UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
x | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2004
OR
¨ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
Commission file number 0-32601
ESSENTIAL GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware | 33-0597050 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
1325 Tri-State Parkway, Suite 300
Gurnee, Illinois 60031
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)
(847) 855-7676
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
N/A
(Former Name, if Changed Since Last Report)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x
At November 1, 2004, there were 3,430,043 shares of Class A common stock outstanding and 685,324 shares of Class B common stock outstanding.
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements.
ESSENTIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited, in thousands, except share data)
September 30, 2004 |
December 31, 2003 |
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ASSETS | ||||||||
CURRENT ASSETS: |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 100 | $ | 1,984 | ||||
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $383 and $383 |
8,472 | 12,222 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses |
2,728 | 2,766 | ||||||
Total current assets |
11,300 | 16,972 | ||||||
FIXED ASSETS: |
||||||||
Cost |
6,757 | 6,770 | ||||||
Less Accumulated depreciation and amortization |
(6,292 | ) | (5,996 | ) | ||||
Total fixed assets, net |
465 | 774 | ||||||
OTHER ASSETS: |
||||||||
Other |
24 | 27 | ||||||
Total other assets |
24 | 27 | ||||||
$ | 11,789 | $ | 17,773 | |||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS DEFICIT | ||||||||
CURRENT LIABILITIES: |
||||||||
Accounts payable |
$ | 1,661 | $ | 2,409 | ||||
Line of Credit |
410 | |||||||
Capital leases |
| 14 | ||||||
Accrued investigator fees |
6,213 | 9,126 | ||||||
Accrued wages and other |
2,644 | 2,655 | ||||||
Deferred revenue |
3,324 | 4,022 | ||||||
Total current liabilities |
14,252 | 18,226 | ||||||
CONTINGENCIES AND COMMITMENTS |
||||||||
REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK: |
||||||||
Series A redeemable convertible preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share; 9,741,400 shares authorized; 4,992,621 shares issued and outstanding |
85,699 | 80,673 | ||||||
STOCKHOLDERS DEFICIT: |
||||||||
Class A common stock, par value $0.001 per share; 25,000,000 shares authorized; 3,434,626 shares issued and 3,430,043 shares outstanding |
3 | 3 | ||||||
Class B convertible common stock, par value $0.001 per share; 685,324 shares authorized, issued and outstanding |
1 | 1 | ||||||
Series B convertible preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share; 228,436 shares authorized, issued and outstanding |
| | ||||||
Series E convertible preferred stock, par value $0.001 per share; 30,164 shares authorized, issued and outstanding |
| | ||||||
Warrants to purchase common stock |
79 | 79 | ||||||
Additional paid-in-capital |
33,092 | 33,088 | ||||||
Accumulated deficit |
(121,291 | ) | (114,251 | ) | ||||
(88,116 | ) | (81,080 | ) | |||||
Treasury stock, at cost, 4,583 shares |
(46 | ) | (46 | ) | ||||
Total stockholders deficit |
(88,162 | ) | (81,126 | ) | ||||
$ | 11,789 | $ | 17,773 | |||||
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
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ESSENTIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited, in thousands, except share data)
Three Months Ended September 30, |
Nine Months Ended September 30, |
|||||||||||||||
2004 |
2003 |
2004 |
2003 |
|||||||||||||
REVENUE |
$ | 8,321 | $ | 10,838 | $ | 29,341 | $ | 34,415 | ||||||||
EXPENSES: |
||||||||||||||||
Direct study costs |
5,756 | 7,267 | 20,367 | 22,753 | ||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative |
3,193 | 4,242 | 10,627 | 13,405 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
98 | 128 | 323 | 444 | ||||||||||||
Total expenses |
9,047 | 11,637 | 31,317 | 36,602 | ||||||||||||
OPERATING LOSS |
(726 | ) | (799 | ) | (1,976 | ) | (2,187 | ) | ||||||||
OTHER INCOME, net |
(12 | ) | (4 | ) | (39 | ) | 5 | |||||||||
Loss before provision for income taxes |
(738 | ) | (803 | ) | (2,015 | ) | (2,182 | ) | ||||||||
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES |
| | | | ||||||||||||
NET LOSS |
(738 | ) | (803 | ) | (2,015 | ) | (2,182 | ) | ||||||||
ACCRETION OF PREFERRED STOCK |
1,709 | 1,577 | 5,026 | 4,622 | ||||||||||||
Net loss applicable to common stockholders |
$ | (2,447 | ) | $ | (2,380 | ) | $ | (7,041 | ) | $ | (6,804 | ) | ||||
BASIC AND DILUTED NET LOSS PER COMMON SHARE: |
||||||||||||||||
Loss per common share- |
||||||||||||||||
Class A |
$ | (0.59 | ) | $ | (0.58 | ) | $ | (1.71 | ) | $ | (1.65 | ) | ||||
Class B |
(0.59 | ) | (0.58 | ) | (1.71 | ) | (1.65 | ) | ||||||||
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding- |
||||||||||||||||
Class A |
3,430,043 | 3,430,043 | 3,430,043 | 3,430,043 | ||||||||||||
Class B |
685,324 | 685,324 | 685,324 | 685,324 | ||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
2
ESSENTIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited, in thousands)
Nine Months Ended September 30, |
||||||||
2004 |
2003 |
|||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: |
||||||||
Net loss |
$ | (2,015 | ) | $ | (2,182 | ) | ||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash and cash equivalents used in operating activities: |
||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
323 | 444 | ||||||
Compensatory stock options |
5 | 35 | ||||||
Other |
2 | (14 | ) | |||||
Changes in assets and liabilities, net |
(578 | ) | 625 | |||||
Net cash and cash equivalents used in operating activities |
