have been deferred and are included in other assets, net in the
accompanying condensed balance sheet as of July 31, 2002. These deferred
financing costs are being amortized to interest expense using the
straight-line method over the life of the credit facility, which
approximates the effective interest method.
(5) Shareholders' Equity
At a Special Shareholders Meeting held on July 30, 2002, the Company's
shareholders approved a 1-for-8 reverse stock split of all outstanding
shares of common stock and a change in the number of authorized shares of
the Company's common stock from 100 million to 50 million. The reverse
split was effective at 12:01 a.m. (eastern daylight time) on July 31,
2002, at which time each eight shares of issued and outstanding common
stock was converted into one issued and outstanding share of common
stock. Fractional shares of stock were not issued as a result of the
reverse stock split. Shareholders who would otherwise have received a
fractional share of common stock received an equivalent amount of cash in
lieu of fractional shares, based on the average closing price of the
common stock for the ten trading days prior to, but not including, the
effective date of the reverse stock split. All references to share and
per share data contained elsewhere in this Form 10-Q have been
retroactively adjusted to reflect the impact of the approved reverse
stock split.
On November 2, 2001, the Board of Directors of the Company adopted a new
Shareholder Rights Plan (the "Rights Plan") and declared a dividend of
one preferred share purchase right (a "Right") on each outstanding share
of common stock, subject to adjustments from time to time to prevent
dilution as provided in the Rights Plan, payable on November 5, 2001 to
the shareholders of record on that date. Under the terms of the Rights
Plan, if a person or group acquires 15% (or other applicable percentage,
as provided in the Rights Plan) or more of the outstanding common stock,
each Right will entitle its holder (other than such person or members of
such group) to purchase, at the Right's then current exercise price, a
number of shares of common stock having a market value of twice such
price. In addition, if the Company is acquired in a merger or other
business transaction after a person or group has acquired such percentage
of the outstanding common stock, each Right will entitle its holder
(other than such person or members of such group) to purchase, at the
Right's then current exercise price, a number of the acquiring company's
common shares having a market value of twice such price.
Upon the occurrence of certain events, each Right will entitle its holder
to buy one one-thousandth of a Series A preferred share ("Preferred
Share"), at an exercise price of $25, subject to adjustment from time to
time to prevent dilution as provided in the Rights Plan. Each Preferred
Share will entitle its holder to 1,000 votes and will have an aggregate
dividend rate of 1,000 times the amount, if any, paid to holders of
common stock, subject to adjustment from time to time to prevent dilution
as provided in the Rights Plan. The Rights will expire on November 2,
2011, unless the date is extended or unless the Rights are earlier
redeemed or exchanged at the option of the Board of Directors for $0.0001
per Right. Generally, each share of common stock issued after November 5,
2001 will have one Right attached, subject to adjustment from time to
time to prevent dilution as provided in the Rights Plan. The adoption of
the Rights Plan has no impact on the financial position or results of
operations of the Company.
8 (Continued)
OPTICAL CABLE CORPORATION
Condensed Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
Nine Months Ended July 31, 2002
(unaudited)
The Company has reserved 100,000 of its authorized preferred stock for
issuance upon exercise of the Rights.
(6) Stock Option Plan and Other Stock Options
The Company applies the provisions of Accounting Principles Board (APB)
Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related
interpretations for employee stock option grants, including stock option
grants to outside members of the Board of Directors, and SFAS No. 123,
Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation and EITF Issue No. 96-18,
Accounting for Equity Instruments That Are Issued to Other Than Employees
for Acquiring, or in Conjunction with Selling, Goods or Services, for
nonemployee stock option grants.
The Company and its previously sole stockholder adopted on March 1, 1996
a stock incentive plan which is called the Optical Cable Corporation 1996
Stock Incentive Plan (the "Plan"). The Company has reserved 750,000
shares of common stock for issuance pursuant to incentive awards under
the Plan. At July 31, 2002, there were approximately 247,000 additional
shares available to grant under the Plan. Additionally, the Company has
granted 3,122 other stock options to certain outside members of the Board
of Directors outside of the Plan.
Stock option activity during the nine months ended July 31, 2002 was as
follows:
Number of Weighted-Average
Shares Exercise Price
------------- ------------------
Balance at October 31, 2001 126,695 $55.76
Granted 347,935 $ 7.43
Exercised -- --
Forfeited (49,704) $20.78
-------------
Balance at July 31, 2002 424,926 $18.50
=============
Effective November 16, 2001, the Compensation Committee of the Board of
Directors approved grants of stock options under the Plan for a total of
31,250 shares with a per share exercise price of $10.00 equal to the
closing price of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. These
grants were made to certain executive officers of the Company and vest in
equal monthly installments over four years.
On March 5, 2002, April 11, 2002 and June 11, 2002, the Compensation
Committee of the Board of Directors approved grants of stock options
under the Plan to purchase a total of 298,500 shares, 10,063 shares and
5,000 shares, respectively, of the Company's common stock at exercise
prices of $7.20 per share, $7.68 per share and $4.64 per share, the
respective closing prices at the dates of the grants. These grants were
made to employees (other than the executive officers) and nonemployee
outside sales personnel. These options vest in equal quarterly
installments over five years. Included in the 298,500 options granted on
March 5, 2002 were 16,875 options to nonemployees.
9 (Continued)
OPTICAL CABLE CORPORATION
Condensed Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
Nine Months Ended July 31, 2002
(unaudited)
Additionally, effective February 12, 2002, the Board of Directors
approved grants of stock options outside of the Plan to purchase a total
of 3,122 shares of the Company's common stock at an exercise price of
$7.12 per share, the closing price at the date of grant. These grants
were made to those outside members of the Board of Directors who had not
served as an executive officer of the Company during the past year. These
options vest monthly over one year.
(7) Income Taxes
The Company assessed the realizability of its deferred tax assets
relating to the capital loss carryforward and unrealized net loss
generated by the Company's trading securities during the nine months
ended July 31, 2001. As a result, the Company determined that it is more
likely than not that these deferred tax assets, totaling approximately
$3,373,000 as of July 31, 2001, would not be realized. Accordingly, the
Company established a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets in the
amount of approximately $3,373,000 as of July 31, 2001, which is included
in income tax expense for the nine months ended July 31, 2001.
Subsequent to July 31, 2001 through October 31, 2001, the deferred tax
asset relating to the capital loss carryforward on trading securities
increased by approximately $687,000. Accordingly, as of October 31, 2001,
the Company increased the corresponding valuation allowance to
approximately $4,060,000. As of July 31, 2002, the valuation allowance
approximated $4,064,000.
(8) Net Income (Loss) Per Share
Basic net income (loss) per share excludes dilution and is computed by
dividing income (loss) available to common shareholders by the
weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period.
Diluted net income (loss) per share reflects the potential dilution that
could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were
exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of
common stock that then shared in the net income (loss) of the Company.
The following is a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of
the net income (loss) per share computations for the periods presented:
Net Loss Shares Per Share
Three Months Ended July 31, 2002 (Numerator) (Denominator) Amount
-------------------------------- -------------- --------------- --------------
Basic net loss per share $ (755,633) 6,928,907 $ (0.11)
==============
Effect of dilutive stock options -- --
-------------- -------------
Diluted net loss per share $ (755,633) 6,928,907 $ (0.11)
============== ============= ==============
Net Income Shares Per Share
Three Months Ended July 31, 2001 (Numerator) (Denominator) Amount
-------------------------------- -------------- ------------- --------------
Basic net income per share $ 874,943 7,043,263 $ 0.12
==============
Effect of dilutive stock options -- 16,373
-------------- -------------
Diluted net income per share $ 874,943 7,059,636 $ 0.12
============== ============= ==============
10 (Continued)
OPTICAL CABLE CORPORATION
Condensed Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
Nine Months Ended July 31, 2002
(unaudited)
Net Loss Shares Per Share
Nine Months Ended July 31, 2002 (Numerator) (Denominator) Amount
------------------------------- -------------- ------------- --------------
Basic net loss per share $ (43,004) 6,928,909 $ (0.01)
==============
Effect of dilutive stock options -- 8,288
-------------- -------------
Diluted net loss per share $ (43,004) 6,937,197 $ (0.01)
============== ============= ==============
Net Loss Shares Per Share
Nine Months Ended July 31, 2001 (Numerator) (Denominator) Amount
------------------------------- -------------- ------------- --------------
Basic net loss per share $ (2,897,598) 7,040,903 $ (0.41)
==============
Effect of dilutive stock options -- 29,123
----------- -------------
Diluted net loss per share $ (2,897,598) 7,070,026 $ (0.41)
=========== ============= ==============
Stock options that could potentially dilute net income (loss) per share
in the future that were not included in the computation of diluted net
income (loss) per share (because to do so would have been antidilutive
for the periods presented) totaled 424,926 for the three months ended
July 31, 2002, 155,670 for the nine months ended July 31, 2002, and
61,500 for the three months ended July 31, 2001. No such antidilutive
stock options existed with respect to the diluted net loss per share
calculation for the nine months ended July 31, 2001.
(9) Personnel Matters
On June 14, 2002, the Company announced the layoff of 28 employees,
representing almost 15% of its full-time employees. The reductions
included both production and staff positions. The layoffs were part of a
company-wide downsizing and resulted in a charge of approximately
$110,000 during the three months ended July 31, 2002.
