Attached files
file | filename |
---|---|
8-K - FORM 8-K - LIBERATOR MEDICAL HOLDINGS, INC. | g22205e8vk.htm |
Exhibit 99.1
Medical Supplies Initiating Coverage FOR INSTITUTIONAL ACCOUNTS ONLY February 22, 2010 Buy |
LIBERATOR MEDICAL HOLDINGS INC. (LBMH)
Medicare Accredited Medical Devices Supplier Initiating Coverage with Buy Rating
COMPANY & MARKET DATA
Price |
$ | 1.89 | ||
Price Target (12 Month) |
$ | 3.00 | ||
52 Week Range |
$ | 0.31 - $2.47 | ||
Mkt. Capitalization (M) |
$ | 82 | ||
Enterprise Value (M) |
$ | 86 | ||
Diluted Shares Outstanding (M) |
51 | |||
Avg. Daily Trading Vol. (000) |
37 | |||
Book Value per Share (3Q09) |
$ | 0.39 | ||
Fiscal Year End |
September |
ESTIMATES
FY2009A | FY2010E | FY2011E | ||||||||||
Revenue (M) |
$ | 26 | $ | 47 | $ | 75 | ||||||
1Q EPS |
$ | 0.01A | $ | 0.02A | $ | 0.03 | ||||||
2Q EPS |
$ | 0.00A | $ | 0.02 | $ | 0.04 | ||||||
3Q EPS |
$ | 0.02A | $ | 0.03 | $ | 0.05 | ||||||
4Q EPS |
$ | 0.02A | $ | 0.04 | $ | 0.05 | ||||||
EPS |
$ | 0.05A | $ | 0.11 | $ | 0.17 | ||||||
P/E |
37.1x | 17.8x | 11.0x |
Chart data: Capital IQ
Headquartered in Stuart, Florida, LBMH is an
accredited Medicare, Medicaid and private health
insurance benefits provider that provides durable
medical supplies and medical products through its
subsidiary Liberator Medical Supply Inc. directly to
consumers.
| Initiating Coverage of LBMH with Buy Rating LBMH provides durable medical supplies directly to consumers and is an accredited Medicare, Medicaid, and private health insurance benefits provider. The companys target customer group is the population aged 65 or above which is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and/or private health insurance and who are suffering from chronic disease(s). Reimbursements from Medicare provide a strong third-party payment revenue continuum. Operationally, LBMH is focused on customer service and providing an easier and more convenient buying process aimed at ensuring continued consumer purchases. LBMH currently trades at 9.5x diluted CY11E EPS while its peers defined as companies that distribute medical devices to patients and healthcare organizations are currently trading at 11.6x. We believe LBMHs impressive growth warrants a premium. Though there is a degree of execution risk, we believe senior management experience and expertise should help mitigate this issue. We believe LBMH should trade at 15x fully-diluted CY11 EPS of 20¢ and initiate coverage with a $3.00 price target. | |
| Public Funding for Medical Devices Expected to Grow almost 7% Annually LBMH Targets $100 million in Revenue CMS forecasts healthcare expenditures on durable and non-durable medical devices to increase at a 4.2% CAGR from 2007 to 2018. Factors such as an ageing population, increasing disease incidence rates, increasing average life-expectancy, and rising medical costs should drive industry growth. Public sector funding for expenditures on medical devices is expected to grow even faster at a 6.9% CAGR. With 31 million people treated annually on average over the past nine years under Medicare supplementary insurance, management notes that 100,000 Medicare enrollees ordering supplies for a full year period could allow LBMH to realize its $100 million revenue target. By comparison LBMH currently has a database of 85,000 customer leads and has served over 35,000 customers since its inception. | |
| Proven Advertising-Driven Business Model Estimated to Return More than 20:1 LBMH employs an advertising driven business model developed by the CEO-Founder and CFO while at Liberty Medical Supply. Along with the other current management they grew Libertys business to achieve an annual sales run rate of $100 million within a 10 year span. In our opinion, management appears to be on track to replicate this success and estimates that each dollar invested in advertising results in more than $20 of revenue over the long term. | |
| Advanced Systems to Assure Reimbursement and Repeat Orders Employees service incoming calls and orders and check for Medicare reimbursement eligibility. Nurses verify eligibility, identify CPT codes, and physician authorization. Outbound calls are placed proactively to assure repeat orders. LBMH has proprietary software to manage customer contacts, generate customized forms, and to process patient details enabling it to proficiently collect and process required documents from physicians and patients and to bill and collect from Medicare, other third party payers, and directly from patients. LBMH continuously adds customers to its database and sales representatives consistently evaluate leads to generate new and repeat orders. Management is highly confident in the precision and accuracy of claims processing thanks to state-of-the-art infrastructure, in-built technology systems that are HIPAA compliant, and well trained workforce. Proactive sales efforts and targeted advertising help assure predictable and recurring revenue. According to management LBMHs clients have an average customer life of four years. |
Mickey M. Schleien, CFA
+1-305-572-4131
mschleien@ladenburg.com
+1-305-572-4131
mschleien@ladenburg.com
Disclosures and Analyst Certifications can be found in Appendix A.