(2,263 | ) | (1,092 | ) | ||||
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: |
||||||||
Purchases of fixed assets, net |
(17 | ) | (49 | ) | ||||
Net cash and cash equivalents used in investing activities |
(17 | ) | (49 | ) | ||||
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: |
||||||||
Proceeds (payments) on Line of Credit, net |
410 | | ||||||
Proceeds (payments) on capital leases, net |
(14 | ) | 21 | |||||
Net cash and cash equivalents used in financing activities |
(396 | ) | 21 | |||||
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents |
(1,884 | ) | (1,120 | ) | ||||
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period |
1,984 | 2,774 | ||||||
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period |
$ | 100 | $ | 1,654 | ||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: |
||||||||
Cash paid for: |
||||||||
Interest on capital leases |
$ | 39 | $ | 7 | ||||
Taxes |
3 | 5 | ||||||
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
ESSENTIAL GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
UNAUDITED NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. | Basis of Presentation |
The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements of Essential Group, Inc. (formerly known as AmericasDoctor, Inc.) (the Company) have been prepared pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission for quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and do not include all of the information and note disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The information furnished herein includes all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of results for the interim periods presented. The results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the year ending December 31, 2004. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes to the audited financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2003 included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K (See Note 4).
Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
2. | Liquidity and Future Operations |
Net cash used in operating activities was approximately $2.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004. Approximately $1.1 million of cash was used for operating activities during the same period in 2003. Cash used in operating activities increased substantially in the nine months ended September 30, 2004 due to changes in working capital accounts and investment in the expansion of contract research organization (CRO) services (See Note 4).
Working capital was approximately $(3.0) million as of September 30, 2004 and $(1.3) million as of December 31, 2003. The decrease from December 31, 2003 to September 30, 2004 was primarily the result of the decrease in cash from funding operations and the expansion of services as a CRO.
The Company has generated negative cash flows since its inception. As a result, it has financed its operations to date through the sale of equity securities. To date, the Company has raised approximately $53.6 million in net proceeds from the sale of common stock, redeemable convertible preferred stock, and preferred stock. Cash and cash equivalents and short-term marketable securities were approximately $0.1 million and $2.0 million as of September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively.
On September 27, 2004, the Company and its subsidiary, AmericasDoctor.com Coordinator Services, Inc., entered into a secured revolving credit facility with Silicon Valley Bank (the Credit Facility). The Credit Facility permits a maximum borrowing capacity of $6.0 million and has a termination date of September 27, 2006.
Amounts available under the Credit Facility are calculated as a percentage of the Companys eligible receivables and are capped at $2.5 million through December 31, 2004. As of September 30, 2004, the Company would have had an availability under the Credit Facility of $3.3 million but for the $2.5 million cap. As of September 30, 2004, the Company had $410,139 of borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility.
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The Credit Facility requires the Company to pay minimum monthly interest of $3,500, even if no borrowings are outstanding. Borrowings under the Credit Facility are secured by substantially all of the Companys assets. Among other restrictions, the Credit Facility includes certain restrictive covenants, including covenants related to indebtedness and asset acquisitions and dispositions, and requires the Company to comply with a number of affirmative covenants related to the operation of its business, including financial covenants regarding a minimum ratio of assets to liabilities, a minimum tangible net worth and a requirement that holders of over one-third of its Series A-2 through A-6 preferred stock waive their rights to, or otherwise agree not to, redeem such stock until at least October 27, 2006. Under the Credit Facility, borrowings bear interest at prime plus 1.0%, subject to a minimum interest rate of 5.5% and the previously described minimum monthly interest requirement. As of September 30, 2004, the Company was in compliance with the debt covenants.
On September 27, 2004, in connection with the Companys entry into the Credit Facility described above, the Company terminated its existing secured revolving credit agreement with CapitalSource Finance LLC (the CapitalSource Credit Agreement). The Credit Facility described above provides the Company with an increased borrowing capacity due to a more favorable definition and calculation of eligible receivables, more flexible financial covenants and a lower cost of borrowing.