On December 3, 2001, the Company issued a press release that announced
that, upon the recommendation of the independent Special Committee of its
Board of Directors, the Board of Directors had removed Robert Kopstein as
the Company's Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. Also see
note 11.
(10) Segment Information and Business and Credit Concentrations
The Company has a single reportable segment for purposes of segment
reporting pursuant to SFAS No. 131, as the Company's fiber optic cable
products are similar in nature.
The Company provides credit, in the normal course of business, to various
commercial enterprises, governmental entities and not-for-profit
organizations. Concentration of credit risk with respect to trade
receivables is limited due to the Company's large number of customers.
The Company also manages exposure to credit risk through credit
approvals, credit limits and monitoring procedures. Management believes
that credit risks as of July 31, 2002 and October 31, 2001 have been
adequately provided for in the financial statements. Also see note 2.
11 (Continued)
OPTICAL CABLE CORPORATION
Condensed Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
Nine Months Ended July 31, 2002
(unaudited)
For the three months ended July 31, 2002, one major distributor accounted
for approximately $1,257,000, or 12.9% of net sales. For the nine months
ended July 31, 2002, no single customer accounted for more than 10% of
net sales.
For the three months ended July 31, 2001, another major distributor
accounted for approximately $2,645,000, or 18.8% of net sales. For the
nine months ended July 31, 2001, this distributor accounted for
approximately $5,191,000, or 10.7% of net sales. During first quarter
2002, this distributor advised the Company that it would no longer stock
the Company's products as part of its regular product offering.
For the nine months ended July 31, 2002 and 2001, approximately 74% and
75%, respectively, of net sales were from customers located in the United
States, while approximately 26% and 25%, respectively, were from
international customers.
(11) Contingencies
On September 27, 2000, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
("EEOC") filed a lawsuit under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act against
the Company in the United States District Court for the Western District
of Virginia. The lawsuit alleged a pattern or practice of discrimination
on the bases of gender and race. The lawsuit sought injunctive and other
relief and damages in an unspecified amount. On December 13, 2001, the
parties reached an agreement as to the amount of a settlement (subject to
final documentation and judicial review and approval). On February 20,
2002, the Company reached a final settlement of the case and the court
issued a Consent Decree setting forth the terms of the settlement.
Pursuant to the settlement and Consent Decree, the Company paid $500,000
on or about February 20, 2002; and will pay $175,000 in January 2003 and
$175,000 in January 2004, to satisfy any gender and race class claims;
the Company paid $75,000 on or about February 20, 2002 to one individual
specifically named in the complaint; and will spend at least $75,000 for
the Company's planned diversity, recruitment and human resource
management programs over the term of the Consent Decree. The Company
recorded a charge in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2001 in the amount
of $901,553 representing $575,000 payable upon entry of the Consent
Decree, as well as $326,553 representing the present value of two equal
payments in the amount of $175,000 payable in January 2003 and 2004.
During the nine months ended July 31, 2002, the Company recorded
accretion of the associated discount in the amount of $9,932. The $75,000
used for the Company's planned diversity, recruitment and human resource
management programs are being expensed as incurred.
The Company was named as a defendant in two lawsuits filed in the United
States District Court for the Southern District of New York seeking to
compel the Company to authorize its transfer agent to transfer
unregistered, restricted stock on the Company's stock ledger. The first
suit was filed on October 22, 2001, by Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. and Bear,
Stearns Securities Corporation (collectively, "Bear Stearns"). The second
suit was filed on October 26, 2001, by UBS PaineWebber Inc.
("PaineWebber"). In each case, PaineWebber and Bear Stearns sought
injunctive relief with respect to
12 (Continued)
OPTICAL CABLE CORPORATION
Condensed Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
Nine Months Ended July 31, 2002
(unaudited)
common stock of the Company sold by them in the course of liquidating
either repossessed shares or brokerage accounts of the Company's former
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, to cover personal margin
loans made by the brokerage firms to him. Both suits also contained a
claim of monetary damages caused by the alleged wrongful refusal by the
Company to authorize the transfers in connection with the liquidations.
During the fiscal quarter ended April 30, 2002, both suits were
dismissed. PaineWebber voluntarily dismissed its lawsuit with prejudice,
while the Bear Stearns lawsuit was voluntarily dismissed without
prejudice.
The Company, Mr. Robert Kopstein, our former Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer, two of the Company's officers and directors,
Luke J. Huybrechts and Kenneth W. Harber, are named as defendants in a
consolidated putative class action lawsuit pending in the United States
District Court for the Western District of Virginia (the "Consolidated
Suit"). The first class action lawsuit was filed on November 26, 2001, by
Charles S. Farrell, Jr., on behalf of himself and others similarly
situated. The second class action lawsuit was filed on December 14, 2001,
by Lerner Group, on behalf of itself and others similarly situated. The
third class action lawsuit was filed on December 27, 2001, by Richard
Simone, on behalf of himself and others similarly situated. The fourth
class action lawsuit was filed on January 31, 2002, by Charles H. Yeatts,
on behalf of himself and others similarly situated. In each of the four
suits, the defendants in the actions were the Company, Mr. Kopstein and
various John Does (unidentified officers and/or directors of the Company
during the class period described below). Pursuant to the Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the United States District
Court for the Western District of Virginia appointed a group of
shareholders as the lead plaintiff for the Consolidated Suit. The four
suits were consolidated into a single action and the lead plaintiff filed
a consolidated amended class action complaint on May 2, 2002. In the
Consolidated Suit, the plaintiffs purport to represent purchasers of the
Company's common stock during the period ranging from June 14, 2000,
through September 26, 2001, (the putative class period), and allege that
the defendants violated Sections 10(b) and 20 of the federal Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 in making certain alleged misrepresentations and/or
omitting to disclose material facts. The plaintiffs in the Consolidated
Suit seek compensatory damages in an unspecified amount, as well as
reasonable costs and expenses incurred in the cause of action, including
attorneys' fees and expert fees.
On June 26, 2002, the Company issued a press release announcing that it
reached a tentative agreement to resolve the Consolidated Suit. The
settlement, which is subject to final Court approval, provides for a cash
payment of $700,000 and the issuance of warrants to purchase 250,000
shares (adjusted for the 1-for-8 reverse stock split approved on July 30,
2002) of the Company's common stock at an exercise price per share
calculated in a manner intended to approximate market prices around June
18, 2002, the date the Company entered into a memorandum of
understanding.
On July 22, 2002, the Court entered an Order of Preliminary Approval of
the proposed settlement, and set a Final Approval Hearing for September
23, 2002, to (a) determine whether the settlement is fair, reasonable and
adequate, and in the best interests of the Class and should be finally
approved by the Court, (b) determine whether the agreed-upon Order and
Final Judgment should be entered dismissing the Consolidated Suit with
prejudice; and (c) considering application of counsel for counsel for the
plaintiffs for an award of attorneys' fees and reimbursement of costs
from the settlement fund.
13 (Continued)
OPTICAL CABLE CORPORATION
Condensed Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
Nine Months Ended July 31, 2002
(unaudited)
The first installment, totaling $500,000, of the cash portion of the
settlement was paid prior to July 31, 2002, upon preliminary court
approval. The second installment, totaling $200,000, of the cash portion
of the settlement is to be paid on November 1, 2002 (or upon final court
approval of the settlement and certification of the class, if later). The
warrants will be exercisable for five years. The Company intends that the
shares issuable upon the exercise of the warrants will be registered
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
The Company recorded a charge in the third quarter of fiscal year 2002 in
the amount of $991,554 representing the estimated cost of the anticipated
settlement and related professional fees incurred, net of expected
insurance proceeds.
From time to time, the Company is involved in various other claims, legal
actions and regulatory reviews 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
financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
14
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and
Financial Condition
Forward Looking Information
This Form 10-Q may contain certain forward-looking information within the
meaning of the federal securities laws. The forward-looking information may
include, among other information, statements concerning our outlook for the
future; statements of belief; future plans, strategies or anticipated events;
and similar information and statements concerning matters that are not
historical facts. Such forward-looking information is subject to risks and
uncertainties that may cause actual events to differ materially from our
expectations. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences
include, but are not limited to, the level of sales to key customers, including
distributors; the economic conditions affecting network service providers; the
slowdown in corporate spending on information technology; actions by
competitors; fluctuations in the price of raw materials (including optical
fiber); our dependence on a single manufacturing facility; our ability to
protect our proprietary manufacturing technology; market conditions influencing
prices or pricing; our dependence on a limited number of suppliers; an adverse
outcome in litigation, claims and other actions and potential litigation, claims
and other actions against us; an adverse outcome in regulatory reviews and
audits and potential regulatory reviews and audits; the effect of sales of our
common stock by the various brokerage firms to whom our former President and
Chief Executive Officer pledged substantially all of his personally-held
unregistered shares of our common stock to cover personal margin loans;
technological changes and introductions of new competing products; adverse
economic conditions that affect the telecommunications sector, certain
technology sectors, or the economy as a whole; terrorist attacks or acts of war,
particularly given the acts of terrorism against the United States on September
11, 2001 and subsequent military responses by the United States; ability to
retain key personnel; changes in market demand, exchange rates, productivity,
weather or market and economic conditions in the areas of the world in which we
operate and market our products.
