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FORM 10-QSB. QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
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 period ended March 31, 2005
Commission File Number: 0-19409
SYNERGY BRANDS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as it appears in its charter)
Delaware 22-2993066
(State of incorporation) (I.R.S. Employer identification no.)
1175 Walt Whitman Road, Melville NY 11747
(Address of principal executive offices) (zip code)
631-424-5500
(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.
[x] YES [ ] NO
APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS:
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes
of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. On May 11, 2005 there were
3,633,986 shares outstanding of the registrant's common stock.
SYNERGY BRANDS, INC.
FORM 10-Q
MARCH 31, 2005
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION Page
Item 1: Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2005 (Unaudited) and
December 31, 2004 2 - 3
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three
months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 (Unaudited) 4
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months
ended March 31, 2005 and 2004 (Unaudited) 5 - 6
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) 7 -11
Item 2: Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations 12 - 21
Forward Looking Information and Cautionary Statements 22 - 32
Item 3: Control and Procedures 33
PART II: OTHER INFORMATION
Item 6: Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K 33
SIGNATURES AND CERTIFICATIONS
SYNERGY BRANDS, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
MARCH 31, 2005 AND DECEMBER 31, 2004
ASSETS MARCH 31, 2005 DECEMBER 31, 2004
(Unaudited)
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 370,034 $945,806
Accounts receivable trade, less allowance for doubtful accounts of
$127,481 and $127,481 6,998,535 7,227,489
Other receivables 1,085,423 1,264,242
Note Receivable 279,470 314,285
Inventory 2,038,807 1,826,274
Prepaid assets and other current assets 914,265 423,295
-------------- -----------
Total Current Assets 11,686,534 12,001,391
Property and Equipment, Net 349,858 366,510
Other Assets 714,683 632,466
Notes Receivable 1,908,289 1,889,815
Intangible Assets, net of accumulated amortization of $2,058,626 and $2,003,048 1,246,366 1,301,944
Goodwill 514,297 514,297
-------------- -----------
Total Assets $16,420,027 $ 16,706,423
============== ===========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.
2
SYNERGY BRANDS, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
MARCH 31, 2005 AND DECEMBER 31, 2004
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY MARCH 31, 2005 DECEMBER 31, 2004
(Unaudited)
Current Liabilities:
Line-of-Credit $ 5,981,907 $4,976,610
Notes Payable - Current 1,303,949 384,021
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses 1,582,674 3,519,522
Related Party Note Payable 118,417 56,972
--------------- ---------------
Total Current Liabilities 8,986,947 8,937,125
Notes Payable 741,667 1,196,241
Stockholders' Equity:
Class A Preferred stock - $.001 par value; 100,000 shares authorized and
outstanding; liquidation preference of $10.50 per share 100 100
Class B preferred stock - $.001 par value; 900,000 shares authorized, none issued - -
Class B, Series A Preferred stock - $.001 per value; 500,000 shares authorized;
330,000 and 330,000 shares issued and outstanding; liquidation preference of $10.00 per share 330 330
Common stock - $.001 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized;
3,543,168 and 3,263,992 shares issued 3,543 3,264
Additional paid-in capital 43,836,515 43,134,165
Deficit (36,967,603) (36,349,706)
Unearned compensation (168,132) (201,756)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (8,340) (8,340)
Less treasury stock, at cost, 1,000 shares (5,000) (5,000)
--------------- ---------------
Total stockholders' equity 6,691,413 6,573,057
--------------- ---------------
Total Liabilities and Stockholder's Equity $16,420,027 $ 16,706,423
=============== ===============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of this statement.
3
SYNERGY BRANDS, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31,
(UNAUDITED)
2005 2004
Net Sales $ 14,934,354 $ 13,307,183
------------ -------------
Cost of Sales
Cost of product 13,871,481 12,282,678
Shipping and handling costs 257,673 206,981
------------ -------------
14,129,154 12,489,659
------------ -------------
Gross Profit 805,200 817,524
Operating expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses 915,631 841,830
Depreciation and amortization 124,603 145,787
------------ -------------
1,040,234 987,617
Operating loss (235,034) (170,093)
Other Income (expense)
Interest Income 22,081 4,350
Other Income (expense) (5,305) (3,624)
Equity in earnings of investee 11,815 40,863
Interest and financing expense (356,311) (282,545)
------------ -------------
(327,720) (240,956)
Loss before income taxes (562,754) (411,049)
Income tax expense 55,143 10,925
------------ -------------
NET LOSS (617,897) (421,974)
Cash Dividend-Preferred Stock (74,250) (36,000)
------------ -------------
Net loss attributable to Common Stockholders $ (692,147) $ (457,974)
============ =============
Basic and diluted net loss per common share: $ (0.21) $ (0.23)
============ =============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
4
SYNERGY BRANDS, INC. & SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31,
(UNAUDITED)
2005 2004
-------------- --------------
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net loss $ (617,897) $ (421,974)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
used in operating activities
Depreciation and Amortization 124,603 145,787
Amortization of financing cost 11,708 15,374
Gain on sale of marketable securities - (1,215)
Equity in earnings of investee (11,815) (40,863)
Non-cash compensation - 30,750
Operating expenses paid with common stock 6,524 115,825
Changes in Operating Assets and Liabilities:
Net (increase) decrease in:
Accounts receivable and other receivables 407,773 (2,595,451)
Inventory (212,533) 351,450
Prepaid assets, related party note receivable and other assets (526,970) 32,708
Net increase (decrease) in:
Accounts payable, related party note payable, accrued
expenses and other current liabilities (1,875,403) (168,832)
-------------- --------------
Net cash used in operating activities (2,694,010) (2,536,441)
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Purchase of fixed assets (4,165) -
Purchase of marketable securities - (47,005)
Proceeds from sale of marketable securities - 57,715
Payments received on notes receivable 69,841 431,466
Issuance of notes receivable (8,500) -
Payment of security deposit (20,000) -
-------------- --------------
Net cash provided by investing activities 37,176 442,176
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Borrowings under line of credit 10,584,054 7,491,828
Repayments under line of credit (9,578,757) (6,127,370)
Proceeds from the issuance of notes payable 1,215,000 490,000
Proceeds from the exercise of stock purchase options - 34,250
Payment of dividends (74,250) (36,000)
Payment of financing costs (64,985) -
-------------- --------------
Net cash provided by financing activities 2,081,062 1,852,708
Foreign currency translation - 1,007
-------------- --------------
Net decrease in cash (575,772) (240,550)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 945,806 777,522
-------------- --------------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 370,034 $ 536,972
============== ==============
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.
5
SYNERGY BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31,
(UNAUDITED)
2005 2004
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest $ 282,653 $ 232,171
=========== ===========
Cash paid for income taxes $ 55,143 $ 10,925
=========== ===========
Supplement disclosures of
non-cash operating, investing and financing activities:
Common Stock issued for an acquisition - $100,000
========== ==========
Common Stock issued with debt financing - $75,000
========== ==========
Common Stock issued with debt conversions $761,354 -
========== ==========
Common Stock issued for services $6,525 $ 115,825
========== ==========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements
6
SYNERGY BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
MARCH 31, 2005 and 2004
NOTE A - UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2005, the consolidated statements
of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, and the
condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for three months ended March 31,
2005 and 2004, have been prepared by Synergy Brands, Inc. ("Synergy" or the
"Company") without audit. The balance sheet at December 31, 2004 has been
derived from the audited financial statements as of that date. In the opinion
of management, all adjustments (which include only normally recurring
adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of
operations and cash flows at March 31, 2005 (and for all other periods
presented) have been made. Certain information and note disclosures, normally
included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America, have been
condensed or omitted. It is suggested that these consolidated financial
statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes
thereto included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 2004 filed by the Company. The results of operations for the periods ended
March 31, 2005 and 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results
for the respective full years.
NOTE B - STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
The Company accounts for stock-based compensation using the intrinsic value
method in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25,
"Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees", and related Interpretations ("APB
No.25") and has adopted the disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 148. Under APB No.
25, when the exercise price of the Company's employee stock options equals the
market price of the underlying stock on the date of grant, no compensation
expense is recognized.
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123(R), "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation" ("SFAS No. 123(R)"). SFAS No. 123(R) establishes standards for the
accounting for transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments
for goods or services. This statement focuses primarily on accounting for
transactions in which an entity obtains employee services in share-based payment
transactions. SFAS No. 123(R) requires that the fair value of such equity
instruments to be recognized as an expense in the historical financial
statements as services are performed.. Prior to SFAS No. 123(R), only certain
pro forma disclosures of fair value were required. The provisions of this
statement, as amended by the Securities and Exchange Commission, are effective
as of the beginning of the first fiscal year that begins after June 15, 2005.
The adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) is not expected to have a material impact on the
Company's financial position or results of operations.
NOTE C - ADVERTISING EXPENSE
The Company expenses advertising and promotional costs as incurred. Advertising
and promotional costs were approximately $ 11,000 and $83,000 for the three
months ended March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
7
SYNERGY BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
MARCH 31, 2005 and 2004
NOTE D - VENDOR ALLOWANCES
The Company accounts for vendor allowances under the provisions of EITF No.
02-16 "Accounting by a Customer" (including a reseller) for Certain
Consideration Received from a Vendor. The Company recognizes vendor allowances,
at the date goods are purchased and recorded under fixed and determined
arrangements. The Company receives allowances and credits from suppliers for
volume incentives, promotional allowances and, to a lesser extent, new product
introductions which are typically based on contractual arrangements covering a
period of one year or less. Volume incentives and promotional allowances earned
based on quantities purchased and new product allowances are recognized as a
reduction to the cost of purchased inventory and recognized when the related
inventory is sold. Promotional allowances that are based on the sell-through of
products are recognized as a reduction of cost of sales when the products are
sold for which the promotional allowances are given. For the three months ended
March 31, 2005, the Company recognized approximately $489,000 in vendor
allowances arising from arrangements with a major supplier that met the criteria
for being fixed and determinable. Vendor allowances from manufacturers, included
in other receivables in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet aggregated
$1,077,876 and $1,246,697 at March 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004.