NEW YORK & MELVILLE, NY
|
PRINCETON, NJ | LOS ANGELES, CA | MIAMI & BOCA RATON, FL | LINCOLNSHIRE, IL |
4400 Biscayne Blvd., 12th Floor Miami, Florida 33137 Telephone: 305-572-4100 800-LAD-THAL
Member NYSE, NYSE Amex, FINRA, all other principal exchanges, and SIPC
Mickey M. Schleien (305) 572-4131 | LIBERATOR MEDICAL HOLDINGS (LBMH) |
Investment Summary
Initiating Coverage of Liberator Medical Holdings with a Buy Rating
LBMH Focuses on Selling Medical Supplies to Medicare Enrollees
We are initiating coverage of Liberator Medical Holdings Inc. (LBMH) with a Buy rating.
Headquartered in Florida, LBMH provides durable medical supplies and products directly to consumers
through its subsidiary, Liberator Medical Supply Inc. LBMH is an accredited Medicare, Medicaid, and
private health insurance benefits provider. The companys target customer group is the population
aged 65 or above which is covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and/or private health
insurance and who are suffering from chronic disease(s) as they typically require a continuous
supply of medical supplies. Liberator Medical Supply Inc., by virtue of its accreditation as a
Medicare benefits provider, focuses on reimbursements from Medicare rather than billing patients
thereby providing a strong third-party payment revenue continuum. Operationally, LBMH is focused
on customer service and providing an easier and more convenient buying process aimed at ensuring
continued consumer purchases. LBMH also runs diabetes awareness and educational programs through
its subsidiary Liberator Health and Education Services Inc. and is reimbursed for these programs by
Medicare and other insurance providers.
Public Funding for Medical Devices Expected to Grow almost 7% Annually LBMH Targets $100 million
in Revenue
CMS forecasts total healthcare expenditures on durable and non-durable medical devices to increase
at a 4.2% CAGR from 2007 to 2018. Factors such as an ageing population, increasing disease
incidence rates, increasing average life-expectancy, and rising medical costs should drive industry
growth. For example, CMS expects the number of people in the U.S. who are aged 65 years or older to
grow at a 2.6% CAGR from 2007 to 2018. Public sector funding for expenditures on durable and
non-durable medical devices is expected to grow even faster. This funding, which principally
covers expenses for those 65 and older and the disabled, totaled almost $10 billion in 2007 and is
forecast to reach $20.5 billion in 2018 representing a 6.9% CAGR. As of the end of 2008 about 44
million people were enrolled with Medicare and 83% were aged over 65. We believe this market
represents a vast demographic opportunity for LBMH as the population aged 65+ is more susceptible
to multiple chronic illnesses. For example, in 2002 more than half of the Medicare population was
being treated for five or more chronic conditions. As LBMH customers are outpatients, the company
is usually reimbursed under Medicare Part B insurance (Medicare supplementary insurance). With 31
million people treated annually on average over the past nine years under Medicare supplementary
insurance, management notes that 100,000 Medicare enrollees ordering supplies for a full year
period could allow LBMH to realize its $100 million revenue target. By comparison LBMH currently
has a database of 85,000 customer-leads and has served over 35,000 customers since its inception.
The Market for Intermittent Catheters, One of LBMHs Key Products, is Forecast to Grow 40% Annually
LBMH offers more than 5,000 medical products and supplies organized along 29 different product
lines for patients with various health disorders. While LBMHs product lines for diabetes,
mastectomy, ostomy and urological disorders account for 75% of revenue, LBMHs primary focus is on
selling urological supplies including sterile urinary catheters. As of April 2008 the Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) allow reimbursement for and the usage of up to 200 catheters
per month per patient compared to four per month per patient previously. Market research firm
Millennium Research Group forecasts the U.S. market for intermittent catheters will grow at a 40%
CAGR from 2008 to 2012 largely due to the new Medicare ruling. These catheters are one of LBMHs
primary products and the change in the ruling should significantly benefit the company.