As a result of the Companys termination of the CapitalSource Credit Agreement, the Company was required to pay CapitalSource Finance LLC a termination fee of $150,000 plus related interest and other expenses of $18,889. These payments are reflected in the September 30, 2004 financial statements contained herein.
3. | Net Losses Per Share |
Basic and diluted net loss per common share is based on the weighted average number of Class A and Class B shares of common stock outstanding. Basic net loss per share is computed by dividing net loss available to Class A and Class B common stockholders for the period by the weighted average number of Class A and Class B common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per share is computed by dividing net loss available to Class A and Class B common stockholders for the period by the weighted average number of Class A and Class B common and common equivalent shares outstanding during the period. Stock warrants, preferred stock and stock options were not included in the diluted net loss per common share calculation since their impact is anti-dilutive. As of September 30, 2004, 5,251,221 outstanding preferred stock shares, 2,778,467 outstanding stock options and 93,541 outstanding Class A common stock warrants were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share because they were anti-dilutive. However, these options could be dilutive in the future.
5
The following is a reconciliation of the Companys basic and diluted net loss per share for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003 (unaudited, in thousands, except share data):
Quarter Ended September 30, |
||||||||||||||||||||
2004 |
2003 |
|||||||||||||||||||
Net Loss |
Number of Shares |
Per Share Amount |
Net Loss |
Number of Shares |
Per Share Amount |
|||||||||||||||
Net loss available to: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Class A shareholders |
$ | (2,039 | ) | 3,430,043 | $ | (0.59 | ) | $ | (1,984 | ) | 3,430,043 | $ | (0.58 | ) | ||||||
Class B shareholders |
$ | (407 | ) | 685,324 | $ | (0.59 | ) | $ | (396 | ) | 685,324 | $ | (0.58 | ) | ||||||
Nine Months Ended September 30, |
||||||||||||||||||||
2004 |
2003 |
|||||||||||||||||||
Net Loss |
Number of Shares |
Per Share Amount |
Net Loss |
Number of Shares |
Per Share Amount |
|||||||||||||||
Net loss available to: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Class A shareholders |
$ | (5,868 | ) | 3,430,043 | $ | (1.71 | ) | $ | (5,671 | ) | 3,430,043 | $ | (1.65 | ) | ||||||
Class B shareholders |
$ | (1,172 | ) | 685,324 | $ | (1.71 | ) | $ | (1,133 | ) | 685,324 | $ | (1.65 | ) |
4. | Lines of Business |
On February 5, 2004, the Board of Directors of the Company approved a name change of the Company from AmericasDoctor, Inc. to Essential Group, Inc. On March 24, 2004, the Company filed a certificate of amendment to its certificate of incorporation with the Delaware Secretary of State and changed its name to Essential Group, Inc.
The Company was founded in 1994 by several physicians as an affiliated site management network and provides pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and device companies a single source for managing the conduct of Phase I-IV clinical research in the United States. The Companys site management network is focused in four therapeutic areas: urology, gastroenterology, central nervous system, and womens health. By integrating a leading community-based physician network and comprehensive site management expertise, the Company provides a broad range of services, including patient recruitment and project management, fundamental to executing well-controlled clinical trials expeditiously and economically.
Additionally, the Board of Directors approved a business plan to expand the Companys project management and patient recruitment services into a specialty CRO. As a specialty CRO, the Company offers focused full service CRO expertise in three key therapeutic areas: urology, gastroenterology and womens health. In addition to the project management and patient recruitment services performed in the past, the Company offers study start-up, therapeutic consulting, clinical and medical monitoring, clinical labs and packaging, data management, biostatistics, quality assurance, regulatory affairs, training and medical writing, either directly or through its partners, to the pharmaceutical and biotech industries.
5. | New Accounting Pronouncements |
In June 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statements of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities. The standard requires companies to recognize costs associated with exit or disposal activities when they are incurred rather than at the date of a commitment to an exit or
6
disposal plan. Examples of costs covered by the standard include lease termination costs and certain employee severance costs that are associated with a restructuring, discontinued operation, plant closing or other exit or disposal activities. SFAS No. 146 replaces Emerging Issues Task Force recommendation 94-3 (EITF 94-3) and applies to exit or disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002. The Company adopted SFAS No. 146 in 2003. The statement resulted in the recording of employee severance costs of approximately $112,000, which were paid during the nine months ended September 30, 2004.
SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation Transition and Disclosure, provides alternative transition methods for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, it amends the disclosure and certain transition provisions of SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, to require prominent disclosures in annual financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the pro forma effect on reported results of applying the fair value based method for entities that use the intrinsic value method of accounting. The pro forma effect disclosures are also required to be prominently disclosed in interim period financial statements. The Company does not plan to change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation provided for in SFAS No. 148 and has adopted the disclosure provisions of this standard.