NOTE E - INVENTORY
Inventory, consisting of goods held for sale, as of March 31, 2005 consisted of
the following:
Grocery, health and beauty products $1,583,681
General Merchandise $ 455,126
----------
$2,038,807
==========
NOTE F - NOTE RECEIVABLE
In December 2004, the Company sold accounts receivable attributable to West
Coast Supplies, Inc. for $2,200,000. This promissory note, which is secured by
the accounts receivable, requires monthly payments of principal and interest at
4% for seven years, beginning in January 2005. As a condition for the sale, the
Company is obligated to issue West Coast 50,000 shares of common stock, which
will vest through April 1, 2006. In the event the value of the shares is less
than $200,000 at April 1, 2006, the Company will be obligated to pay the
difference in cash or additional shares. The Company does not anticipate selling
selected products to this customer base in the future. The balance of the note
receivable at March 31, 2005 was $2,131,859.
8
SYNERGY BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
MARCH 31, 2005 AND 2004
NOTE G - INVESTMENT
The Company holds a 21.5% interest in an investee ("Interline Travel and Tours
or ITT"). The Company accounts for this investment under the equity method. The
Company recorded equity in the net earnings of investee of $11,815 and $40,863
during the three months ended March 31, 2005 and March 31, 2004, respectively.
At March 31, 2005, the investment in ITT is approximately $349,000 as included
in "Other Assets" on the accompanying balance sheet.
Summarized results of operations of this investee for the three months ended
March 31, 2005 and 2004 is as follows:
2005 2004
Revenues $ 3,160,000 $ 2,927,000
Total expenses (3,142,000) (2,740,000)
Other income 64,000 50,500
Income before income taxes 82,000 237,500
Income tax expense (27,000) (77,500)
----------- -----------
Net income $ 55,000 $ 160,000
============ ============
NOTE H - LINE-OF-CREDIT AND NOTES PAYABLE
In 2002, two of the Company's subsidiaries entered into two revolving loan and
security agreements with the same financial institution (the "Lender"). The
lines of credit, as amended in March 2005, allow for the borrowing of up to
$6,000,000 based on the sum of 85% of the net face amount of eligible accounts
receivable, as defined, plus the lesser of (1) $2,750,000 or (2) eligible
inventory and eligible goods in transit, as defined. The terms of the agreements
are for one year and provide for automatic renewals unless written consent by
either the Company or the Lender is provided within 60 days of the renewal date.
As amended the agreements extend thru May 31, 2005. Interest accrues on
outstanding borrowings at the greater of (i) 4% per annum in excess of the prime
rate or (ii) 9.5% per annum. At March 31, 2005, the interest rate on outstanding
borrowings was 9.5%. Outstanding borrowings are collateralized by a continuing
security interest in all of the subsidiaries' accounts receivable, chattel
paper, inventory, equipment, instruments, investment property, documents and
general intangibles. 525,000 shares of the Company's common stock have also been
pledged as collateral on the outstanding borrowings. In 2004, the lender
converted $1,621,000 of outstanding debt into 435,182 shares of common stock.
On February 5, 2003, the Company received $500,000 pursuant to the issuance of
two secured promissory notes from certain shareholders of ITT, a 20% investee.
Borrowings under the notes bear interest at a rate of 12%. The Company was not
required to repay any principal until the maturity date of the notes, February
4, 2005. 25,000 restricted shares of the Company's common stock were also issued
as part of the financing. The relative estimated fair value of the common stock
that was issued of $56,000 was recorded as debt discount was amortized over the
life of the notes payable. As security for the notes, the Company pledged as
collateral its investment in the common stock of ITT. (See Note G). In 2004, the
Company converted $263,646 of the debt into 66,756 shares of common stock. In
March 2005 the Company converted $236,354 of this debt into 94,542 shares of
common stock.
9
SYNERGY BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
MARCH 31, 2005 and 2004
NOTE H Continued
On March 1, 2004, the Company received $490,000 pursuant to the issuance of
three secured promissory notes from certain shareholders of ITT. Borrowings
under the notes bear interest at a rate of 12%. The Company is not required to
repay any principal until the maturity date of the notes, February 28, 2006.
19,600 restricted shares of the Company's common stock were also issued as part
of the financing. The relative estimated fair value of the common stock that was
issued of $75,000 was recorded as debt discount and will be amortized over the
life of the notes payable. As security for the notes, the Company pledged as
collateral its investment in the common stock of ITT (see Note G).
On April 2, 2004 the Company completed a financing with Laurus Master Funds
("Laurus"). The financing consisted of a $1.5 million secured convertible
debenture that converts into common stock under certain conditions at $3.50 per
share and matures on April 2, 2007. The debenture provides for monthly payments
of $50,000, plus interest commencing October 1, 2004. In addition, Laurus was
issued 100,000 warrants exercisable at $3.50 per share. The Company's common
stock quoted market price at the date of closing was $4.15 per share. The
debenture has a three-year term with a coupon rate of prime plus 3%, which is
currently at 7%. The Company has filed an S-3 registration statement which has
been granted effectiveness to register the common stock underlying the debenture
and warrant. In 2004, the Company converted $500,000 of this outstanding debt
into 100,000 shares of common stock. The Company repaid $100,000 of this debt in
2004. In March 2005, the Company converted $525,000 of this outstanding debt
into 150,000 shares of common stock.
On January 25, 2005, the Company completed a financing with Laurus Master Funds
("Laurus"). The financing consisted of a $500,000 secured convertible debenture
that converts into common stock under certain conditions at $3.50 per share and
matures on January 25, 2008. The financing provides Laurus with registration
rights for common shares it is issued under conversion. The debenture provides
for monthly payments of $16,666.67 plus interest, commencing August 1, 2005. In
addition, Laurus was issued 33,333 warrants exercisable at $ 3.50 per share. The
Company's common stock quoted market price at the date of closing was $2.52 per
share. The debenture has a three-year term with a coupon rate of prime plus 3%.
In January 2005, the Company entered into a promissory note with major regional
bank for $1,000,000. Borrowing under the note bear interest at prime (5.75% at
March 31, 2005). The Company is not required to repay any principal until the
maturity date of the note, September 1, 2005. As security for the note, a pledge
agreement was entered by certain Shareholders of ITT. Borrowings at March 31,
2005 were $715,000.
NOTE I - STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
In March 2005 certain shareholders of ITT converted $236,354 of debt into 94,542
shares of common stock. In March 2005 Laurus Master Funds converted $525,000 of
debt into 150,000 shares of common stock (See Note H).
During the three months ended March 31, 2005, the Company issued 4,634 shares of
common stock as compensation for services under existing agreements and recorded
a charge to operations of $6,525. In February 2005, the Company issued 30,000
shares of common stock to Class B Series A Preferred Stockholders in compliance
with the subscription agreements dated February 26, 2003.
10
SYNERGY BRANDS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
MARCH 31, 2005 and 2004
NOTE J - SEGMENT AND GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION
All of the Company's identifiable assets and results of operations are located
in the United States and Canada. Management evaluates the various segments of
the Company based on the types of products being distributed which were, as
shown below:
Three Months Ended March 31, 2005 and 2004
Proset PHS Group B2C Corporate Total
Revenue 2005 $ 176,391 $ 14,378,829 $ 379,134 $ - $14,934,354
2004 $ 756,286 $ 12,143,133 $ 407,764 $ - $13,307,183
Net Income (loss) attributable 2005 $ (124,425) $ (104,489) $(141,696) $ (321,537) $ (692,147)
to common Stockholders 2004 $ (52,104) $ (2,463) $(126,974) $ (276,433) $ (457,974)
Interest & Finance Expenses 2005 $ 16,129 $ 300,634 $ - $ 39,548 $ 356,311
2004 $ 55,030 $ 214,660 $ 12,750 $ 105 $ 282,545
Depreciation & 2005 $ 45,855 $ 2,934 $ 39,498 $ 36,316 $ 124,603
amortization 2004 $ 53,355 $ 786 $ 29,342 $62,304 $ 145,787
Identifiable assets are as follows:
March 31, 2005 $ 2,136,611 $ 9,262,048 $1,774,549 $ 3,246,819 $ 16,420,027
December 31, 2004 $ 2,117,631 $ 9,160,367 $1,837,998 $ 3,590,427 $ 16,706,423
NOTE K - NET LOSS PER SHARE
Basic and diluted loss per share is calculated by dividing the net loss
applicable to common stock by the weighted-average number of common shares
outstanding during each period. Incremental shares from assumed exercises of
stock options and warrants of 714,983 and 666,650 for the three months ended
March 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, have been excluded from the calculation
of diluted loss per share since their effect would be antidilutive.
Three Months ended March 31,
2005 2004
----------- -----------
Net loss applicable to common stock $ (692,147) $ (457,954)
=========== ===========
Weighted-average number of shares in basic 3,302,884 1,975,750
and diluted EPS =========== ===========
11
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATION
OVERVIEW
Synergy Brands, Inc. (SYBR or the Company) is a holding company that operates in
the wholesale and online distribution of Groceries and Health & Beauty Aids
(HBA) as well as wholesale and online distribution of premium cigars and salon
products through three business segments. It principally focuses on the sale of
nationally known brand name consumer products manufactured by major U.S.
manufacturers. The consumer products are concentrated within the Grocery and
Health & Beauty Aids (HBA) industries as well as the premium cigar business. The
company uses logistics web based programs to optimize its distribution costs on
both wholesale and retail levels.
The Company also owns 21.5% of the outstanding common stock of Interline Travel
and Tours, Inc. (AKA: PERX). PERX provides cruise and resort hotel packages
through a proprietary reservation system to airline employees and their
retirees. PERX is believed to be the largest Company in this sector of the
travel industry. Information on PERX can be found at www.perx.com. The Company
believes that its capital investment in this unique travel Company could provide
for material future capital appreciation. Synergy Brands does not manage PERX's
day-to day operations. SYBR and PERX have been exploring several opportunities
to optimize the shareholder value of both Companies.
Business-to-Business (B2B): The Company operates two businesses segments within
the B2B sector. B2B is defined as sales to non-retail customers.
PHS Group ("PHS") distributes Grocery and HBA products to retailers and
wholesalers predominately located in the Northeastern United States and Canada.
PHS is the largest subsidiary of the Company and represents about 96% of the
overall Company sales. PHS's core sales base continues to be the distribution of
nationally branded consumer products in the grocery and (HBA) sectors. PHS has
positioned itself as a distributor for major manufacturers as opposed to a full
line wholesaler. A full line wholesaler has the responsibility of servicing the
entire needs of a retail operation, whereby a distributor caters to specific
merchandising categories. As a result, PHS is able to plan the needs of its
customers directly from the source of supply and in turn increase sales to its
customers through this unique focus. PHS concentrates on the fastest moving
promotional items such as: Tide, Bounty, Nyquil, Pantene, Clorox bleach, Scott
tissues, Marcal tissues among many others, and uses logistics and distribution
savings to streamline and reduce its sale prices. The second business segment
within the Company's B2B sector is Proset Hair Systems (Proset). Proset
distributes Salon Hair care products to wholesalers and distributors, in the
Northeastern part of the United States.