Proven Advertising-Driven Business Model Estimated to Return More than 20:1 for Every Dollar
Invested
The company employs an advertising driven business model that attracts new customers through
targeted advertising across television, the Internet, and print media. CEO-Founder Mark Libratore
and CFO Robert Davis were the chief architects of this model while at Liberty Medical Supply (now
owned by Medco; MHS-$64.59 -NR). The two, along with the other current management team members,
grew Libertys business to achieve an annual sales run rate of $100 million within a 10 year span.
In our opinion, management appears to be on track to
Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. | PAGE -2- |
Mickey M. Schleien (305) 572-4131 | LIBERATOR MEDICAL HOLDINGS (LBMH) |
replicate this success as LBMH has exhibited impressive revenue growth (more than 8x revenue
growth between FY07 and FY09). Management estimates that each dollar invested in advertising
results in $10 in revenue over the short term and more than $20 over the long term. LBMH believes
that it has developed a high quality method of capturing initial and recurring sales through the
use of local, regional, and national ad placements and maximizing the drag of each ad. As
advertising expenditures are expected to yield revenue over several years LBMH amortizes these
costs over a four-year period. Substantial expenditure on television advertising has been a key
growth driver behind both new patient enrollments and an increase in sales. We believe the
companys current momentum coupled with a seasoned management team should help LBMH develop into a
major competitor.
Advanced Systems to Assure Medicare Reimbursement and Generate Repeat Orders
Customers can order products by phone, mail, or over the Internet, but most of LBMHs revenues
emanate from its mail order business which caters to customer orders received over the telephone
and by mail. LBMHs sales representatives manage the in-bound call center to service calls and
customer orders and check if the customer is eligible for Medicare reimbursement. The company
employs nurses for verification of customers Medicare eligibility, identification of correct
Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes, physician authorization verification, and other
processes. After verifying eligibility, orders are shipped and Medicare or third-party insurers
are billed, as appropriate, generally resulting in minimal expenditure for patients. LBMH
continues to focus on making the buying process more convenient by reducing customer paper work and
taking initiatives to ensure Medicare reimbursement. Sales representatives at the out-bound call
center estimate the time when a customers previous consignment will be exhausted and proactively
call the patients for new orders.
LBMH has developed proprietary customized software to manage customer contacts, generate customized
forms, and to efficiently process new patient details following a protocol of checks. LBMHs
operating platforms enable it to proficiently collect and process required documents from
physicians and patients and bill and collect amounts due from Medicare, other third party payers,
and directly from patients. LBMH continuously adds new customers and leads to its database and
sales representatives consistently evaluate them to generate new and repeat orders. Management is
highly confident in LBMHs precision and accuracy in the Medicare claims process thanks to the
companys state-of-the-art infrastructure, in-built technology systems that are HIPAA compliant,
and well trained workforce. Proactive sales efforts and targeted advertising help assure
predictable and recurring revenue. According to management LBMHs clients have an average customer
life of four years.
High-Growth Company at a Discount with Execution Risk Mitigated by Experienced Management
The durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, supplies, and Medicare/insurance benefits
provision industry is highly fragmented with more than 100,000 suppliers. However, only 50 of
these suppliers have annual sales in excess of $10 million and we expect the market to consolidate
due to a recent $50,000 bond and accreditation requirement. Given its relatively larger scale we
expect LBMH to capture a good share of customers who were previously using the services of
unaccredited Medicare benefit providers. LBMH is currently trading at 9.5x diluted CY11E EPS while its peers are currently trading at 11.6x. We believe LBMHs impressive
growth warrants a premium vis-à-vis its relatively mature peers. Though there is a degree of
execution risk involved in scaling up, we believe senior management experience and expertise should
help mitigate this potential hazard. Hence, we believe LBMH should trade at 15x its fully-diluted
CY11 EPS of 20¢ and initiate coverage of LBMH with a $3.00 price target.