At September 30, 2004, the Company had stock-based employee incentive plans and stock-based director, consultants and network founders plans. The Company accounts for the employee plans under the recognition and measurement principals of APB Opinion 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related Interpretations. No stock-based employee incentive cost is reflected in net loss, as all options granted under those plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock at the date of grant. The following table illustrates the effect on net loss and earnings per share if the Company had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, to stock-based employee incentives (in thousands, except share data):
Quarter Ended September 30, |
Nine Months Ended September 30, |
|||||||||||||||
2004 |
2003 |
2004 |
2003 |
|||||||||||||
Net loss, as reported |
$ | (2,447 | ) | $ | (2,380 | ) | $ | (7,041 | ) | $ | (6,804 | ) | ||||
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects |
(145 | ) | (366 | ) | (442 | ) | (944 | ) | ||||||||
Pro forma net loss |
$ | (2,592 | ) | $ | (2,746 | ) | $ | (7,483 | ) | $ | (7,748 | ) | ||||
Basic loss per share: |
||||||||||||||||
As reported |
$ | (0.59 | ) | $ | (0.58 | ) | $ | (1.71 | ) | $ | (1.65 | ) | ||||
Pro forma |
$ | (0.63 | ) | $ | (0.67 | ) | $ | (1.82 | ) | $ | (1.88 | ) |
The pro forma disclosure is not likely to be indicative of pro forma results which may be expected in future years because of the fact that options vest over several years, pro forma compensation expense is recognized as the options vest and additional awards may also be granted.
7
For purposes of determining the effect of these options, the fair value of each option is estimated on the date of grant based on the Black-Scholes single-option pricing model assuming the following for the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003:
2004 |
2003 |
|||||
Dividend yield |
0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | ||
Risk-free interest rate |
4.1 | % | 3.9 | % | ||
Volatility factor |
77.0 | % | 66.0 | % | ||
Expected life in years |
10 | 10 | ||||
Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Unless otherwise indicated, references to the Company, we, our and us in this quarterly report refer to Essential Group, Inc. (formerly known as AmericasDoctor, Inc.) and its consolidated subsidiary.
Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this report that are not strictly historical, including statements as to plans, objectives and future performance, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of terminology such as believe, hope, may, anticipate, should, intend, plan, will, expect, estimate, project, positioned, strategy and similar expressions. In addition, the statements relating to our liquidity needs and expectations are forward-looking. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events. You should be aware that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that are beyond our control. These risks and uncertainties include unanticipated trends in the clinical research industry, changes in healthcare regulations and economic, competitive, legal, governmental, and technological factors affecting operations, markets, products, services and prices. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performances, and actual results could differ from those contemplated by these forward-looking statements. In the light of these risks and uncertainties, there can be no assurance that the results and events contemplated by the forward-looking information contained in this report will in fact transpire. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates.
Overview
We were founded in 1994 by several physicians as an affiliated site management network. We provide pharmaceutical, biotechnology, nutritional and device companies a single source for managing the conduct of Phase I-IV clinical research in the United States. As of September 30, 2004, we offered clinical research services through approximately 115 independently owned investigative sites encompassing approximately 300 principal investigators, with over 1,000 total physicians, operating in 32 states in the United States and the District of Columbia. Through our network of investigative sites, we provide sponsors of clinical research with study management services, including access to experienced investigators and study coordinators and large numbers of patients and centralized management of clinical research studies. These capabilities are designed to facilitate study start-up and quality and
8
accuracy of study data. Our network of investigative sites provides sponsors with the ability to complete clinical research trials quickly and efficiently. By integrating a leading community-based physician network and comprehensive site management expertise, we provide a broad range of services, including patient recruitment and project management, fundamental to executing well-controlled clinical trials expeditiously and economically.
On September 17, 2003, our Board of Directors approved a business transition plan to position us for stronger growth as we enter our second decade of service to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, nutritional and device industries. The new strategy was announced on October 27, 2003 and requires us to tightly focus on more profitable growth through expanded project management services, expanded patient recruitment and a more focused approach to site management. Through this business plan, we are focusing our resources in clinical trial site management in four therapeutic areas: urology, womens health, gastroenterology and central nervous system and have exited from four other therapeutic areas. In accordance with our business plan, we changed our name to Essential Group, Inc. on March 24, 2004 and are offering expanded project management services and patient recruitment as a specialty contract research organization, or CRO, under a business unit named Essential and continue to offer our existing site management services under a business unit named AmericasDoctor.
As a specialty CRO, we offer focused full service CRO expertise in three key therapeutic areas: urology, gastroenterology and womens health. In addition to the project management and patient recruitment services performed in the past, we offer study start-up, therapeutic consulting, clinical and medical monitoring, clinical labs and packaging, data management, biostatistics, quality assurance, regulatory affairs, training and medical writing, either directly or through our partners, to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
As part of this plan, we have terminated contracts with a number of sites, resulting in a reduction in workforce. The plan is expected to be completed by December 2004. In connection with this plan, we anticipate that we will recognize approximately $669,000 of severance costs between October 2003 and December 2004. From October 2003 through September 30, 2004, we had recognized approximately $631,000 of these severance costs. In addition, as part of the restructuring initiatives we made in 2003, we expect additional cost reductions to be realized in 2004. Also, we intend to invest additional capital and incur additional losses as we expand our services as a CRO, while managing our site management and patient recruitment services. We expect to operate our existing site management and patient recruitment services businesses in a manner that will fund cash needs from operations and require minimal capital expenditures.