Business to Consumer (B2C): The Company operates three businesses within the B2C
segment. B2C is defined as sales to retail customers.
The Company's B2C activities are conducted through its wholly owned subsidiary
Gran Reserve Corporation (GRC). GRC operates the following businesses
o Cigars Around the World is a recently acquired company that sells premium
cigars to restaurants, hotels, casinos, country clubs and many other
leisure related destinations. The company was acquired in June 2003.
o CigarGold.com and Netcigar.com sells premium cigars through the Internet
directly to the consumer.
o BeautyBuys.com sells salon hair care products directly to the consumer
via the Internet.
12
CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2005
AS COMPARED TO THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2004.
SUMMARY OF OPERATING SEGMENTS AND SUMMARY OF CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
OPERATING OPERATING AND
SEGMENTS CORPORATE SEGMENTS
THREE MONTHS ENDED 3/31/05
Revenue 14,934,354 12.23% 14,934,354 12.23%
Gross Profit 805,200 -1.51% 805,200 -1.51%
SG&A 763,205 20.64% 915,631 8.77%
Operating loss (46,292) -145.66% (235,034) 38.18%
Net loss attributable to Common Stockholders (370,610) -104.15% (692,147) -51.13%
Net income (loss) per common share (0.11) (0.21)
Depreciation and amortization 88,287 5.75% 124,603 -14.53%
Interest income - (22,081) 407.61%
Interest and financing expenses 316,763 12.15% 356,311 26.11%
---------- ---------
EBITDA 34,440 -80.87% (233,314) -586.38%
========== =========
EBITDA net (loss) income per share 0.01 (0.07)
THREE MONTHS ENDED 3/31/04
Revenue 13,307,183 13,307,183
Gross Profit 817,524 817,524
SG&A 632,648 841,830
Operating profit (loss) 101,393 (170,093)
Net loss attributable to Common Stockholders (181,541) (457,974)
Net loss per common share (0.09) (0.23)
Depreciation and amortization 83,483 145,787
Interest income (4,344) (4,350)
Interest and financing expenses 282,440 282,545
---------- ---------
EBITDA 180,038 (33,992)
========== =========
EBITDA net (loss) income per share 0.09 0.02
Revenues increased by 12.2% to $14,934,354 for the three months ended March 31,
2005 as compared to $13,307,183 for the three months ended March 31, 2004. B2B
operations represented 96% of revenues and 88% of gross profit. The Company's
grocery operation continued to develop additional vendor relationships in the
grocery and HBA businesses as well as expand its sales in Canada.
Gross profit for the three months ended March 31, 2005 was $805,200 as compared
to $817,524 for the three months ended March 31, 2004. The overall gross profit
percentage decreased to 5.4% from 6.1%. The following segment analysis will
further define the components, which caused the increase in operating gross
profit. In this period the Company utilized its own truck fleet and developed a
Direct Store Delivery (DSD) warehousing operation which cost the Company
$58,000. Management believes that this operation should increase the Company's
sales and gross profit.
Selling General and Administrative expenses (SG&A) increased by 8.8% while
revenues increased by 12.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2005 as
compared to the three months ended March 31, 2004. The Company streamlined its
operations by centralizing all administrative functions at its corporate
offices, reduced staff in its Proset operation through outsourcing, while also
reducing the costs involved in retail sales. The largest subsidiary of the
Company, PHS Group increased its SG&A expenses by 42% to $509,911 for the three
months ended March 31, 2005 as compared to $359,887 for the three months ended
March 31, 2004. The increase in SG&A for PHS group was caused by a 18% increase
in revenues. PHS incurs variable expenses in connection with selling costs as
well as its promotional expenses. As revenues rise sales commissions and certain
operating expenses resulting from sales increase commensurately.
13
The net loss attributable to Common Stockholders of the Company was $692,147 for
the three months ended March 31, 2005 as compared to a net loss attributable to
Common Stockholders of $457,974 for the three months ended March 31, 2004. A
material factor that affected the Company's costs thereby resulting in the loss
were increased financing costs resulting from higher revenues. The increase was
attributable to the development of the Company's wholesaling operation.
Corporate expenses such as legal, accounting, and regulatory costs represent the
difference between the Company's consolidated results and operating results.
Management believes that its corporate expenses may increase as a result of
additional regulatory requirements that have been enacted by the Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC). The Company will be required to comply with
additional governance and financial regulations that will likely result in
additional corporate expenses. Corporate expenses for the three months ended
March 31, 2005 totaled $152,426, which include legal, accounting and regulatory
expenses as compared to $209,182 for the three months ended March 31, 2004.
Loss before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) was $233,314
for the three months ended March 31, 2005 as compared to a loss of $33,992 for
the three months ended March 31, 2004. Financing costs increased by 26% to
$356,311 at March 31, 2005 as compared to $282,545 at March 31, 2004. Management
believes that financing costs were increased as a result of revenue growth. As a
result the Company was required to utilize its line of credit to support account
receivable and inventory growth. Although the working capital needed to support
revenue growth is directly related to the growth in accounts receivable and
inventory, the Company has invested in capital assets, such as warehousing and
trucks to support the growth of the business. EBITDA from the Company's
operating business decreased by 81% to a profit of $34,440 for the three months
ended March 31, 2005 as compared to a profit of $180,038 for the three months
ended March 31, 2004.
Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization (EBITDA) is a
financial measurement used by distribution related companies that function in
the wholesaling of manufactured goods. EBITDA is relevant to the Company's
businesses due to the fact that traditional valuations for measuring the values
of enterprises such as ours are usually based on EBITDA multiples. EBITDA is not
recognized as a GAAP measurement of earnings and should not be relied upon as
such.
In order to fully understand the Company's results a discussion of the Company's
segments and their respective results follows;
B2B OPERATIONS
The Company's B2B operations consist of two operating businesses, PHS Group and
Proset Hair Systems. PHS Group distributes Grocery and HBA products to retailers
and wholesalers predominately located in the Northeastern United States and
Canada. PHS is the largest subsidiary of the Company and represents about 96% of
the overall company sales. PHS's core sales base remains the distribution of
nationally branded consumer products in the grocery and health and beauty (HBA)
sectors. PHS has positioned itself as a distributor for major manufacturers as
opposed to a full line wholesaler. A full line wholesaler has the responsibility
of servicing the entire needs of a retail operation, where as a distributor
caters to specific merchandising categories. As a result, PHS is able to plan
the needs of its customers directly from the source of supply and in turn
increase sales to its customers through this unique focus. PHS concentrates on
the fastest moving promotional items and uses logistics and distribution savings
to streamline and reduce its sale prices. The second business segment within the
company's B2B sector is Proset Hair Systems (Proset). Proset distributes Salon
Hair care products to wholesalers, distributors, chain drug stores and
supermarkets in the Northeastern part of the United States.
14
PHS SEGMENT INFORMATION OF OPERATING BUSINESSES
B2B CHANGE
THREE MONTHS ENDED 3/31/2005
Revenue 14,378,829 18.41%
Gross Profit 711,467 25.08%
SG&A 509,911 41.69%
Operating profit (loss) 198,622 -4.58%
Net profit (loss) (104,489) -4142.35%
Depreciation and amortization 2,934 273.28%
Interest and financing expenses 300,634 40.05%
-----------
EBITDA 199,079 -4.58%
===========
Per Share 0.06
THREE MONTHS ENDED 3/31/2004
Revenue 12,143,133
Gross Profit 568,825
SG&A 359,887
Operating profit (loss) 208,152
Net profit (loss) (2,463)
Depreciation and amortization 786
Interest Income (4,344)
Interest and financing expenses 214,660
-----------
EBITDA 208,639
===========
Per Share 0.11
PHS increased its revenues by 18% to $14.4 million for three months ended March
31, 2005 as compared to $12.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2004.
The increase in PHS business is attributable to the utilization of additional
vendors, development of a wholesale operation and expansion of the Canadian
distribution business in Ontario, Canada. The Company also benefited from
increases in the vendor allowances it receives from its vendors, thereby
providing its customers with additional discounts. The overall gross profit
percentage increased from 4.7% to 5.5%. Gross profit increased by 25.1% to
$711,467 for the three months ended March 31, 2005 as compared to $568,825 for
the three months ended March 31, 2004. In 2004 several PHS vendors created
special packaging with promotional pricing that enabled PHS to widen its margin.
As an example, special packaging was created for Nyquil, Marcal paper, Clorox
displays as well as Herbal essence shampoos among others, with unique retail
display features, that PHS has been able to strongly promote during FY 2004 as
opposed to marketing those products for normal replenishment. Promotional
displays allow PHS to sell better mixes of product as well as introduce new
items in combination with regularly stocked items. EBITDA decreased from a
profit of $208,639 for the three months ended March 31, 2004 to a profit of
$199,079 for the three months ended March 31, 2005 predominately due to
reestablishment of a warehousing operation in Syosset, NY. As long as the
Company maintains or expands its vendor relationships, management believes that
it should improve its operating results. Management needs to also reduce its
financing costs for PHS as they represent 151% of EBITDA and a substantial
component of the Company's overall expenditures.
15
PROSET SEGMENT INFORMATION OF OPERATING BUSINESSES
Salon
Products CHANGE
THREE MONTHS ENDED 3/31/2005
Revenue 176,391 -76.68%
Gross Profit 2,200 -98.34%
SG&A 63,886 -15.89%
Operating profit (loss) (107,541) -3137.88%
Net profit (loss) (124,425) -138.80%
Depreciation and amortization 45,855 -14.06%
Interest and financing expenses 16,129 -70.69%
EBITDA (62,441) -210.95%
----------
Per Share (0.02)
===========
THREE MONTHS ENDED 3/31/2004
Revenue 756,286
Gross Profit 132,853
SG&A 75,958
Operating profit (loss) 3,540
Net profit (loss) (52,104)
Depreciation and amortization 53,355
Interest and financing expenses 55,030
--------
EBITDA 56,281
========
Per Share 0.03
Proset revenues decreased by 77% for the three months ended March 31, 2005 as
compared to the three months ended March 31, 2004. Proset has transferred its
business model from retail services to wholesale distribution. This is the first
quarter of operations whereby Proset will rely on the importation and packaging
of product. The Company expects that Proset current backlog of orders should
materialize in the second quarter of 2005. Gross profit decreased by 98% to
$2,200 for the three months ended March 31, 2005 as compared to $132,853 for the
three months ended March 31, 2004. At the same time SG&A dropped by 16% to
$63,880 for the first quarter of 2005. As a result of this transition, the
Company's customer base has expanded to include smaller distributors that
purchase salon products in highest quantities, which in turn optimizes the gross
profit. However, distributor sales require less labor, warehousing and
distribution costs, but rely on optimal market conditions and product
availability. The salon business is highly fragmented and very competitive.
