Securities
and Exchange Commission FORM 10-K Annual
Report under Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act 1934: Commission File Number: 0-31527 CERTIFIED
SERVICES, INC. |
Nevada | 88-0444079 | |||
State or other jurisdiction of incorporation | (I.R.S. Employer Identification | |||
or organization) | Number) | |||
5101 N.W. 21st Avenue, Suite 350 | ||||
Fort Lauderdale, Florida | 33309 | |||
(Address of Principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
(Registrants
Telephone Number Including Area Code): Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act: NONE Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act: COMMON STOCK, $.001 PAR VALUE Indicate by checkmark whether Registrant (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act during the past 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 o Indicated by checkmark if there is no disclosure of delinquent filers in response to Item 405 of Regulation S-B is not contained in this form, and no disclosure will be contained, to the best of registrants knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x Indicate by checkmark whether the Registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). o Registrants revenues for the year ended December 31, 2003: $78,510,210 The aggregate market value of Common Stock held by non-affiliates (based upon the March 17, 2004 closing bid price for the common stock on the Bulletin Board of $1.00) at March 17, 2004 was approximately $5,482,811 The number of shares of the Registrants common stock, $.001 par, outstanding as of March 17, 2004 was 9,547,811 shares. Documents incorporated by reference: The Registrants Form 10-QSB for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2003 and filed with the Commission on November 18, 2003 Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format (check one): Yes o No x |
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CERTIFICATIONS |
PART I |
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements In connection with the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the Reform Act), Certified Services, Inc. (Certified or the Registrant) is hereby providing cautionary statements identifying important factors that could cause the Registrants actual results to differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in the Reform Act) made by or on behalf of the Registrant herein, in other filings made by the Registrant with the Securities and Exchange Commissions, in press releases or other writings, or orally, whether in presentations, in response to questions or otherwise. Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, through the use of words or phrases such as will result, are expected to, anticipated, plans, intends, will continue, estimated, and projection) are not historical facts and may be forward-looking and, accordingly, such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results or performance of the Registrant to be materially different from any future results or performance expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but are not limited to, the following: |
(i) | Volatility of costs of workers compensation insurance coverage and profits generated from the workers composition component of the Registrants service offering under the Registrants loss sensitive workers compensation programs; | |
(ii) | volatility of state unemployment taxes; | |
(iii) | the uncertainties relating to the collateralization requirements related to as well as availability and renewal of the Registrants medical benefit plans, general insurance and workers compensation insurance programs for the worksite employees; | |
(iv) | uncertainties as to the amount the Registrant will pay to subsidize the costs of medical benefit plans; | |
(v) | possible adverse application of certain federal and state laws and the possible enactment of unfavorable laws or regulation; | |
(vi) | litigation and other claims against the Registrant and its clients including the impact of such claims on the cost, availability and retention of the Registrants insurance coverage programs; | |
(vii) | impact of competition from existing and new businesses offering human resources outsourcing services; | |
(viii) | risks associated with expansion into additional markets where the Registrant does not have a presence or significant market penetration; | |
(ix) | risks associated with the Registrants dependence on key vendors and the ability to obtain or renew benefit contracts and general insurance policies at rates and with retention amounts acceptable to the Registrant; | |
(x) | an unfavorable determination by the Internal Revenue Service or Department of Labor regarding the status of the Registrant as an employer; |
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(xi) | the possibility of client attrition due to the Registrants decision to increase the price of its services, including medical benefits; | |
(xii) | risks associated with geographic market concentration; | |
(xiii) | the financial condition of clients; | |
(xiv) | the effect of economic conditions in the United States generally on the Registrants business; | |
(xv) | the failure to properly manage growth and successfully integrate acquired companies and operations | |
(xvi) | risks associated with providing new service offerings to clients | |
(xvii) | the ability to secure outsides financing at rates acceptable to the Registrant | |
(xviii) | risks associated with third party claims related to the acts, errors or omissions of the worksite employees; and | |
(xix) | other factors which are described in further detail in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and in other filings by the Registrant with the Securities and Exchange Commission. |
| November 1, 2001 | Control of Registrant Acquired | |
| November 21, 2001 | Acquired Americas PEO | |
| June 12, 2002 | Established Jacksonville Sales Center | |
| July 1, 2002 | Acquired The Cura Group, Inc. | |
| September 1, 2002 | Established Tampa Service Center | |
| April 1, 2002 | Acquired The PEO Operations of BACE International | |
| February 17, 2004 | Established Orange, California Service Center |
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The Registrants principal executive offices are located at 5101 N.W. 21st Avenue, Suite 350, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309. The Registrants common stock trades on the OTCBB market under the symbol CSRV.The Registrants registered agent in the State of Nevada is National Registered Agents of Nevada, Inc. and its transfer agent is Pacific Stock Transfer Company of Las Vegas, Nevada. General The Registrants operating subsidiaries provide services to the client employees who work at the clients workplace. The services include human resources, payroll processing and outsourcing, and are designed to improve regulatory compliance, productivity and profitability of its clients businesses by: |
| Allowing clients to focus on revenue-producing activities by relieving them of the time-consuming and complex burdens associated with employee administration, payroll processing and human resources; | |
| Enabling clients to attract and retain employees, reduce work force turnover and promote long-term customer satisfaction by providing employment policies and practices, and health and retirement benefits to worksite employees along with human resources services commensurate to those only available in larger organizations on a cost-effective and convenient basis; | |
| Improving the cash management of clients with respect to payroll-related expenses; and | |
| Helping clients to better manage certain employment-related risks, including those associated with workers compensation, state unemployment taxes, effective worksite safety and claims management. |
In providing these services, the Registrant becomes a co-employer of the worksite employees. Employment-related liabilities are contractually allocated between the Registrant and the client. The Registrant assumes responsibility for and manages the risks associated with: (i) the administration of worksite employee payroll; (ii) workers compensation insurance coverage; and (iii) compliance with certain employment-related governmental regulations. The client retains the worksite employees services in its business and remains responsible for compliance with other employment-related governmental regulations that are more closely related to worksite employee supervision. The Registrant charges its clients a service fee to cover the cost of certain employment-related taxes, workers compensation insurance coverage and administrative and field services. This service fee is invoiced to the client together with the salaries and wages of the worksite employees and the clients portion of health and retirement benefit plan costs. |
Recent Developments Name Change of Operating Companies On March 11, 2004, the Registrants Board of Directors unanimously approved the change of the names of the Registrants operating subsidiaries to Certified HR Services, Inc. or such similar names. The Registrants Board also approved the consolidation and reorganization of the Registrants subsidiaries in order to reduce the number of the Registrants wholly owned subsidiaries to eliminate redundancies in filing regulatory compliance and promote paperwork reduction. |
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Brean Murray &Co., Inc. In January 2004, the Registrant retained Brean Murray & Co., Inc., a New York Stock Exchange Member (BMCI), as a corporate finance adviser, underwriter and investment banker for the purpose of locating potential acquisition, merger or business combination candidates. Among other monetary and compensatory fees, BMCI is entitled to receive 5% of the market capitalization, in cash and common stock, of the surviving entity for which BMCI was engaged to consummate a transaction. Restructure of Obligations of Acquisition Two On July 27, 2002, and during the fiscal year covered by this Report, the Registrant executed a Stock Purchase Agreement (the Agreement) with The Cura Group, Inc., The Cura Group II, Inc. and The Cura Group III, Inc., each Florida corporations (collectively Cura) and Alan B. Willard and Danny L. Willard, the sole shareholders of Cura (collectively, the Shareholders). The transaction was reported in the Registrants Form 8-K dated October 30, 2001 and filed on October 31, 2001. The Registrant agreed to acquire all of issued and outstanding shares of Curas common stock (the Cura Shares). For the purchase price of: (i) two million (2,000,000) shares of the Registrants common stock, $.001 par value, (ii) cash in the amount of $136,111; and (iii) two promissory notes to the Shareholders in the aggregate amount of $2,313,889 with interest at the rate of six percent (6%) per annum, payable in thirty-four (34) equal monthly installments commencing January 2, 2003 (the Cura Notes). On January 27, 2004, in an effort to reduce the amount of its debt servicing obligations, the Registrant and the Shareholders agreed to extend the terms of payment of the Cura Notes. Pursuant to this extension, the due dates of the Cura Notes were extended from October 2, 2005 to August 15, 2008. Change of Management In December 2003, Anthony R. Russo resigned as the Registrants Director, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. Pursuant to Written Consent to Action by the Board of Directors, Mr. Russo was replaced on the Registrants Board of Directors by Judson Wagenseller. Richard M. Steen will serve as the Registrants Chief Financial Officer on an interim basis and act as the Registrants Treasurer. As reported in the Registrants Form 8-K filed on January 23, 2004, and pursuant to the Written Consent to Action of the Board of Directors, O. Raymond McCartha resigned as a member of the Registrants Board of Directors and was replaced by Eugene M. Weiss. Sale of Series B Preferred Stock From September 30, 2003 to December 31, 2003, pursuant to a Subscription Agreement, the Registrant sold 350 shares of its Series B Preferred Stock, par value $.001 per share (the Series B) to Midwest Merger Management, LLC (Midwest) for $3,500,000 in the form of an irrevocable letter of credit. Pursuant to the terms of the Subscription Agreement irrevocable letters of credit in favor of an unrelated third party insurer (the Insurer) of the Registrant issued by a member bank of the United States Federal Reserve System that are accepted by the Insurer in lieu of cash, are deemed consideration acceptable to the Registrant. The Subscription Agreement further provides that should the issuing financial institution of any letter of credit presented by Midwest fail to automatically renew a letter of credit, Midwest must replace such letter of credit with one equally acceptable to CSRV or with cash forthwith, for as long a period as the Registrant requires. In consideration for the cash and additional consideration, the Registrant agreed to issue to 350 shares of Series B Preferred Stock, $.001 par value per share (the Series B Shares). The principal rights and preferences of the Series B Shares are set forth in Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Managers. |
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Sale of Series D Preferred Stock From September 30, 2003 to December 31, 2003, the Registrant sold 300 shares of its Series D Preferred Stock for $3,000,000 in cash capital contributions from Midwest. The Registrants risk manager executed a Marketing Organization Agreement with Central Leasing Management (CLM). The following is a summary of the principal rights and preferences of the Series D Shares: 1. Voting: The Series D Shares, which vote together as a single class with the shares of the Registrants common stock on all matters, are entitled to 10,000 votes for each share of Series D held by Brentwood. Accordingly, the Series D Shares are entitled to 3,000,000 votes; 2. Liquidation: Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Registrant, whether voluntary or involuntary, the holders of the Series D Shares shall be entitled to a priority return of their respective investment or reimbursement therefore, on a dollar for dollar basis. 3. Dividend Provisions: The holders of the Series D are not entitled to receive any dividends. 4. Conversion: The holders of the Series D after one (1) year from the date of issuance, are able to convert the shares of Series D on the basis of 12,500 shares of the Registrants common stock for each share of Series D. 5. Redemption: After ten (10) years from the date of issuance of the Series D (the Anniversary Date), the Registrant may (i) redeem all of the Series D at a price per share of 75% of the closing price for the 20 days immediately prior to the Anniversary Date each for 12,500 shares of the Registrants common stock; (ii) exchange 12,500 shares of the Registrants common stock for each share of Series D; (iii) renew the conversion terms for an additional five (5) years; or (iv) any combination of the above. Sale of Series E Preferred Stock: From September 30, 2003 to December 31, 2003, the Registrant sold 100 shares of its Series E Preferred Stock to Midwest for $1,000,000 in the form of a surplus loan agreement with Providence Property and Casualty Insurance Company (Providence) for the benefit of the Registrants subsidiaries workers compensation coverage in various states. The following is a summary of the principal rights and preferences of the Series E Shares: 1. Voting: The Series E Shares, which vote together as a single class with the shares of the Registrants common stock on all matters, are entitled to 10,000 votes for each share of Series E held by Midwest. Accordingly, the Series E Shares are entitled to 1,000,000 votes; 2. Liquidation: Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Registrant, whether voluntary or involuntary, the holders of the Series E Shares shall be entitled to a priority return of their respective investment or reimbursement therefore, on a dollar for dollar basis. 3. Dividend Provisions: The holders of the Series E are not entitled to receive any dividends. 4. Conversion: The holders of the Series E after one (1) year from the date of issuance, are able to convert the shares of Series E on the basis of 12,500 shares of the Registrants common stock for each share of Series E. 5. Redemption: After ten (10) years from the date of issuance of the Series E (the Anniversary Date), the Registrant may (i) redeem all of the Series E at a price per share of 75% of the closing price for the 20 days immediately prior to the Anniversary Date each for 12,500 shares of the Registrants common |
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stock; (ii) exchange 12,500 shares of the Registrants common stock for each share of Series E; (iii) renew the conversion terms for an additional five (5) years; or (iv) any contribution of the above. Re-Measurement of Obligations of Acquisition Three As reported in the Registrants Form 8-K dated July 10, 2003, the Registrant acquired all of the professional employer, staff leasing, payroll and human resources services companies with the exception of StaffAmerica (the PEO Operations) from BACE International, Inc., a North Carolina corporation (BACE). Subsequent to the consummation of the acquisition of the PEO Operations, the Registrant determined that the liabilities of the PEO Operations exceeded the assets reported in the audited and interim financial statements of the PEO Operations by the amount of $14,300,000. Pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement by which the Registrant acquired the PEO Operations, the Registrant is entitled to offset these liabilities against any payments of the purchase price to BACE. Accordingly, since the undisclosed liabilities of the PEO Operations exceed the amounts due to BACE under the acquisition debt and promissory note by approximately $3,000,000, the Registrant has re-measured the nature of the liability so that $6,856,000 is to be stated as a contingent liability. Moreover, on November 24, 2003, the Registrant commenced an action against BACE and its sole shareholder, William L. Baumgardner, to seek the determination of an offset against the purchase price for PEO operations. For more information, see Item 3 Legal Proceedings. |
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NARRATIVE DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS Overview of Client Services The Registrant offers a broad range of services including payroll processing and reporting, payroll tax remittance and reporting, human resources administration, employee benefit services administration, risk management, workers compensation services, as well as optional retirement and health care programs. To begin the relationship with a client, the Registrant requires all clients to enter into the Shared Employment Agreement (SEA). The SEA is for an initial term of one-year subject to termination by the Registrant or the client upon thirty days written notice, and subject to immediate termination by the Registrant for non-payment by the client of payroll services, fees or taxes. In some cases, the Registrant may require the owners of a client to either personally guarantee the clients obligation under the SEA, or maintain a security deposit with the Registrant. The Registrant charges a service fee that includes a mark-up on its administrative cost. The service fee is billed concurrently with the clients periodic invoice for gross payroll, payroll tax, workers compensation coverage, cost of benefits including health and retirement benefit plan costs. If the client has requested additional consulting on specific matters not covered by the SEA, that charge would be added as a separately invoiced item. The fee is determined by and between the Registrant and the client on a client by client basis and the components of the pricing include: number of work-site employees, workers compensation risk and historical losses of the client, credit checks, industry type, extent of services provided and gross profit impact. The SEA also establishes the Registrants responsibility to include the business of employment, by establishing an employment relationship with the work-site employees. Thereby, the client is provided with the manpower, time and other resources necessary to better manage its business. The Registrant assumes the responsibility of personnel administration, liability for payment of wages and their related tax payments, compliance with rules and regulations governing the reporting as well as the filing of state and federal payroll tax returns and providing the administration of benefits, workers compensation compliance and unemployment claims. The client maintains responsibility for the direction and control of the activities at the workplace, equity-based compensation and for severances, bonuses and commissions, although payment is generally made through the Registrant. As part of the SEA, the Registrant requires each of its clients to acknowledge that it is the financially responsible party in those aspects of the relationship where the client has retained exclusive control. The client promises to indemnify and hold harmless the Registrant for claims, damages and costs associated with the following: damage to clients property by a leased employee under the direction and control of the client; claims against the Registrant relating to any person employed by the client outside the PEO relationship; regulatory violations associated with EEOC, OSHA, ADA, discrimination and other such laws, where the client has exclusive control of the workplace; employee benefit matters where the client has provided the benefit outside the SEA; misappropriation of any employee funds by the client; theft by a leased employee engaged in the clients business and under the direction and control of the client and matters pertaining to collective bargaining agreements to which the Registrant is not a party. Once the client is aboard with an executed SEA, the client is assigned to a Client Response Specialist or (CRS) within the Registrants customer service department. The role of the CRS is to support the client as their first point of contact for questions, problem resolution and to facilitate orders for non-recurring services. The CRS undergoes extensive internal training regarding the products and services of the client to manage the needs of the client. With respect to those service requests that are beyond the scope of the CRS, the CRS will forward the request to the appropriate individual within the organization using the Registrants proprietary software. |