Amounts presented in the following discussion have been rounded to the nearest
hundred thousand, unless the amounts are less than one million, in which case
the amounts have been rounded to the nearest thousand.
Overview
We are a leading manufacturer of a broad range of tight-buffer fiber optic
cables primarily for the local area network and premise markets, often referred
to as the enterprise market. Our tight-buffer fiber optic cables are well-suited
for use in short to moderate distance applications to connect metropolitan,
access and enterprise networks. Our tight-buffer fiber optic cables are derived
from technology originally developed for military applications requiring rugged,
flexible and compact fiber optic cables. Our tight-buffer fiber optic cables can
be used both indoors and outdoors, are easy and economical to install, provide a
high degree of reliability and offer industry leading performance
characteristics. We have designed and implemented an efficient and highly
automated manufacturing process based on proprietary technologies. This enables
us to produce high quality indoor/outdoor tight-buffer fiber optic cable rapidly
and cost efficiently.
We sell our products internationally and domestically through our sales force to
our customers, which include original equipment manufacturers, major
distributors, regional distributors and various smaller distributors.
International net sales were 23% and 29% of total net sales for the three months
ended July 31, 2002 and 2001. International net sales were 26% and 25% of total
net sales for the nine months ended July 31, 2002 and 2001. Substantially all of
our international sales are denominated in U.S. dollars.
Net sales consist of gross sales of products less discounts, refunds and
returns. Revenue is recognized at the time of product shipment or delivery to
the customer and at the time the customer takes ownership and assumes risk of
loss, based on shipping terms. During the third quarter of 2002, one major
distributor accounted for approximately $1.3 million, or 12.9% of net sales.
During the nine months ended July 31, 2002, no single customer accounted for
more than 10% of net sales. During the third quarter of 2001, another major
distributor
15 (Continued)
accounted for approximately $2.6 million, or 18.8% of net sales. For the nine
months ended July 31, 2001, this distributor accounted for approximately $5.2
million, or 10.7% of net sales. During first quarter 2002, this distributor
advised us that it would no longer stock our products as part of its regular
product offering.
A significant percentage of the selling price of our fiber optic cable is based
on the cost of raw materials used. Because single-mode fiber is less expensive
than multimode fiber, single-mode fiber optic cables have a lower per unit
selling price than comparable multimode fiber optic cables. We believe that the
metropolitan and access markets are predominantly the users of single-mode fiber
optic cable, and that increasingly, single-mode fiber is also being used for
other short to moderate distance installations where higher bandwidth is
required. To the extent that our sales mix shifts toward single-mode cables, we
will have to increase the volume of our sales to maintain our current level of
net sales.
Cost of goods sold consists of the cost of materials, compensation costs,
product warranty costs and overhead related to our manufacturing operations. The
largest percentage of costs included in cost of goods sold is attributable to
costs of materials that are variable as opposed to fixed costs.
Selling, general and administrative expenses consist of the compensation costs
for sales and marketing personnel, shipping costs, travel expenses, customer
support expenses, trade show expenses, advertising, bad debt expense, the
compensation cost for administration, finance and general management personnel,
as well as legal and accounting fees and costs incurred to settle litigation or
claims and other actions against us, excluding legal and accounting fees and
other costs reflected as shareholder litigation settlement expense.
Other expense, net consists primarily of realized and unrealized net losses on
trading securities, interest income and interest expense. In January 2000, the
Company, under the tenure of its former Chairman, President and Chief Executive
Officer, began actively buying and selling shares in the Nasdaq 100 Trust, which
is designed to closely track the price and yield performance of the Nasdaq 100
stock index. Short-term margin borrowings payable to an investment broker were
used to finance our position in these trading securities. Our margin borrowings
were collateralized by the trading securities and were subject to margin
provisions, which could have resulted in the sale of some or all of, and on
certain occasions did result in the sale of some of, the trading securities to
meet margin calls. Our active trading in the Nasdaq 100 Trust continued through
May 14, 2001, the date of the last purchase of these shares. In September 2001,
we hired Mr. Neil Wilkin as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.
Mr. Wilkin became Acting-President in December 2001 when our former Chairman,
President and Chief Executive Officer was removed as an officer of the Company
by the Board of Directors. Mr. Wilkin became President and Chief Financial
Officer in April 2002. On October 3, 2001, as part of a policy to invest future
excess funds only in short-term interest-bearing investments, we sold all of our
remaining investment in the Nasdaq 100 Trust and paid off the outstanding margin
borrowings. As a result, there were no gains or losses resulting from the
trading of securities for the nine months ended July 31, 2002. Our Board of
Directors has adopted an Investment Objectives and Guidelines policy, in which
we state that we will make no additional cash investments in the above-mentioned
Nasdaq 100 Trust or in stocks of other companies. In addition, our Investment
Objectives and Guidelines policy states that any future investments will be in
U.S. dollar denominated short-term, interest-bearing, investment-grade
securities.
For accounting purposes, we categorized our investment in the Nasdaq 100 Trust
as trading securities, and we recorded the investment on our balance sheet at
fair value, which was based on quoted market prices. Purchases and sales of
trading securities were recognized on a trade-date basis, the date the order to
buy or sell is executed. Net realized gains or losses were determined on the
first-in, first-out cost method. We marked our investment to market on each
balance sheet date. Any decline in fair value was recorded as an unrealized
loss, while any increase in fair value was recorded as an unrealized gain.
Realized gains and losses and unrealized holding gains and losses from trading
securities were included in other expense, net.
16 (Continued)
In the third quarter of 2001, we recognized net losses of $596,000 in connection
with our securities trading activities in other expense, net. During the nine
months ended July 31, 2001, we recognized net losses of $9.8 million in
connection with our securities trading activities in other expense, net. In the
third quarter of 2001 and for the nine months ended July 31, 2001, we incurred
interest expense of $34,000 and $282,000, respectively, on the margin borrowings
related to our securities trading activities. Since October 2001, we have held
no trading securities in accordance with our current investment policy and had
no outstanding margin borrowings.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth selected line items from our condensed statements
of operations as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated:
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
July 31, July 31,
--------------------- --------------------
2002 2001 2002 2001
--------- -------- -------- --------
Net sales 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 %
Cost of goods sold 67.0 56.7 64.7 55.0
--------- -------- -------- --------
Gross profit 33.0 43.3 35.3 45.0
Selling, general and administrative expenses 34.4 27.1 31.5 23.7
Shareholder litigation settlement expense 10.2 -- 3.6 --
--------- -------- -------- --------
Income (loss) from operations (11.6) 16.2 0.2 21.3
Other expense, net (0.3) (4.4) (0.4) (20.6)
--------- -------- -------- --------
Income (loss) before income tax
expense (benefit) (11.9) 11.8 (0.2) 0.7
Income tax expense (benefit) (4.2) 5.6 (0.1) 6.7
--------- -------- -------- --------
Net income (loss) (7.7) % 6.2 % (0.1)% (6.0)%
========= ======== ======== ========
Three Months Ended July 31, 2002 and 2001
Net Sales
Net sales decreased 30.9% to $9.7 million for the three months ended July 31,
2002 from $14.1 million for the three months ended July 31, 2001. The decrease
in net sales during the third quarter of 2002, when compared to the same period
last year, was a result of weak economic conditions on market demand, a trend
that significantly affected our net sales beginning in the second half of fiscal
year 2001. Total fiber meters shipped during the third quarter of 2002 decreased
42.0% to 32.5 million fiber meters shipped from 56.0 million fiber meters
shipped for the same period in 2001.
During the third quarter of 2002, we experienced an increase in product mix for
cable containing multimode fiber (which typically has a higher relative sales
price), compared to cable containing single-mode fiber (which typically has a
lower relative sales price), when compared to the third quarter of 2001. The
percentage of multimode fiber meters shipped to total fiber meters shipped
during the third quarter of 2002 was 71.7% compared to 60.0% during the third
quarter of 2001; however, the impact of the decreased market demand and pricing
outweighed the impact on sales resulting from the change in product mix.
Cable containing multimode fiber is generally used for communications over
shorter distances where the higher bandwidth capacity and the higher
transmission equipment cost of single-mode fiber is not required. Multimode
fiber cable is often used in datacom applications. Cable containing single-mode
fiber is generally used for communications over longer distances and where
higher bandwidth capacity is required. Single-mode fiber cable is often used in
telecom, CATV and various Internet applications.
17 (Continued)
Gross Profit
Gross profit margin, or gross profit as a percentage of net sales, decreased to
33.0% in the third quarter of 2002 from 43.3% in the third quarter of 2001, as
production costs did not decrease at the same relative rate as the decrease in
net sales. By comparison, the gross profit margin for the first and second
fiscal quarters of 2002 were 39.5% and 33.1%, respectively. Although raw
material cost per fiber meter shipped decreased during the third quarter of 2002
compared to the third quarter of 2001, manufacturing overhead costs, and to a
lesser extent labor costs, did not decrease proportionally to the decrease in
net sales as lower costs were allocated over even lower volumes. Furthermore,
costs of goods sold were impacted during the third quarter of 2002 when compared
to the same period last year due to an increase in write-offs of slow-moving and
impaired inventory.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales were
34.4% in the third quarter of 2002, compared to 27.1% in the third quarter of
2001. The higher percentage in the third quarter of 2002 reflects the fact that
net sales for the quarter decreased 30.9% compared to the same period last year,
while selling, general and administrative expenses only decreased 12.3% compared
to the third quarter of 2001. The decrease in selling, general and
administrative expenses during the third quarter of 2002 compared to the same
period last year is primarily due to a decrease in sales commissions, shipping
costs, and legal and professional fees (excluding those fees related to the
shareholder litigation), which was partially offset by an increase in bad debt
expense.