Our Class B common stock was established in 1996 as a mechanism by which our research sites that have signed a clinical research service agreement with us and own Class A common stock could have an opportunity to further participate in our equity. All of our Class B common stock is currently held by Affiliated Research Centers, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, or the LLC, for the benefit of its members. The amounts reflected in the results of operations represent noncash charges or credits relating to changes in value of the LLC and the Class B common stock which it owns. The value of the LLC and of the Class B common stock is determined periodically by an independent appraisal with interim valuations being made with the consultation of our valuation consultants. Each LLC members percentage interest in the limited liability company determines that members share of the Class B common stock to which they would be entitled if a distribution of those shares occurs. Each members percentage is determined based on a formula which includes the amount of gross revenues earned by us through that member as a percentage of the total qualifying research revenues of all members of the LLC.
9
We have recognized operating losses in each fiscal year since our formation. Our site management services business relies heavily on the revenues generated by our investigative sites. We experienced significant capital and operational expenditures associated with the acquisition of our on-line services in January 2000. Although we ceased all of the on-line services business in the fourth quarter of 2001, we expect to incur operating losses and negative cash flows for the foreseeable future as we fund operating and other expenditures designed to expand our CRO business. Our site management services business has a history of losses. We believe our site management services business and our new CRO business will be cash positive and generate income over the long-term; however, there can be no assurance that this will be the case.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, or U.S. GAAP. These accounting principles require us to make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions. We believe that the estimates, judgments and assumptions upon which we rely are reasonably based upon information available to us at the time that these estimates, judgments and assumptions are made. These estimates, judgments and assumptions can affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the periods presented. To the extent there are material differences between these estimates, judgments and assumptions and actual results, our financial statements will be affected. The significant accounting policies that we believe are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results include the following:
| Revenue recognition; |
| Allowance for doubtful accounts; |
| Impairment of long-lived assets; |
| Accounting for income taxes; and |
| Valuation of Class B common shares. |
In many cases, the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is specifically dictated by U.S. GAAP and does not require managements judgment in its application. There are also areas in which managements judgment in selecting among available alternatives would not produce a materially different result. Our senior management has reviewed these critical accounting policies and related disclosures with our audit committee. See the notes to consolidated financial statements, which contain additional information regarding our accounting policies and other disclosures required by U.S. GAAP.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue is generated from contracts with sponsors. Revenue on each contract, or study revenue, is recognized as the qualified patient visits occur or the service is provided. Our service agreements with the investigative sites provide that a percentage of the contract amount will be paid to the sites as investigator fees. The percentage of fees paid to the investigator sites varies by contract depending on the level of services that we provide. As study revenue is recognized, the investigator fees to investigative sites are recognized as costs and amounts to be paid to the sites are recorded as accrued investigator fees. Advances on contracts by sponsors are classified as deferred revenue until services are performed. The related payments to sites are classified as prepaid expenses until services are performed.
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In accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force recommendation 99-19 and Staff Accounting Bulletin SAB 101, we recognize our study revenue on a gross basis as we act as a principal in such transactions, can influence price, are involved in the product specifications and have credit risk.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
We determine our allowance by considering a number of factors, including the length of time trade accounts receivable are past due, our previous loss history, the customers current ability to pay its obligation and the condition of the general economy and the industry as a whole. We make judgments as to our ability to collect outstanding receivables based on these factors and provide allowances for these receivables when collections become doubtful. Provisions are made based on specific review of all significant outstanding balances.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets
Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events such as service discontinuance, contract terminations, economic or other changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. When these events occur, we compare the carrying amount of the assets to undiscounted expected future cash flows. If this comparison indicates that there is impairment, the amount of the impairment is typically calculated using discounted expected future cash flows.
Accounting for Income Taxes
We account for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. Under the asset and liability method of SFAS No. 109, deferred income taxes are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of existing assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.
We have incurred historical net operating losses, or NOLs, for federal income tax purposes. Accordingly, no federal income tax provision has been recorded to date and there are no taxes payable. In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Based upon the level of historical losses that may limit utilization of NOL carry forwards in future periods, management is unable to predict whether these net deferred tax assets will be utilized prior to expiration. The unused NOL carry forwards expire in years 2008 through 2024. As such, we have recorded a full valuation allowance against net deferred tax assets. Although we believe that our estimates are reasonable, no assurance can be given that the final outcome of these matters will not be different than that which is reflected in our historical income tax provisions. Such differences could have a material effect on our income tax provision and net income in the period in which such determination is made.