Company Overview
Background
Headquartered in Stuart, Florida, Liberator Medical Holdings Inc. (LBMH) along with its
subsidiaries, Liberator Medical Supply Inc. and Liberator Health and Education Services Inc.,
provides durable medical supplies and medical products directly to consumers. Liberator Medical
Supply Inc. is both a direct-to-consumer seller and an accredited Medicare, Medicaid, and private
health insurance benefits provider. As a benefits provider Liberator Medical Supply contacts
Medicare eligible patients and their physicians to fill prescriptions and delivers medical supplies
to patients/customers. Liberator Medical Supply bills and is reimbursed by Medicare, Medicaid, and
private insurance companies for the medical supplies it sells. As a result, there is generally
minimal expenditure
Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. | PAGE -3- |
Mickey M. Schleien (305) 572-4131 | LIBERATOR MEDICAL HOLDINGS (LBMH) |
incurred
by the patient1. Liberator Health and Education Services Inc. runs
diabetes awareness and educational programs and is reimbursed for these programs by Medicare and
other insurance providers.
In its current holding company structure LBMH was incorporated in June 2007. Its Founder-CEO, Mr.
Mark Libratore, is an industry veteran who founded Liberty Medical Supply in 1990 and led it to
become the largest direct-to-consumer diabetic supplies provider in the U.S. In September 1996 he
sold Liberty Medical to then publicly held PolyMedica Corporation and continued as the President of
Liberty Medical Supply through February 1999. He subsequently founded Liberator Medical Supply
Inc. in July 1999. In June 2007 Liberator Medical Supply was acquired by non-operational Cardiff
Communications2 in a reverse merger with LBMH as the surviving entity and Liberator
Medical Supply as LBMHs operational subsidiary. In August 2007 PolyMedica (along with Liberty
Medical Supply) was acquired by Medco Health Solutions Inc.
LBMHs target customer group is the population aged 65 or above covered by
Medicare/Medicaid/private health insurance and suffering from chronic disease(s). Patients with
certain chronic disease(s) typically require a continuous supply of medical supplies. Liberator
Medical Supply Inc. by virtue of its accreditation as a Medicare benefits provider has focused on
reimbursements from Medicare rather than billing patients thereby providing a strong third-party
payment revenue continuum. LBMHs primary focus is on selling urological supplies including
sterile urinary catheters.
Operationally LBMH is focused on customer service and providing an easier and more convenient
buying process aimed at ensuring continued consumer purchases. LBMH offers more than 5,000 medical
products and supplies organized along 29 different product lines for patients with various
disorders. LBMH does not sell any private label products. According to management LBMHs product
lines for diabetes, mastectomy, ostomy, and urological disorders account for 75% of revenue. LBMH
sources these products from over 200 suppliers including companies such as Abbott (ABT $54.38
NR), Bayer (BAYRY $69.40 NR), C. R. Bard (BCR $83.44 NR), Johnson and Johnson (JNJ
$63.81 NR), and Roche (RHHBY $42.45- NR).
1 | Medicares reimbursement rates vary across different medical products | |
2 | Cardiff Communications Inc. had no operations for the 10-year period ending June 2007 |
Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. | PAGE -4- |
Mickey M. Schleien (305) 572-4131 | LIBERATOR MEDICAL HOLDINGS (LBMH) |
LBMH recorded triple-digit revenue growth in both FY08 (223%) and FY09 (170%). Currently, the
company has 167 employees compared to 139 as at September 30, 2009 and 76 a year earlier. LBMH
plans to almost double its headcount to 350 employees by March 2011. To accommodate its growing
scale of operations LBMH recently leased a 24,000 square foot facility from Martin County, Florida.
LBMH will accommodate its call center and certain administrative functions at the new facility
which is operational as of January 2010. The lease is for five years for a total consideration of
$0.68 million ($0.35 million for the first three years and $0.33 million for the subsequent two
years) and leasehold improvements are expected to be $0.7 million.
LBMH has earned multiple certifications from different key organizations identifying it as a
strong, consistent, and quality service provider. In June 2007 LBMH was awarded Exemplary Provider
Accreditation by the Compliance
Team3 on scoring 90%+ in the industrys most
sought-after set of quality measures. This accreditation helps LBMHs branding and enhances its
positioning for
patient care excellence and quality service. Liberator Health and Education Services Inc.s
Diabetes Self-Management Program was awarded Education Recognition by the American Diabetes
Association in April 2009. This recognition makes LBMH eligible for reimbursements from Medicare
and other insurers and consequently complements its diabetic supplies business.
Product Segments
Urological Products: LBMH offers catheters as well as other urological supplies for men and women.