Shareholder Litigation Settlement Expense
We recorded a $992,000 charge representing the estimated cost of the anticipated
settlement of a shareholder lawsuit and related professional fees incurred
during the third quarter of 2002, net of expected insurance proceeds. The
shareholder lawsuit is described in more detail in "Liquidity and Capital
Resources" below and the Legal Proceedings section of this Form 10-Q. There was
no such charge in the third quarter of 2001.
Other Income (Expense)
Other expense, net decreased to $33,000 in the third quarter of 2002 from
$616,000 in the third quarter of 2001. The decrease was primarily due to
cessation of securities trading activity which were conducted under the tenure
of our former Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, the liquidation
of our remaining investments in the Nasdaq 100 Trust and the pay off of the
outstanding margin borrowings prior to the end of fiscal year 2001. In the third
quarter of 2001, we recognized net losses of $596,000 in connection with our
securities trading activities, and incurred interest expense of $34,000 on the
margin borrowings related to such activities. Since October 2001, we have held
no trading securities in accordance with our current investment policy and had
no outstanding margin borrowings. Please see our discussion of trading
securities in "Overview" above.
Income (Loss) Before Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) decreased to a pretax loss of
$1.2 million in the third quarter of 2002 from pretax income of $1.7 million in
the third quarter of 2001. This decrease was primarily due to the $2.9 million
decrease in gross profit largely resulting from the decrease in net sales and
the $992,000 charge related to our anticipated settlement of the shareholder
litigation (described under "Liquidity and Capital Resources" below), partially
offset by the $470,000 decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses
and by the fact that we did not incur trading securities losses during the third
quarter of 2002 compared to a $596,000 loss on trading securities, net, during
the third quarter of 2001.
18 (Continued)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Income tax benefit increased to $410,000 in the third quarter of 2002 from
income tax expense of $792,000 in the third quarter of 2001. For the third
quarter of 2002, our effective tax rate was 35.2%. For the third quarter of
2001, our reported income tax expense differed from the expected income tax
expense, computed based on an expected effective tax rate of 35.0%, due
primarily to the increase in our valuation allowance for deferred tax assets in
the amount of $225,000.
We had assessed the realization of our deferred tax assets relating to the
capital loss carryforward and unrealized net loss generated by our trading
securities during the nine months ended July 31, 2001. As a result we determined
that it is more likely than not that these deferred tax assets, totaling
approximately $3.4 million as of July 31, 2001, would not be realized.
Accordingly, we established a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets in the
amount of approximately $3.1 million as of April 30, 2001 and increased the
valuation allowance by $225,000 as of July 31, 2001, which is included in income
tax expense for the three months ended July 31, 2001. Subsequent to July 31,
2001 through October 31, 2001, the deferred tax asset relating to the capital
loss carryforward on trading securities increased by approximately $687,000.
Accordingly, as of October 31, 2001, we increased the corresponding valuation
allowance to approximately $4.1 million. As of July 31, 2002, the valuation
allowance approximated $4.1 million.
Fluctuations in our effective tax rates typically are due primarily to the
amount and timing of the tax benefits related to our Extraterritorial Income
Exclusion and our foreign sales corporation, both of which exempt from federal
income taxation a portion of the net profit realized from sales outside of the
United States of products manufactured in the United States.
Net Income (Loss)
Net loss for the third quarter of 2002 was $756,000, compared to net income of
$875,000 for the third quarter of 2001. This $1.6 million decrease in net income
was primarily due to the $2.9 million decrease in gross profit largely resulting
from the decrease in net sales and the $992,000 charge related to our
anticipated settlement of the shareholder litigation (described in "Liquidity
and Capital Resources" below), partially offset by the $470,000 decrease in
selling, general and administrative expenses, the elimination of $596,000 in
losses on trading securities, net, and the $1.2 million decrease in income tax
expense.
In an ongoing effort to control costs, and as a result of lower production
volumes, on June 14, 2002, we announced the layoff of 28 employees, representing
almost 15% of our full-time employees. The reductions included both production
and staff positions. The layoffs were part of a company-wide downsizing and
resulted in a charge of approximately $110,000 during the third quarter of 2002.
As a result, the anticipated cost savings from this action will not be
substantially realized until the fourth quarter of 2002.
Nine Months Ended July 31, 2002 and 2001
Net Sales
Net sales decreased 33.9% to $32.0 million for the nine months ended July 31,
2002 from $48.5 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2001. The decrease in
net sales during the first nine months of 2002, when compared to the same period
last year, was a result of weak economic conditions on market demand, discussed
above. Total fiber meters shipped during the first nine months of 2002 decreased
40.9% to 103.5 million fiber meters shipped from 175.2 million fiber meters
shipped for the same period in 2001.
During the first nine months of 2002, we experienced an increase in product mix
for cable containing multimode fiber (which
19 (Continued)
typically has a higher relative sales price), compared to cable containing
single-mode fiber (which typically has a lower relative sales price), when
compared to the same period in 2001. The percentage of multimode fiber meters
shipped to total fiber meters shipped during the first nine months of 2002 was
69.8% compared to 59.9% during the same period in 2001; however, the impact of
the decreased market demand and pricing outweighed the impact on sales resulting
from the change in product mix.
Gross Profit
Gross profit margin decreased to 35.3% in the first nine months of 2002 from
45.0% for the same period in 2001, as production costs did not decrease at the
same relative rate as the decrease in net sales. Raw material cost per fiber
meter shipped was relatively constant when comparing the first nine months of
2002 to the same period in 2001. However, manufacturing overhead costs, and to a
lesser extent labor costs, did not decrease proportionally to the decrease in
net sales as lower costs were allocated over even lower volumes.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales were
31.5% in the first nine months of 2002, compared to 23.7% for the same period in
2001. The higher percentage in the first nine months of 2002 reflects the fact
that net sales for the period decreased 33.9% compared to the same period last
year, while selling, general and administrative expenses only decreased 12.1%
compared to the same period in 2001. The decrease in selling, general and
administrative expenses during the first nine months of 2002 compared to the
same period last year is primarily due to a decrease in sales commissions and
shipping costs, and to a lesser extent decreases in legal and professional fees
(excluding those fees related to the shareholder litigation) and bad debt
expense.
Shareholder Litigation Settlement Expense
We recorded a $1.1 million charge representing the estimated cost of the
anticipated settlement of a shareholder lawsuit and related professional fees
incurred during the first nine months of 2002, net of expected insurance
proceeds. The shareholder lawsuit is described in more detail in "Liquidity and
Capital Resources" below and the Legal Proceedings section of this Form 10-Q.
There was no such charge in the first nine months of 2001.
Other Income (Expense)
Other expense, net decreased to $138,000 for the first nine months of 2002 from
$10.0 million for the same period in 2001. The decrease was primarily due to
cessation of securities trading activity which were conducted under the tenure
of our former Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, the liquidation
of our remaining investments in the Nasdaq 100 Trust and the pay off of the
outstanding margin borrowings prior to the end of fiscal year 2001. In the first
nine months of 2001, we recognized net losses of $9.8 million in connection with
our securities trading activities, and incurred interest expense of $282,000 on
the margin borrowings related to such activities. Since October 2001, we have
held no trading securities in accordance with our current investment policy and
had no outstanding margin borrowings. Please see our discussion of trading
securities in "Overview" above.
Income (Loss) Before Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) decreased to a pretax loss of
$66,000 in the first nine months of 2002 from pretax income of $336,000 for the
same period in 2001. This decrease was primarily due to the $10.5 million
decrease in gross profit largely resulting from the decrease in net sales, and
the $1.1 million charge related to our anticipated settlement of the shareholder
litigation (described under "Liquidity and Capital Resources" below), partially
offset by a $1.4 million decrease in selling, general and administrative
expenses, and by the fact that we did not incur trading securities losses during
the nine months ended July 31, 2002 compared to $9.8 million losses on trading
securities, net during the same period last year.
20 (Continued)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Income tax expense decreased to income tax benefit of $23,000 in the first nine
months of 2002 from income tax expense of $3.2 million for the same period in
2001. For the nine months ended July 31, 2002, our effective tax rate was 35.0%.
During the first nine months of 2001, our reported income tax expense differed
from the expected income tax expense, computed based on an expected effective
tax rate of 35.0%, due primarily to the establishment of a valuation allowance
for deferred tax assets in the amount of $3.4 million.
We had assessed the realizability of our deferred tax assets relating to the
capital loss carryforward and unrealized net loss generated by our trading
securities during the nine months ended July 31, 2001. As a result, we
determined that it is more likely than not that these deferred tax assets would
not be realized. Accordingly, we established a valuation allowance for deferred
tax assets in the amount of approximately $3.4 million as of July 31, 2001,
which is included in income tax expense for the nine months ended July 31, 2001.