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The Registrants customer service software platform automates the assignment, status reporting and resolution of client service requests. The system assigns service requests to the appropriate representative of the Registrant with the creation of a service order ticket. The CRS will follow the service ticket to insure that the service order has been completed in a manner that is timely and satisfactory to the client. The following PEO services are offered by the Registrant: |
| Risk Management and Claims Management Services | |
| Payroll and Tax Administration Services | |
| Human Resources Services | |
| Employee Benefit Services | |
Risk Management and Claims Management Services The Registrant offers risk management services that are designed to control incidence, frequency and severity of work related injuries. The Registrants worksite safety department is highly motivated to implement innovative and effective safety programs designed to contain the incurrence of and the cost of workers compensation claims. The Registrants safety department performs the following specific claim cost containment services: |
| Customized return to work programs that fit the customers worksite; | |
| Developing a customized safety manual; | |
| Assist the underwriting of prospective new business by identifying and quantifying the risk profile of the client through an analysis of historical claim loss, commitment to safety by client management and performing on site inspections of worksite safety conditions; | |
| Jobsite inspections to identify the risk of loss and/or unsafe conditions with recommendations for improvements; | |
| Assisting with OSHA, DOT and other regulatory compliance and record keeping; | |
| Establishing a Drug-free workplace programs; | |
| Developing restricted duty return to work programs; | |
| Providing complimentary consultation regarding property, general liability and miscellaneous risk exposure; | |
| Providing an ergonomics review where appropriate; | |
| Provide workplace safety training to client management and worksite employees with emphasis on incentive based safety rewards. |
The claims management department performs key functions to control the cost of incurred claims. The claims department is located in the Tampa service center. During 2003, the Tampa data center implemented the Prognos claims management software platform. Prognos is a recognized leader in claims management software capable of meeting the full needs of a large organization. Prognos is designed and functions to automate the entire claims process from the first report of injury through final closure of the claim and will efficiently facilitate the following functions: |
| Investigating accidents; | |
| Tracking and reporting of client claims experience to facilitate corrective measures of existing worksite safety programs if necessary. | |
| Review billing and statutory limitations for medical claims to prevent overpayment to providers; | |
| Assure that injured employees receive appropriate and timely treatment; | |
| Follow-up with doctors and injured employees; | |
| Reviewing losses and offering recommendations to prevent reoccurrence; | |
| Post accident drug testing. |
The comprehensive approach of the risk management department through its underwriting process of new business, proactive worksite safety engineering and active claims management ensures that costs related to the Registrants workers compensation program are managed and minimized. |
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Payroll and Tax Administration Services The Registrant handles the entire payroll process for the worksite employees. The Registrant is centralizing the processing of payrolls to the Ft. Lauderdale general headquarters to maximize productivity. The Ft. Lauderdale payroll center has current processing capacity in excess of 200,000 paychecks per week. The Registrant utilizes the HR Pyramid, formerly known as ScorPEO, payroll software system for processing internal and external payrolls. The ScorPEO system is a leading payroll software designed specifically to meet the needs of the PEO industry. The primary strategic objective of payroll delivery to the client is to maximize the velocity of the payroll process. To achieve maximum velocity, the Registrant offers and encourages clients to submit payroll data via electronic transmission to the Ft. Lauderdale center. Clients can utilize one of several technology-based tools such as spreadsheet interface, time clock import, file transfer and web based entry. These methods offer several advantages to both the client and Registrant over the traditional fax in/ manual keystroke entry of payroll. Electronic transmission greatly reduces the processing time dedicated to the payroll and eliminates most if not all errors related to manual entry. The strategy increases the satisfaction of the customer by knowing that their payroll is delivered quickly and accurately. The Registrant benefits from reduced processing time and reduced post payroll error correction. To deliver web based payroll processing, the Registrant offers ScorPEO Web, an Internet payroll delivery platform. ScorPEO Web allows customers to enter payroll and print reports via the Internet. To access ScorPEO Web, customers log on to the Registrants website,ScorPEO.teamcura.com. Once at the website, customers enter into a client only password protected portion of the site and gain access their customized web portal for payroll entry. As a part of the payroll service, the Registrant delivers to the client a complete payroll tax deposit and filing service. Functionally, the Registrant collects the full amount of payroll taxes from the client with each invoice. During 2003 the Registrant implemented the industry leading Mastertax software platform to facilitate payroll tax compliance by the Registrant. All of the above systems are backed-up at our Tampa, FL facility with both processing and systems software capabilities. Should a natural disaster occur at either facility, no stoppage of processing would occur and the client would never suffer from such an event. Additional services offered by the payroll department include: employee benefits reports, direct deposit, maintaining vacation or sick pay accruals, providing payroll reports such as labor distribution and overtime reports, workers compensation reporting, and overall maintenance of payroll records. Human Resources Services The Registrant handles human resource (HR) functions for the client as it relates to unemployment matters, personnel matters and compliance with the ever-changing federal and state laws. The Registrant provides guidance on employment related matters, such as substance abuse awareness, sexual harassment awareness, employment law training, wage and hour compliance, employment discrimination awareness and civil rights awareness. Also provided by the Registrants human resource department is the administration of human resource records and the management of unemployment claims. At the request of the client, the Registrant provides customized consulting services on such focused issues as workplace safety, non-discrimination, employer liability and payroll reporting compliance matters. Additional services offered on a request basis include: customizing employee handbooks specific to the client, creating job descriptions, performing background checks, recruiting and hiring new employees, providing performance appraisal forms, recommending out-placement services, offering compensation, wage and salary guidance, drug testing, providing procedures for discipline and discharge of employees and |
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assisting clients with employee relations, from counseling to grievance administration. The Registrants unemployment services department processes state unemployment claims as they relate to the work-site employees. The Registrant, from time to time, determines unemployment claims to be unwarranted. In those cases, the Registrant will file the necessary protest as allowed in the various states regulatory procedures. Employee Benefit Services The Registrant is able to offer affordable employee benefits programs that would be otherwise unavailable to the client and work-site employees. The Registrant is able to provide this due to its collective size, which provides a certain level of buying power that the clients cannot achieve themselves. Additional products offered by the Registrants benefits department include: dental insurance, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurances, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, group medical and health insurance options such as PPO, POS and HMO health plans, prescription card and vision, employee assistance plans, job counseling and educational benefits, and group rates for legal services. The benefits department offers to its clients a comprehensive benefits administration service on behalf of benefit plans sponsored by the Registrant or the client. As administrators, benefits representatives maintain all aspects of the clients benefit plans on the ScorPEO platform. Benefits specialists located at the Registrants three service centers perform the following benefit plan services: |
| Benefits enrollments and terminations on behalf of worksite employees; | |
| Monthly reconciliation and payment of benefit provider invoices; | |
| Cobra administration. | |
The Registrant offers a multiple employer 401(k) deferred compensation plan. As a multiple employer plan, the Registrants work-site employees can customize the plan characteristics such as rules of eligibility and employer matching contributions to suit their needs. Dependent care spending account and flexible care spending accounts, along with Section 125 cafeteria plans, are also offered to employees. There may be certain risks associated with the administration of client-based plans that the Registrant considers to be in the normal course of business and not a material exposure to its operations. Each individual small businesss cost of establishing and administering this range of plans would be prohibitive. However, due to economies of scale, PEOs can sponsor and offer these plans at an affordable cost. Participation in any Registrant benefit plan is based on eligibility of the employee. The Registrant is the plan sponsor, and as such pays costs and premiums, negotiates the plans, maintains the plans in accordance with local and federal guidelines and is the interface for enrolled employees. Other Products and Services The Registrant is consistently searching for new opportunities and services to offer to its client companies and worksite employees. These additional services enhance the employer/employee relationship and provide additional revenue sources for the Registrant. Current and future additional products and services include: web banking services, checking accounts, savings accounts, credit cards, payroll secured credit cards, electronic bill payments, consumer loans, residential lending, insurance services, auto/home and life insurance, investment services, company store purchasing power concept, payroll deduction services, payroll lay-away plans, and payroll deduction purchases for poor credit members. New Business Development The Registrant segregates the Business Development Department into Business Development Communities (BDCs). Each of these BDCs will be accountable for gross profit margins (net profit as the model matures), quality and growth. The five BDCs are: |
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| Professional Employer Organization BDC | |
| Small Business Success BDC | |
| Human Resources Outsourcing (HRO) BDC | |
| Global Services BDC | |
| Supplemental Community Support Services BDC | |
The Registrant builds a community that will provide services for the Registrantss clients and their employees that will not be easily replaced by a single provider. Clients will be extremely reluctant to move to multiple providers. Over the years, the most critical component of the Registrants services has proven to be the seamless, single source provision of human resource services. Sales and Marketing The Registrant markets its services through an internal sales force, a commission-based sales force and through several customized market arrangements. The internal sales group and commission-based sales associates provide leads to the Registrant. At this time, the Registrant does not require its various commissioned sales associates to be exclusive agents, although some of the larger producers have signed exclusivity agreements with the Registrant. In addition, the Registrant initiates oversight and marketing meetings with all of its commission-based associates at its headquarters several times each year. Submissions generated from the Registrants sales efforts are then qualified through the New Business Development department. A thorough evaluation of each submission includes the following: |
| Workers compensation claims loss history for the previous five (5) years; | |
| Credit evaluation; | |
| Payroll and jobsite functional analysis including workers compensation class code analysis and current workers compensation declaration page; | |
| Benefits under consideration by the client; | |
| Proposed client pricing. |
Once the prospect has met the underwriting criteria and accepted the service pricing, the Vice President of Sales will approve the preparation of a Shared Employment Agreement (SEA). Final approval of the client is required by the President and the Chief Risk Officer to confirm that the client has met the Registrants client selection guidelines. Once the final approval is granted, the SEA is delivered to the customer for execution. E-Commerce and Advertising The Registrant anticipates expanding the use of its technology in the very near future. As a marketing tool, the Registrant plans to use its web site, CuraGroup.com, to be a showcase of the prowess of the Registrants software systems, as well as the ability to deliver payroll and human resource services directly to a customers desktop. At TeamCura.com, customers and their employees can access employment training courses, make benefit changes, perform payroll processing as well as gain access to employer forms and publications. The Registrants near term plans are to implement additional on-line services, product and services purchase capacity with a browser of integrated services The Registrant does not engage in significant advertising activities. Information Technology The Registrant has invested in the development and maintenance of its integrated and comprehensive software system with its high-end hardware and facilities. The Tampa, FL service center with its state of the art data facility serves as the hosting site for the Registrants office and production software programs. The software applications are delivered from Tampa to the other locations of the organization via Terminal |
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Server technology over a wide area network. The Tampa data facility features fire control systems, redundant power supplies and temperature controls to maintain overall system integrity. The investment has provided the Registrant with a hosted information/software delivery system capable of servicing its current needs as well as anticipated future expansion. The Registrant delivers the payroll processing system via dual Dell Poweredge 8450 client servers with four (4) Pentium III Xeon microprocessors each (upgradeable to 8 microprocessors each) with Dell Powervault 220S disk storage array enclosures that hold 14, 73-gigabyte disk drives for a total of 1022 gigabytes of disk storage.This configuration does scale to meet the growth plans of the Registrant by processing in excess of 800,000 paychecks per month. The Registrant has implemented Great Plains Edition on MS SQL as its financial information system and reporting software platform. Great Plains provides the Registrant with a scaleable and technologically sophisticated accounting and financial reporting platform which integrates with the Registrants licensed payroll processing system. The PEO Industry The PEO industry has grown significantly since its start in the late 1980s, with the last decade showing significant growth due to the number of small and medium size client businesses purchasing the diverse services offered by the PEO industry. The industry has seen a significant evolution of the manner in which a successful PEO conducts its business. The PEO of 2004 and beyond will become the provider of value added services rather than the traditional wholesaler of inexpensive insurance products. Todays successful PEO is a marketplace of services related to human resource and benefits administration, employer regulatory compliance and risk management. The Registrant believes the growth trend of the industry will continue. Several key factors it believes are driving the demand for PEO growth include: |
| The increasing need for companies to attract and retain superior workers by providing a greater amount of employee benefits products, services and insurance at affordable prices. | |
| The increasing complexity of state and federal taxation filings and regulatory issues. | |
| The increased recognition and acceptance of PEOs by regulatory authorities. | |
| The increasing expense associated with employee litigation and safety in the workplace. | |
| The increasing technical expertise required to manage human resource departments. |
The Small Business Administration estimates there are nearly six million businesses with fewer than 100 employees. These small to mid-size businesses employ more than 52 million workers with an aggregate annual payroll of more than $1.1 trillion. As PEOs are currently serving just 2% of that market, the growth potential for PEO services appears significant. With an average annual growth rate of 20%, more business owners are turning to the PEO industry to provide them with the tools necessary to increase productivity and profits. The industry has benefited from The National Association of Professional Employer Organizations (NAPEO), which was formed in 1985 and is the oldest association representing the interests of professional employer organizations. Serving more than two million employees, this organization has helped set standards for fiscal responsibility of its member PEOs. |