Proset must maintain strong vendor relations, which include distributors and
resellers in order to keep a supply chain for its customer base. EBITDA
decreased to a loss of $62,441 at March 31, 2005 as compared to a profit of
$56,281 at March 31, 2004.
16
B2C SEGMENT INFORMATION OF OPERATING BUSINESSES
B2C CHANGE
THREE MONTHS ENDED 3/31/2005
Revenue 379,134 -7.02%
Gross Profit 91,533 -20.99%
SG&A 189,408 -3.76%
Operating profit (loss) (137,373) 24.55%
Net profit (loss) (141,696) -11.59%
Depreciation and amortization 39,498 34.61%
----------
EBITDA (102,198) -20.40%
===========
Per share (0.03)
THREE MONTHS ENDED 3/31/2004
Revenue 407,764
Gross Profit 115,846
SG&A 196,803
Operating profit (loss) (110,299)
Net profit (loss) (126,974)
Depreciation and amortization 29,342
Interest and financing expenses 12,750
---------
EBITDA (84,882)
=========
Per Share (0.05)
The Company's B2C segment includes three businesses, which include Cigars Around
the World, CigarGold and BeautyBuys. Cigars Around the World (CAW) was acquired
in June of 2003. CAW sells premium cigars to Hotels, Restaurants, Casinos, PGA
Clubs and other leisure related destinations. CAW sells its cigars in through
customized retail displayed humidors. CAW also has its own retail website that
operates under the name www.CigarsAroundTheWorld.com. The displays range from
counter top humidors to Walled Display units. CigarGold (CG) is the Company's
cigar online unit. CG sells premium cigars online to retail customers throughout
the United States. It has a selection of over 1000 products, which include
brand-name hand made premium cigars and cigar accessories. CigarGold operates
under the domain names: www.CigarGold.com, www.NetCigar.com, and
www.GoldCigar.com. The online unit also operates www.BeautyBuys.com.
BeautyBuys.com sells salon hair products to the retail consumer. Previously the
operation also sold fragrances and cosmetics to retail customers. However, the
Company decided in 2003 to limit its selection to salon hair care products,
since those items are already carried and stocked within its wholesale salon
operation, Proset Hair Systems.
Revenues in the Company's B2C operation for three months ended March 31, 2005
were $379,134 as compared to $407,764 for the three months ended March 31, 2004.
CAW on a current operating basis represents approximately 56% of B2C revenues
for the three months ended March 31, 2005. Gross profit for the three months
ended March 31, 2005 was $91,533 as compared to $115,846 for the three months
ended March 31, 2004. EBITDA decreased by 20% for the same period. The table
above provides comparative details for the Company's B2C operation. The Company
believes that additional focus is needed to bring this segment to a positive
EBITDA position, especially in its online operations. CAW is operating
profitable, but the logistical support in Miami Florida is consuming the
segments resources and thereby not allowing it to show a profit at these sales
levels. The customer metrics for this segment are very strong. The segment has
over 20,000 customers, generates an average order of $100, has over a 50% repeat
rate and generates a 99% fulfillment rate, far in excess of its competition. The
Company believes that building its B2C segment brands along with the popularity
of Bill Rancic, the winner of the NBC show "The Apprentice" should bring this
segment to effective critical mass.
17
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company's predominant need for working capital is to finance its Receivables
and Inventory levels. In order to finance its requirements the Company has
relied on secured debt financings, trade financing, equity based financing as
well as its cash flow from operations. The Company's major lender, International
Investment Group Trade Opportunities Fund (IIG), provides receivable and
inventory financing to its three operating segments. In addition, most of the
Company's major vendors provide trade credit for purchases ranging from COD to
30 days. One vendor to the Company represents over 41% of the Company's
purchases. Loss of this vendor would have a material adverse effect on the
Company's operations. Working capital increased 46% at March 31, 2005 and
totaled approximately $2.7 million, an increase of $855,000 from 2004. The
Company's operations require financing of inventory and receivables. IIG
provides the Company's operating subsidiaries a facility that allows for
borrowings of up to 85% against eligible accounts receivables and 50% against
eligible inventory and orders in transit up to a limit of $6 million. It is
important to note that as the borrowings increase from IIG, commensurate with
increased revenues and additional need for inventory, additional capital will be
needed to support the borrowing base with IIG. Therefore as the financial
leverage of the company increases, additional capital is needed to support the
company's growth. The Company turns its overall inventory on average
approximately every 12 days; its receivables average 43 days of collections the
turn is computed on ending balances.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Mach 31, 2005 2004
Working Capital $ 2,699,587 $ 1,843,693
Assets 16,420,027 12,610,672
Liabilities 9,728,614 9,674,813
Equity 6,691,413 2,935,859
Line of Credit Facility 5,981,907 5,378,138
Receivable turnover (days) 43 40
Inventory Turnover (days) 12 13
Tangible Assets 14,659,364 10,877,697
The Company has a revolving loan and security agreement with IIG for financing
its operations. The line of credit under the loan allows borrowings up to
$6,000,000 for accounts receivable, purchase orders, and inventory based upon a
borrowing base formula. The term of the agreement is for one year and allows for
renewals as amended the agreement extend thru May 31, 2005. As of March 31, 2005
the Company's borrowing under its agreement were $6,000,000 million an increase
of 11.2% as compared to 2004. Management believes that its IIG facility has
enabled the Company to achieve its recent growth. By providing financing on all
of the Company's tangible assets, the Company has been able to expand its sales
through receivable order and inventory financing support. In addition IIG
provides the Company with a financing option in Canada, borrowing against
anticipated vendor allowances as well as securing product through sales order
financing. Management believes that to achieve profitable operations, financing
costs must be reduced. By improving its operating results and especially EBITDA,
management believes that it can generate positive cash flow, assuming financing
costs can be reduced. However, there can be no assurance that the Company will
reduce its financing costs, so that it can improve its operating results.
Failure to reduce financing costs will inhibit the Company's growth. Management
believes that its current capital structure needs to be improved in order to
secure a profitable operation.
18
In March 2005 certain shareholders of ITT converted $236,354 of debt into 94,542
shares of common stock.
In March 2005, the Company converted $525,000 of debt which Laurus Master Funds
("Laurus") into 150,000 shares of common stock. On January 25, 2005 the Company
completed a financing with Laurus Master Funds ("Laurus"). The financing
consisted of a $500,000 secured convertible debenture that converts into common
stock under certain conditions at $3.50 per share or matures January 25, 2008.
The debenture provides for monthly payments of $16,666.67 plus interest,
commencing August 1, 2005. In addition, Laurus was issued 33,333 warrants
exercisable at $3.50 per share. The Company's common stock quoted market price
at the date of closing was $2.52 per share. The debenture has a three-year term
with a coupon rate of prime plus 3%. As the Company grows it intends to raise
additional capital to accommodate its growth plans however, there can be no
assurance that additional capital can be attained.
Management believes that continued cost containment, improved financial and
operating controls, and a focused sales and marketing effort should provide
sufficient cash flow from operations in the near term. Achievement of these
goals, however, will be dependent upon the Company's attainment of increased
revenues, improved operating costs, reduced financing cost and trade support
levels that are consistent with management's plans. Such operating performance
will be subject to financial, economic and other factors beyond its control, an
there can be no assurance that the Company's goals will be achieved.
19
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES.
The discussion and analysis of the Company's financial condition and results of
operations are based upon its financial statements, which have been prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States.
The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates
and disclosures on the date of the financial statements. On an on going basis,
management evaluates its estimates. Management uses authoritative
pronouncements, historical experience and other assumptions as the basis for
making judgments. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Management
believes that the following critical accounting policies affect its more
significant judgments and estimates in the preparation of the Company's
financial statements.
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE/ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS.
The Company's accounts receivable are due from businesses engaged in the
distribution of grocery, health and beauty products as well as from consumers
who purchase health and beauty products and premium handmade cigars from the
Company's Web sites. Credit is extended based on evaluation of a customers'
financial condition and, generally, collateral is not required. Accounts
receivable are due within 10 - 60 days and are stated at amounts due from
customers net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts outstanding longer
than the contractual payment terms are considered past due. Estimates are used
in determining the allowance for doubtful accounts based on the Company's
historical collections experience, current trends, credit policy and a
percentage of its accounts receivable by aging category. In determining these
percentages, the Company looks at historical write-offs of its receivables. The
Company also looks at the credit quality of its customer base as well as changes
in its credit policies. The Company continuously monitors collections and
payments from its customers. The Company writes off accounts receivable when
they become uncollectible, and payments subsequently received on such
receivables are credited to the allowance for doubtful accounts.
VALUATION OF DEFERRED TAX ASSETS.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities represent temporary differences between the
basis of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and tax
purposes. Deferred tax assets are primarily comprised of reserves, which have
been deducted for financial statement purposes, but have not been deducted for
income tax purposes as well as net operating loss carry forwards. The Company
annually reviews the deferred tax asset accounts to determine if is appears more
likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be fully realized. At March
31, 2005, the Company has established a full valuation allowance.
VALUATION OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS.
The Company reviews its long-lived assets periodically to determine potential
impairment by comparing the carrying value of the assets with expected net cash
flows expected to be provided by the operating activities of the business or
related products. Should the sum of the expected future net cash flows be less
than the carrying value, the Company would determine whether an impairment loss
should be recognized. An impairment loss would be measured by comparing the
amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the Asset.
Long-lived assets and intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever
events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be
recoverable. Impairment is measured by comparing the carrying value of the
long-lived assets to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to
result from use of the assets and their ultimate disposition. To the extent
impairment has occurred, the carrying amount of the asset would be written down
to an amount to reflect the fair value of the asset.
20
SEASONALITY
Sales by PHS Group and Proset usually peak at the end of the a calendar quarter,
when the Company's suppliers offer promotions which lower prices and, in turn,
the Company is able to lower its prices and increase sales volume. Suppliers
tend to promote at quarterly end and as a result reduced products costs may
increase sales. In particular, the second and first quarters are usually better
operating quarters. Sales of beauty care products and fragrances increase over
traditional gift giving holidays such as Christmas, Mother's Day, Father's Day,
and Valentine's Day.