Subsequent to July 31, 2001 through October 31, 2001, the deferred tax asset
relating to the capital loss carryforward on trading securities increased by
approximately $687,000. Accordingly, as of October 31, 2001, we increased the
corresponding valuation allowance to approximately $4.1 million. As of July 31,
2002, the valuation allowance approximated $4.1 million.
Fluctuations in our effective tax rates typically are due primarily to the
amount and timing of the tax benefits related to our Extraterritorial Income
Exclusion and our foreign sales corporation, both of which exempt from federal
income taxation a portion of the net profit realized from sales outside of the
United States of products manufactured in the United States.
Net Loss
Net loss for the first nine months of 2002 was $43,000, compared to a net loss
of $2.9 million for the same period in 2001. This represented a $2.9 million
decrease in net loss. Although there was a $10.5 million decrease in gross
profit largely resulting from the decrease in net sales, and a $1.1 million
charge related to our anticipated settlement of the shareholder litigation
(described in "Liquidity and Capital Resources" below), this was more than
offset by the $1.4 million decrease in selling, general and administrative
expenses, the $3.3 million decrease in income tax expense and by the fact that
we did not incur trading securities losses during the nine months ended July 31,
2002 compared to a $9.8 million loss on trading securities, net during the same
period in 2001.
In an ongoing effort to control costs and as a result of lower production
volumes, on June 14, 2002, we announced the layoff of 28 employees, representing
almost 15% of our full-time employees. The reductions included both production
and staff positions. The layoffs were part of a company-wide downsizing and
resulted in a charge of approximately $110,000 during the third quarter of 2002.
As a result, the anticipated cost savings from this action will not be
substantially realized until the fourth quarter of 2002.
Financial Condition
Total assets decreased $8.9 million, or 20.9%, to $33.9 million at July 31,
2002, from $42.8 million at October 31, 2001. This decrease was primarily due to
a $3.0 million decrease in trade accounts receivable, net, resulting from the
decreased sales volume during the first nine months of 2002 as compared to the
last nine months of 2001, a $3.7 million decrease in inventories, and a $2.0
million decrease in cash and cash equivalents, partially offset by an increase
in prepaid expenses of $484,000. Prepaid expenses increased during the period
primarily as a result of the prepayment of a new directors and officer's
insurance policy. The premium is being amortized over the term of the policy.
Total liabilities decreased $9.0 million, or 60.0%, to $6.0 million at July 31,
2002, from $14.9 million at October 31, 2001. This decrease was primarily due to
a $8.3 million decrease in current notes payable to our
21 (Continued)
bank under our previous lines of credit, and a $2.8 million decrease in accounts
payable and accrued expenses and accrued compensation and payroll taxes,
partially offset by an increase in accrued shareholder litigation settlement
expense of $775,000 and an increase in noncurrent note payable to our bank of
$1.5 million under our new revolving line of credit with a three-year term.
Total shareholders' equity at July 31, 2002 increased $12,000 during the first
three quarters of 2002. The increase resulted primarily from an increase of
$57,000 resulting from the tax benefit of disqualifying disposition of stock
options exercised offset by a net loss of $43,000 for the nine months ended July
31, 2002.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary capital needs have been to fund working capital requirements and
capital expenditures. Our primary source of capital for these purposes has been
cash provided from operations and borrowings under our bank lines of credit
described below. The outstanding balance under our new revolving line of credit
totaled $1.5 million as of July 31, 2002 and has been reflected as noncurrent
based on the scheduled maturity of the credit facility in April 2005. The
outstanding balance as of July 31, 2002 reflects a net decrease of $6.8 million
from the $8.3 million balance outstanding under our previous lines of credit at
October 31, 2001.
We had no cash and cash equivalents as of July 31, 2002, a decrease of $2.0
million, compared to $2.0 million as of October 31, 2001. We maintain a sweep
account arrangement with our bank, where at the end of each day all of our cash
is used to paydown our outstanding note payable to the bank. The cash and cash
equivalents decrease for the nine months ended July 31, 2002, was primarily due
to the repayment of notes payable to bank, net, totaling $6.8 million, partially
offset by net cash provided by operating activities of $4.8 million.
We have entered into written agreements to purchase raw optical fiber. These
commitments total $6.9 million, $10.4 million, $6.9 million and $1.0 million in
fiscal years 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2005, respectively.
On July 31, 2002, we had working capital of $16.3 million, compared to $14.2
million as of October 31, 2001, an increase of $2.1 million. The ratio of
current assets to current liabilities as of July 31, 2002, was 4.8 to 1,
compared to 2.0 to 1 as of October 31, 2001. The increase in working capital
during the nine months ended July 31, 2002 was primarily caused by a decrease in
notes payable to bank of $8.3 million, reflected entirely as a current liability
at October 31, 2001, and a $2.8 million decrease in accounts payable and accrued
expenses and accrued compensation and payroll taxes, partially offset by a $2.0
million decrease in cash and cash equivalents, a $3.0 million decrease in trade
accounts receivable, net, a $3.7 million decrease in inventories and an increase
in accrued shareholder litigation settlement expense of $775,000.
Net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $4.8 million for the
nine months ended July 31, 2002, compared to $2.8 million for the nine months
ended July 31, 2001. Net cash provided by operating activities during the first
nine months of 2002 primarily resulted from a $2.8 million decrease in trade
accounts receivable and a $3.7 million decrease in inventories, partially offset
by a $2.2 million decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses (including
accrued compensation and payroll taxes). Net cash provided by operating
activities for the nine months ended July 31, 2001 primarily resulted from a
decrease in trading securities of $11.8 million, and an increase in accounts
payable and accrued expenses (including accrued compensation and payroll taxes)
of $2.4 million, partially offset by an increase in trade accounts receivable of
$2.0 million, an increase in inventories of $6.4 million and a decrease in
amounts payable to investment broker of $3.1 million.
Net cash provided by investing activities totaled $136,000 for the first nine
months in 2002, compared to net cash used in investing activities of $1.8
million for the first nine months of 2001. Net cash generated in investing
activities during the first nine months of 2002 primarily resulted from $367,000
provided by the receipt of the
22 (Continued)
cash surrender value of a life insurance policy on a former officer, partially
offset by $231,000 in purchases of property and equipment. Net cash used in
investing activities during the first nine months of 2001 primarily resulted
from expenditures related to property and equipment and a $82,000 increase in
the cash surrender value of the life insurance policy of a former officer.
Net cash used in financing activities was $7.1 million for the nine months ended
July 31, 2002, compared to $1.5 million for the nine months ended July 31, 2001.
Net cash used in financing activities for the nine months ended July 31, 2002
was the result of repayments on notes payable to our bank under our lines of
credit and payments for financing costs related to our new credit facility. Net
cash used in financing activities for the nine months ended July 31, 2001 was
primarily the result of repurchases of common stock in the amount of $2.5
million.
On April 25 2002, we entered into a new revolving credit facility with Wachovia
Bank, National Association (formerly First Union National Bank). The new
three-year credit facility provides up to a maximum of $25 million and replaced
our previous $9.5 million credit facility.
The new credit facility bears interest at the prime rate plus three-quarters of
one percent (0.75%) per annum (5.5% as of July 31, 2002) and may be reduced by
one-quarter of one percent (0.25%) upon meeting certain fixed charge coverage
ratio requirements. The facility also provides a LIBOR based rate at our option.
The facility is collateralized by all of our tangible and intangible assets.
Borrowings under the credit facility are subject to certain coverage ratios,
advance limits and qualifications that are applied to our accounts receivable,
inventory and fixed assets. Our ability to access the full amount of the credit
facility will depend on the future growth of our borrowing base. As of July 31,
2002, we had outstanding borrowings under the new credit facility in the amount
of approximately $1.5 million, with approximately $8.2 million unused and
available. The outstanding balance on the credit facility, which expires in
April 2005, has been reflected as noncurrent based on the scheduled maturity of
the credit facility. We believe that our cash flow from operations and our
credit facility will be adequate to fund our operations for at least the next
twelve months.
On September 27, 2000, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ("EEOC")
filed a lawsuit under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act against us in the United
States District Court for the Western District of Virginia. The lawsuit alleged
a pattern or practice of discrimination on the bases of gender and race. The
lawsuit sought injunctive and other relief and damages in an unspecified amount.
On December 13, 2001, the parties reached an agreement as to the amount of a
settlement (subject to final documentation and judicial review and approval). On
February 20, 2002, we reached a final settlement of the case and the court
issued a Consent Decree setting forth the terms of the settlement. Pursuant to
the settlement and Consent Decree, we paid $500,000 on or about February 20,
2002; and will pay $175,000 in January 2003 and $175,000 in January 2004, to
satisfy any gender and race class claims; we paid $75,000 on or about February
20, 2002 to one individual specifically named in the complaint; and will spend
at least $75,000 for our planned diversity, recruitment and human resource
management programs over the term of the Consent Decree. We recorded a charge in
the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2001 in the amount of $902,000 representing
$575,000 payable upon entry of the Consent Decree, as well as $327,000
representing the present value of two equal payments in the amount of $175,000
payable in January 2003 and 2004. During the nine months ended July 31, 2002, we
recorded accretion of the associated discount in the amount of $10,000. The
$75,000 used for our planned diversity, recruitment and human resource
management programs are being expensed as incurred.