- 13 - |
Competition According to NAPEO, the PEO industry currently has about 800 companies with between 2-3 million worksite employees with annual payrolls of $43 billion. The Registrant believes that there are several large national PEOs with annual client payrolls exceeding $500 million. The Registrant considers its primary competition to be national and regional PEO providers, independent insurance agencies and the human resource departments of potential customers. At an estimated 2% market penetration, the PEO industry overall has significant room for all participants to advance. The Registrant does experience some price and product competition from other national and regional PEOs. The PEOs that are considered the Registrants national and regional competition include Administaff, Inc., Gevity HR, Inc.. and Presidion Solutions, respectively. In other areas of the country where the PEO penetration is closer to the industry average, the Registrant has a far lower incidence of competition with other companies of its kind. In these areas, the sales and marketing department competes with traditional human resource departments of potential customers. In these instances, the Registrant must educate and convince the prospect of the inherent benefits of the PEO relationship. Since the Registrant is a provider of workers compensation insurance, competition also comes in the form of independent insurance agents. In some cases, sales prospects have a valued relationship with their insurance agent. The PEO relationship would represent a discontinuance of service with their agent for purposes of workers compensation coverage. In cases such as these the Registrant must convince the sales prospect that value added services of the PEO relationship would represent a sound business decision. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS The Company provides coverage under various regional medical benefit providers. These plans are all fully insured plans in the various client companies name. The Company assumes no liability for any of these products. Other Health Benefit Plans The Companys dental plans, which include both a PPO and HMO offering, are primarily provided by Aetna for all client employees who elect coverage. All dental plans are subject to guaranteed cost contracts that cap the Companys annual liability. In addition to dental coverage, the Company offers various other guaranteed cost insurance programs to client employees such as vision care, life, accidental death and dismemberment, short-term disability and long-term disability. The Company also offers a flexible spending account for healthcare and dependent care costs. 401(k) PLANS The Company offers a 401(k) retirement plan, designed to be a multiple employer plan under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code) Section 413(c). This plan design enables owners of clients and highly-compensated client employees, as well as highly-compensated internal employees of the Company, to participate. Generally, employee benefit plans are subject to provisions of both the Code and the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). |
- 14 - |
WORKERS COMPENSATION PLANS The Company has had a loss sensitive Workers Compensation insurance program since December 31, 1996. The program was insured by CNA Financial Corporation (CNA) from December 31, 1998 through June 30, 2003. Under the guidance of the Companys Risk Manager (Midwest), the Company has diversified its programs consisting of several carriers including Union American Insurance Company, Providence Property and Casualty Company, Imperial Casualty and Indemnity Company and Cascade National Insurance Company. Through this diversification, the Company has achieved a spread of risk. The insured loss sensitive programs provides fully funded insurance coverage for claims incurred in each plan year but which may be paid out over future periods. In states where private insurance is not permitted, client employees are covered by state insurance funds. The insured loss sensitive programs provide a sharing of risk between the Company and the respective Carriers. As part of these programs, the Company has individual stop loss coverage at $1.0 million per occurrence. In addition, the Company had aggregate stop loss coverage for individual claims though June 30, 2003. The actual premium payable is determined based on the industries serviced by the Company, estimated wages and the losses incurred under the programs. The 2003 Workers Compensation insurance program provides for a sharing of risk between the Company and its Carriers whereby the Carriers assume risk in a least two areas within the program: (i) individual claim stop loss insurance risk; and (ii) premium payment credit risk. With respect to the individual claim stop loss insurance risk, the Company, through its Risk Manager (Midwest), is responsible for paying to its Carriers claim amounts related to the first $1.0 million per occurrence. Claim amounts in excess of $1.0 million per occurrence are insured through the Carriers. The Company remits weekly premium and incurred loss payments through its Risk Manager (Midwest) to its Carriers. Finally, with respect to the premium payment credit risk, this program is a fully insured policy written by the Carriers. If the Company were to fail to make premium payments to the Carriers as scheduled, then the Carriers would be responsible for the payment of all losses under the terms of the policy. The Carriers require the Company to provide adequate collateral related to premium payment credit risk. The required collateral is provided in a form of cash, short-term investments and letters of credit placed into a trust account. The company, through payments to its Risk Manager, has provided collateral to each of the insurance carriers based on the carriers total projected claims covered under each program. The payment of first year claims by the Company and premium payments to fund claims to be paid by the carriers reduce the total collateral required to be provided by the Company. The 2003 program year is subject to final audit of 2004, and may be subject to further collateral adjustments at that time. Market Segments and Customer Selection The Registrant is oriented to becoming a full service HR management company focused on providing value added employer and employee services to the customer. The Registrant believes that this strategy provides a long-term approach to success with controlled risk. The Registrant is subject to downturns in economic conditions but believes that through its diversification of risk and industries, such downturns would have minimal economic impact on the Company. Market Segments The following table displays the Registrants client base by industry grouping for the year-ended December 31, 2003: |
- 15 - |
CATEGORY | PERCENTAGE | ||
Transportation | 20.30 | ||
Services(1) | 18.60 | ||
Professional | 12.21 | ||
Hospitality | 12.48 | ||
Construction | 10.19 | ||
Manufacturing | 9.87 | ||
Retail | 6.94 | ||
Agricultural | 4.23 | ||
Healthcare | 2.69 | ||
Other | 2.49 | ||
Total | 100.00 |
(1) | Services consist primarily of businesses in the following: non-emergency medical, building maintenance, janitorial, plumbing, tow truck operation, driver training instruction, and home nursing. |
Customer Selection
The Registrant typically markets its services to small to mid-size businesses. The Registrant avoids marketing to industries it feels have a high risk of injury, including: occupations that require exterior work performed in excess of two stories, transportation companies that specialize in hazardous materials, amusement parks, circuses, occupations that pose a significant occupational disease hazard (such as asbestos removal), construction of dams or bridges, firemen, police officers or armed security guards, and any occupation that requires working with munitions, explosives, fireworks, fuses, dynamite, nitroglycerine or any other product used in the construction of these devices. The Registrant rejects sales prospects with poor to marginal credit and/or high incidence of workers compensation claim count or losses. The Registrant reviews all of its clients on a weekly basis for workers compensation risk or loss activity, the clients actual gross profit compared to plan and the clients payment status. In addition to these standard reviews, the payroll and human resources departments provide the review committee with details of any peculiar problems that might pertain to a client. The Registrant reviews pricing on a regular basis and may increase or decrease prices to a client from time to time, based on the overall review of the client and on the business model the Registrant has established. In addition to possible increases or decreases in price, the Registrant may choose to terminate the co-employer relationship if, in the regular reviews of operations, major changes or problems have become the norm or if the desired gross profit margin is in jeopardy. The Registrant estimates its retention since inception in 1997 has been approximately 90%. The Registrant has enjoyed this estimated high retention due to its high level of service and controlled growth. A detailed account-tracking recap is being established to keep accurate records of new customers and terminated or lost customers, as well as the reasons therefore which include: cost of service, sale, merger, client business failure, and competition from other PEOs or business service firms. |
- 16 - |
Government Regulation Numerous federal and state laws and regulations relating to employment matters, benefit plans, tax payments and tax filings affect the Registrants operations. By entering into a co-employer relationship with its clients, the Registrant assumes certain obligations and responsibilities as an employer under these laws. The Registrant relies on the guidance of outside legal and other professionals to remain in compliance with laws at the federal, state and local levels. Various state governments have enacted laws to regulate the PEO industry. The Registrant maintains a compliance department to actively review PEO licensing and registration requirements of each state within which it operates. This compliance department manages the following activities: |
| Prepare and file applications for initial license or registration as a PEO to a new state that the Registrant wishes to operate. | |
| Maintain compliance with existing regulatory requirements for states in which the Registrant has an active license or registration. | |
| Prepare and file quarterly and/or annual reports as required. | |
The Registrant offers a multiple employer 401(k) deferred compensation plan and a multiple employer section 125 cafeteria benefit plan. Both plans have been drafted to conform to all tax qualification provisions of the Internal Revenue Code. The Registrant is expecting to receive a favorable determination letter from the IRS in the near term. As a co-employer, the Registrant assumes responsibility and liability for the payment of federal and state employment taxes with respect to wages and salaries paid to worksite employees. There are essentially three types of federal employment tax obligations: (i) withholding of income tax requirements governed by Code Section 3401, et seq.; (ii) obligations under FICA, governed by Code Section 3101, et seq.; and (iii) obligations under FUTA, governed by Code Section 3301, et seq. Under these Code sections, employers have the obligation to withhold and remit the employer portion and, where applicable, the employee portion of these taxes. The Registrant assumes liability for the withholding and remittance of state and local income tax withholding as well as the employer and employee portion of state tax related unemployment and disability insurance. Employment-related regulatory compliance is either shared jointly or individually by the Registrant and the client. Joint responsibility is shared for compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA), the Drug-Free Workplace Act and state unemployment insurance laws. The Registrant assumes responsibility for compliance with the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 (COBRA), the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), state workers compensation laws, the Federal Income Contribution Act (FICA), the Federal Unemployment Tax Act (FUTA), all federal, state and local income tax withholding provisions. The client assumes responsibility for compliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA), the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN), Title VII (Civil Rights Act of 1964), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA), certain Internal Revenue Code sections, any professional licensing, government contracting, intellectual property rights laws and laws regarding hazardous materials. |
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- 18 - |
American HR Holdings, Inc. v. BACE International, et al. On November 24, 2003, the Registrants wholly-owned subsidiary, American HR Holdings, Inc., (AmerHR), filed a Demand for Arbitration with the American Arbitration Association located in Miami, Florida against BACE International, Inc. (BACE) and BACEs sole shareholder William L. Baumgarder. The claim stems from the Registrants acquisition of BACEs PEO operations and an understatement in liabilities set forth within the financial statements provided by BACE in the amount of $14,300,000. AmerHR seeks indemnification from BACE and Baumgardner from any losses resulting from these misstatements and to offset the purchase price of the PEO operations in the amount of $14,300,000 as provided within the Stock Purchase Agreement for PEO operations. BACE and Baumgardner filed applications to cease arbitration the proceedings which applications were denied by AAA. A panel has been selected by the parties. Continental Casualty Company et al v. The Cura Group, Inc. On October 9, 2003, an action entitled Continental Casualty Company et al. v. The Cura Group, Inc. was served against The Cura Group, Inc., the Registrant’s operating subsidiary (“Cura”). The action was filed in the United States District Court, Southern District of Florida. The plaintiffs allege that the letters of credit provided to satisfy Cura’s workers’ compensation collateral obligations in the amount of $37,720,000 were not authentic and demand replacement of the collateral. On November 11, 2003, the plaintiffs withdrew their motions for injunctive relief against Cura. The parties have since stipulated to a stay of the proceedings. The Registrant and Cura filed their answer, affirmative defenses and counterclaims against the plaintiffs on October 31, 2003. The counterclaims allege that CNA imposed arbitrary and falsely inflated premiums and collateral requirements on Cura and that CNA misrepresented Cura’s payroll, status of operation and client base in order to increase premiums and collateral requirements. The Registrant believes that it will resolve the forgoing matter without a materially adverse affect upon its financial condition. Prairie Capital Mezzanine Fund, L.P., et al. v. BACE International Corporation, et al. On November 10, 2003, the Registrant and its subsidiaries, American HR Holdings, Inc. (AmerHR) and The Cura Group II, Inc. (Cura II), were served with a citation and petition in a suit entitled Prairie Capital Mezzanine Fund, L.P., et al. v. BACE International Corporation, et al. in the Texas District Court, Tarrant County. Also named in the action was William L. Baumgardner, the sole shareholder of BACE International, Inc. (BACE). The Plaintiffs are seeking repayment ofpromissory notes in the aggregate amount of $6,905,946, with interest, made by BACE in connection with BACEs prior acquisition of American Staff Resources Corporation, and its affiliates (ASR), which are currently operating subsidiaries of the Registrant. The Registrant asserts that the obligations set forth within the Plaintiffs' complaint were never assumed by the Registrant, AmerHR or Cura II and that BACE's misstatements of liabilities in the approximate amount of $14,300,00 exceed the relief the Plaintiffs are seeking. The Registrant, AmerHR and Cura II intend to defend the action vigorously and have filed a motion to dismiss the action for lack of personal jurisdiction. Injured Workers Insurance Fund v. Americas PEO, Inc./Omni Financial Services, Inc. The Injured Workers Insurance Fund of the State of Maryland commenced an action in the Circuit Court of Baltimore for the collection of outstanding premiums against the Registrants inactive wholly-owned subsidiaries Americas PEO, Inc. and Omni Financial Services, Inc. in the amounts of $308,463 and 95,410 respectively. The companies have opposed the basis of the plaintiffs audit and the amounts sought therein. The action is currently in the discovery process. The Registrant believes that this matter falls within the coverage it procures from Midwest. Continental Casualty Company, et al. v. Omni Financial Services, Inc. The Registrants inactive subsidiary Omni Financial Services, Inc. (Omni) was served as a defendant in the action entitled Continental Casualty Company v. Omni Financial Services, Inc. CNA, on behalf of the New Jersey Assigned Risk Plan, has alleged that Omni owes CNA $734,459 for premiums on workers compensation coverage. Omni has filed an answer and the action is currently in the discovery process. The Registrant believes that this matter falls within the coverage it procures from Midwest. |
-19 - |
-20 - |
High Bid | Low Bid | Dividends | ||
Year Ended December 31, 2003 | |
|
|
|
|
||||
Fourth Quarter | 0.84 |
.78 | .00 | |
Third Quarter | 1.01 |
.76 | .00 | |
Second Quarter | 1.55 |
.85 | .00 | |
First Quarter | 1.29 |
.52 | .00 | |
Year Ended December 31, 2002 | ||||
Fourth Quarter | 1.01 |
.52 | .00 | |
Third Quarter | 1.37 |
.51 | .00 | |
Second Quarter | 1.35 |
.65 | .00 | |
First Quarter | 1.8 |
.38 | .00 | |
Year Ended December 31, 2001 | ||||
Fourth Quarter | 0.4 |
.03 | .00 | |
Third Quarter | 0.16 |
.04 | .00 | |
Second Quarter | 0.25 |
.12 | .00 | |
First Quarter | 0.31 |
.12 | .00 |
Since the Registrants shares began trading in the over-the-counter market on the OTCBB, the prices for its shares have fluctuated widely. There may be many factors that may explain these variations. The Registrant believes that such factors include (a) the demand for its common stock, (b) the number of shares of the Registrants common stock available for sale, (c) developments in the PEO industry, and (d) changes in the performance of the stock market in general, among others. |
In recent years, the stock market has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have had a substantial effect on the market prices for many small and emerging growth companies such as the Registrant, which may be unrelated to the operating performances of the specific companies. Some companies that have experienced volatility in the market place of their stock have been the objects of securities class action litigation. If the Registrant became the object of securities class action litigation, it could result in substantial costs and a diversion of its managements attention and resources and have an adverse effect on the Registrants ability to implement its business plan. In addition, holders of shares of the Registrants common stock could suffer substantial losses as a result of fluctuations and declines in the market price of the Registrants common stock. |