Cigar product sales also increase during holiday periods and summer months as
well as around special sporting events.
INFLATION
The Company believes that inflation, under certain circumstances, could be
beneficial to the Company's major business, PHS Group. When inflationary
pressures drive product costs up, the Company's customers sometimes purchase
greater quantities of product to expand their inventories to protect against
further pricing increases. This enables the Company to sell greater quantities
of products that are sensitive to inflationary pressures.
However, inflationary pressures frequently increase interest rates. Since the
Company is dependent on financing, any increase in interest rates will increase
the Company's credit costs, thereby reducing its profits.
21
FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION AND CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS
Other than the factual matters set forth herein, the matters and items set forth
in this report are forward-looking statements that involve risks and
uncertainties. The Company's actual results may differ materially from the
results discussed in the forward-looking statements. These statements relate to
future events or the Company's future financial performance and include, but are
not limited to, statements concerning:
The anticipated benefits and risks of the Company's key strategic partnerships,
business relationships and acquisitions;
The Company's ability to attract and retain customers;
The anticipated benefits and risks associated with the Company's business
strategy, including those relating to its distribution and fulfillment
strategy and its current and future product and service offerings;
The Company's future operating results and the future value of its common
stock;
The anticipated size or trends of the market segments in which the Company
competes and the anticipated competition in those markets;
Potential government regulation; and
The Company's future capital requirements and its ability to satisfy its
capital needs.
Furthermore, in some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by
terminology such as may, will, could, should, expect, plan, intend, anticipate,
believe, estimate, predict, potential or continue, the negative of such terms or
other comparable terminology. These statements are only predictions. Actual
events or results may differ materially. Factors that could cause such
differences include, but are not limited to, those identified herein and other
risks included from time to time in the Company's other Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC") reports and press releases, copies of which are available
from the Company upon request.
Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in the
forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee future results,
levels of activity, performance or achievements. Moreover the Company assumes no
responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the forward-looking
statements to conform such statements to actual results or to changes in its
expectations.
In addition to the other information in this Form 10-Q, the following risk
factors should be carefully considered in evaluating the Company business
because these factors may have a significant impact on the Company's business,
operating results and financial condition. As a result of the risk factors
discussed below and elsewhere in this Form 10-Q and the risks discussed in the
Company's other SEC filings, actual results could differ materially from those
projected in any forward-looking statements.
1. THE COMPANY HAS INCURRED OPERATING LOSSES.
The Company has a long history of operating losses. To date, a large portion of
the Company's expenses have been financed through capital raising activities.
Although the Company has narrowed its losses, it still continues to report
operating deficits as opposed to profits. A large portion of the Company's
historical losses are a direct result of fees and expenses paid for in stock
and/or other working capital financing. Due to a pattern of historical losses,
there is no assurance that further financing will not be needed for operating
purposes.
2. INTERNET
The internet environment is still relatively new to business and is subject to
inherent risks as in any new developing business including rapidly developing
technology with which to attempt to keep pace and level of acceptance and level
of consumer knowledge regarding its use.
22
3. DEPENDENCE ON PUBLIC TRENDS.
The Company's business is subject to the effects of changing customer
preferences and the economy, both of which are difficult to predict and over
which the Company has no control. A change in either consumer preferences or a
down-turn in the economy may affect the Company's business prospects.
4. POTENTIAL PRODUCT LIABILITY.
As a participant in the distribution chain between the manufacturer and
consumer, the Company would likely be named as a defendant in any product
liability action brought by a consumer. To date, no claims have been asserted
against the Company for product liability; there can be no assurance, however,
that such claims will not arise in the future. Currently, the Company does carry
product liability insurance. In the event that any products liability claim is
not fully funded by insurance, and if the Company is unable to recover damages
from the manufacturer or supplier of the product that caused such injury, the
Company may be required to pay some or all of such claim from its own funds. Any
such payment could have a material adverse impact on the Company.
5. RELIANCE ON COMMON CARRIERS.
Although the Company has in the last few years leased a fleet of trucks operated
by the Company to make deliveries, the Company is still dependent, for shipping
of product purchases, on common carriers in the trucking industry. Although the
Company uses several hundred common carriers, the trucking industry is subject
to strikes from time to time, which could have material adverse effect on the
Company's operations if alternative modes of shipping are not then available.
Additionally the trucking industry is susceptible to various natural disasters
which can close transportation lanes in any given region of the country. To the
extent common carriers are prevented from or delayed in utilizing local
transportation lanes, the Company will likely incur higher freight costs due to
the limited availability of trucks during any such period that transportation
lanes are restricted.
6. COMPETITION.
The Company is subject to competition in all of its various product sale
businesses. While these industries may be highly fragmented, with no one
distributor dominating the industry, the Company is subject to competitive
pressures from other distributors based on price and service and product quality
and origin.
7. LITIGATION
The Company is subject to legal proceedings and claims which arise in the
ordinary course of its business. In the opinion of management, the amount of
ultimate liability with respect to these actions should not materially affect
the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company, but
there can be no assurance as to this.
8. POSSIBLE LOSS OF NASDAQ SMALL CAP LISTING.
Synergy's qualification for trading on the NASDAQ Small Cap system has in the
past been questioned, the focus being on the market quotes for the Company's
stock, the current bid price having for a time been reduced below the minimum
NASDAQ standard of $1 and having been below such level for an appreciable period
of time, as well as the Company also being notified in the past that
stockholders' equity has fallen below minimum NASDAQ continued listing standard
of $2,500,000. NASDAQ has established, and the Commission has approved, certain
maintenance requirements which the Company must adhere to remain listed,
including the requirement that a stock listed in such market have a bid price
greater than or equal to $1.00 and the listed Company maintain stockholders
equity above $2,500,000. The bid price per share for the Common Stock of Synergy
has been below $1.00 in the past and the Common Stock has remained on the NASDAQ
Small Cap System because Synergy has complied with alternative criteria which
are now eliminated under the new rules. If the bid price dips below $1.00 per
share, and is not brought above such level for a sustained period of time or the
Company fails to maintain stockholders' equity at a level of at least $2,500,000
the Common Stock could be delisted from the NASDAQ Small Cap System and
thereafter trading would be reported in the NASDAQ's OTC Bulletin Board or in
the "pink sheets." (see Item 5-"Market For The Registrant's Common Stock and
23
Related Stockholder Matters" contained in the Company's Annual Report on form
10K for the year ended December 31, 2004 for a more in depth discussion of the
Company's current NASDAQ listing status)In the event of delisting from the
NASDAQ Small Cap System, the Common Stock would become subject to the rules
adopted by the Commission regulating broker-dealer practices in connection with
transactions in "penny stocks", including what the Company believes to be
stringent disclosure rules very different from NASDAQ trading practice
procedures. These disclosure requirements may have the effect of reducing the
level of trading activity in the secondary market for a stock that becomes
subject to the penny stock rules. If the Common Stock became subject to the
penny stock rules, many broker-dealers may be unwilling to engage in
transactions in the Company's securities because of the added disclosure
requirements, thereby making it more difficult for purchasers of the Common
Stock to dispose of their shares. The Company's common stock has historically
remained at NASDAQ trading levels above $1 except for limited periods of time
and the Company has achieved and is confident of maintaining a level of
Stockholders' equity above $2,500,000. Historical stability combined with the
Company's increasing business share in the market and its continuing
establishment as a viable force in the industries wherein it participates gives
the Company confidence that its susceptibility to market deficiencies is in a
much lessened state then in years past and that it can continue to achieve and
maintain NASDAQ listing compliance, but of this there can be no assurance.
9. RISKS OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT.
Because still the lines of product and product distribution established for the
Company are relatively new and different from its historical non-internet
product distribution business, the Company's operations in these areas should
continue to be considered subject to all of the risks inherent in a new business
enterprise, including the absence of an appreciable operating history and the
expense of new product development and uncertainties on demand and logistics of
delivery and other satisfaction of customer demands. Various problems, expenses,
complications and delays may be encountered in connection with the development
of the Company's new products and methods of product distribution. These
expenses must either be paid out of the proceeds of future offerings or out of
generated revenues and Company profits and will likely be a drain on Company
capital if revenue and revenue collection does not keep pace with Company
expenses. There can be no assurance as to the continued availability of funds
from any of these sources.
10. RAPIDLY CHANGING MARKET MAY IMPACT OPERATIONS.
The market for the Company's products is rapidly changing with evolving industry
standards and frequent new product introductions. The Company's future success
will depend in part upon its continued ability to enhance its existing products
and to introduce new products and features to meet changing customer
requirements and emerging industry standards and to continue to have access to
such products from their sources on a pricing schedule conducive to the Company
operating at a profit. The Company will have to develop and implement an
appropriate marketing strategy for each of its products. There can be no
assurance that the Company will successfully complete the development of future
products or that the Company's current or future products will achieve market
acceptance levels and be made available for sale by the Company conducive to the
Company's fiscal needs. Any delay or failure of these products to achieve market
acceptance or limits on their availability for sale by the Company would
adversely affect the Company's business. In addition, there can be no assurance
that the products or technologies developed by others will not render the
Company's products or technologies non-competitive or obsolete.
Management believes actions taken and presently being taken to meet and enhance
the Company's operating and financial requirements should assure and provide the
opportunity for the Company to continue as a going concern. However, Management
cannot predict the outcome of future operations and no adjustments have been
made to offset the outcome of this uncertainty.
11.EXTENSIVE AND INCREASING REGULATION OF TOBACCO PRODUCTS AND LITIGATION MAY
IMPACT CIGAR INDUSTRY.
The tobacco industry in general has been subject to extensive regulation at the
federal, state and local levels. Recent trends have increased regulation of the
tobacco industry. Although regulation initially focused on cigarette
manufacturers, it has begun to have a broader impact on the industry as a whole
and may focus more directly on cigars in the future. The increase in popularity
of cigars may likely lead to an increase in regulation of cigars. A variety of
bills relating to tobacco issues have been introduced in the U.S. Congress,
including bills that would (i) prohibit the advertising and promotion of all
tobacco products or restrict or eliminate the deductibility of such advertising
expense, (ii) increase labeling requirements on tobacco products to include,
among others things, addiction warnings and lists of additives and toxins, (iii)
shift control of tobacco products and advertisements from the Federal Trade
Commission (the "FTC") to the Food and Drug Administration (the "FDA"), (iv)
increase tobacco excise taxes and (v) require tobacco companies to pay for
health care costs incurred by the federal government in connection with tobacco
24
related diseases. There has also been recent cooperation between federal and
State authorities to curtail internet sales of tobacco products because of tax
issues as well as underage purchase questions. Future enactment of such
proposals or similar bills may have an adverse effect on the results of
operations or financial condition of the Company. Although, except for warning
labeling and smoke free facilities, current legislation and regulation focuseson
cigarette smoking and sales, there is no assurance that the scope of legislation
will not be expanded in the future to encompass cigars as well.