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Valuation of Class B common shares
The fair value of the Class B common shares are determined periodically by an independent third party valuation firm. The valuation is based upon financial and other information supplied by us along with public market information directly accessed by the valuation firm.
Quarterly Results
Third Quarter 2004 Compared to Third Quarter 2003
On September 17, 2003, our Board of Directors approved a business transition plan to position us for stronger growth. The new strategy was announced on October 27, 2003 and requires us to tightly focus on more profitable growth through expanded project services, expanded patient recruitment and a more focused approach to site management. Through this business plan, we are focusing our resources in clinical trial site management in four therapeutic areas: urology, womens health, gastroenterology and central nervous system and have exited from four other therapeutic areas.
Revenues were $8.3 million in the third quarter ended September 30, 2004 compared to $10.8 million in the third quarter ended September 30, 2003, a decrease of $2.5 million, or 23.2%. This decrease was the result of the reduction in therapeutic offerings as discussed above plus an anticipated change in the duration of studies for some of the remaining therapeutic areas.
Direct study costs (investigator fees and other study costs such as laboratory fees and patient stipends) were $5.8 million in the third quarter 2004 compared to $7.3 million in the third quarter 2003, a decrease of $1.5 million, or 20.8%. This decrease resulted from the decrease in revenues discussed above. Direct study costs as a percentage of revenue were 69.2% during the third quarter 2004 compared to 67.1% during the third quarter 2003. The 2.1% increase is attributable to the therapeutic revenue mix and associated levels of outsourced study costs.
Selling, general and administrative costs were $3.2 million in the third quarter 2004 compared to $4.2 million in the third quarter 2003, a decrease of $1.0 million, or 24.7%. As a result of the reduced therapeutic offerings as discussed above, we realized cost reductions in the areas of research operations ($0.9 million), patient recruitment ($0.3 million) and shared services ($0.3 million) offset by $0.2 million in expenses related to the termination of the CapitalSource Credit Agreement and an additional $0.2 million of development costs related to our expansion of CRO services. See Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this quarterly report.
Depreciation and amortization expense was approximately $0.1 million in the third quarters of 2004 and 2003.
The operating loss was $0.7 million in the third quarter 2004 compared to $0.8 million in the third quarter 2003. As discussed above, the $0.1 million decrease in loss was driven by the $2.5 million decrease in revenues offset by cost reductions aggregating $2.6 million.
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Nine Months Ended September 30, 2004 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2003
Revenues were $29.3 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to $34.4 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2003, a decrease of $5.1 million, or 14.7%. This decrease was the result of the reduction in therapeutic offerings relating to our business plan discussed above plus an anticipated change in the duration of studies for some of the remaining therapeutic areas.
Direct study costs (investigator fees and other study costs such as laboratory fees and patient stipends) were $20.4 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to $22.8 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2003, a decrease of $2.4 million, or 10.5%. This decrease resulted from the decrease in revenues discussed above. Direct study costs as a percentage of revenue were 69.4% and 66.1% during the nine months ended September 30, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The 3.3% increase is attributable to the therapeutic revenue mix and associated levels of outsourced study costs.
Selling, general and administrative costs were $10.6 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to $13.4 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2003, a decrease of $2.8 million, or 20.7%. As a result of the reduced therapeutic offerings, we realized cost reductions in the areas of research operations ($2.7 million), patient recruitment ($0.9 million) and shared services ($0.6 million) offset by $0.2 million in expenses related to the termination of the CapitalSource Credit Agreement and an additional $1.2 million of development costs related to our expansion of CRO services. See Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this quarterly report.
Depreciation and amortization expense decreased to $0.3 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to $0.4 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2003. This decrease resulted from certain fixed assets becoming fully depreciated.
The operating loss was $2.0 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2004 compared to $2.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2003. As discussed above, the $0.2 million decrease in loss was driven by the $5.1 million decrease in revenues offset by cost reductions aggregating $5.3 million.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Net cash used in operating activities was approximately $2.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2004. Approximately $1.1 million of cash was used for operating activities during the same period in 2003. Cash used in operating activities increased substantially in the nine months ended September 30, 2004 due to changes in working capital accounts and investment in the expansion of CRO services.
Working capital was approximately $(3.0) million as of September 30, 2004 and $(1.3) million as of December 31, 2003. The decrease from December 31, 2003 to September 30, 2004 was primarily the result of the decrease in cash from funding operations and the expansion of services as a CRO.
We have generated negative cash flows since its inception. As a result, we have financed our operations to date through the sale of equity securities. To date, we have raised
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approximately $53.6 million in net proceeds from the sale of common stock, redeemable convertible preferred stock and preferred stock. Cash and cash equivalents and short-term marketable securities were approximately $0.1 million and $2.0 million as of September 30, 2004 and December 31, 2003, respectively.
On September 27, 2004, we and our subsidiary, AmericasDoctor.com Coordinator Services, Inc., entered into the Credit Facility with Silicon Valley Bank. The Credit Facility permits a maximum borrowing capacity of $6.0 million and has a termination date of September 27, 2006.