The trading of shares of the Registrants common stock is subject to limitations set forth in Rule 1 Sg-9 of the Securities Exchange Act. This rule imposes sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell so-called penny stocks to persons other than established customers, accredited investors or institutional investors. For any transaction involving a penny stock, unless exempt, the rules require that a broker or dealer: (i) approve a persons account for transactions in penny stocks; and (ii) receive from the investor a written agreement to the transaction, setting forth the identity and quantity of the penny stock to be purchased. In order to approve a persons account for transactions in penny stocks, the broker or dealer must: (i) obtain financial information and investment experience and objectives of the person; and (ii) make a reasonable determination that the transactions in penny stocks are suitable for that person and that person has sufficient knowledge and experience in financial matters to be capable of evaluating the risks of transactions in penny stocks. The broker or dealer must also deliver, prior to any transaction in a penny stock, a disclosure schedule relating to the penny stock market, which, in highlight form, (i) sets forth the basis on which the broker or dealer made the suitability determination; and (ii) that the broker or dealer received a signed, written agreement from the investor prior to the transaction. Disclosure also has to be made about the risks of investing in penny stocks in both public offerings and in secondary trading, and about commissions payable to both the broker-dealer and the registered representative, current quotations for the securities and the rights and remedies available to an investor in cases of fraud in penny stock transactions. Finally, monthly statements have to be sent disclosing recent price information for the penny stock held in the account and information on the limited market in penny stocks. |
- 21 - |
(b) Holders |
As of December 31, 2003, the approximate number of holders of record of shares of the Registrants Common Stock, $.001 par value per share, the Registrants only class of trading securities, was believed by management to be as follows: |
Title of Class | Number of Record Holders | |
Common Stock, $.001 par value | 34 | |
- 22 - |
The Registrants subsidiariesGroup revenue was $78.5 million for Year 2003, compared to $40.4 million for Year 2002, representing an increase of $38.1 million or 94.3%. Significant growth of the revenue base was provided by the Registrants acquisitions of the PEO operations of BACE International during Year 2003. The BACE PEO operations contributed revenue of $31.1 million representing 81.6% of the overall revenue increase for Year 2003. In addition to the growth provided by the BACE PEO acquisitions, the Registrant achieved increased sales through organic sales. During Year 2003, the number of clients increased to 1,900 compared to 824 during Year 2002, representing an increase of 130.6%. The addition of the BACE PEO operations contributed approximately 650 clients or 60% of the overall increase for Year 2003 over Year 2002. The number of paid worksite employees at December 31, 2003 increased to approximately 53,000 from 32,000 at December 31, 2002, representing an increase of 21,000 or 66%. Cost of Services Cost of services was $42.4 million for Year 2003, compared to $21.8 million for Year 2002, representing an increase of $20.6 million or 94.5% for 2003. This increase was due primarily to an increased number of clients and worksite employees resulting from the BACE PEO acquisition. BACE PEO operations contributed $17.8 million in cost of services representing 86.4% of the overall increase in cost of services for Year 2003. Cost of services was 51.4% of revenue for Year 2003 and 54.0% for Year 2002. Gross Profit Gross Profit was $36.1 million for Year 2003, compared to $18.6 million for Year 2002, representing an increase of $17.5 million or 94.1%. Gross profit was 45.9% of revenues for Year 2003 and 46% of revenues for Year 2002. The BACE PEO acquisition positively impacted gross profit by $13.3 million representing 76.0% of the overall increase in gross profit for Year 2003. Additionally revenues were enhanced by fourth quarter increases in administrative and workers compensation billing rates. Operating Expenses Operating Expenses, which include Compensation and Benefits Expenses, Marketing and Selling Expenses, and General and Administrative Expenses, were $33.7 million for Year 2003 compared to 15.7 million for Year 2002 , representing an increase of $18.0 million, or 114.6%. Operating Expenses were 42.9% of Revenues for Year 2003, compared to 38.6% for Year 2002 . The acquisition of BACE PEO operations increased Operating Expenses by $11.3 million, representing 62.8 of the overall increase for Year 2003 over Year 2002. In addition, Operating Expenses were increased in Year 2003 from restructuring charges which resulted from the conversion of payroll processing and customer billing of the BACE PEO entities from their legacy software system to the Registrant’s Scorpeo platform. Compensation and Benefits Expenses was $11.9 million for Year 2003, compared to $5.0 million for Year 2002, representing an increase of $6.9 million, or 138.0%. The acquisition of BACE PEO operations increased Compensation and Benefit Expenses by $4.8 million, representing 69.6% of the overall increase for the Year 2003 over Year 2002. Compensation and Benefits Expenses were 15.2% of revenues for Year 2003, compared to 12.3% for Year 2002. |
- 23 - |
Marketing and Selling Expense was 5.8% for Year 2003 compared to 4.2 million for Year 2002, representing an increase of $1.6 million or 38.1%. The acquisition of BACE's PEO Operations increased selling commissions by $3.0 million, representing 187.5% of the overall increase for Year 2003 compared to 10.4% for Year 2002. General and Administrative Expenses were $15.3 million for Year 2003, compared to $6.4 million for Year 2002, representing an increase of $8.9 million, or 140.8%. The acquisition of BACE PEO operations increased General and Administrative Expenses by $3.6 million, representing 40.4% of the overall increase for Year 2003 over Year 2002. General and Administrative Expenses were 19.5% of revenues for Year 2003, compared to 15.7% for Year 2002. Depreciation and Amortization Expense was $737 thousand for Year 2003 compared to $287 thousand for Year 2002, representing an increase of 156.8%. The acquisition of BACE PEO operations increased Depreciation and Amortization Expense by $219 thousand, representing 48.7% of the overall increase for Year 2003 over Year 2002. Other increases were primarily the result of the Registrant's investment in management information systems. Interest income on the cash invested intermittently was $56 thousand for Year 2003, compared to $86 thousand for Year 2002, representing a decrease of $30 thousand. Interest expense was $609 thousand for Year 2003 and $116 thousand for Year 2002, representing an increase of $493 thousand. The major portion of the increase in interest expense is attributable to acquisition financing, other interest expense results from capital leases that funded purchases of furniture and fixtures. Net Income Net income was $2.4 million for Year 2003, compared to $3.0 million for Year 2002, representing a decrease of $600 thousand. The acquisition of BACE PEO operations contributed net income of $1.9 million in Year 2003, representing 79.2% of the net income. Net income was 3.0% of Revenue for Year 2003, compared to 7.4% for Year 2002. |
- 24 - |
b. Liquidity and Capital Resources The Registrant had $3.1 million and $3.5 million in cash and restricted cash at December 31, 2003 and 2002 respectively. The Registrant periodically evaluates its liquidity requirements, capital needs and availability of capital resources in view of its plans for expansion, including potential acquisitions, anticipated levels of health benefit plan subsidies and other operating cash needs. During the first quarter 2004, the Registrant has taken significant measures to improve its negative working capital through the consolidation of operations and robust new sales revenue. The Registrant has terminated an unprofitable self-funded health plan as of December 31, 2001. The Registrant believes that its current balances and cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet its requirements through 2004. The Registrant may rely on these same sources, as well as public or private debt and/or equity financing to meet its long-term capital needs. Net cash used by operating activities was3.3 million for 2003 and $1.4 million for Year 2002. . From September 2002 through December 2002, pursuant to a Subscription Agreement the Registrant issued 1,578 shares of its Series A Preferred Stock, $.001 par value (the Series A), to related parties in exchange for $19,720,000 consisting of cash ($1,000,000) and annual renewable letters of credit ($18,720,000). Between April 2003 through June 2003, the Registrant issued an additional 1,520 shares of the Series A to Midwest in exchange for $19,000,000 in annual renewable letters of credit (see Note 4-Insurance Deposits). The Series A is entitled to 10,000 common votes per share, has no redemption priorities, and is entitled to preference upon the liquidation or sale of substantially all of the Registrants assets. As set forth in the Registrants Form 10-QSB for the quarterly period ending September 30, 2003, Midwest returned the 3,098 shares of Series A it received from the Registrant. Additional Preferred shares were issued in the fourth quarter 2003 raising an additional $7,500,000 to be used to support the Registrants risk management program and general working capital. c. Forward Looking Statements: This report includes Forward-Looking Statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as expects or does not expect, is expected, anticipates or does not anticipate, plans, estimates or intends, or stating that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be considered forward looking statements. Such statements are included, among other places in this Form 10-KSB, in the sections entitled Managements Discussion and Analysis, Description of Business and Description of Property. Forward-looking statements are based on expectations, estimates and projections at the time the statements are made that involve a number of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those presently anticipated. Although the Registrant believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, the Registrant can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. |
- 25 - |
- 26- |
Certified
Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Balance Sheets |
||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
December 31, | ||||||
|
||||||
2003 | 2002 | |||||
|
||||||
Assets | ||||||
Current Assets | ||||||
Cash | $ | 432,414 | $ | 662,327 | ||
Cash, restricted | 3,055,686 | 2,658,907 | ||||
Accounts receivable | 20,906,147 | 17,929,059 | ||||
Insurance deposits | 8,208,366 | 18,720,000 | ||||
Related party receivables | 286,385 | 65,340 | ||||
Other current assets | 1,153,627 | 516,831 | ||||
Total Current Assets | 34,042,625 | 40,552,464 | ||||
Property and equipment, at cost, net accumulated | ||||||
depreciation of $2,029,155 and $774,158, respectively | 1,617,837 | 983,451 | ||||
Excess purchase price over net book value of assets required | 26,466,572 | 10,607,637 | ||||
Other assets | 1,639,676 | 711,652 | ||||
Total Assets | $ | 63,766,710 | $ | 52,855,204 | ||
Liabilities and Shareholders Equity | ||||||
Current liabilities | ||||||
Current portion of notes payable | $ | 5,127,382 | $ | 2,153,571 | ||
Accounts payable | 6,041,231 | 7,088,161 | ||||
Accrued expenses | 28,442,855 | 18,413,810 | ||||
Current portion of capital lease obligations | 140,299 | 190,648 | ||||
Total Current Liabilities | 39,751,767 | 27,846,190 | ||||
Long term notes payable | 6,227,528 | 2,070,010 | ||||
Long term portion of capital lease obligations | 83,506 | 118,309 | ||||
Long term portion of workers compensation claims | 2,753,011 | -- | ||||
Total Liabilities | 48,815,812 | 30,034,509 | ||||
Commitments and Contingencies | ||||||
Shareholders Equity | ||||||
Preferred shares, $.001 par, 5,000,000 authorized | 5 | 3 | ||||
Common shares, $.001 par, 100,000,000 authorized, | ||||||
_9,547,811 and 8,447,811 issued and outstanding in 2003 | ||||||
and 2002, respectively | 9,548 | 8,448 | ||||
Additional paid in capital | 11,825,152 | 22,107,754 | ||||
Accumulated earnings | 3,116,193 | 704,490 | ||||
Total Shareholders Equity | 14,950,898 | 22,820,695 | ||||
Total Liabilities and Shareholders Equity | $ | 63,766,710 | $ | 52,855,204 | ||
See notes to the consolidated financial statements. | ||||||
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Certified
Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries |
For the Years Ended December 31, | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2003 | 2002 | 2001 | |||||||
Revenue (gross billings of $945 million,$542 million | |||||||||
and $180 million, less worksite employee | |||||||||
payroll costs of $866 million, | |||||||||
$502 million and $166 million, respectively) | $ | 78,510,210 | $ | 40,406,261 | $ | 13,711,112 | |||
Cost of service | 42,445,615 | 21,822,214 | 9,878,578 | ||||||
Gross profit | 36,064,595 | 18,584,047 | 3,832,534 | ||||||
Operating expenses | |||||||||
Compensation and benefits | 11,914,059 | 4,987,722 | 1,474,060 | ||||||
Marketing and selling | 5,847,286 | 4,248,954 | 1,062,508 | ||||||
General and administrative | 15,300,810 | 6,326,964 | 1,994,367 | ||||||
Interest, net | 590,737 | 29,634 | 35,490 | ||||||
Total Operating Expenses | 33,652,892 | 15,593,274 | 4,566,425 | ||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 2,411,703 | $ | 2,990,773 | $ | (733,891 | ) | ||
Net income (loss) per share basic and fully diluted | $ | 0.27 | $ | 0.51 | $ | (0.21 | ) | ||
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - | |||||||||
Basic and fully diluted | 8,976,978 | 5,815,307 | 3,421,145 | ||||||
See notes to the consolidated financial statements. | |||||||||
- 28 - |
Certified
Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries |
Preferred | Common Stock | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Additional Paid-in Capital |
Retained Earnings (Deficit) |
Total |
|||||||||||||||||
Balance, January 1, 2001 | | $ | | 3,421,145 | $ | 3,421 | 95,885 | $ | (1,688,095 | ) | $ | (1,588,789 | ) | ||||||||||
Issuance of shares in completion | |||||||||||||||||||||||
of reorganization in 2001 | | | 725,000 | 725 | 35,525 | | 36,250 | ||||||||||||||||
Issuance of shares for services in | |||||||||||||||||||||||
reorganization and acquisitions | | | 945,000 | 945 | 93,555 | | 94,500 | ||||||||||||||||
Issuance of shares for purchase | |||||||||||||||||||||||
The Cura Group, Inc. | | | 2,000,000 | 2,000 | 498,000 | | 500,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Shares issued for cash | | | 281,666 | 282 | 91,700 | | 91,982 | ||||||||||||||||
Exchange of shares resolving | |||||||||||||||||||||||
purchase of APEO Holdings, Inc. | -406.667 | -1 | 850,000 | 850 | (849 | ) | | | |||||||||||||||
Issuance of shares for cash and | |||||||||||||||||||||||
additional consideration | 1,578 | 2 | | | 19,719,998 | | 19,720,000 | ||||||||||||||||
Issuance of shares for services | | | 225,000 | 225 | 67,275 | 67,500 | |||||||||||||||||
Net income | 2,990,773 | 2,990,773 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2002 | 2,678 | $ | 3 | 8,447,811 | $ | 8,448 | $ | 22,107,754 | $ | 704,490 | $ | 22,820,695 | |||||||||||
Issuance of shares for services | 450,000 | 450 | 359,550 | 360,000 | |||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of shares for Assets | 1,520 | 1 | 18,999,999 | 19,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of shares in | |||||||||||||||||||||||
connection with forming | |||||||||||||||||||||||
American HR Holdings | | | 650,500 | 650 | 577,850 | 578,500 | |||||||||||||||||
Cancellation of shares issued for | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Assets | -3018 | -2 | (37,719,998 | ) | (37,720,000 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Preferred Series B Issuance | 350 | 1 | 3,499,999 | 3,500,000 | |||||||||||||||||||
of shares for cash and | |||||||||||||||||||||||
additional consideration | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred Series D issuance | -300 | 1 | 2,999,999 | 3,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||||
of shares for surplus note | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Preferred Series E issuance | -100 | 1 | 999,999 | 1,000,000 | |||||||||||||||||||
of shares issued for cash | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net income | 2,559,327 | 2,559,327 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Balance, December 31, 2003 | 1,930 | 5 | 9,547,811 | 9,548 | $ | 11,825,152 | 3,116,193 | 14,950,898 | |||||||||||||||
See notes to the consolidated financial statements. |
- 29- |
Certified
Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries |
---|
For the Year Ended December 31, | ||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
||||||||||
2003 | 2002 | 2001 | ||||||||
|
|
|
||||||||
Cash flows from operating activities | ||||||||||
Net income (loss) | $ | 2,411,703 | $ | 2,990,773 | $ | (733,891 | ) | |||
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net | ||||||||||
cash provided by operations: | ||||||||||
Transitional net income of acquired subsidiary | | | 186,470 |
|
||||||
Reorganization pursuant to reverse acquisition | | | (50,767 | ) | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 737,146 | 286,655 | 57,567 | |||||||
Bad debt expense | 775,094 | 114,217 | 59,555 | |||||||
Issuance of stock to employees | 91,982 | | ||||||||
Issuance of stock for services | 103,333 | 162,000 | | |||||||
Severance expense | | 200,000 | ||||||||
Decrease (increase) in assets | ||||||||||
Accounts receivable | 7,942,610 | (14,718,796 | ) | (493,666 | ) | |||||
Other current assets | 249,735 | (878,597 | ) | 45,639 | ||||||
Restricted cash | (396,779 | ) | 5,077,615 | | ||||||
Insurance Deposits | (2,357,128 | ) | | | ||||||
Other assets | (901,324 | ) | (488,180 | ) | | |||||
Increase (decrease) in liabilities | ||||||||||
Accounts payable | (12,989,652 | ) | 2,838,728 | 1,335,735 | ||||||
Accrued expenses | 1,096,536 | 3,133,903 | 834,343 | |||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) operating | ||||||||||
activities | (3,328,726 | ) | (1,389,700 | ) | 1,440,985 | |||||
Cash flows from investing activities | ||||||||||
Purchase of property and equipment | (499,072 | ) | (565,024 | ) | (2,437 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from deposits | | | 16,520 | |||||||
Cash paid for business acquisition | (350,000 | ) | | | ||||||
Cash paid pursuant to reverse merger | | | (1,143,670 | ) | ||||||
Proceeds from stockholder | | | 28,918 | |||||||
Net proceeds from affiliates | | | (384,240 | ) | ||||||
Net cash (used in) investing activities | (849,072 | ) | (565,024 | ) | (1,484,909 | ) | ||||
Cash flows from financing activities | ||||||||||
Net proceeds from line of credit | 2,283,000 | 321,000 | | |||||||
Repayment of notes payable | (1,902,186 | ) | (138,095 | ) | (139,204 | ) | ||||
Proceeds of long-term debt | | 73,430 | | |||||||
Payments of capital lease obligations | (211,884 | ) | (33,520 | ) | (41,723) | |||||
Cash outlay for related party note receivable | (1,221,045 | ) | (1,671,215 | ) | | |||||
Loan proceeds from related parties | 1,000,000 | 1,605,875 | | |||||||
Issuance of preferred stock | 4,000,000 | 1,000,000 | 1,100,000 | |||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing | ||||||||||
activities | 3,947,885 | 1,157,475 | 919,073 | |||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash | (229,913 | ) | (797,249 | ) | 875,149 | |||||
Cash at beginning of year | 662,327 | 1,459,576 | 584,427 | |||||||
Cash at end of year | $ | 432,414 | $ | 662,327 | $ | 1,459,576 | ||||
See notes to the consolidated financial statements. |
- 30- |
Certified
Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION |
2003 | 2002 | 2001 | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cash paid during the year for: | |||||||||
Interest Expense | $ | 609,101 | $ | 115,997 | $ | 37,466 | |||
Income Taxes | | |
SUPPLEMENTAL SCHEDULE OF NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Capital stock accounts and additional paid in capital were adjusted in 2003 for the following:
The Registrant purchased the PEO operations excluding Staff America of BACE International in an acquisition with the following components:
Liabilities assumed in excess of assets | $ | 9,204,620 | |
Stock issued 650,000 of common stock | 578,500 | ||
Cash | 350,000 | ||
Promissory note | 3,500,000 | ||
Acquisition indebtedness | 2,225,814 |
In 2003, notes payable for $12,800,000 were agreed to be assumed in the acquisition of AmerHR. Included in the BACE acquisition debt, was a note payable for $6,856,000, which has been reclassified against Excess Purchase Price over Net Book Value of Assets Acquired as of December 31, 2003, as a result of pending litigation and the uncertainty of the outcome. A non-interest bearing note payable for $772,578 was assumed from BACE Corporation subsequent to closing in 2003, for which a $90,186 present value discount was taken.