A majority of states restrict or prohibit smoking in certain public places and
restrict the sale of tobacco products to minors. Local legislative and
regulatory bodies also have increasingly moved to curtail smoking by prohibiting
smoking in certain buildings or areas or by designating "smoking" areas. These
restrictions generally do not distinguish between cigarettes and cigars. These
restrictions and future restrictions of a similar nature have and likely will
continue to have an adverse effect on the Company's sales or operations because
of resulting difficulty placed upon advertising and sale of tobacco products,
such as restrictions and in many cases prohibition of counter access to or
display of premium handmade cigars, and/or decisions by retailers not to
advertise for sale and in many cases to sell tobacco products because of public
pressure to stop the selling of tobacco products. Numerous proposals also have
been and are being considered at the state and local levels, in addition to
federal regulations, to restrict smoking in certain public areas, regulating
point of sale placement and promotions of tobacco products and requiring warning
labels.
Increased cigar consumption and the publicity such increase has received may
increase the risk of additional regulation. The Company cannot predict the
ultimate content, timing or effect of any additional regulation of tobacco
products by any federal, state, local or regulatory body, and there can be no
assurance that any such legislation or regulation would not have a material
adverse effect on the Company's business.
In addition numerous tobacco litigation has been commenced and may in the future
be instituted, all of which may adversely affect(albeit focusing primarily on
cigarette smoking) cigar consumption and sale and may pressure applicable
government entities to institute further and stricter legislation to restrict
and possibly prohibit cigar sale and consumption, any and all of which may have
an adverse affect on Company business.
12. NO DIVIDENDS LIKELY.
No dividends have been paid on the Common Stock since inception, nor, by reason
of its current financial status and its contemplated financial requirements,
does Synergy contemplate or anticipate paying any dividends upon its Common
Stock in the foreseeable future.
13. POTENTIAL LIABILITY FOR CONTENT ON THE COMPANY'S WEB SITE.
Because the Company posts product information and other content on its Web
sites, the Company faces potential liability for negligence, copyright, patent,
trademark, defamation, indecency and other claims based on the nature and
content of the materials that the Company posts. Such claims have been brought,
and sometimes successfully pressed, against other Internet content distributors.
In addition, the Company could be exposed to liability with respect to the
unauthorized duplication of content or unauthorized use of other parties'
proprietary technology or infiltration into the Company's system by unauthorized
personnel.
14. THE COMPANY'S NET SALES WOULD BE HARMED IF IT EXPERIENCES SIGNIFICANT CREDIT
CARD FRAUD.
A failure to adequately control fraudulent credit card transactions would harm
the Company's net sales and results of operations because it does not carry
insurance against such risk. Under current credit card practices, the Company
may be held liable for fraudulent credit card transactions where it does not
obtain a cardholder's signature, a frequent practice in internet sales.
25
15. THE COMPANY DEPENDS ON CONTINUED USE OF THE INTERNET AND GROWTH OF THE
ONLINE PRODUCT PURCHASE MARKET.
The Company's future revenues and profits, if any, substantially depend upon the
widespread acceptance and use of the internet as an effective medium of business
and communication by the Company's target customers. Rapid growth in the use of
and interest in the Internet has occurred only recently. As a result, acceptance
and use may not continue to develop at historical rates, and a sufficiently
broad base of consumers may not adopt, and continue to use, the Internet and
other online services as a medium of commerce.
In addition, the Internet may not be accepted as a viable long-term commercial
marketplace for a number of reasons, including potentially inadequate
development of the necessary network infrastructure or delayed development of
enabling technologies and performance improvements and/or potential customer
continued preferences for more traditional see and touch purchasing. The
Company's success will depend, in large part, upon third parties maintaining the
Internet infrastructure to provide a reliable network backbone with the speed,
data capacity, security and hardware necessary for reliable Internet access and
services and hopeful continued shifting of potential customers shopping
preferences to the internet.
16. IF THE COMPANY DOES NOT RESPOND TO RAPID TECHNOLOGY CHANGES, ITS SERVICES
COULD BECOME OBSOLETE AND ITS BUSINESS WOULD BE SERIOUSLY HARMED.
As the Internet and online commerce industry evolve, the Company must license
leading technologies useful in its business, enhance its existing services,
develop new services and technology that address the increasingly sophisticated
and varied needs of its prospective customers and respond to technological
advances and emerging industry standards and practices on a cost-effective and
timely basis. The Company may not be able to successfully implement new
technologies or adapt its proprietary technology and transaction processing
systems to customer requirements or emerging industry standards. If the Company
is unable to do so, it could adversely impact its ability to build on its varied
businesses and attract and retain customers.
17. POTENTIAL FUTURE SALES OF COMPANY STOCK.
The majority of the shares of common stock of the Company outstanding are
"restricted securities" as that term is defined in Rule 144 promulgated under
the Securities Act of 1933. In general under Rule 144 a person (or persons whose
shares are aggregated) who has satisfied a one year holding period may, under
certain circumstances, sell within any three month period a number of shares
which does not exceed the greater of 1% of the then outstanding shares of common
stock or the average weekly trading volume during the four calendar weeks prior
to such sale. Rule 144 also permits, under certain circumstances, the sale of
shares by a person who is not an affiliate of the Company and who has satisfied
a two year holding period without, any quantity limitation. The majority of
holders of the shares of the outstanding common stock of the Company deemed
"restricted securities" have already satisfied at least their one year holding
period or will do so with the next fiscal year, and such stock is either
presently or within the next fiscal year will become eligible for sale in the
public market (subject to volume limitations of Rule 144 when applicable). The
Company is unable to predict the effect that sales of its common stock under
Rule 144, or otherwise, may have on the then prevailing market price of the
common stock. However, the Company believes that the sales of such stock under
Rule 144 may have a depressive effect upon the market.
18. THE COMPANY MAY NOT BE ABLE TO CONTINUE ATTRACTING NEW CUSTOMERS.
The success of the Company's business model depends in large part on its
continued ability to increase its number of customers. The market for its
businesses may grow more slowly than anticipated because of or become saturated
with competitors, many of which may offer lower prices or broader distribution.
The Company is also highly dependant on internet sales which require interest of
potential suppliers in the internet mode of product purchasing. Some potential
suppliers may not want to join the Company's networks because they are concerned
about the possibility of their products being listed together with their
competitors' products thus limiting availability of product mix made available
by the Company. If the Company cannot continue to bring new customers to its
sites or maintain its existing customer base or attract listing of a mixture of
product, the Company may be unable to offer the benefits of the network model at
levels sufficient to attract and retain customers and sustain its business.
26
19. BECAUSE THE COMPANY'S INDUSTRY IS HIGHLY COMPETITIVE AND HAS LOW BARRIERS TO
ENTRY, THE COMPANY MAY NOT BE ABLE TO EFFECTIVELY COMPETE.
The U.S. market for e-commerce services is extremely competitive. The Company
expects competition to intensify as current competitors expand their product
offerings and enter the e-commerce market, and new competitors enter the market.
The principal competitive factors are the quality and breadth of services
provided, potential for successful transaction activity and price. E-commerce
markets are characterized by rapidly changing technologies and frequent new
product and service introductions. The Company may fail to update or introduce
new market pricing formats, selling techniques and/or other mechanics and
administrative tools and formats for internet sales consistent with current
technology on a timely basis or at all. If its fails to introduce new service
offerings or to improve its existing service offerings in response to industry
developments, or if its prices are not competitive, the Company could lose
customers, which could lead to a loss of revenues.
Because there are relatively low barriers to entry in the e-commerce market,
competition from other established and emerging companies may develop in the
future. Many of the Company's competitors may also have well-established
relationships with the Company's existing and prospective customers. Increased
competition is likely to result in fee reductions, reduced margins, longer sales
cycles for the Company's services and a decrease or loss of its market share,
any of which could harm its business, operating results or financial condition.
Many of the Company's competitors have, and new potential competitors may have,
more experience developing Internet-based software applications and integrated
purchasing solutions, larger technical staffs, larger customer bases, more
established distribution channels, greater brand recognition and greater
financial, marketing and other resources than the Company has. In addition,
competitors may be able to develop products and services that are superior to
those of the Company or that achieve greater customer acceptance. There can be
no assurance that the e-commerce solutions offered by the Company's competitors
now or in the future will not be perceived as superior to those of the Company
by either businesses or consumers.
20. THE COMPANY'S BUSINESS MAY SUFFER IF IT IS NOT ABLE TO PROTECT IMPORTANT
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.
The Company's ability to compete effectively against other companies in its
industry will depend, in part, on its ability to protect its proprietary
technology and systems designs relating to its technologies. The Company does
not know whether it has been or will be completely successful in doing so.
Further, its competitors may independently develop or patent technologies that
are substantially equivalent or superior to those of the Company.
21. THE COMPANY MAY NOT BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF ITS
PROPRIETARY KNOWLEDGE.
The Company relies, in part, on contractual provisions to protect its trade
secrets and proprietary knowledge. These agreements may be breached, and the
Company may not have adequate remedies for any breach. Its trade secrets may
also be known without breach of such agreements or may be independently
discovered by competitors. Its inability to maintain the proprietary nature of
its technology could harm its business, results of operations and financial
condition by adversely affecting its ability to compete.
22. OTHERS MAY ASSERT THAT THE COMPANY'S TECHNOLOGY INFRINGES THEIR INTELLECTUAL
PROPERTY RIGHTS.
The Company believes that its technology does not infringe the proprietary
rights of others. However, the e-commerce industry is characterized by the
existence of a large number of patents and trademarks and frequent claims and
litigation based on allegations of patent infringement and violation of other
intellectual property rights. As the e-commerce market and the functionality of
products in the industry continues to grow and overlap, the Company believes
that the possibility of an intellectual property claim against it will increase.