Catheters are used for urinary incontinence and urinary retention, mostly in aged and chronically
ill patients and those with spinal cord injuries and other complications. LBMH markets indwelling
catheters, intermittent catheters, and external catheters under brands that include Bard, Cure,
Coloplast, Hollister, Mentor, Rochester Medical, and Rusch. As of April 2008 the Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) allows reimbursement for and the usage of up to 200 catheters
per month per patient compared to four per month per patient previously. In our opinion LBMH stands
to benefit from this change given its focus on urological supplies, especially catheters.
Mastectomy Products: LBMH offers silicone forms (breast implants and other supplies) for mastectomy
surgeries as well as post mastectomy fashions and other accessories including bras, leisure wear,
and swimwear. LBMH markets products from leading manufacturers including Amoena, Classique,
TruLife, Nearly Me, American Breast Care, and Jodee. LBMH has a customer database of over 30,000
patients for mastectomy products and management estimates that they order two post-mastectomy
products per annum per patient.
Diabetes Products: LBMH began marketing diabetes testing devices such as blood glucose meters and
testing products (test strips, control solutions, lancets) as well as insulin pens and needles in
2004 after the expiration of a five-year non-compete agreement with PolyMedica.
Diabetes Education: LBMH educates diabetics with all stages of diabetes on several aspects of the
disease ranging from food choices, exercise, advice on medicines, to precautionary care. Diabetes
education is strongly supported by the CMS given its potential impact on Medicaid and other payers
for reduced spending on medicines, doctor visits, and supplies. LBMH uses education as a platform
for new customer enrollments for its diabetic supplies sales efforts and is reimbursed by CMS for
these programs.
Ostomy:
LBMH offers a wide range of ostomy4 supplies. Products offered within this
segment include disposable collection devices including urinary, closed and drainable pouches,
bedside drainage bags, irrigation bags and sleeves, skin barriers and skin barrier powder, ostomy
belts, ostomy rings, and stoma caps. Supplies such as stoma caps, skin barriers, and pouches have a
high usage rate ranging from 20 per month per patient to 60 per month and thus ostomy is a high
turnover business. LBMH has negotiated significant price discounts with its suppliers for ostomy
products and thus, as per management, has gained a competitive advantage in this product segment.
Technology Systems
LBMH uses Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant billing systems
that automatically bill Medicare and over 5,000 insurance companies for reimbursements. LBMH has
also developed
3 | Federal governments Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services authorized national accreditation organization. | |
4 | A surgical procedure which creates an artificial opening for the elimination of bodily waste. |
Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. | PAGE -5- |
Mickey M. Schleien (305) 572-4131 | LIBERATOR MEDICAL HOLDINGS (LBMH) |
proprietary customized software to manage customer contacts, generate
customized forms, and to efficiently
process new patient details following a protocol of checks. LBMHs operating
platforms enable it to proficiently
collect and process required documents from physicians and patients and bill
and collect amounts due from
Medicare, other third party payers, and directly from patients. We believe that
the stress on quality and efficient
processing of customer records to check Medicare reimbursement eligibility has
aided LBMH in securing
Exemplary Accreditation and achieve strong sales growth.
Business Model
LBMH employs an advertising driven business model.
The company attracts new customers through
targeted advertising across television, the
Internet, and print media. The advertising driven
model requires significant investment. In FY09
LBMH invested $4.2 million in advertising (16% of
revenue) compared to $1.6 million in FY08 (16% of
revenue). Management estimates that each dollar
invested in advertising results in $10 in revenue
over the short term and more than $20 over the
long term. LBMH believes that it has developed a
high quality method of capturing initial and
recurring sales through the use of local,
regional, and national ad placements and
maximizing the drag of each ad. As advertising
expenditures are expected to yield revenue over
several years LBMH amortizes these costs over a
four-year period.
Customers can order products by phone, mail, or
over the Internet. LBMHs sales representatives
establish contact with the customer and check if
the customer is eligible for Medicare
reimbursement. After verifying eligibility, orders
are shipped and Medicare or third-party insurers
are billed, as appropriate. LBMH continuously adds new customers and sales leads to its database
and sales representatives consistently evaluate it to identify potential leads and to generate
repeat orders. According to management LBMHs clients have an average customer life of four years.