Additionally, an obligation of $4,850,000 to a related party was assumed. During the third quarter 2003, the $4,850,000 note obligation was cancelled.
Additional paid in capital was credited in 2003 for $18,999,999 and 1,520 shares of Preferred Series A stock were issued at par for insurance deposits in the form of letters of credit of $19,000,000.
Additional paid in capital was debited in 2003 for $37,719,998 and 3,018 shares of Preferred Series A stock were returned at par for the removal of all insurance deposits in the form of letters of credit of $37,720,000.
Additional paid in capital was credited in 2003 for $3,499,999 and 350 shares of Preferred Series B stock were issued at par for insurance deposits of $3,500,000.
Additional paid in capital was credited in 2003 for $359,550 and 450,000 shares of Common stock were issued at par for services rendered. As of December 31, 2003, $256,667 of these services has been deferred until 2004.
- 31- |
|
Certified Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Supplemental Schedule of Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities
Capital stock accounts and additional paid in capital were adjusted in 2002 for the following:
The Registrant purchased the Cura Group in an acquisition with the following components:
Liabilities assumed in excess of assets | $ | 5,248,449 | |
Stock issued 2,000,000 of common stock | 500,000 | ||
Promissory note | 2,313,889 | ||
Promissory note | 136,000 |
Prior to the Registrant’s acquisition of Cura, Midwest Merger Management, LLC, a related party, had advanced to Cura $6,100,000. Subsequent to the acquisition, this obligation was retired by the issuance of certain shares of the Registrant’s Series A Preferred Stock.
During 2002, the Registrant issued 945,000 shares of common stock in completion of the reorganization in 2001.
The Registrant and the sellers of APEOH agreed that due to unforeseen changes in the industry and economic conditions since the date of merger in 2001, the original agreement did not accurately reflect the intent of the parties. Accordingly, the parties cancelled $3,200,000 of the notes payable, lengthened the payment term of the remaining note balance by twelve months, and exchanged 406.667 of Preferred Stock Series C for 850,000 shares of common stock.
Additional paid in capital was credited in 2002 for $18,719,998 and 1,498 shares of Preferred Series A stock were issued at par for insurance deposits of $18,720,000.
2003 | 2002 | |||||
Capitalized lease obligations incurred for use of equipment | $ | 102,293 | $ | 279,389 |
See notes to the consolidated financial statements.
- 32-
Certified
Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries NOTE 1-SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Nature of Organization Certified Services, Inc. (the Registrant) was organized on September 15, 1999 under the laws of the State of Nevada. Through December 31, 1999, the Registrant had been in the development stage. Effective January 1, 2000 the Registrant commenced, albeit insignificant, operations and was no longer considered to be a development stage enterprise. With the subsequent acquisitions of Americas PEO Holdings, Inc. (APEO), the Cura Group, Inc. (Cura), and American HR Holdings, Inc. ("Amer HR") the Registrant is organized as a holding company of several corporations engaged in the business of providing employee leasing and related payroll services to its clients throughout the United States. Basis of Presentation At December 31, 2003 and 2002 and for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, the consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Registrant and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All material inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. The results of operations of all acquired companies within the periods reflected have been included in the consolidated financial statements from the date of acquisition. On November 21, 2001, the Registrant acquired all of the issued and outstanding shares of APEO. For accounting purposes, the acquisition has been treated as an acquisition of the Registrant by APEO and a re-capitalization of APEO. Accordingly, the financial statements prior to November 21, 2001, are those of APEO only. Segment Reporting The Registrant operates in one reportable segment under Statement of Financial Standards ("SFAS") 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information. Use of Estimates The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that effect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Cash and Equivalents For the purpose of the statements of cash flows, cash equivalents include time deposits, certificates of deposit and all highly liquid debt instruments with original maturities of three months or less. Securities Issued for Services The Company accounts for stock issued for services under the intrinsic value method. For stock issued for services, the fair market value of the company's stock on the date of stock issuance is used. The Company has adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation". The Statement generally suggests, but does not require, stock-based compensation transactions to be accounted for based on the fair value of the services rendered or the fair value of the equity instruments issued, whichever is more reliably measurable. Securities issued for services during the period ending December 31, 2003, consisted of 450,000 common shares issued to consultants to the Registrant and during the period ending December 31, 2002 consisted of 225,000 common shares issued to vendors of the Registrant. The shares issued have been valued at the average fair market value of the common stock on the dates of issuance. |
- 33 - |
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts The Registrant provides an allowance for doubtful accounts equal to the estimated losses that will be incurred in the collection of all receivables. The estimated losses are based on a review of the current status of the existing receivables. The allowance for doubtful accounts is $894,526, $60,000 and $0 for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Property and Equipment Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation, which includes amortization of assets under capital leases, is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets of 5-7 years for furniture, fixtures and equipment. Repairs and maintenance expenditures which do not extend the useful lives of related assets are expensed as incurred. Evaluation of Long-Lived Assets Long-lived assets are assessed for recoverability on an ongoing basis. In evaluating the fair value and future benefits of long-lived assets, their carrying value would be reduced by the excess, if any, of the long-lived asset over managements estimate of the anticipated undiscounted future net cash flows of the related long-lived asset. At December31, 2002, management believes that the carrying value of excess purchase price over net book value of assets acquired fairly reflects the future cash flows to be derived there from. Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of companies acquired over the fair market value of their net assets at the date of acquisition. The Company tests goodwill for impairment on an annual basis, relying on a number of factors including operating results, business plans and future cash flows. If the carrying value of the goodwill of a reporting unit exceeds the fair value of that goodwill, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the excess. At December 31, 2003, management believes that the carrying value of excess purchase price over net book value of assets acquired fairly reflects the future cash flows to be derived there from. Revenue Recognition The Registrant has adopted a new revenue recognition policy under which compensation of worksite employees will no longer be recognized as revenue components (net method). The change in policy was made in response to an industry wide SEC comment letter requesting the change to the net method of revenue recognition which was based in part on the collective weight of the indicators included in Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 99-19, Reporting Revenues Gross as a Principal versus Net as an Agent (EITF 99-19). The policy has been applied to the current financial statements and retroactively applied to the previous years financial statement. The new policy will have no effect on the gross profit, net income (loss) or shareholders equity amounts previously reported by the Registrant in its public filings. The Registrant records revenue as services are provided. The Registrants revenues consist of administrative fees paid by its clients under Shared Employer Agreements, which are based upon each worksite employees gross pay and a markup, computed as a percentage of the gross pay. The Registrant includes the component of its comprehensive service fees related to the gross pay of its worksite employees as revenue. In consideration for payment of such service fees, the Registrant agrees to pay the following direct costs associated with the worksite employees: (i) salaries and wages; (ii) employment-related taxes; (iii) employee benefit plan premiums; and (iv) workers compensation insurance premiums. The Registrant accounts for fees and the related direct costs using the accrual method. Under the accrual method, fees relating to worksite employees with earned but unpaid wages at the end of each period are recognized as unbilled revenues and the related direct costs for such wages are accrued as a liability during the period in which wages are earned by the worksite employee. Subsequent to the end of each period, the related fees are billed. |
- 34 - |
Advertising Costs Advertising costs are charged to operations when incurred. Advertising expense was $272,339, $28,089 and $8,518 for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Income Taxes Effective November 21, 2001, the Registrant files a consolidated Federal income tax return with its wholly owned subsidiaries. Income taxes are provided for the tax effects of transactions reported in the financial statements and consist of taxes currently due plus deferred taxes, as applicable. Deferred taxes are based on differences between financial reporting and income tax carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and are measured using tax rates that are expected to be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred taxes also are recognized for operating losses that are available to offset future federal and state income taxes. Income (Loss) Per Common Share Basic and diluted income (loss) per common share are computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. The number of potential common shares outstanding were 976,978, 5,815,307 and 3,421,145, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001. Potential common shares were not used in the computation of diluted loss per common share in 2001, as their effect would have been anti-dilutive. NOTE 2-FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS The Registrants material financial instruments for which disclosure of estimated fair value is required by certain accounting standards at December 31, 2003, consist of cash, accounts receivable, insurance deposits, accounts payable, notes payable and capital lease obligations. In the opinion of management, such items other than certain notes payable are carried at values that approximate fair value because of liquidity, short-term maturities or interest rates equivalent to those currently prevailing for financial instruments with similar characteristics. Non-interest bearing notes payable, in the original principal amount of $772,578 at December 31, 2003 and $1,000,000 at December 31, 2002, have been subjected to an 8% present value discount in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at December 31, 2003 and 2002. Limitations Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in
time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial
statement. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties
and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot be determined
with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the
estimates. NOTE 3-CONCENTRATION OF BUSINESS AND CREDIT RISK At times throughout the year, the Registrant may maintain certain bank accounts in excess of FDIC insured limits. The Registrant provides credit in the normal course of business. The Registrant performs ongoing credit evaluations of its customers and maintains allowances for doubtful accounts based on factors surrounding the credit risk of specific customers, historical trends, and other information. NOTE 4-RESTRICTED CASH As of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively, the Registrant maintained restricted cash deposits of $3,055,686 and $2,658,907 at its lending institution to collateralize its revolving lines of credit (See Note 15-Notes Payable). The initial line of credit became available during 2002. Upon termination of the revolving line of credit, these funds will become available for utilization by the Registrant. |
-35 - |
NOTE 5-INSURANCE DEPOSITS An integral part of the relationship with the entities participating in the Registrant’s risk management program involves the retention by those entities of security deposits, which the Registrant fulfills with cash placed in escrow, annual renewable letters of credit and other forms of collateral which amounted to $8,208,366 and $18,720,00 as of December 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively. Subsequent to December 31, 2002 the letters of credit of $18,720,000 were alleged to be not valid. (See Note 17-Preferred and Common Stock). NOTE 6-ACQUISITIONS AND MERGERS On June 27, 2003, and effective as of April 1, 2003, the Registrant, through its wholly-owned subsidiary American HR Holdings, Inc. ("AmerHR"), acquired from BACE International, Inc., a non-affiliated North Carolina corporation ("BACE"), all of BACE's professional employer, payroll and human resource services operations for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $6,255,015. The purchase price was comprised of $350,000 cash, a 4% promissory note in the principal amount of $3,500,000 payable over five years, the assumption of approximately $2,225,814 of BACE's acquisition and capital requirement debt, and the balance represented by 650,000 shares of the Registrant's restricted common stock valued at $.89 per share. Also included is an option to purchase an additional 100,000 common shares for $2 per common share if and when the Company's common stock attains a value of at least $12 per common share. Concurrent with the acquisition, the Company retained the former chief executive of the BACE business unit acquired as a consultant for the four year period through June 30, 2007, at an annual rate of $250,000, and agreed to continue certain co-marketing activities with BACE through June 30, 2004, at an annual cost of $900,000. Such payments have ceased in the fourth quarter of 2003, See Item 1 "Recent Developments".