We were named as a defendant in two lawsuits filed in the United States District
Court for the Southern District of New York seeking to compel us to authorize
its transfer agent to transfer unregistered, restricted stock on the Company's
stock ledger. The first suit was filed on October 22, 2001, by Bear, Stearns &
Co. Inc. and Bear, Stearns Securities Corporation (collectively, "Bear
Stearns"). The second suit was filed on October 26, 2001, by UBS PaineWebber
Inc. ("PaineWebber"). In each case, PaineWebber and Bear Stearns sought
injunctive relief with respect to our common stock sold by them in the course of
liquidating either repossessed shares or
23 (Continued)
brokerage accounts of our former Chairman, President and Chief Executive
Officer, to cover personal margin loans made by the brokerage firms to him. Both
suits also contained a claim of monetary damages caused by the alleged wrongful
refusal by the Company to authorize the transfers in connection with the
liquidations. During the fiscal quarter ended April 30, 2002, both suits were
dismissed. PaineWebber voluntarily dismissed its lawsuit with prejudice, while
the Bear Stearns lawsuit was voluntarily dismissed without prejudice.
The Company, Mr. Robert Kopstein, our former Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer, two other officers and directors, Luke J. Huybrechts and
Kenneth W. Harber, are named as defendants in a consolidated putative class
action lawsuit pending in the United States District Court for the Western
District of Virginia (the "Consolidated Suit"). The first class action lawsuit
was filed on November 26, 2001, by Charles S. Farrell, Jr., on behalf of himself
and others similarly situated. The second class action lawsuit was filed on
December 14, 2001, by Lerner Group, on behalf of itself and others similarly
situated. The third class action lawsuit was filed on December 27, 2001, by
Richard Simone, on behalf of himself and others similarly situated. The fourth
class action lawsuit was filed on January 31, 2002, by Charles H. Yeatts, on
behalf of himself and others similarly situated. In each of the four suits, the
defendants in the actions were the Company, Mr. Kopstein and various John Does
(unidentified officers and/or directors of the Company during the class period
described below). Pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995, the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia
appointed a group of shareholders as the lead plaintiff for the Consolidated
Suit. The four suits were consolidated into a single action and the lead
plaintiff filed a consolidated amended class action complaint on May 2, 2002. In
the Consolidated Suit, the plaintiffs purport to represent purchasers of our
common stock during the period ranging from June 14, 2000, through September 26,
2001, (the putative class period), and allege that the defendants violated
Sections 10(b) and 20 of the federal Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in making
certain alleged misrepresentations and/or omitting to disclose material facts.
The plaintiffs in the Consolidated Suit seek compensatory damages in an
unspecified amount, as well as reasonable costs and expenses incurred in the
cause of action, including attorneys' fees and expert fees.
On June 26, 2002, we issued a press release announcing that we reached a
tentative agreement to resolve the Consolidated Suit. The settlement, which is
subject to final Court approval, provides for a cash payment of $700,000 and the
issuance of warrants to purchase 250,000 shares (adjusted for the 1-for-8
reverse stock split approved on July 30, 2002) of our common stock at an
exercise price per share calculated in a manner intended to approximate market
prices around June 18, 2002, the date we entered into a memorandum of
understanding.
On July 22, 2002, the Court entered an Order of Preliminary Approval of the
proposed settlement, and set a Final Approval Hearing for September 23, 2002, to
(a) determine whether the settlement is fair, reasonable and adequate, and in
the best interests of the Class and should be finally approved by the Court, (b)
determine whether the agreed-upon Order and Final Judgment should be entered
dismissing the Consolidated Suit with prejudice, and (c) considering application
of counsel for counsel for the plaintiffs for an award of attorneys' fees and
reimbursement of costs from the settlement fund.
The first installment, totaling $500,000, of the cash portion of the settlement
was paid prior to July 31, 2002, upon preliminary court approval. The second
installment, totaling $200,000, of the cash portion of the settlement is to be
paid on November 1, 2002 (or upon final court approval of the settlement and
certification of the class, if later). The warrants will be exercisable for five
years. We intend that the shares issuable upon the exercise of the warrants will
be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
We recorded a charge in the third quarter of fiscal year 2002 in the amount of
$992,000 representing the estimated cost of the anticipated settlement and
related professional fees incurred, net of expected insurance proceeds.
24 (Continued)
From time to time, we are involved in various other claims, legal actions and
regulatory reviews 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 our financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
At a Special Shareholders Meeting held on July 30, 2002, our shareholders
approved a 1-for-8 reverse stock split of all outstanding shares of common stock
and a change in the number of authorized shares of our common stock from 100
million to 50 million. The reverse split was effective at 12:01 a.m. (eastern
daylight time) on July 31, 2002, at which time each eight shares of issued and
outstanding common stock was converted into one issued and outstanding share of
common stock. Fractional shares of stock were not issued as a result of the
reverse stock split. Shareholders who would otherwise have received a fractional
share of common stock received an equivalent amount of cash in lieu of
fractional shares, based on the average closing price of the common stock for
the ten trading days prior to, but not including, the effective date of the
reverse stock split. All references to share and per share data contained
elsewhere in this Form 10-Q have been retroactively adjusted to reflect the
impact of the approved reverse stock split.
On June 14, 2002, we announced the layoff of 28 employees, representing almost
15% of our full-time employees. The reductions included both production and
staff positions. The layoffs were part of a company-wide downsizing and resulted
in a charge of approximately $110,000 during the third fiscal quarter of 2002.
Seasonality
Historically, net sales are relatively lower in the first half of each fiscal
year and relatively higher in the second half of each fiscal year, which we
believe may be partially due to construction cycles and budgetary cycles of our
customers. However, our sales have not followed this pattern in fiscal 2001 or
in fiscal 2002.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
The table below sets forth a summary of our contractual obligations and
commitments that will impact our future liquidity:
Contractual Obligations Fiscal Years Ending October 31,
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
and Commitments 2002 2003 2004 2005 Totals
- ------------------------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Bank lines of credit $ -- -- -- 1,524,000 1,524,000
Long-term optical fiber
supply agreements 6,951,000 10,390,000 6,850,000 1,016,000 25,207,000
EEOC settlement -- 175,000 175,000 -- 350,000
Shareholder litigation
settlement -- 200,000 -- -- 200,000
-------------- -------------- -------------- -------------- --------------
Total $ 6,951,000 10,765,000 7,025,000 2,540,000 27,281,000
============== ============== ============== ============== ==============
Bank Lines of Credit
On April 25, 2002, we entered into a new credit facility with Wachovia Bank,
National Association (formerly First Union National Bank). The new credit
facility has a term of three-years and replaced our previous $9.5 million credit
facility. See further discussion under "Liquidity and Capital Resources" above.
Long-Term Optical Fiber Supply Agreements
During fiscal year 2001, we entered into separate long-term supply agreements
with two optical fiber suppliers. One agreement expires on December 31, 2003 and
the other on December 31, 2004. The aggregate required purchases related to
these agreements (subject to certain price adjustments) during the terms of the
agreements are set forth above. Additionally, one of the supply agreements
requires that one-half of all single-mode fiber purchases through December 31,
2004 above the committed amounts be purchased from that supplier at market
prices. The fiber purchase commitments are more than our presently expected
requirements for production during the terms of the contracts. We are currently
negotiating with our suppliers in an effort to revise the terms of the
contracts.
25 (Continued)
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission Settlement
On September 27, 2000, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission ("EEOC")
filed a lawsuit under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act against us in the United
States District Court for the Western District of Virginia. The lawsuit alleged
a pattern or practice of discrimination on the bases of gender and race. The
lawsuit sought injunctive and other relief and damages in an unspecified amount.
On December 13, 2001, the parties reached an agreement as to the amount of a
settlement (subject to final documentation and judicial review and approval). On
February 20, 2002, we reached a final settlement of the case with EEOC and the
court issued a Consent Decree setting forth the terms of the settlement.
Pursuant to the settlement and Consent Decree, we paid $500,000 on or about
February 20, 2002; and will pay $175,000 in January 2003 and $175,000 in January
2004, to satisfy any gender and race class claims; we paid $75,000 on or about
February 20, 2002 to one individual specifically named in the complaint; and
will spend at least $75,000 for our planned diversity, recruitment and human
resource management programs over the term of the Consent Decree. We recorded a
charge in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2001 in the amount of $902,000
representing $575,000 payable upon entry of the Consent Decree, as well as
$327,000 representing the present value of two equal payments in the amount of
$175,000 payable in January 2003 and 2004. As of July 31, 2002, we have paid
$575,000 and accreted $10,000 of the discount associated with recording the
liability at its present value. Of the remaining liability totaling $336,000 as
of July 31, 2002, $172,000 has been reflected as current. The $75,000 to be used
for our planned diversity, recruitment and human resource management programs
are being expensed as incurred, and is not reflected in the Contractual
Obligations and Commitments table above.