Management believes its proactive sales efforts and targeted advertising help assure predictable
and recurring revenue. LBMH continues to focus on making the buying process more convenient by
reducing the paper work for the Medicare beneficiary and by taking initiatives to ensure
reimbursement from Medicare.
LBMH bills Medicare/insurers on the day products are shipped. According to the company Medicare
normally reimburses 80% of the amount billed and the balance is collected from private insurance
companies, if applicable. LBMHs takes about 60 to 65 days to collect from Medicare and other
insurers. On the procurement front most of LBMHs suppliers are within one days shipping distance
and they are primarily in the U.S. The company generally uses ground shipping and orders inventory
on a quarterly basis. Proximity to its suppliers allows LBMH to keeps inventory lean at a 30 day
level but urgent requirements can usually be replenished within a days notice.
Urological products account for the largest share of LBMHs revenue and have a gross margin of 70%
and a high repeat order rate. Post-mastectomy products are the second largest product line and also
have a gross margin of 70% with repeat orders of up to twice per year. Ostomy products gross
margin is in the range of 35% to 40% and diabetes supplies, the most competitive product segment,
have a lower gross margin as compared to other segments. Management continues to focus on these
four product segments and expects to maintain the existing revenue mix.
Almost all of LBMHs revenues emanate from its mail order business which caters to customer orders
received over the telephone and by mail. LBMHs sales representatives manage the in-bound call
center to service calls and customer orders. LBMH has generated over 85,000 customer leads and has
served over 35,000 customers
Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. | PAGE -6- |
Mickey M. Schleien (305) 572-4131 | LIBERATOR MEDICAL HOLDINGS (LBMH) |
since its inception. Substantial expenditure on television advertising has been a key growth
driver behind both new patient enrollments and an increase in sales in this segment for which
management anticipates a high probability of repeat business. Sales representatives at the
out-bound call center estimate the time when a customers previous consignment will be exhausted
and proactively call them for new orders. Products in the mail order business are also sold on the
companys websites (www.liberatormedical.com and www.liberatordirect.com), but these sites generate
a limited portion of LBMHs revenue. The websites have been developed using state-of-the-art
software and depict photographs along with product descriptions. LBMH plans to increase its
revenues from this segment by promoting the websites on different media so as to increase the
websites reach to general web search results thereby motivating healthcare professionals to make
wholesale purchases and to refer their clientele to the site to make individual purchases and also
by introducing more user-friendly and less time-consuming insurance claim forms. In order to
maximize the average sales per visitor the website has detailed links and cross-links that direct
the visitor to accessories and other related products. In addition to online sales LBMHs sales
representatives regularly call online customers to generate orders for the replenishment of their
medical supplies.
Increased use of Electronic Health Records (EHR) in the U.S. should provide LBMH better access to
patients files and facilitate the billing process. Management believes that though the increased
use of EHR could help their competitors too, companies would still be required to carry out the
necessary due-diligence while processing claims including acquiring permission from the customer
and verifying insurance. Further, companies would still need to find and acquire customers and
physicians would still need to write prescriptions.
Industry and Competition
Medical Devices Industry
CMS forecasts total
expenditures on durable
and non-durable medical
devices to increase
from $62 billion at the
end of 2007 to $98
billion at the end of
2018 representing a
4.2% CAGR. Factors such
as an ageing
population, increasing
disease incidence
rates, increasing
average
life-expectancy, and
rising medical costs
should drive industry
growth.
For example, CMS expects the number of people in the U.S. who are aged 65 years or older to grow to
49.9 million at the end of 2018 from 37.6 million at the end of 2007 representing a CAGR of 2.6%.
We expect LBMH to participate in this growth due to its growing brand penetration through
advertising investments, its focus on Medicare reimbursements, its proactive customer order
management system, and the convenience offered to patients.
Private funded healthcare expenditure on medical devices (both durable and non-durable) amounted to
$52 billion in 2007 representing 84% of the total expenditure on medical devices. Within that
amount, out-of-pocket expenditure accounted for $49 billion and the remaining $3 billion was funded
by private health insurance. The public sector, which principally funds expenses for those 65 and
older and the disabled, totaled almost $10 billion in 2007. Though it is a smaller segment, public
funding is forecast to reach $20.5 billion in 2018 representing a 6.9% CAGR. As Medicare
beneficiaries represent 70% of LBMHs customer base we expect the company to benefit from the
faster-than-industry growth in this segment.
Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. | PAGE -7- |
Mickey M. Schleien (305) 572-4131 | LIBERATOR MEDICAL HOLDINGS (LBMH) |
Medicare Part B Benefits Provider Business
At the end of 2008 about 44 million people were enrolled with Medicare and 32.4 million were
treated that year. Approximately 5.5 million (17%) were aged under 65 years and disabled while 22.6
million (70%) were aged 65 to 84 and the remaining 4.3 million (13%) were aged over 85. We believe
Medicare beneficiaries represent a vast demographic opportunity for LBMH as the population aged 65+
is more susceptible to multiple chronic illnesses. For example, in 2002 more than half of the
Medicare population was being treated for five or more chronic conditions. As LBMH customers are
outpatients, the company is usually reimbursed under Medicare Part B insurance (Medicare
supplementary insurance). With over 133 million Americans suffering from chronic
diseases5 and 31 million treated annually on average over the past nine years under
Medicare supplementary insurance, management notes that 100,000 Medicare enrollees ordering
supplies for a full year period could allow LBMH to realize its $100 million revenue target. LBMH
currently has a database of 85,000 customer leads for generating additional enrollments.
Market Segments
Urological: BCC research estimates that the urological catheters market was worth about $4.4
billion in 2009. According to management the number of patients with urological disorders is
growing faster than in any other disease category. Urological disease incidence rates among people
aged 40+ are nearly twice6 those of incidence rates in patients aged under 40. In our
opinion, the high incidence rate in the 65+ category bodes well for the industry as these patients
are eligible for Medicare reimbursement. For example, market research firm Millennium Research
Group (MRG) forecasts the U.S. market for intermittent catheters will grow at a 40% CAGR from 2008
to 2012. MRG asserts that this growth is largely accounted for by the Medicare ruling effective
April 1, 2008 that allows the usage of up to 200 catheters per month per patient against only four
per month previously. These catheters are one of LBMHs primary products and the change in the
ruling should significantly benefit the company.
Diabetes Supplies: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there
were 18 million diagnosed diabetics and six million undiagnosed diabetics in 2007. LBMH estimates
that each patient represents a potential $660 in annual revenue from the sale of supplies implying
a $12 billion market.
5 | CDC | |
6 | Company reports |
Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. | PAGE -8- |
Mickey M. Schleien (305) 572-4131 | LIBERATOR MEDICAL HOLDINGS (LBMH) |
Diabetes Education: According to management five million Medicare beneficiaries suffer from
diabetes and each diabetic represents an opportunity of more than $200 per annum in educational
revenue. This amount implies a market opportunity of more than $1 billion for diabetes education.
Mastectomy: According to LBMH over three million people have undergone mastectomy procedures and
require post-mastectomy products. The CDC estimates the market for prosthetics and other
post-mastectomy products to be around $1.1 billion as of 2005.
Ostomy: According to the CDC 600,000 people have undergone ostomy procedures and most of them
require an indispensable regular supply of ostomy related medical products. CDC estimates that in
2005 the healthcare market for ostomy products was approximately $1.2 billion.
Competition
The durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics, supplies, and Medicare/Insurance benefits
provision industry is highly fragmented with more than 100,000 DMEPOS (Durable Medical Equipment,
Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies) suppliers. However, only 50 of these suppliers have annual
sales in excess of $10 million and we expect the market to consolidate due to a recent $50,000 bond
and accreditation requirement. Given its relatively larger scale we expect LBMH to capture a good
share of customers who were previously using the services of unaccredited Medicare benefit
providers.
Diabetes: The diabetic medical device and supply market is mature and highly competitive. LBMH
faces competition from Liberty Medical (founded by Mark Liberator and now owned by Medco), Chronic
Care Solutions, MP Total Care, and other relatively smaller players.
Mastectomy: Post-mastectomy products are a niche market in which LBMH faces competition from a
large number of small specialty stores. Patients who have been through mastectomy procedures are
often not comfortable and prefer not to share sensitive personal issues with store personnel. LBMH
offers a convenient and private telephone and Internet based ordering system that appeals to
existing as well as prospective customers and hence may enjoy a preferred point-of-sales channel
advantage over other smaller players.
Ostomy: Edgepark and United Ostomy are the only two national level competitors to LBMH in this
category. Management notes that its infrastructure and accuracy in processing claims has allowed it
to undertake Medicare assignments refused by other companies and this ability has resulted in a
significant growth for this segment.