The
operations of American HR Holdings, Inc. are included in the accompanying
consolidated statement of operations from the date of acquisition, April
1, 2003 through December 31, 2003. The pro forma unaudited consolidated
statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and
2001 for the Registrant, including BACE, prior to April 1, 2003, appear
below: |
(in
thousands) For the Years Ended December 31, |
||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2003 | 2002 | 2001 | ||||||||
Revenues | $ | 88,143,544 | $ | 73,488,987 | $ | 60,559,512 | ||||
Cost of service | (55,007,171 | ) | (37,122,344 | ) | (42,779,222 | ) | ||||
Gross profit | 33,136,373 | 36,366,643 | 17,780,290 | |||||||
Operating expenses | (38,738,659 | ) | (32,6778,677 | ) | (18,690,365 | ) | ||||
Net income (loss) | $ | (5,602,286 | ) | $ | 3,587,966 | $ | (910,075 | ) | ||
-36 - |
In July 2002, the Registrant acquired control of the issued and outstanding shares of Cura., with offices in Ft. Lauderdale and Tampa, FL. Cura is a Professional Employer Organization currently comprised of two Florida corporations: The Cura Group, Inc. and The Cura Group II, Inc. The aggregate purchase price of Cura is comprised of 2,000,000 shares of the Registrant's common stock valued at $.25 per share and two promissory notes in the amounts of $2,313,889 and $136,111. The operations of Cura are included in the accompanying consolidated statement of operations from the date of acquisition, July 1, 2002 through December 2002 and thereafter. The pro forma unaudited consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001 for the Registrant, including Cura, prior to July 1, 2002, appear below: |
(in
thousands) For the Years Ended December 31, |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2002 | 2001 | ||||||
Revenues | $ | 52,299 | $ | 29,868 | |||
Cost of service | (31,039 | ) | (24,400 | ) | |||
Gross profit | 21,260 | 5,468 | |||||
Operating expenses | (21,229 | ) | (11,450 | ) | |||
Net income (loss) | $ | 31 | $ | (5,982 | ) | ||
NOTE 7-PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT Property and equipment, at cost, consists of the following: |
2003 | 2002 | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Furniture, fixtures and computer equipment | $ | 3,634,391 | $ | 1,757,609 | |||
Less: accumulated depreciation | (2,016,554 | ) | (774,158 | ) | |||
Total | $ | 1,617,837 | $ | 983,451 | |||
Depreciation expense charged to operations amounted to $637,146, $274,538, and $57,567 for the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. NOTE 8-EXCESS PURCHASE PRICE OVER NET BOOK VALUE OF ASSETS ACQUIRED
The excess cost over net book value of assets acquired is comprised of: |
2003 | 2002 | |||||
APEO Holdings, Inc. | ||||||
Cash | $ | 1,100,000 | $ | 1,100,000 | ||
Non-interest bearing promissory note | ||||||
subjected to an 8% present value discount | 821,990 | 821,990 | ||||
Shares of Common Stock | 406,667 | 406,667 | ||||
Transaction costs | 88,781 | 88,781 | ||||
2,417,438 | 2,417,438 | |||||
Less: Net assets | (8,250 | ) | (8,250 | ) | ||
$ | 2,409,188 | $ | 2,409,188 | |||
- 37- |
The Cura Group, Inc. | ||||||
6% three year promissory note | $ | 2,313,889 | $ | 2,313,889 | ||
6% three month promissory note | 136,111 | 136,111 | ||||
Shares of Common Stock | 500,000 | 500,000 | ||||
2,950,000 | 2,950,000 | |||||
Add: Net Liabilities | 5,248,449 | 5,248,449 | ||||
8,198,449 | 8,198,449 | |||||
American HR Holdings Inc. | ||||||
Common Stock | 578,500 | | ||||
Cash and Notes | 6,075,815 | | ||||
6,654,315 | | |||||
Add: Net Liabilities | 9,204,620 | | ||||
Total | $ | 15,858,934 | | |||
TOTAL | $ | 26,466,572 | $ | 10,607,637 | ||
NOTE 9-OTHER ASSETS Other assets consist of the following: |
2003 | 2002 | ||||||
Note receivable | $ | 148,920 | $ | 208,919 | |||
Investments | 1,005,000 | | |||||
Prepaid expenses | 940,627 | 343,833 | |||||
Noncomplete covenant | 72,355 | ||||||
Acquisition costs | 542,277 | 484,031 | |||||
Deposits | 84,124 | 191,700 | |||||
Total | 2,793,303 | 1,228,483 | |||||
Less: current portion | 1,153,627 | 516,831 | |||||
$ | 1,639,676 | $ | 711,652 | ||||
The note receivable is unsecured, bears interest at 3% and is payable as follows: a. $5,000 on March 22, 2002 with 35 monthly payments of $2,000 with the remaining balance on November 22, 2005 b. On December 9, 2003, the note was amended, providing for monthly payments of principal and interest of $10,000 commencing February 25, 2004 with the remaining balance due on May 25, 2005 |
Investments are comprised of a Surplus Loan Agreement in the amount of $1,000,000 issued in exchange for Series E Preferred Stock, $.001 par value (See note 17-Preferred and Common Stock) and Marketable Securities stated at cost which estimates fair value, in the amount of $5,000. The non-compete covenant is amortized over 31 months at a rate of $1,660 per month. Acquisition costs represent amounts paid incidental to
the acquisition of customer relationships. Such costs are amortized over
sixty months, the period which management believes represents the estimated
lives of the customer relationships. Amortization expense for the years
ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 was $108,000, $12,117, and $0,
respectively. . |
-38 -
|
NOTE 10-ACCRUED EXPENSES
Accrued expenses consist of the following:
2003 | 2002 | |||||
Accrued payroll | $ | 14,710,418 | $ | 9,379,191 | ||
Accrued payroll taxes | 6,269,868 | 4,180,119 | ||||
Client claims funds | 1,208,401 | 2,022,977 | ||||
Workers compensation payable | 1,014,511 | 580,589 | ||||
Employee benefits payable | 467,946 | 685,535 | ||||
Accrued health insurance plan claims | 32,355 | 612,592 | ||||
Customer Deposits | 3,655,711 | 384,153 | ||||
Income Tax Payable | 193,773 | | ||||
Other accrued expenses | 889,872 | 568,654 | ||||
Total | $ | 28,442,855 | $ | 18,413,810 | ||
NOTE 11-EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN Multiple Employer 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan The Registrant sponsors a qualified, multiple employer defined contribution prototype plan. Client employers may adopt the terms and provisions of this qualified plan. Eligible employees may elect to contribute up to 15% of their annual compensation to an investment trust. Participating employers may elect to make matching or discretionary contributions under the terms of the plan. The Registrant contributed $22,712 and $0, respectively, to the accounts of its direct employees who were participants in 2002 and 2001. In October 2002, the Registrant terminated a second 401k plan offered to worksite and direct employees. Plan assets were distributed according to Internal Revenue Code guidelines. Medical Benefit Plans The Company offers fully-insured medical benefit plans to employees. Participating employer customers were able to participate or opt to offer their own insurance coverage to employees. During 2001, the Company elected to terminate its self-funded employee welfare benefit Plan effective December 31, 2001. Notice of intention to terminate the Plan was given to all participating client companies and COBRA participants. Alternative program options were offered to clients, however, the Company does not intend to sponsor another medical benefit program. Flexible Benefit Plan The Flexible Benefits Plan, or Internal Revenue Code Section 125 Cafeteria Plan, is maintained by the Registrant since 1997 to allow eligible employees to use salary redirection amounts to pay for benefit plan premiums and other fringe benefits offered by the Plan. NOTE 12-EMPLOYEE STOCK OPTION PLAN The Registrant’s 2002 Stock Option Plan (the “SOP”) provides for options that may be granted to eligible employees and non-employee directors and advisors of the Registrant or its subsidiaries. An aggregate of 10,000,000 shares of common stock of the Registrant are authorized to be issued under the SOP. At December 31, 2003, 9,400,000 shares of common stock were available for future grants. The SOP became effective on September 9, 1998, and options may be granted through its tenth anniversary date. The stock options are intended to qualify as “incentive stock options” within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code, when appropriate. The purposes of the SOP is to retain and attract persons of training, experience and ability to serve as employees and as non-employee directors and advisors of the Registrant and its subsidiaries, and to encourage the sense of proprietorship of such persons and to stimulate the active interest of such persons in the development and financial success of the Registrant and its subsidiaries. |
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The SOP is administered by the SOP Committee of the Board of Directors (the Committee). The Committee has the power to determine which eligible employees will receive awards, the timing and manner of the grant of such awards, the exercise price of stock options (which may not be less than market value on the date of grant), the number of shares, the vesting of the shares and all of the terms of the awards. The Registrant may at any time amend or terminate the SOP. However, no amendment that would impair the rights of any participant, with respect to outstanding grants, can be made without the participants prior consent. Stockholder approval of an amendment to the SOP is necessary only when required by applicable law or stock exchange rules. The following summarizes stock option activity and related information: |
Shares | Weighted Average Exercise Price |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Outstanding, beginning of year | | $ | | |||
Granted | | $ | | |||
Exercised | | $ | | |||
Canceled | | $ | | |||
Outstanding, end of year | | $ | | |||
Exercisable, end of year | | $ | | |||
NOTE 13-RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Risk Management Agreement On January 1, 2002 the Registrant entered into a Risk Management Agreement with Midwest Merger Management, LLC (Midwest), its principal and controlling shareholder. Pursuant thereto, Midwest agreed to manage the Registrants risk, develop insurance relationships and provide access to insurance programs and collateral while assuming the responsibility for managing the cost of workplace accidents that occur during the five year term of the agreement. Payments made under this agreement were $43,866,830 and $16,323,144 for 2003 and 2002 respectively. On November 17, 2003, pursuant to a Subscription Agreement, the Registrant issued 350 shares of its Series B Preferred Stock, par value $.001 (the “Series B”) to Midwest in exchange for an annual renewable letter of credit in the amount of $3,500,000 from the United Bank of Switzerland for the benefit of Cura’s operations. Midwest transferred this certificate of Series B to a third-party intermediary on December 23, 2003 (See Note 17-Preferred and Common Stock). On November 12, 2003, the Registrant executed a Capital Financing Agreement (the Capital Agreement) pursuant to the terms of which Midwest would provide the Registrant with long-term capital under a Marketing Organization Agreement between the Registrant and Central Leasing Management, Inc., an Illinois corporation (CLM). In that fourth quarter of 2003, Midwest deposited $3,000,000 CLM to meet the capital requirements of the Registrants operating companies. The Registrant has issued 300 Series D Preferred Stock to Midwest under the Capital Agreement. |
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On December 22, 2003, Midwest advanced $1,000,000 to the Registrants wholly owned subsidiary American Staff Resources (ASR) in order for ASR to provide a $1,000,000 surplus note to Providence Property & Casualty Company to meet the surplus requirements of ASR clients. In consideration of this sum, Midwest and the Registrant entered into a Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement whereby the Registrant issued 100 shares of its Series E Preferred Stock in consideration of Midwests $1,000,000 capital contribution on behalf of ASR. In 2002, Midwest provided annual renewable letters of credit (LCs) in favor of the Registrants workmans compensation insurance carrier, which at December 31, 2002 amounted to $18,720,000. (See Note 5-Insurance Deposits). The Registrant issued to Midwest 1,498 of its Series A Preferred Stock, $.001 par value pursuant to a Subscription Agreement executed with each LC contributed. (See Note 17-Preferred and Common Stock) Subsequent to December 31, 2002 the Letters of Credit were alleged to be not valid and the 1,498 preferred shares were returned to the Company. Issuance of Shares – In 2002, pursuant to a Subscription Agreement, the Registrant issued 80 shares of its Series A Preferred Stock, $.001 par value to Brentwood Capital Corp. (Brentwood), an affiliated company, in exchange for consideration of $1,000,000. During
February, 2002, the Registrant also issued 600,000 options to purchase
its Common Shares at $.10 per share to Brentwood in exchange for services
in connection with Midwest's purchase of control of the Registrant and
its subsequent identification and negotiation of its first two acquisition
targets. The options were exercised in March, 2002 and the Registrant
recognized expense of $60,000. Sublease Arrangement - On June 27, 2002 the Registrant subleased 15,000 square feet of office space from a non-affiliated prime tenant pursuant to a sublease expiring in March of 2008. On November 4, 2002 the Registrant assigned all of its right and interest under the sublease to Brentwood but for the right to utilize up to 300 square feet of office space in consideration of the payment of a pro rata monthly rent. Additionally, also on June 27, 2002 the Registrant purchased certain office furniture and equipment of the prime tenant for $350,000. On November 4, 2002 the Registrant in consideration of Brentwood's agreement to assume the obligation, assigned all of its rights and interest in the office furniture and equipment to Brentwood. The Registrant remains contingently liable on the sublease and purchase agreement. In addition, there are temporary advances made between related parties. On December 31, 2003 and 2002, the Registrant had a receivable due from Midwest in the amounts of $268,115 and $41,414, respectively. On December 31, 2003 and 2002, Brentwood the Registrant had a receivable due to the Registrant from Brentwood in the amount of $18,270 and $23,926, respectively. Accounts
payable at December 31, 2003 and 2002 included $2,855 and $251,050 due
to Midwest, respectively. NOTE 14-CAPITAL LEASES The Registrant leases certain equipment under capital leases expiring in various years through 2003. The assets and liabilities under capital leases are recorded at the lower of the present value of the minimum lease payments or the fair value of the asset at the inception of the lease. The assets are amortized over the lower of their related lease terms or their estimated productive lives. Amortization of assets under capital leases is included in depreciation expense in 2002 and 2001. Properties under capital leases are as follows: |
2003 | 2002 | |||||
Furniture and fixtures | $ | 148,040 | $ | 239,492 | ||
Computer equipment | 1,138,905 | 286,102 | ||||
Subtotal | 1,138,905 | 525,594 | ||||
Less accumulated amortization | (234,142 | ) | (140,784 | ) | ||
Total | $ | 904,763 | $ | 384,810 | ||
The following is a schedule of minimum lease payments due under capital leases as of the: |
Year Ending December 31, | ||||||
2004 | $ | 187,276 | $ | 226,166 | ||
2005 | 53,912 | 110,224 | ||||
2006 | 31,393 | 20,265 | ||||
2007 | 26,113 | — | ||||
Total net minimum capital lease payments | 298,744 | 356,655 | ||||
Less amounts representing interest | (74,939 | ) | (47,698 | ) | ||
Present value of net minimum capital lease payments | 223,805 | 308,957 | ||||
Less current maturities of capital lease obligations | (140,299 | ) | (190,648 | ) | ||
Obligations under capital leases, excluding current maturities | $ | 83,506 | $ | 118,309 | ||
Interest rates on capitalized leases vary from 10% to 27% and are imputed based on the lower of the Registrant's incremental borrowing rate at the inception of each lease or the lessor's implicit rate of return. Amortization of assets under capital leases is included in depreciation expense in 2003, 2002 and 2001. The capital leases provide for purchase options. Generally, purchase options are at prices representing bargain values of the property at the expiration of the lease term. |
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NOTE 15-NOTES PAYABLE Notes payable (including acquisition indebtedness) consist of the following: |
2003 | 2002 | |||||
$2,500,000 revolving line of credit, expiring September, 2004, with interest at the LIBOR Market Index Rate plus 2%, collateralized by cash deposits of $2,013,318 and $2,658,907, respectively, and a security interest in Certificates of deposit of $500,000 pledged by Former CURA shareholders | ||||||
$ | 2,500,000 | $ | 1,217,000 | |||
$1,000,000 line of credit, expiring November, 2004, with Interest at the LIBOR Market Index Rate plus 2%, collateralized by cash deposits of $1,000,000 and $0, respectively | ||||||
$ | 1,000,000 | |||||
Non-interest bearing acquisition promissory note of $1,000,000 payable in equal monthly installments over 72 months commencing January 10, 2002 after an 8% present value discount. | ||||||
$ | 588,950 | $ | 685,027 | |||
6% interest bearing acquisition promissory note of $2,313,889 originally payable in equal monthly installments over 34 months commencing January 3, 2003 and on January 27, 2004 amended whereby the obligation is payable over 55 months commencing February 15, 2004 | ||||||
$ | 1,847,608 | $ | 2,313,889 | |||
6.5% interest bearing acquisition promissory note amount of $1,430,000 due in 5 equal annual installments commencing March 20, 2003 | ||||||
$ | 1,144,000 | $ | — | |||
Non-interest bearing promissory notes in the in the amount of $772,578 due in three annual installments commencing October 31, 2003 after an 8% present value discount. The Registrant has not made the initial payment of $257,526 due October 31, 2003. The Registrant and lenders are in the process of renegotiating the terms of this obligation whereby it is anticipated that an initial payment of $72,000 will be made on March 15, 2004 followed by 48 equal monthly installments of $14,583 commencing March 15, 2004. | ||||||
$ | 682,392 | $ | — | |||
4% interest bearing promissory note of $3,500,000 payable in 59 equal monthly installments commencing August 1, 2003 | ||||||
$ | 3,403,362 | $ | — |
Installment note payable secured by equipment | $ | 188,598 | $ | 7,665 | |
11,354,910 | 4,223,581 | ||||
Less: current portion | 5,127,382 | 2,153,571 | |||
$ | 6,227,528 | $ | 2,070,010 | ||
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On June 27, 2003, in furtherance of its acquisition of BACEs PEO Operations, the Registrant executed a promissory note in favor of BACE in the principal amount of $3,500,000 with interest at the rate of 4%, payable over fifty-nine (59) monthly payments (the BACE Note). As a result of the Registrants discovery that the liabilities of the PEO Operations exceeded its assets by $14,300,000, and the Registrants contractual ability to offset any sums owed to BACE by the amount of such liabilities, the Registrant has suspended payments on the BACE Note pending a determination of its arbitration against BACE. For more information, see Item 1 Recent Developments.