Shareholder Litigation Settlement
The Company, Mr. Robert Kopstein, our former Chairman, President and Chief
Executive Officer and two of our officers and directors, Luke J. Huybrechts and
Kenneth W. Harber, were named as defendants in a consolidated putative class
action lawsuit pending in the United States District Court for the Western
District of Virginia (the "Consolidated Suit"). On June 26, 2002, we issued a
press release announcing that we reached a tentative agreement to resolve the
Consolidated Suit. The settlement, which is subject to final Court approval,
provides for a cash payment of $700,000 and the issuance of warrants to purchase
250,000 shares (adjusted for the 1-for-8 reverse stock split approved on July
30, 2002) of our common stock at an exercise price per share calculated in a
manner intended to approximate market prices around June 18, 2002, the date we
entered into a memorandum of understanding.
The first installment, totaling $500,000, of the cash portion of the settlement
was paid prior to July 31, 2002, upon preliminary court approval. The second
installment, totaling $200,000, of the cash portion of the settlement has been
accrued for as of July 31, 2002 and is to be paid on November 1, 2002 (or upon
final court approval of the settlement and certification of the class, if
later). We also have accrued $465,000 related to the estimated expense
associated with the value of the warrants. Because the issuance of the warrants
will not have an impact on our future liquidity, this amount has not been
reflected in the Contractual Obligations and Commitments table above.
Additionally, as of July 31, 2002, we have accrued approximately $109,000
primarily for professional fees incurred through July 31, 2002 in connection
with the settlement of the Consolidated Suit. Because these professional fees
involve no contractual commitment in connection with the settlement of the
Consolidated Suit, this amount has not been reflected in the Contractual
Obligations and Commitments table above. Any additional expenses we incur for
professional fees related to the settlement will be expensed as incurred, and
are not reflected in the Contractual Obligations and Commitments table above.
26 (Continued)
Critical Accounting Policies
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is recognized at the time of product shipment or delivery to the
customer, provided that the customer takes ownership and assumes risk of loss
based on shipping terms. Net sales consists of gross sales of products, less
discounts, refunds and returns. We estimate sales returns based on our analysis
and judgment of historical trends, identified returns and the potential for
additional returns. We also provide certain volume incentives, discounts and
rebates to our distributors. Payments of any such volume incentives, discounts
and rebates are reflected in net sales.
Trade Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
In connection with the sale of our products, we have trade accounts receivable
outstanding from our customers at any given time. We review outstanding trade
accounts receivable at the end of each quarter and record allowances for
doubtful accounts as deemed appropriate for (i) certain individual customers and
(ii) for all other trade accounts receivable in total not specifically reviewed.
In determining the amount of allowance for doubtful accounts to be recorded for
individual customers, we consider the age of the receivable, the financial
stability of the customer, discussions that may have been had with the customer
and our judgment as to the overall collectibility of the receivable from that
customer. In addition, we establish an allowance for all receivables that have
not been individually reviewed. This general allowance for doubtful accounts is
based on a percentage of total trade accounts receivable with different
percentages used based on the different age of the receivables. The percentages
used are based on our historical experience and our current judgment regarding
the state of the economy.
Inventories
Inventories of raw materials and production supplies are stated at the lower of
cost (specific identification for optical fibers and first-in, first-out for
other raw materials and production supplies) or market. Inventories of work in
process and finished goods are stated at average cost, which includes raw
materials, direct labor and manufacturing overhead. At the end of each quarter,
we review our inventories to ensure they are carried at no more than net
realizable value. Individual inventory items are reviewed and adjustments are
made based on the age of the inventory and our judgment as to the salability of
that inventory.
Long-Lived Assets
Our property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are
provided for using both straight-line and declining balance methods over the
estimated useful lives of the assets. We review long-lived assets for impairment
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of
an asset may not be recoverable. We have no significant intangible assets
recorded on our balance sheet.
Commitments and Contingencies
Liabilities for loss contingencies arising from product warranties and defects,
claims, assessments, litigation, fines and penalties and other sources are
recorded when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount
of the assessment can be reasonably estimated. Actual results could differ from
these estimates.
27 (Continued)
Future Accounting Considerations
In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, also known as the FASB,
issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, referred to as SFAS, No.
141, Business Combinations, and SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible
Assets. SFAS No. 141 requires the use of the purchase method of accounting for
all business combinations. The use of the pooling-of-interests method is
prohibited for business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001. SFAS No. 142
requires that goodwill and certain intangible assets would no longer be
amortized, but rather be tested for impairment annually or whenever an event
occurs indicating that the assets may be impaired. SFAS No. 142 is effective for
fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001. Neither standard is expected to
have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations or
liquidity.
In August 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement
Obligations, which addresses financial accounting and reporting for obligations
associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets and the associated
asset retirement costs. The standard applies to legal obligations associated
with the retirement of long-lived assets that result from the acquisition,
construction, development and (or) normal use of the asset.
SFAS No. 143 requires that the fair value of a liability for an assets
retirement obligation be recognized in the period in which it is incurred if a
reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The fair value of the liability
is added to the carrying amount of the associated asset and this additional
carrying amount is depreciated over the life of the asset. The liability is
accreted at the end of each period through charges to operating expense. If the
obligation is settled for other than the carrying amount of the liability, an
entity would recognize a gain or loss on settlement.
SFAS No. 143 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. We are
currently evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 143 on our financial position,
results of operations and liquidity.
In October 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or
Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, which addresses financial accounting and
reporting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets. SFAS No. 144
supersedes SFAS No. 121, Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and
for Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of; however, it retains many of the
fundamental provisions of that Statement.
SFAS No. 144 also supersedes the accounting and reporting provisions of APB
Opinion No. 30, Reporting the Results of Operations--Reporting the Effects of
Disposal of a Segment of a Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently
Occurring Events and Transactions, for the disposal of a segment of a business.
However, it retains the requirement in APB No. 30 to report separately
discontinued operations and extends that reporting to a component of an entity
that either has been disposed of (by sale, abandonment, or in a distribution to
owners) or is classified as held for sale. By broadening the presentation of
discontinued operations to include more disposal transactions, the FASB has
enhanced management's ability to provide information that helps financial
statement users to assess the effects of a disposal transaction on the ongoing
operations of an entity.
SFAS No. 144 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001 and
interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is encouraged. The
provisions of SFAS No. 144 generally are to be applied prospectively. We are
currently evaluating the impact of SFAS No. 144 on our financial position,
results of operations and liquidity.
28 (Continued)
In April 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 145, Rescission of FASB Statements No.
4, 44 and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13, and Technical Corrections,
which rescinds SFAS No. 4, Reporting Gains and Losses from Extinguishment of
Debt, and an amendment of that Statement, SFAS No. 64, Extinguishments of Debt
Made to Satisfy Sinking-Fund Requirements. SFAS No. 145 also rescinds SFAS No.
44, Accounting for Intangible Assets of Motor Carriers. SFAS No. 145 amends SFAS
No. 13, Accounting for Leases, to eliminate an inconsistency between the
required accounting for sale-leaseback transactions and the required accounting
for certain lease modifications that have economic effects that are similar to
sale-leaseback transactions. SFAS No. 145 also amends other existing
authoritative pronouncements to make various technical corrections, clarify
meanings, or describe their applicability under changed conditions.
The provisions of SFAS No. 145 related to the rescission of SFAS No. 4 shall be
applied in fiscal years beginning after May 15, 2002. The provisions of SFAS No.
145 related to SFAS No. 13 shall be effective for transactions occurring after
May 15, 2002. All other provisions of SFAS No. 145 shall be effective for
financial statements issued on or after May 15, 2002. The adoption of SFAS No.
145 did not have any effect on our financial position, results of operations and
liquidity.
In July 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with
Exit or Disposal Activities, which nullifies Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)
Issue No. 94-3, Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits
and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a
Restructuring). The principal difference between SFAS No. 146 and Issue No. 94-3
relates to the recognition of a liability for a cost associated with an exit or
disposal activity. SFAS No. 146 requires that a liability be recognized for
those costs only when the liability is incurred, that is, when it meets the
definition of a liability in the FASB's conceptual framework. In contrast, under
Issue 94-3, a company recognized a liability for an exit cost when it committed
to an exit plan. SFAS No. 146 also establishes fair value as the objective for
initial measurement of liabilities related to exit or disposal activities.
The provisions of SFAS No. 146 are effective for exit or disposal activities
that are initiated after December 31, 2002. We are currently evaluating the
impact of SFAS No. 146 on our financial position, results of operations and
liquidity.
As of July 31, 2002, there are no other new accounting standards issued, but not
yet adopted by us, which are expected to be applicable to our financial
position, operating results or financial statement disclosures.
29
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We do not engage in derivative financial instruments or derivative commodity
instruments. As of July 31, 2002, our financial instruments are not exposed to
significant market risk due to interest rate risk, foreign currency exchange
risk, commodity price risk or equity price risk.
30
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
On September 27, 2000, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
("EEOC") filed a lawsuit under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act
against the Company in the United States District Court for the
Western District of Virginia. The lawsuit alleged a pattern or
practice of discrimination on the bases of gender and race. The
lawsuit sought injunctive and other relief and damages in an
unspecified amount. On December 13, 2001, the parties reached an
agreement as to the amount of a settlement (subject to final
documentation and judicial review and approval). On February 20, 2002,
the Company reached a final settlement of the case and the court
issued a Consent Decree setting forth the terms of the settlement.