For example, the Company may inadvertently infringe an intellectual property
right of which it is unaware, or there may be applications to protect
intellectual property rights now pending of which it is unaware which it may be
infringing when they are issued in the future, or the Company's service or
systems may incorporate and/or utilize third party technologies that infringe
the intellectual property rights of others. The Company has been and expects to
27
continue to be subject to alleged infringement claims. The defense of any claims
of infringement made against the Company by third parties, whether or not
meritorious, could involve significant legal costs and require the Company's
management to divert time and attention from its business operations. Either of
these consequences of an infringement claim could have a material adverse effect
on the Company's operating results. If the Company is unsuccessful in defending
any claims of infringement, it may be forced to obtain licenses or to pay
royalties to continue to use its technology. The Company may not be able to
obtain any necessary licenses on commercially reasonable terms or at all. If the
Company fails to obtain necessary licenses or other rights, or if these licenses
are costly, its operating results may suffer either from reductions in revenues
through the Company's inability to serve customers or from increases in costs to
license third-party technologies.
23. THE COMPANY'S BUSINESS MAY BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED IF IT IS UNABLE TO CONTINUE
TO LICENSE SOFTWARE THAT IS NECESSARY FOR ITS SERVICE OFFERING.
Through distributors, the Company licenses a variety of commercially available
Internet technologies, which are used in its services and systems to perform key
functions. As a result, the Company is to a certain extent dependent upon
continuing to maintain these technologies. There can be no assurance that the
Company would be able to replace the functionality provided by much of its
purchased Internet technologies on commercially reasonable terms or at all. The
absence of or any significant delay in the replacement of that functionality
could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial
condition and results of operations.
24. THE COMPANY'S SYSTEMS INFRASTRUCTURE MAY NOT KEEP PACE WITH THE DEMANDS OF
ITS CUSTOMERS.
Interruptions of service as a result of a high volume of traffic and/or
transactions could diminish the attractiveness of the Company's services and its
ability to attract and retain customers. There can be no assurance that the
Company will be able to accurately project the rate or timing of increases, if
any, in the use of its service, or that it will be able to expand and upgrade
its systems and infrastructure to accommodate such increases in a timely manner.
The Company currently maintains systems in the U.S. Any failure to expand or
upgrade its systems could have a material adverse effect on its results of
operations and financial condition by reducing or interrupting revenue flow and
by limiting its ability to attract new customers. Any such failure could also
have a material adverse effect on the business of its customers, which could
damage the Company's reputation and expose it to a risk of loss or litigation
and potential liability.
25. A SYSTEM FAILURE COULD CAUSE DELAYS OR INTERRUPTIONS OF SERVICE TO THE
COMPANY'S CUSTOMERS.
Service offerings involving complex technology often contain errors or
performance problems. Many serious defects are frequently found during the
period immediately following introduction and initial implementation of new
services or enhancements to existing services. Although the Company attempts to
resolve all errors that it believes would be considered serious by its customers
before implementation, its systems are not error-free. Errors or performance
problems could result in lost revenues or cancellation of customer agreement and
may expose the Company to litigation and potential liability. In the past, the
Company has discovered errors in software used in the Company after its
incorporation into Company sites. The Company cannot assure that undetected
errors or performance problems in its existing or future services will not be
discovered or that known errors considered minor by it will not be considered
serious by its customers. The Company has experienced periodic minor system
interruptions, which may continue to occur from time to time.
26. THE FUNCTIONING OF THE COMPANY'S SYSTEMS OR THE SYSTEMS OF THIRD PARTIES ON
WHICH IT RELIES COULD BE DISRUPTED BY FACTORS OUTSIDE THE COMPANY'S CONTROL.
The Company's success depends on the efficient and uninterrupted operation of
its computer and communications hardware systems. These systems are vulnerable
to damage or interruption from natural disasters, fires, power loss,
telecommunication failures, break-ins, sabotage, computer viruses, intentional
acts of vandalism and similar events. Despite any precautions the Company takes
or plans to take, the occurrence of a natural disaster or other unanticipated
problems could result in interruptions in its services. In addition, if any
hosting service fails to provide the data communications capacity the Company
requires, as a result of human error, natural disaster or other operational
disruption, interruptions in the Company's services could result. Any damage to
or failure of its systems could result in reductions in, or terminations of, its
services, which could have a material adverse effect on its business, results of
operations and financial condition.
28
27. THE COMPANY MAY ACQUIRE OTHER BUSINESSES OR TECHNOLOGIES, WHICH COULD RESULT
IN DILUTION TO ITS STOCKHOLDERS, OR OPERATIONAL OR INTEGRATION DIFFICULTIES
WHICH COULD IMPAIR ITS FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE.
If appropriate opportunities present themselves, the Company may acquire
complementary or strategic businesses, technologies, services or products that
it believes will be useful in the growth of its business. The Company does not
currently have any commitments or agreements with respect to any new
acquisitions. They may not be able to identify, negotiate or finance any future
acquisition successfully. Even if the Company does succeed in acquiring a
business, technology, service or product, the process of integration may produce
unforeseen operating difficulties and expenditures and may require significant
attention from the Company's management that would otherwise be available for
the ongoing development of its business. Moreover the anticipated benefits of
any acquisition may not be realized or may depend on the continued service of
acquired personnel who could choose to leave. If the Company makes future
acquisitions, it may issue shares of stock that dilute other stockholders, incur
debt, assume contingent liabilities or create additional expenses related to
amortizing intangible assets, any of which might harm its financial results and
cause its stock price to decline. Any financing that it might need for future
acquisitions may only be available to it on terms that restrict its business or
that impose on it costs that reduce its revenue.
28. THE COMPANY'S SUCCESS DEPENDS ON THE CONTINUED GROWTH OF THE INTERNET AND
ONLINE COMMERCE.
The Company's future revenues and profits depend to a large extent upon the
widespread acceptance and use of the Internet and other online services as a
medium for commerce by merchants and consumers. The use of the Internet and
e-commerce may not continue to develop at past rates and a sufficiently broad
base of business and individual customers may not adopt or continue to use the
Internet as a medium of commerce. The market for the sale of goods and services
over the Internet is a relatively new and emerging market. Demand and market
acceptance for recently introduced services and products over the Internet are
subject to a high level of uncertainty. Growth in the Company's customer base
depends on obtaining businesses and consumers who have historically used
traditional means of commerce to purchase goods. For the Company to be
successful, these market participants must accept and use novel ways of
conducting business and exchanging information.
E-commerce may not prove to be a viable medium for purchasing for the following
reasons, any of which could seriously harm the Company's business:
- the necessary infrastructure for Internet communications may not develop
adequately;
- the Company's potential customers, buyers and suppliers may have security
and confidentiality concerns;
- complementary products, such as high-speed modems and high-speed
communication lines, may not be developed or be adequately available;
- alternative-purchasing solutions may be implemented;
- buyers may dislike the reduction in the human contact inherent in
traditional purchasing methods;
- use of the Internet and other online services may not continue to
increase or may increase more slowly than expected;
- the development or adoption of new technology standards and protocols may
be delayed or may not occur; and
- new and burdensome governmental regulations may be imposed.
29
29. THE COMPANY'S SUCCESS DEPENDS ON THE CONTINUED RELIABILITY OF THE INTERNET.
The Internet continues to experience significant growth in the number of users,
frequency of use and bandwidth requirements. There can be no assurance that the
infrastructure of the Internet and other online services will be able to support
the demands placed upon them. Furthermore, the Internet has experienced a
variety of outages and other delays as a result of damage to portions of its
infrastructure, and could face such outages and delays in the future. These
outages and delays could adversely affect the level of Internet usage and also
the level of traffic and the processing of transactions. In addition, the
Internet or other online services could lose their viability due to delays in
the development or adoption of new standards and protocols required to handle
increased levels of Internet or other online service activity, or due to
increased governmental regulation. Changes in or insufficient availability of
telecommunications services or other Internet service providers to support the
Internet or other online services also could result in slower response times and
adversely affect usage of the Internet and other online services generally and
the Company's service in particular. If use of the Internet and other online
services does not continue to grow or grows more slowly than expected, if the
infrastructure of the Internet and other online services does not effectively
support growth that may occur, or if the Internet and other online services do
not become a viable commercial marketplace, the Company will have to adapt its
business model to the new environment, which would materially adversely affect
its results of operations and financial condition.
30. GOVERNMENT REGULATION OF THE INTERNET MAY IMPEDE THE COMPANY'S GROWTH OR ADD
TO ITS OPERATING COSTS.
Like many Internet-based businesses, the Company operates in an environment of
tremendous uncertainty as to potential government regulation. The Internet has
rapidly emerged as a commerce medium, and governmental agencies have not yet
been able to adapt all existing regulations to the Internet environment. Laws
and regulations have been introduced or are under consideration and court
decisions have been or may be reached in the U.S. and other countries in which
the Company does business that affect the Internet or other online services,
covering issues such as pricing, user privacy, freedom of expression, access
charges, content and quality of products and services, advertising, intellectual
property rights and information security. In addition, it is uncertain how
existing laws governing issues such as taxation, property ownership, copyrights
and other intellectual property issues, libel, obscenity and personal privacy
will be applied to the Internet. The majority of these laws were adopted prior
to the introduction of the Internet and, as a result, do not address the unique
issues of the Internet. Recent laws that contemplate the Internet, such as the
Digital Millennium Copyright Act in the U.S., have not yet been fully
interpreted by the courts and their applicability is therefore uncertain. The
Digital Millennium Copyright Act provides certain "safe harbors" that limits the
risk of copyright infringement liability for service providers such as the
Company with respect to infringing activities engaged in by users of the
service.
In the area of user privacy, several states have legislation and/or have
proposed legislation that limits or would limit the uses of personal user
information gathered online or require online services to establish privacy
policies. The Federal Trade Commission also has become increasingly involved in
this area. The Company does not sell personal user information regarding its
customers. The Company does use aggregated data for analysis regarding the
Company network, and does use personal user information in the performance of
its services for its customers. Since the Company does not control what its
customers do with the personal user information they collect, there can be no
assurance that its customers' sites will be considered compliant.
As online commerce evolves, the Company expects that federal, state or foreign
agencies will continue to adopt regulations covering issues such as pricing,
content, user privacy, and quality of products and services. Any future
regulation may have a negative impact on the Company's business by restricting
its methods of operation or imposing additional costs. Although many of these
regulations may not apply to its business directly, the Company anticipates that
laws regulating the solicitation, collection or processing of personal
information could indirectly affect its business.