Amounts available under the Credit Facility are calculated as a percentage of our eligible receivables and are capped at $2.5 million through December 31, 2004. As of September 30, 2004, we would have had availability under the Credit Facility of $3.3 million but for the $2.5 million cap. As of September 30, 2004, we had $410,139 of borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility.
The Credit Facility requires us to pay minimum monthly interest of $3,500, even if no borrowings are outstanding. Borrowings under the Credit Facility are secured by substantially all of our assets. Among other restrictions, the Credit Facility includes certain restrictive covenants, including covenants related to indebtedness and asset acquisitions and dispositions and requires us to comply with a number of affirmative covenants related to the operation of our business, including financial covenants regarding a minimum ratio of assets to liabilities, a minimum tangible net worth and a requirement that holders of over one-third of our Series A-2 through A-6 preferred stock waive their rights to, or otherwise agree not to, redeem such stock until at least October 27, 2006. Under the Credit Facility, borrowings bear interest at prime plus 1.0%, subject to a minimum interest rate of 5.5% and the previously described minimum monthly interest requirement. As of September 30, 2004, we were in compliance with the debt covenants and in managements opinion, are expected to be in compliance with all covenants for the remainder of 2004.
On September 27, 2004, in connection with our entry into the Credit Facility described above, we terminated the CapitalSource Credit Agreement. The Credit Facility described above provides us with an increased borrowing capacity due to a more favorable definition and calculation of eligible receivables, more flexible financial covenants and a lower cost of borrowing.
As a result of the termination of the CapitalSource Credit Agreement, we were required to pay CapitalSource Finance LLC a termination fee of $150,000 plus related interest and other expenses of $18,889. These payments are reflected in the September 30, 2004 financial statements contained herein.
Management believes that the funds available under the Credit Facility and our cash on hand will be sufficient to meet our liquidity needs and fund operations through the next twelve months. However, any projections of future cash inflows and outflows are subject to substantial uncertainty, including risks and uncertainties relating to our business plan to expand into the CRO business, which may require additional capital. In addition, we may, from time to time, consider acquisitions of or investments in complementary businesses, products, services and technologies, which may impact our liquidity requirements or cause us to seek additional equity or debt financing alternatives. Beyond 2004, we may need to raise additional capital to meet our
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long-term liquidity needs. If we determine that we need additional capital, we may seek to issue equity or obtain debt financing from third party sources. The sale of additional equity or convertible debt securities could result in dilution to our stockholders. Any additional debt financing, if available, could involve further restrictive covenants, which could adversely affect our operations. There can be no assurance that any of these financing alternatives will be available in amounts or on terms acceptable to us, if at all. If we are unable to raise any needed additional capital, we may be required to significantly alter our operating plan, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Lease Arrangements, Rent Expense and Other Contractual Obligations
We have entered into operating lease agreements for office space and office equipment. The following is a schedule of the future minimum lease commitments relating to all leases as of September 30, 2004 (in thousands):
Payment due by period | ||||||||||
Contractual Obligations |
Total |
2004 |
2005 to 2006 |
2007 to 2008 |
Beyond 2008 | |||||
Operating leases |
3,239 | 154 | 1,195 | 1,239 | 651 |
In addition, under the terms of our Series A preferred stock, at any time after March 27, 2005, the holders representing at least 66 2/3% of our Series A-2, A-3, A-4, A-5 and A-6 preferred stock may require us to redeem all outstanding shares of our Series A preferred stock at a price equal to the liquidation value at the time of redemption, plus an amount equal to the cumulative amount of unpaid dividends as if such dividends had accrued at a rate of 8% per annum on the liquidation value.
Impact of New Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities. The standard requires companies to recognize costs associated with exit or disposal activities when they are incurred rather than at the date of a commitment to an exit or disposal plan. Examples of costs covered by the standard include lease termination costs and certain employee severance costs that are associated with a restructuring, discontinued operation, plant closing or other exit or disposal activities. SFAS No. 146 replaces EITF 94-3 and applies to exit or disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002. We adopted SFAS No. 146 in 2003. The statement resulted in the recording of employee severance costs of approximately $112,000, which were paid during the nine months ended September 30, 2004.
SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation Transition and Disclosure, provides alternative transition methods for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, it amends the disclosure and certain transition provisions of SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, to require prominent disclosures in annual financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the pro forma effect on reported results of applying the fair value based method for entities that use the intrinsic value method of
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accounting. The pro forma effect disclosures are also required to be prominently disclosed in interim period financial statements. We do not plan to change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation provided for in SFAS No. 148 and have adopted the disclosure provisions of this standard.