Total maturities of notes payable are as follows: | |||||
Year Ending December 31, | |||||
2004 | $ | 5,127,382 | |||
2005 | 1,715,407 | ||||
2006 | 1,777,607 | ||||
2007 | 1,585,779 | ||||
2008 | 1,148,735 | ||||
Total | $ | 11,354,910 | |||
Acquisition indebtedness was incurred incidental to the reverse merger transaction between the Registrant and APEO and the acquisitions of Cura and AmerHR. NOTE 16-OPERATING LEASE COMMITMENTS The Registrant rents office space under the following non-cancelable operating leases, which contain provisions for contingent rental payments based upon increases in taxes, insurance, and common area maintenance expense: |
Fort Lauderdale, FL: Lease expiring October 2008 with no renewal option; | |
Cherry Hill, NJ: Lease expiring December 2005 with renewal option for an additional 5 years; | |
Tampa, FL: Lease expiring September 2010 with renewal option for an additional 10 years; | |
New York, NY: Lease expiring 2008, no renewal option; | |
Jacksonville, FL: Lease expiring January 2005 with renewal option for an additional 5 years; | |
Atlanta, GA: Lease expiring May 2005 with renewal option for an additional 3 years; | |
Apopka, FL: Lease expiring May 2004 with no renewal option; | |
Dallas, TX: Lease expiring June 2005 with renewal option for an additional 5 years. |
The Registrant also leases various computer and office equipment, and furniture expiring over the next five years. The following is a schedule of future minimum rental payments (exclusive of common area charges) required under operating leases that have initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one year as of December 31: |
2003 | 2002 | |||||
2004 | $ | 1,145,580 | $ | 806,775 | ||
2005 | 952,458 | 654,041 | ||||
2006 | 503,134 | 518,372 | ||||
2007 | 475,515 | 266,150 | ||||
2008 | 413,896 | 268,384 | ||||
2009 | 446,080 | 273,152 | ||||
2010 | | 209,960 | ||||
Total minimum payments required | $ | 3,936,664 | $ | 3,263,057 | ||
Rent expense charged to operations were $1,297,751 and $475,978 for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2001, respectively. NOTE 17- PREFERRED AND COMMON STOCK The Registrant is authorized to issue 100,000,000 shares of $.001 par value common stock. As of March 17, 2004 there were 9,547,811 shares of the Registrants common stock issued and outstanding on a fully diluted basis. The Registrant is authorized to issue 5,000,000 shares of $0.001 par value preferred stock in various series. Preferred Stock outstanding is as follows:. |
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Preferred Stock | ||||||||
Shares | ||||||||
Designated | Outstanding | Par Value | ||||||
Series A, $.001 par value | 100 | 80 | 1 | |||||
Series B, $.001 par value | 100,000 | 1450 | 2 | |||||
Series D, $.001 par value | 10,000 | 300 | 1 | |||||
Series E, $.001 par value | 10,000 | 100 | 1 | |||||
120,010 | 1,972 | 5 | ||||||
From September 2002 through December 2002, pursuant to a Subscription Agreement the Registrant issued 1,578 shares of its Series A Preferred Stock, $.001 par value (the "Series A") to Midwest Merger Management, LLC ("Midwest") in exchange for $19,720,000 consisting of cash ($1,000,000) and annual renewable letters of credit ($18,720,000). Between April 2003 through June 2003, the Registrant issued an additional 1,520 shares of the Series A to Midwest in exchange for $19,000,000 in annual renewable letters of credit (See Note 5 – Insurance Deposits). The Series A is entitled to 10,000 common votes per share, has no redemption priorities, and is entitled to preference upon the liquidation or sale of substantially all of the Registrant’s assets. Subsequent to the completion of these transactions, the letters of credit were alleged to be not valid resulting in Midwest's return of the 3,018 shares of Series A it received from the Registrant. Prior to, but as a component of, the reverse merger transaction between the Registrant and APEO, the Registrant agreed to issue 1,100 shares of Series B Preferred Stock, convertible into 11,000,000 common shares, in exchange for $1,100,000, or $0.10 per common share equivalent. On November 17, 2003, pursuant to a Subscription Agreement the Registrant issued 350 shares of its Series B to Midwest in exchange for an annual renewable letter of credit in the amount of $3,500,000 (See Note 5 - Insurance Deposits). The Series B share are entitled to 10,000 common votes per preferred share and are not eligible for conversion until the Registrant’s common stock price has exceeded $10 per share for 20 consecutive trading days. Conversion occurs pro-rata in $5 increments after the stock price has exceeded $10 per share for 20 consecutive trading days. The Series B Preferred has no redemption priorities and is entitled to preference upon the liquidation or sale of substantially all of the Registrant’s assets. As a component of the reverse merger transaction between the Registrant and APEO, the Registrant agreed to issue 406.667 shares of Series C Preferred Stock convertible into 4,066,667 common shares of the Registrant. In the opinion of management, the shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock also had a value of $0.10 per common share equivalent, or an aggregate value of $406,667. During September 2002 the parties exchanged the 406.667 preferred shares for 850,000 shares of common stock. On November 12, 2003, pursuant to a Subscription Agreement the Registrant issued 300 shares of its Series D Preferred Stock, $.001 par value to a related party in exchange for $3,000,000 of cash deposits (See Note 5-Insurance Deposits). The Series D Preferred is entitled to 10,000 common votes per share, has no redemption priorities, and is entitled to preference upon the liquidation or sale of substantially all of the Registrant’s assets. On December 22, 2003, pursuant to a Subscription Agreement the Registrant issued 100 shares of its Series E Preferred Stock, $.001 par value to a related party in exchange for a Surplus Note in the amount of $1,000,000 (See Note 5 – Insurance Deposits). The Series E Preferred is entitled to 10,000 common votes per share, has no redemption priorities, and is entitled to preference upon the liquidation or sale of substantially all of the Registrant’s assets. Series A and B preferred shares are each convertible into 10,000 common shares upon the Registrant's common stock reaching a value of $10 per share. Series D and E preferred shares are each convertible into 12,500 common shares commencing one year after the date of issuance. The
Series B is entitled to receive an annual dividend of $400 per share of
Series B. Midwest has renounced all rights to its Series B dividend, leaving
an annual dividend remaining on the Series B of $140,000 at December 31,
2003. |
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NOTE 18-COST OF SERVICES
Cost of services is comprised of the following:
2003 | 2002 | 2001 | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Employee benefits | $ | 11,421,889 | $ | 5,499,070 | $ | 4,299,099 | |||
Insurance | 31,023,726 | 16,323,144 | 5,485,824 | ||||||
Other | | 93,655 | |||||||
$ | 42,445,615 | $ | 21,822,214 | $ | 9,878,578 | ||||
NOTE 19-INCOME TAXES The income tax provision (benefit) is comprised of the following: |
2003 | 2002 | 2001 | |||||||
Federal | |||||||||
Current | $ | | $ | | $ | | |||
Deferred | | | | ||||||
State | |||||||||
Current | $ | | $ | | $ | | |||
Deferred | | | |
Deferred taxes are recognized for temporary differences between the bases of assets and liabilities for financial statement and income tax purposes. The differences relate primarily to net operating losses and the reserves of workers’ compensation. The Registrants’ deferred tax asset is comprised of the following temporary differences: |
2003 | 2002 | 2001 | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Federal Deferred Tax Asset | |||||||||
Net operating loss carry forward | $ | (680,000) | $ | (935,000) | $ | (20,000) | |||
Total deferred assets | (680,000) | (935,000) | (20,000) | ||||||
Less Valuation Allowance | 680,000 | 935,000 | 20,000 | ||||||
Total Net deferred assets | |||||||||
$ | | $ | | $ | | ||||
2003 | 2002 | 2001 | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
State Deferred Tax Asset | |||||||||
Net operating loss carry forward | $ | (680,000) | $ | (145,000) | $ | (9,000) | |||
Total deferred assets | (680,000) | (145,000) | (9,000) | ||||||
Less Valuation Allowance | 680,000 | 145,000 | 9,000 | ||||||
Total Net deferred assets | |||||||||
$ | | $ | | $ | | ||||
The Company has available net operating loss carry forwards as
to which full valuation allowance has been established which may be used to
reduce Federal and State taxable income and tax liabilities in future years
as follows
Federal | State | ||||
Available through | |||||
2018 | 4,500,000 | 4,000,000 | |||
The differences between income tax provisions (benefits) in the consolidated financial statements and the tax expense (benefit) computed at the US Federal Statutory rate of 34% are as follows:
2003 | 2002 | 2001 | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tax provision (benefit) at the US Federal Statutory rate |
$ | 820,000 | $ | 1,000,000 | $ | | |||
Net operating loss carryover | (725,000) | (1,000,000) | | ||||||
Workers’ compensation reserves | (95,000) | | | ||||||
Provision for income taxes | $ | | $ | | $ | | |||
NOTE 20 RECLASSIFICATIONS Certain amounts for 2001 have been reclassified to conform with 2002 classifications. Such reclassifications had no effect on reported net income. NOTE 21 - CONTINGENCIES – RISK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM Midwest, the Registrant's principal and controlling shareholder, is the sole administrator of the Registrant's risk management program. Additionally, Midwest has arranged for the placing of letters of credit and deposits (amounting to $8,208,366 at December 31, 2003) with the Registrant's insurance carriers upon which the Registrant relies in managing its workplace risk. After reduction for the deposits noted above, and estimated liabilities of acquired subsidiaries amounting to $3,767,522, the estimated cost of claims incurred at December 31, 2003 amounted to $7,531,061. Midwest is primarily responsible for the disbursement of these funds to the estimated, incurred value noted herein. NOTE 22 – NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS In April 2003, the FASB issued SFAS Statement No. 149, "Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities", which amends and clarifies financial accounting and reporting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts (collectively referred to as derivatives) and for hedging activities under FASB Statement No. 133, Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. This Statement is effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003, except for certain hedging relationships designed after June 30, 2003. Most provisions of this Statement should be applied prospectively. The adoption of this statement is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company's results of operations or financial position. |
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In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS Statement No. 150, "Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity". This Statement establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. It requires that an issuer classify a financial instrument that is within its scope as a liability (or an asset in some circumstances). This statement is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003, except for mandatorily redeemable financial instruments of nonpublic entities, if applicable. It is to be implemented by reporting the cumulative effect of a change in an accounting principle for financial instruments created before the issuance date of the Statement and still existing at the beginning of the interim period of adoption. The adoption of this statement is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company's results of operations or financial position. In January 2003, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 46 ("FIN 46", Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, an Interpretation of ARB No. 51). FIN 46 requires certain variable interest entities to be consolidated by the primary beneficiary of the entity if the entity investors in the entity do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without addition subordinated financial support from other parties. FIN 46 is effective for all new variable interest entities created or acquired after January 31, 2003. For variable interest entities created or acquired prior to February 1, 2003, the provisions of FIN 46 must be applied for the first interim or annual period beginning after June 15, 2003. The adoption of FIN 46 did not have a significant impact on the Company's results of operations or financial position. NOTE 23 LITIGATION On October 9, 2003, Continental Casualty Company and is related companies (“CNA") commenced an action against The Cura Group, Inc., the Registrant’s operating subsidiary (“Cura”). The action, Continental Casualty Company et al v. The Cura Group, Inc. was filed in the United States District Court, Southern District of Florida. The complaint seeks the replacement of collateral obligations in the amount of $37,720,000. The parties have since stipulated to a stay of the proceedings. The Registrant and Cura filed their answer, affirmative defenses and counterclaims against the plaintiffs on October 31, 2003. The counterclaims allege that CNA imposed arbitrary and falsely inflated premiums and collateral requirements on Cura and that CNA misrepresented Cura’s payroll, status of operation and client base in order to increase premiums and collateral requirements. The Registrant believes that it will resolve the forgoing matter without a materially adverse affect upon its financial condition. On November 10, 2003, the Registrant and its subsidiaries, American HR Holdings, Inc. ("AmerHR") and The Cura Group II, Inc. ("Cura II"), were served with a citation and petition in a suit entitled Prairie Capital Mezzanine Fund, L.P. et al. al. v. BACE International Corporation, et. al., in the Texas District Court, Tarrant County. Also named in the action, was William L. Baumgardner, the sole shareholder of BACE International, Inc. ("BACE"). The plaintiffs have alleged that the promissory notes are in default and seek accelerated payment of promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $6,905,946, with interest, made by BACE in connection with BACE's prior acquisition of American Staff Resources Corporation, and its affiliates ("ASR"), which are currently operating subsidiaries of the Registrant. The plaintiffs allege that the Registrant and Cura II assumed BACE's obligation upon the notes when they acquired ASR. The Registrant, AmerHR and Cura II have filed a motion to dismiss the action based upon a lack of personal jurisdiction. The Registrant asserts that the obligations set forth within the Plaintiffs' complaint were never assumed by the Registrant, AmerHR or Cura II and that BACE's misstatements of liabilities in the approximate amount of $14,300,00 exceeds the relief the Plaintiffs are seeking. The Registrant, AmerHR and Cura II intend to defend the action vigorously and have filed a motion to dismiss the action for lack of personal jurisdiction. The Injured Workers' Insurance Fund of the State of Maryland commenced an action in the Circuit Court of Baltimore for the collection of outstanding premiums against the Registrant's wholly-owned subsidiaries America's PEO, Inc. and Omni Financial Services, Inc. in the amounts of $308,463 and $95,410 respectively. The companies have opposed the basis of the plaintiff's audit and the amounts sought therein. The action is currently in the discovery process. The Registrant believes the coverage arranged through Midwest shall be sufficient to meet the obligations of this claim. The Registrant's subsidiary Omni Financial Services, Inc. ("Omni") was served as a defendant in the action entitled Continental Casualty Company v. Omni Financial Services, Inc. CNA, on behalf of the New Jersey Assigned Risk Plan has alleged that Omni owes CNA $734,459 for premiums on workers compensation coverage. Omni has filed an answer and the action is currently in the discovery process. The Registrant believes the coverage arranged through Midwest shall be sufficient to meet the obligations of this claim.
|
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Duration and | ||||
Date of Expiration | Position & Office | Age and | ||
Name | of Present Term | with Registrant | Director Since | |
William Keywan | One year | President and Director | 63 | |
April 27, 2002 (1) | Nov. 21, 2001 | |||
Judson Wagenseller | One year | Executive Vice President | 51 | |
April 27, 2002 (2) | Nov. 21, 2001 | |||
Scott Zoppoth | One year | Secretary, Treasurer | 43 | |
Aug. 7, 2002(3) | and Director | Nov. 21, 2001 | ||
Anthony R. Russo | One year | Chief Executive and | 61 | |
May 1, 2003 (4) | Financial Officer | Aug. 7, 2002 | ||
and Director | ||||
Danny L. Pixler | One year | President, Chief Operating | 55 | |
May 1, 2003 (5) | Officer and Director | Nov. 20, 2002 | ||
Peter Campitiello | One year | Secretary | 34 | |
September 1, 2003 (6) | ||||
O. Ray McCartha | One year (7) | Director | 54 | |
April 27, 2002 | ||||
Thomas Cunningham | One year | Director | 43 | |
November 20, 2002 (8) | April 27, 2002 | |||
Ivan Dobrin | One year (9) | Director | 58 | |
May 1, 2003 | April 27, 2002 |
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_________________________ (1)
Mr. Keywan resigned as a director of the Registrant on April 27, 2002. There is no understanding or arrangement between any directors or any other person or persons pursuant to which such individual, was or is to be, selected as a director or nominee of the Registrant. Business Experience Danny L. Pixler became a member of the Registrants Board of Director on November 20, 2002; and was thereafter elected as the Registrants President and Chief Operating Officer on August 7, 2002. Prior thereto since May 2002, Mr. Pixler has been a member of the Board of Directors of Edgar Filing.net, Inc., an inactive development stage Nevada corporation with a class of securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act. Simultaneously therewith and since March 2002, Mr. Pixler has been a member of the Board of Directors of Momentum Holdings Registrant, an inactive publicly owned and traded Delaware corporation with a class of securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the s Exchange Act. Simultaneously therewith and since 1994, Mr. Pixler was employed by Logistics Management Resources, Inc., a publicly owned and traded Colorado corporation with a class of securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act, and its predecessors in increasingly responsible positions including President since July 1998. Prior thereto from 1993 to 1994, Mr. Pixler served as President of Joseph Land Group, a South Carolina based transportation company with annual sales of approximately $130 million. Prior thereto from 1989 through 1992, Mr. Pixler served as President of Apple Lines, Inc., a South Dakota based truckload refrigerated carrier with annual revenues exceeding $16 million. Prior thereto from 1983 until 1988, Mr. Pixler served as Executive Vice President and General Manager of DFC Transportation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Dean Foods, Inc. with annualized sales of approximately $60 million. William Keywan, served as the Registrants President and a member of its Board of Director from February 2002 to August 7, 2002. Prior thereto since January 2002, Mr. Keywan served as the Chief Executive Officer of Interstate University, Inc., a privately owned driver training school located in Evansville, Indiana. Prior thereto from 1996 through August 2001, Mr. Keywan served as the Director of Marketing for the Palmer Group, a privately owned Kenworth truck dealership with six locations in the Midwest, where he was primarily responsible for sales, marketing and public relations. Prior thereto from 1989 through 1995, Mr. Keywan founded and served as the President of Certified Transport, Inc. and Certified Logistics, Inc., two privately owned automotive and airfreight transportation companies located in Indiana. Judson Wagenseller, served as Executive Vice President of the Registrant since February 2002. Simultaneously therewith and since 1983, Mr. Wagenseller has been engaged in the private practice of corporate and securities law in the State of Kentucky. Mr. Wagenseller received a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from Princeton University in 1975, and a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Virginia School of Law in 1983. |
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(b) Summary Compensation Table.