Pursuant to the settlement and Consent Decree, the Company paid
$500,000 on or about February 20, 2002; and will pay $175,000 in
January 2003 and $175,000 in January 2004, to satisfy any gender and
race class claims; the Company paid $75,000 on or about February 20,
2002 to one individual specifically named in the complaint; and will
spend at least $75,000 for the Company's planned diversity,
recruitment and human resource management programs over the term of
the Consent Decree. The Company recorded a charge in the fourth
quarter of fiscal year 2001 in the amount of $902,000 representing
$575,000 payable upon entry of the Consent Decree, as well as $327,000
representing the present value of two equal payments in the amount of
$175,000 payable in January 2003 and 2004. During the nine months
ended July 31, 2002, the Company recorded accretion of the associated
discount in the amount of $9,932. The $75,000 used for the Company's
planned diversity, recruitment and human resource management programs
will be expensed as incurred.
The Company was named as a defendant in two lawsuits filed in the
United States District Court for the Southern District of New York
seeking to compel the Company to authorize its transfer agent to
transfer unregistered, restricted stock on the Company's stock ledger.
The first suit was filed on October 22, 2001, by Bear, Stearns & Co.
Inc. and Bear, Stearns Securities Corporation (collectively, "Bear
Stearns"). The second suit was filed on October 26, 2001, by UBS
PaineWebber Inc. ("PaineWebber"). In each case, PaineWebber and Bear
Stearns sought injunctive relief with respect to common stock of the
Company sold by them in the course of liquidating either repossessed
shares or brokerage accounts of the Company's former Chairman,
President and Chief Executive Officer, to cover personal margin loans
made by the brokerage firms to him. Both suits also contained a claim
of monetary damages caused by the alleged wrongful refusal by the
Company to authorize the transfers in connection with the
liquidations. During the fiscal quarter ended April 30, 2002, both
suits were dismissed. PaineWebber voluntarily dismissed its lawsuit
with prejudice, while the Bear Stearns lawsuit was voluntarily
dismissed without prejudice.
The Company, Mr. Robert Kopstein, our former Chairman, President and
Chief Executive Officer, two of the Company's officers and directors,
Luke J. Huybrechts and Kenneth W. Harber, are named as defendants in a
consolidated putative class action lawsuit pending in the United
States District Court for the Western District of Virginia (the
"Consolidated Suit"). The first class action lawsuit was filed on
November 26, 2001, by Charles S. Farrell, Jr., on behalf of himself
and others similarly situated. The second class action lawsuit was
filed on December 14, 2001, by Lerner Group, on behalf of itself and
others similarly situated. The third class action lawsuit was filed on
December 27, 2001, by Richard Simone, on behalf of himself and others
similarly situated. The fourth class action lawsuit was filed on
January 31, 2002, by Charles H. Yeatts, on behalf of himself and
others similarly situated. In each of the four suits, the defendants
in the actions were the Company, Mr. Kopstein and various John Does
(unidentified officers and/or directors of the Company during the
class period described below).
31
Pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, the
United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia
appointed a group of shareholders as the lead plaintiff for the
Consolidated Suit. The four suits were consolidated into a single
action and the lead plaintiff filed a consolidated amended class
action complaint on May 2, 2002. In the Consolidated Suit, the
plaintiffs purport to represent purchasers of the Company's common
stock during the period ranging from June 14, 2000, through September
26, 2001, (the putative class period), and allege that the defendants
violated Sections 10(b) and 20 of the federal Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 in making certain alleged misrepresentations and/or omitting
to disclose material facts. The plaintiffs in the Consolidated Suit
seek compensatory damages in an unspecified amount, as well as
reasonable costs and expenses incurred in the cause of action,
including attorneys' fees and expert fees.
On June 26, 2002, the Company issued a press release announcing that
it reached a tentative agreement to resolve the Consolidated Suit. The
settlement, which is subject to final Court approval, provides for a
cash payment of $700,000 and the issuance of warrants to purchase
250,000 shares (adjusted for the 1-for-8 reverse stock split approved
on July 30, 2002) of the Company's common stock at an exercise price
per share calculated in a manner intended to approximate market prices
around June 18, 2002, the date we entered into a memorandum of
understanding.
On July 22, 2002, the Court entered an Order of Preliminary Approval
of the proposed settlement, and set a Final Approval Hearing for
September 23, 2002, to (a) determine whether the settlement is fair,
reasonable and adequate, and in the best interests of the Class and
should be finally approved by the Court, (b) determine whether the
agreed-upon Order and Final Judgment should be entered dismissing the
Consolidated Suit with prejudice; and (c) considering application of
counsel for counsel for the plaintiffs for an award of attorney's fees
and reimbursement of costs from the settlement fund.
The first installment, totaling $500,000, of the cash portion of the
settlement was paid prior to July 31, 2002, upon preliminary court
approval. The second installment, totaling $200,000, of the cash
portion of the settlement is to be paid on November 1, 2002 (or upon
final court approval of the settlement and certification of the class,
if later). The warrants will be exercisable for five years. The
Company intends that the shares issuable upon the exercise of the
warrants will be registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended.
The Company recorded a charge in the third quarter of fiscal year 2002
in the amount of $991,554 representing the estimated cost of the
anticipated settlement and related professional fees incurred, net of
expected insurance proceeds.
From time to time, the Company is involved in various other claims,
legal actions and regulatory reviews 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
financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
The following information is furnished for matters submitted to a vote
of security holders during the three months ended July 31, 2002:
(a) A Special Meeting of Shareholders of Optical Cable Corporation
was held on July 30, 2002.
32
(c) A brief description of the matter voted upon at the meeting
and the number of votes cast for, against or withheld, as well
as the number of abstentions and broker non-votes, as to the
matter follows:
To approve the proposal to authorize the Board of Directors of
the Company to amend the Company's amended and restated
articles of incorporation to effect a reverse stock split of
the Company's common stock at a ratio of 1-for-8 whereby eight
shares of common stock will be combined and reconstituted into
one share of common stock and to provide that the number of
authorized shares of the Company's common stock shall be
50,000,000.
Votes for Votes against Votes abstaining Broker non-votes
--------------- ----------------- -------------------- --------------------
37,545,718 13,218,011 67,805 --
Item 5. Other Information.
On June 14, 2002, the Company announced the layoff of 28 employees,
representing almost 15% of its full-time employees. The reductions
included both production and staff positions. The layoffs were part
of a company-wide downsizing and resulted in a charge of
approximately $110,000 during the third fiscal quarter of 2002.
Also on June 14, 2002, the Company announced the receipt of
notification from Nasdaq regarding the Company's noncompliance with
the listing requirements for the Nasdaq National Market, where the
Company's common stock is presently traded. As a Nasdaq National
Market company, the Company is subject to all the requirements of
its listing agreement with Nasdaq. The Company received notification
from Nasdaq that its common stock failed to meet the minimum $1.00
per share trading price requirement for continued inclusion on the
Nasdaq National Market. The Company was provided until August 13,
2002 to regain compliance. As a result of the 1-for-8 reverse stock
split approved by the Company's shareholders on July 30, 2002, the
Company was notified by Nasdaq that it had regained compliance with
the minimum price requirement.
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.
(a) Exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K for the nine
months ended July 31, 2002:
Exhibit 3.1 - Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to the Company's Form
8-A filed with the Commission on November 5, 2001).
Exhibit 3.2 - Bylaws of Optical Cable Corporation, as amended
(filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1997 (file
number 0-37022), and incorporated herein by reference)).
Exhibit 4.1 - Form of certificate representing preferred share
purchase right (filed as Exhibit 5 to the Company's Form 8-A
filed with the Commission on November 5, 2001 and incorporated
by reference herein).
Exhibit 10.1 - Loan and Security Agreement by and among
Congress Financial Corporation (as agent), Wachovia Bank,
National Association (as lender) and Optical Cable Corporation
dated April 18, 2002 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the
Registrant's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 2002
and incorporated by reference herein).
33
Exhibit 99.1 - Certification under Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K filed during the three months ended July
31, 2002:
Form 8-K dated as of June 21, 2002, filed June 28, 2002.
34
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
OPTICAL CABLE CORPORATION
(Registrant)
Date: September 16, 2002 /s/ Neil D. Wilkin, Jr.
--------------------------------------------
Neil D. Wilkin, Jr.
President and Chief Financial Officer
(principal executive officer and principal
financial officer)
Date: September 16, 2002 /s/ Tracy G. Smith
--------------------------------------------
Tracy G. Smith
Controller (principal accounting officer)
35
CERTIFICATION UNDER SECTION 302 OF
THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Neil D. Wilkin, Jr., President and Chief Financial Officer of Optical Cable
Corporation (the "Company"), certify that:
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of the Company;
2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make
the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements
were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly
report; and
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material
respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the
registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report.
Date: September 16, 2002 /s/ Neil D. Wilkin, Jr.
---------------------------------------------
Neil D. Wilkin, Jr.
President (Chief Executive Officer) and Chief
Financial Officer
36