At September 30, 2004, we had stock-based employee incentive plans and stock-based director, consultants and network founders plans. We account for the employee plans under the recognition and measurement principals of APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related interpretations. No stock-based employee incentive cost is reflected in net loss, as all options granted under those plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock at the date of grant. The following table illustrates the effect on net loss and earnings per share if we had applied the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, to stock-based employee incentives (unaudited, in thousands, except share data):
Quarter Ended September 30, |
Nine Months Ended September 30, |
|||||||||||||||
2004 |
2003 |
2004 |
2003 |
|||||||||||||
Net loss, as reported |
$ | (2,447 | ) | $ | (2,380 | ) | $ | (7,041 | ) | $ | (6,804 | ) | ||||
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects |
(145 | ) | (366 | ) | (442 | ) | (944 | ) | ||||||||
Pro forma net loss |
$ | (2,592 | ) | $ | (2,746 | ) | $ | (7,483 | ) | $ | (7,748 | ) | ||||
Basic loss per share: |
||||||||||||||||
As reported |
$ | (0.59 | ) | $ | (0.58 | ) | $ | (1.71 | ) | $ | (1.65 | ) | ||||
Pro forma |
$ | (0.63 | ) | $ | (0.67 | ) | $ | (1.82 | ) | $ | (1.88 | ) |
The pro forma disclosure is not likely to be indicative of pro forma results which may be expected in future years because of the fact that options vest over several years, pro forma compensation expense is recognized as the options vest and additional awards may also be granted.
For purposes of determining the effect of these options, the fair value of each option is estimated on the date of grant based on the Black-Scholes single-option pricing model assuming the following for the six months ended June 30, 2004 and 2003:
2004 |
2003 |
|||||
Dividend yield |
0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | ||
Risk-free interest rate |
4.1 | % | 3.9 | % | ||
Volatility factor |
77.0 | % | 66.0 | % | ||
Expected life in years |
10 | 10 | ||||
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.
We maintain a portfolio of highly liquid investments in various bank accounts, which are classified as cash equivalents. In addition, the Credit Facility permits a maximum borrowing capacity of $6.0 million. Amounts available under the Credit Facility are calculated as a percentage of our eligible receivables and are capped at $2.5 million through December 31,
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2004. As of September 30, 2004, we would have had availability under the Credit Facility of $3.3 million but for the $2.5 million cap. As of September 30, 2004, we had $410,139 of borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility. We do not expect changes in interest rates to have a material effect on our income or cash flows.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
We maintain a set of disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by Essential Group in reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms. As of the end of the period covered by this report, an evaluation of the effectiveness of Essential Groups disclosure controls and procedures was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that Essential Groups disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
Subsequent to the date of their evaluation, there have been no significant changes in Essential Groups internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, Essential Groups internal control over financial reporting.
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.
(To be updated with approval of new board member(s) in Q-3)
Item 6. Exhibits
(A) | Exhibits |
10.1* | Loan and Security Agreement, dated September 27, 2004, among Essential Group, Inc., AmericasDoctor.com Coordinator Services, Inc. and Silicon Valley Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Essential Group, Inc. filed on Oct. 1, 2004) | |
10.2* | Amendment No. 1 to Loan Documents, dated September 27, 2004, among Essential Group, Inc., AmericasDoctor.com Coordinator Services, Inc. and Silicon Valley Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Essential Group, Inc. filed on Oct. 1, 2004) | |
10.3* | Amendment No. 2 to Loan Documents, dated September 27, 2004, among Essential Group, Inc., AmericasDoctor.com Coordinator Services, Inc. and Silicon Valley Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Essential Group, Inc. filed on Oct. 1, 2004) | |
10.4 | Waiver of Redemption Rights dated August 25, 2005 |
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31.1 | Principal Executive Officers Certifications Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |
31.2 | Principal Financial Officers Certifications Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |
32.1 | Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350 (Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002) |
* | Indicates incorporation by reference |
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Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
ESSENTIAL GROUP, INC. | ||||
By: |
/s/ Dennis N. Cavender | |||
Date: November 12, 2004 |
Dennis N. Cavender | |||
Chief Financial Officer and Secretary | ||||
Duly Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer |
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EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No |
Description | |
10.1* | Loan and Security Agreement, dated September 27, 2004, among Essential Group, Inc., AmericasDoctor.com Coordinator Services, Inc. and Silicon Valley Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Essential Group, Inc. filed on Oct. 1, 2004) | |
10.2* | Amendment No. 1 to Loan Documents, dated September 27, 2004, among Essential Group, Inc., AmericasDoctor.com Coordinator Services, Inc. and Silicon Valley Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Essential Group, Inc. filed on Oct. 1, 2004) | |
10.3* | Amendment No. 2 to Loan Documents, dated September 27, 2004, among Essential Group, Inc., AmericasDoctor.com Coordinator Services, Inc. and Silicon Valley Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Essential Group, Inc. filed on Oct. 1, 2004) | |
10.4 | Waiver of Redemption Rights dated August 25, 2005 | |
31.1 | Principal Executive Officers Certifications Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |
31.2 | Principal Financial Officers Certifications Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 | |
32.1 | Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350 (Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002) |
* | Indicates incorporation by reference |
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