Long Term Compensation | |||||||||||
Annual Compensation | Awards | Payments | |||||||||
Name and Position | Year | Salary | Bonuses | Other | Stock | Options | LTIP | Other | |||
William Keywan, President | 2001 | | | | | | | | |||
Director, (resigned | 2002 | | | | | | | | |||
August 7, 2002) | 2003 | - 47,000 | | - 45,600 | | | | | |||
Thomas Cunningham, Chief | |||||||||||
Financial Officer and | 2001 | | | | | | | | |||
Director (resigned | 2002 | 136,250 | | | | | | | | | |
Nov. 20, 2002) | 2003 | 133,930 | | | | | | | |||
Judson Wagenseller, EVP | 2001 | | | | | | | | | ||
and Director (resigned | 2002 | | | | | | | | | ||
August 7, 2002) | 2003 | | | - 7,500 | | | | | | ||
Ray McCartha, Director | 2001 | | | | | | | | |||
since August 7, 2002 | 2002 | | | - 120,000 | | | | | | ||
2003 | - | - 120,000 | | | |||||||
Ivan Dobrin, Director | 2001 | | | | | | | | |||
Since August 7, 2002 | 2002 | 180,000 | | | | | | | | | |
2003 | 183,000 | | | | | | | | | ||
Scott Zoppoth, Director | 2001 | | | | | | | | | | |
since November 21, 2001 | 2002 | | | 3,000 | | | | | | | |
2003 | | | 18,000 | | | | | | | | |
Anthony R. Russo, CEO | |||||||||||
and CFO since Aug. 7, | 2001 | | | | | | | | |||
2002, and Director since | 2002 | 30,000 | | | | | | | | ||
April 27, 2002 | 2003 | 38,000 | 100,000 | | | | |||||
Danny L. Pixler, President | |||||||||||
And COO since August 7, | 2001 | | | | | | | | |||
2002, and Director, since | 2002 | 69,616 | | | | | | | | | |
November 20, 2002 | 2003 | 165,000 | | | | | | | |||
Richard M. Steen, Acting CFO | 2001 | | | | | | | | | | |
Since December 26, 2003 | 2002 | | | | | | | | | | |
2003 | 107,000 | | | | | | | | | ||
Totals | 2001 | | | | | | | ||||
2002 | 415,866 | | 123,000 | | | | | ||||
2003 | 673,950 | | 291,100 | | | | |||||
No officer or director was paid any compensation in 2001. No additional payments were made to our officers that served as directors during the two-year period ending December 31, 2002. |
(c) Option/SAR
Grant Table.
During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003, the Registrant made no grants of stock options or freestanding SARs to any executive officer or director of the Registrant. However, the following table contains information concerning the only options granted by the Registrant during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, under any stock option plan: |
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OPTION/SAR GRANTS IN LAST FISCAL YEAR |
NAME | NUMBER
OF SHARES GRANTED OPTIONS/SARs GRANTED (1) |
PERCENT OF TOTAL OPTIONS EXERCISE IN FISCAL YEAR (2) |
PRICE PER SHARE |
EXPIRATION
DATE |
UNDERLYING |
Brentwood | |||||
Capital | |||||
Corp. | 600,000 | 100% | $.10 | 2/15/03 | |
(1) The option was granted under the Registrants 2002 Stock Option Plan (the SOP)at an exercise price equal to 100% of the market value of the Registrants Common Stock on the date of grant, has a one year term and vests immediately. | |||||
The Registrants SOP provides for options that may be granted to eligible employees and non-employee directors and advisors of the Registrant or its subsidiaries. An aggregate of 10,000,000 shares of common stock of the Registrant are authorized to be issued under the SOP. At December 31, 2002, 9,400,000 shares of common stock were available for future grants under the SOP. The SOP became effective on September 9, 1998, and options may be granted through the tenth anniversary date that the SOP became effective. The stock options are intended to qualify as incentive stock options within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code. The purposes of the SOP is to retain and attract persons of training, experience and ability to serve as employees of the Registrant and its subsidiaries and to serve as non-employee directors and advisors of the Registrant, to encourage the sense of proprietorship of such persons and to stimulate the active interest of such persons in the development and financial success of the Registrant and its subsidiaries. | |||||
The SOP is administered by the SOP Committee of the Board of Directors (the Committee). The Committee has the power to determine which eligible employees will receive awards, the timing and manner of the grant of such awards, the exercise price of stock options (which may not be less than market value on the date of grant), the number of shares, the vesting of the shares and all of the terms of the awards. The Registrant may at any time amend or terminate the SOP. However, no amendment that would impair the rights of any participant, with respect to outstanding grants, can be made without the participants prior consent. Stockholder approval of an amendment to the SOP is necessary only when required by applicable law or stock exchange rules. | |||||
(2) The percentage reflects the percent of total options granted by the Registrant during fiscal 2002. | |||||
(d) Aggregate Option/SAR Exercises and Fiscal Year-End Option/SAR Value Table. During the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, no stock options or freestanding SARs were exercised by any executive officer or director of the Registrant. However, the following table contains information concerning the only options exercised during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002, under any stock option plan: |
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AGGREGATE OPTION/SAR EXERCISES IN 2002 AND AT FISCAL YEAR END OPTION SAR VALUES |
Name and Address | Amount and Nature | ||
of Beneficial Owner | of Beneficial Ownership | Percentage of Class (1) | |
Midwest Merger Management, LLC | |||
10602 Timberwood Circle, Suite # 9 | |||
Louisville, KY 40223 | 2,050,000 | 24.2% | |
Alan B. Willard | |||
5101 Northwest 21st St. - Suite 350 | |||
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309 | 1,000,000 | 10.4% | |
Danny L. Willard | |||
5101 Northwest 21st St. - Suite 350 | |||
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309 | 1,000,000 | 10.4% | |
Thomas Cunningham | |||
200 Lake Drive East Suite 110 | |||
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002 | 642,984 | 6.7.% |
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__________________ |
(1) Based upon an aggregate of 9,547,811 shares of common stock outstanding. On September 30, 2002, and as previously disclosed in Item 1, the Registrant issued an aggregate of 80 shares of its Series A Preferred Stock to Brentwood. The Series A Shares vote as 800,000 shares of common stock. In addition, on November 21, 2002, in connection with the Registrants acquisition of APEO, and as reported in the Registrants Form 8-K Current Report dated November 21, 2001, the Registrant issued an aggregate of 1,100 shares of its Series B Preferred Stock to Midwest. During the period between September 30, 2003 and December 31, 2003, and as previously disclosed herein in Item1, the Registrant issued 350 shares of its Series B to Midwest. In November 2003, Midwest transferred 350 shares of Series B to Harmon Burns, a previously non-affiliated third-party. The Series B Shares vote as 14,500,000 shares of common stock. Between September 30, 2003, and December 31, 2003, and as previously disclosed in Item 1, the Registrant issued an aggregate of 300 shares of its Series D Preferred Stock to Midwest. Midwests Series D Shares vote as 3,000,000 shares of common stock. Between September 20, 2003 and December 31, 2003, and as previously disclosed in Item 1, the Registrant issued an aggregate of 100 shares of its Series E Preferred Stock to Midwest. Midwests Series E shares vote as 1,000,000 shares of common stock. Accordingly, and giving effect to the voting rights of the two outstanding classes of the Registrants Preferred Stock, an aggregate of 29,267,811 shares may be deemed to be outstanding. Assuming 29,267,811 shares outstanding, the percentage of the Registrants class for the one entity and three individuals listed in the foregoing table would be 80%, 2.8%, 2.8% and 1.8%, respectively. |
The following is a summary of the principal rights and preferences of the Series B Shares: |
1. Voting: The Series B Shares, which vote together as a single class with the shares of the Registrants common stock on all matters, are entitled to 10,000 votes for each share of Series B held by Midwest. Accordingly, the Series B Shares are entitled to 11,000,000 votes or 31% of the Registrants voting securities. In addition, and except as otherwise expressly provided by law, the holders of Series B Shares shall be entitled to elect such number of directors of the Registrant as shall equal two thirds of the entire Board of Directors; |
2. Conversion: The holders of the Series B Shares become eligible to convert the 1,100 shares same into an aggregate of 11,000,000 shares of the Registrants common stock (at $.10 per common share at the rate of 10,000 shares of common stock for each Series B) Share as follows: |
A. 10% on or after the lowest average of the closing bid prices of the Registrants common stock on any ten consecutive trading days during the 20 trading days immediately preceding the conversion date shall have been a minimum of $10.00; |
B. 20% on or after the lowest average of the closing bid prices of the Registrants common stock on any ten consecutive trading days during the 20 trading days immediately preceding the conversion date shall have been a minimum of $15.00; |
C. 30% on or after the lowest average of the closing bid prices of the Registrants common stock on any ten consecutive trading days during the 20 trading days immediately preceding the conversion date shall have been a minimum of $20.00; |
D. 40% on or after the lowest average of the closing bid prices of the Registrants common stock on any ten consecutive trading days during the 20 trading days immediately preceding the conversion date shall have been a minimum of $25.00; |
E. 50% on or after the lowest average of the closing bid prices of the Registrants common stock on any ten consecutive trading days during the 20 trading days immediately preceding the conversion date shall have been a minimum of $30.00; |
F. 60% on or after the lowest average of the closing bid prices of the Registrants common stock on any ten consecutive trading days during the 20 trading days immediately preceding the conversion date shall have been a minimum of $35.00; |
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G. 70% on or after the lowest average of the closing bid prices of the Registrants common stock on any ten consecutive trading days during the 20 trading days immediately preceding the conversion date shall have been a minimum of $40.00; |
H. 80% on or after the lowest average of the closing bid prices of the Registrants common stock on any ten consecutive trading days during the 20 trading days immediately preceding the conversion date shall have been a minimum of $45.00; |
I. 90% on or after the lowest average of the closing bid prices of the Registrants common stock on any ten consecutive trading days during the 20 trading days immediately preceding the conversion date shall have been a minimum of $50.00; and |
J. 100% on or after the lowest average of the closing bid prices of the Registrants common stock on any ten consecutive trading days during the 20 trading days immediately preceding the conversion date shall have been a minimum of $55.00; |
3. Liquidation. Upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Registrant, whether voluntary or involuntary, the holders of Series B Shares shall be entitled to be paid an amount equal to two times the amount payable on each share of common stock; |
4. Dividend Provisions. The holders of the Series B Shares are not entitled to receive any dividends; |
5. Stockholder Approval. The holders of the Series B Shares have the right to demand that the Registrant call a special meeting of its stockholders for the purpose of approving the conversion privileges of the Series B Shares; |
6. Poison Pill. If, at any time during the first ten years following the issuance of the Series B Shares, any of the following events shall occur, then, on five days prior written notice to the Registrant, all of the Series B Shares shall be convertible into 11,000,000 shares of common stock; (i) the Registrant shall become the subject of a tender offer by any individual, firm or entity; (ii) a proxy contest or any other effort to unseat the Board of Directors of the Registrant as then constituted; (iii) any consolidation or merger of the Registrant with or into another entity or any merger of another entity into the Registrant (iv) any sale or transfer of all of the assets of the Registrant; or (v) any compulsory share exchange, pursuant to which any holders of common stock shall be entitled to receive other securities, cash or other property; |
7. Redemption . At any time after the tenth anniversary of the issuance of the Series B Shares (the Anniversary Date), the Registrants Board of Directors shall have the right and option, on written notice to the holders of the Series B Shares, to either: (i) redeem all of the outstanding Series B Shares at a price per Series B Share equal to 75% of the average of the closing bid and asked prices of the Registrants common stock on any ten consecutive trading days during the 20 trading days immediately preceding the Anniversary Date times 10,000; or (ii) exchange ten thousand (10,000) shares of its authorized but unissued common stock for each Series B Share then issued and outstanding; or (iii) renewing the conversion terms and conditions of Section 1 for an additional five years; or (iv) any combination of the foregoing. |
If the assets of the Registrant shall prove insufficient under Nevada law to permit the Registrant to effect redemption, of all of the Series B Shares which are outstanding at the time the notice of the redemption is sent by the Registrant, the Registrant may redeem, on a pro rata basis, that percentage of the Series B Shares, if any, which its Board of Directors elects to redeem; |
(b) Security Ownership of Management. The following information is furnished as of December 31, 2002, as to the number of shares of the Registrants Common Stock, $.001 par value per share owned beneficially by each executive officer and director of the Registrant and by all executive officers and directors as a group: |
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Name and Address | Amount and Nature | ||
of Beneficial Owner | of Beneficial Ownership | Percentage of Class (1) | |
Anthony R. Russo | |||
477 Madison Ave. - 12th Floor | |||
New York, NY 10022 | | 0.0% | |
Danny L. Pixler | |||
5101 NW 21st Ave. - Suite 350 | |||
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309 | | 0.0% | |
O. Raymond McCartha | | 0.0% | |
477 Madison Avenue, 12th Floor | |||
New York, NY 10022 | |||
Ivan Dobrin | | 0.0% | |
5101 NW 21st Ave. Suite 350 | |||
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309 | |||
Scott Zoppoth | | 0.0% | |
477 Madison Avenue, 12th Floor | |||
New York, NY 10022 | |||
All officers and directors as a group | |||
of five persons | | 0.0% | |
_________________________ | |||
(c) Changes in Control. The April 19, 2002, transaction between the six former principal stockholders of the Registrant and Midwest, previously disclosed in Item 1 and hereinafter disclosed in Item 12, may be deemed to be a change of control of the Registrant. | |||
(d) Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans | |||
The following table sets forth information as of December 31, 2002, with respect to compensation plans (including individual compensation arrangements) under which the Registrants common stock is authorized for issuance, aggregated as follows: (i) all compensation plans previously approved by security holders; and (ii) all compensation plans not previously approved by security holders. | |||
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION | |||
Number
of securities to be issued upon exercise outstanding options, warrants,
and rights (a) |
Weighted
average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights (b) |
Number
of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)(c) |
|
Equity compensation plans | |||
approved by security holders | -0- | -0- | -0- |
Equity compensation plans not | |||
approved by security holders | -0- | -0- | -0- |
| |
|
|
Total | -0- | -0- | -0- |
|
|
|
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CERTIFICATIONS | |||
I, Danny L. Pixler, the Registrants Chief Executive Officer certifies that: | |||
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Certified Services, Inc.; | |||
2. Based on my knowledge, the annual 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 annual report; | |||
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual 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 annual report; | |||
4. The Registrants other certifying officers and I am responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the Registrant and we have: a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures 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 annual report is being prepared; b) evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrants disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the Evaluation Date); and c) presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date; | |||
5. The Registrants other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the Registrants auditors and the audit committee of Registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function): a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the Registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the Registrants auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrants internal controls; and | |||
6. The Registrants other certifying officers and I have indicated in this annual report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses. | |||
Date: March 29, 2004 | |||
/s/ Danny L. Pixler | |||
Chief Executive Officer |
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I, , the Registrants Chief Financial Officer, certifies that: | |||
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Certified Services, Inc.; | |||
2. Based on my knowledge, the annual 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 annual report; | |||
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this annual 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 annual report; | |||
4. The Registrants other certifying officers and I am responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the Registrant and we have: a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures 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 annual report is being prepared; b) evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrants disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this annual report (the Evaluation Date); and c) presented in this annual report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date; | |||
5. The Registrants other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the Registrants auditors and the audit committee of Registrants board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function): a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the Registrants ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the Registrants auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrants internal controls; and | |||
6. The Registrants other certifying officers and I have indicated in this annual report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses. | |||
Date: March 29, 2004 | |||
/s/ Richard M. Steen | |||
Acting Chief Financial Officer |
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