Internet regulation which has met with the most successful challenges is that
which touches upon Free Speech. Title V of the Telecommunications Act of 1996,
known as the Communications Decency Act of 1996, prohibits the knowing
transmission of any comment, request, suggestion, proposal, image or other
communication that is obscene or pornographic to any recipient under the age of
18. The prohibitions scope and the liability associated with a violation are
currently unsettled. In addition, although substantial portions of the
Communications Decency Act of 1996 have been held to be unconstitutional, the
Company cannot be certain that similar legislation will not be enacted and
upheld in the future. Subsequent attempts at such legislation such as the Child
Online Protection Act passed in 1998 have met with similar and successful
constitutional attack. It is possible that such legislation could expose
companies involved in online commerce to liability, which could limit the growth
of online commerce generally. Legislation like the Communications Decency Act
and Child Online Protection Act could reduce the growth in Internet usage and
decrease its acceptance as a communications and commerce medium.
30
The worldwide availability of Internet web sites often results in sales of goods
to buyers outside the jurisdiction in which the Company or its customers are
located, and foreign jurisdictions may claim that the Company or its customers
are required to comply with their laws. Foreign regulation of internet use has
not met with the success of constitutional and other judicial scrutiny that US
regulation has been limited by. As an Internet Company, it is also unclear which
jurisdictions may find that the Company is conducting business therein. Its
failure to qualify to do business in a jurisdiction that requires it to do so
could subject the Company to fines or penalties and could result in its
inability to enforce contracts in that jurisdiction.
The Company is not aware of any recent related legislation other than that
specifically referenced herein which may affect the manner in which the Company
utilizes the internet in its business but there can be no assurance that future
government regulation will not be enacted further restricting use of the
internet that might adversely affect the Company's business.
31. TAXES MAY BE IMPOSED ON INTERNET COMMERCE.
In the U.S., the Company does not collect sales or other similar taxes on goods
sold through the Company's internet websites. The Internet Tax Freedom Act of
1998, (extended through November 2003 and internet access tax prohibitions
though November 1, 2007), prohibits the imposition of new or discriminatory
taxes on electronic commerce by United States federal and state taxing
authorities except for taxes caused by nexus of the Seller of the goods in the
State. Sales to customers in such States may be taxable, but to date no such
taxes have ever been collected by the Company. The Company is not aware of any
further extensions of this legislation but understands that more permanent
application of the aforesaid Internet Tax Freedom Act is currently being
discussed in the federal legislature and further extension has been recommended
by the Advisory Commission on Electronic Commerce established by US Congress to
further review application of the statute. The status of the prohibition is
uncertain and States have attempted to impose sales and use tax, often
successfully mainly based upon the nexus of the retailer with the State imposing
the tax on customers in that State. A number of proposals have been made at the
State and local level that would impose additional taxes on the sale of goods
and services through the Internet. Such proposals, if adopted and not in
conflict with federal prohibitions, could substantially impair the growth of
electronic commerce, and could adversely affect the Company's opportunity to
derive financial benefit from such activities. There has been recent activity in
attempts to enforce the federal Jenkins Act which historically allowed State
taxation of sales of goods made through use of the United States mails and is
currently being reviewed toward possibly allowing the States to tax internet
sales. . In addition, non-U.S. countries may seek to impose service tax (such as
value-added tax) collection obligations on companies that engage in or
facilitate Internet commerce. A successful assertion by one or more states or
any foreign country that the Company should collect sales or other taxes on the
sale of merchandise could impair its revenues and its ability to acquire and
retain customers.
32. THERE MAY BE SIGNIFICANT SECURITY RISKS AND PRIVACY CONCERNS RELATING TO
ONLINE COMMERCE.
A significant barrier to online commerce and communications is the secure
transmission of confidential information over public networks. A compromise or
breach of the technology used to protect the Company's customers' and their
end-users' transaction data could result from, among other things, advances in
computer capabilities, new discoveries in the field of cryptography, or other
events or developments. Any such compromise could have a material adverse effect
on the Company's reputation and, therefore, on its business, results of
operations and financial condition. Furthermore, a party who is able to
circumvent the Company's security measures could misappropriate proprietary
information or cause interruptions in its operations. The Company may be
required to expend significant capital and other resources to protect against
security breaches or to alleviate problems caused by such breaches. Concerns
over the security of transactions conducted on the Internet and other online
services and the privacy of users may also inhibit the growth of the Internet
and other online services generally, especially as a means of conducting
commercial transactions. The Company currently has practices and procedures in
place to protect the confidentiality of its customers' and their end-users'
information. However, its security procedures to protect against the risk of
inadvertent disclosure or intentional breaches of security might fail to
adequately protect information that it's obligated to keep confidential. The
Company may not be successful in adopting more effective systems for maintaining
confidential information, and its exposure to the risk of disclosure of the
confidential information of others may grow with increases in the amount of
information it possesses. To the extent that the Company activities involve the
storage and transmission of proprietary information, such as credit card
numbers, security breaches could damage its reputation and expose it to a risk
of loss or litigation and possible liability. The Company's insurance policies
may not be adequate to reimburse it for losses caused by security breaches.
31
33. IF THE COMPANY'S FULFILLMENT CENTERS ARE NOT EFFECTIVELY OPERATED THE
COMPANY'S BUSINESS MAY BE ADVERSELY AFFECTED.
If the Company does not successfully operate its fulfillment centers such could
significantly limit the Company's ability to meet customer's demands, which
would likely result in diminished revenues, adversely affecting the Company's
business. Because it is difficult to predict sales increases the Company may not
manage its facilities in an optimal way which may result in excess inventory,
warehousing, fulfillment and distribution capacity having an adverse impact on
working capital of the Company, or the lack of sufficiency in such areas causing
delays in fulfillment of customer orders adversely affecting customer confidence
and loyalty.
34. THE COMPANY'S STOCK PRICE IS LIKELY TO BE HIGHLY VOLATILE.
The stock market, and in particular the market for Internet-related stocks, has,
from time to time, experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations. Many
factors may cause the market price for the Company's common stock to decline,
perhaps substantially, including:
- failure to meet its development plans;
- the demand for its common stock;
- downward revision in securities analyst's estimates or changes in general
market conditions;
- technological innovations by competitors or in competing technologies;
and
- investor perception of the Company's industry or its prospects.
The Company's stock pricing has fluctuated significantly in the past and there
is no assurance such trend may not continue in the future.
32
Item 3-Controls and Procedures
Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial
Officer, have evaluated our disclosure controls and procedures within the 90
days proceeding the date of this filing. Under rules promulgated by the SEC,
disclosure controls and procedures are defined as those controls or other
procedures of an issuer that are designed to ensure that information required to
be disclosed by the issuer in the reports filed or submitted by it under the
Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time
periods specified in the Commission's rules and forms. Based on the evaluation
of our disclosure controls and procedures, management determined that such
controls and procedures were effective in timely alerting them to material
information relating to the Company (including its Consolidated Subsidiaries)
required to be included in the Company's periodic reports.
Further, there were no significant changes in the internal controls or in other
factors that could significantly affect these controls after May 11, 2005, the
date of the conclusion of the evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.
Part II - Other Information
Item 6- Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
(1) 31.1 Certification Pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a - 14(a) /
15d-14(a) signed by the Chief Executive Officer.
31.2 Certification Pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a - 14(a) /
15d-14(a) signed by the Chief Financial Officer.
32.1 Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted
pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, signed by
the Chief Executive Officer.
32.2 Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 as adopted
pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, signed by
Chief Financial Officer.
(2) There was no reports filed on 8-K for the relevant period.
33
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
SYNERGY BRANDS, INC.
/s/ Mair Faibish
--------------------
Mair Faibish
Chief Executive Officer
Date: May 13, 2005
/s/ Mitchell Gerstein
----------------------
Mitchell Gerstein
Chief Finacial Officer
Date: May 13, 2005
34
Certification Pursuant
To Exchange Act Rule 13-a-14(a)/-15d-14(a)
I, Mair Faibish, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Synergy Brands, Inc.;
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;
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;
4. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in
Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15 (e) and internal control over financial
reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13-a-15(f) and 15(d) - 15(f) ) for
the registrant and we have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure
controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that
material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated
subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly
during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such
internal control over financing reporting to be designed under our supervision,
to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial
reporting, and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in
accordance with general accepted accounting principles;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and
procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness
of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered
by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control
over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent
fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to
materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting;
and
5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our
most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the
registrant's auditors and to the audit committee of the registrant's board of
directors (or persons fulfilling the equivalent function):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or
operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably
likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process,
summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over
financial reporting.
Date: May 13, 2005
/s/ Mair Faibish
- -----------------
Mair Faibish
Chief Executive Officer
35
Exhibit 31.2
Certification Pursuant
To Exchange Act Rule 13-a-14(a)/-15d-14(a)
I, Mitchell Gerstein, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Synergy Brands, Inc.;
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;
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;
4. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in
Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) and internal control over financial
reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13-a-15(f) and 15(d) - 15(f) ) for
the registrant and we have:
(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure
controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that
material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated
subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly
during the period in which this report is being prepared;
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such
internal control over financing reporting to be designed under our supervision,
to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial
reporting, and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in
accordance with general accepted accounting principles;
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and
procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness
of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered
by this report based on such evaluation; and
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control
over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent
fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to
materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting;
and
5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our
most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the
registrant's auditors and to the audit committee of the registrant's board of
directors (or persons fulfilling the equivalent function):
(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or
operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably
likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process,
summarize and report financial information; and
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over
financial reporting.
Date: May 13, 2005
/s/ Mitchell Gerstein
- ----------------------
Mitchell Gerstein
Chief Financial Officer
36
Exhibit 32.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 (adopted pursuant to section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002), I, the undersigned Chief Executive Officer of
Synergy Brands Inc., (the "Company"), hereby certify that the Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q of the Company for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2005 (the
"Report") fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and that information contained in
the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition
and results of operations of the Company.
Dated: May 13, 2005
/s/ Mair Faibish
- ----------------
Mair Faibish
Chief Executive Officer
Exhibit 32.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 (adopted pursuant to section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002), I, the undersigned Chief Financial Officer of
Synergy Brands, Inc. (the "Company"), hereby certify that the Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q of the Company for the quarterly period ended March 31, 2005 (the
"Report") fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and that information contained in
the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition
and results of operations of the Company.
Dated: May 13, 2005
/s/ Mitchell Gerstein
- ---------------------
Mitchell Gerstein
Chief Financial Officer
37