Urological Disorders: In this segment, which represents the
companys focus area, LBMH faces competition from Byrams Healthcare, Edgepark, United Ostomy, as
well as specialty drug stores and many small independent dealers and stores.
Online Retail: In this segment LBMH faces competition from various websites offering online sales
of medical devices and supplies. According to management, competitors websites generally lack one
or more of the following essential features: a detailed display of products, fully on-line ordering
system, and/or a provision for billing Medicare or private insurance. LBMHs management believes
that its websites are better than its competitors websites with respect to functionality, ease of
access and navigation, and comprehensive product offerings.
Competitive Strengths
According to management, Liberators key competitive advantages include:
Management: CEO Mark Libratore and CFO Robert Davis were the architects of the successful
advertising driven business model at Liberty. The two, along with the other current management team
members, grew Libertys business to achieve an annual sales run rate of $100 million within a 10
year span. So far management appears to be on track to replicate this success with the company
clocking impressive revenue growth in recent years.
Focus on the Customer: LBMH treats customers as patients and takes care to consider their
requirements. The company provides utmost convenience in Medicare claims processing by interacting
with customers physicians and Medicare authorities. The LBMH sales team proactively calls
customers to ensure that they replenish their medical supplies on a timely basis thereby promoting
repeat orders.
Infrastructure and Scale: Liberator is managed principally as a claims administrator. The company
has state-of-the-art infrastructure and in-built technology systems that make the customer
eligibility verification and the sales
Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. | PAGE -9- |
Mickey M. Schleien (305) 572-4131 | LIBERATOR MEDICAL HOLDINGS (LBMH) |
process convenient not only for customers but also for LBMH employees. The companys systems
also enable active customer management and faster revenue realization.
Precision and Accuracy: LBMH employs nurses for verification of customers Medicare eligibility,
identification of correct Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes; physician authorization
verification, and other processes. Management is highly confident of LBMHs precision and accuracy
in the Medicare claims process.
Product/Supplier Flexibility: Management believes that the companys diversified business model
places it in a position to weather potential competitive price cuts or lower price realizations
from changes in Medicare reimbursement rates by seeking alternate suppliers or shifting the focus
to product categories that are less impacted by Medicare program changes.
Financial Overview and Recent Results
LBMHs revenue has grown more than eight-fold from $3 million in FY07 to $26 million in FY09
mainly due to the strong growth in mail order revenue resulting from substantial investments in
advertising. LBMH spent $1.6 million and $4.2 million on advertising in FY2008 and FY2009,
respectively. LBMHs revenue in 1Q10 increased 71% y-o-y and 19% q-o-q to $9.2 million primarily
due to encouraging customer response as a result of an extensive direct-response advertisement
campaign. However, the gross margin for the quarter contracted 100 basis points (y-o-y) to 64.5%
due to a higher proportion of lower margin product sales. Investments in direct response
advertisement increased 186% y-o-y to $2 million. By deploying additional staff and providing
training in the collection process LBMH was able to bring down its bad debt accrual as a percentage
of revenue from 12.7% in 1Q09 to 7.2% in 1Q10. General and administrative expenses as a percentage
of revenues also declined to 11.2% in 1Q10 from 16.5% in 1Q09. Operating profit increased 127%
y-o-y to $1.2 million in 1Q10 from $0.5 million in 1Q09 as the operating margin expanded 311 basis
points to 12.7% in 1Q10 from 9.6% in 1Q09. Margin expansion was primarily due to increased sales
volumes at lower incremental operating costs partially offset by an increase in payroll and
advertising costs which as a percentage of sales increased to 23.7% in 1Q10 from 19.9% in 1Q09 and
8.8% in 1Q10 from 5.6% in 1Q09, respectively. Net income increased 247% y-o-y from $0.24 million
in 1Q09 to $0.85 million in 1Q10 as the net margin expanded 473 basis points to 9.3%. The net
margin was favorably impacted by lower interest expense ($0.24 million in 1Q10 vs. $0.27 million in
1Q09) but was negatively impacted by a $66,000 provision for income taxes in 1Q10 compared to no
provision for income taxes in 1Q09. The tax provision was comprised of $63,000 in deferred taxes
and $3,000 in alternative minimum taxes. LBMH generated 1Q10 diluted EPS of 2¢ compared to 1¢ in
1Q09.
Balance Sheet and Cash Flow
As of 1Q10 LBMH had $2.9 million in cash and $8.4 million in total debt. In 1Q10 LBMH borrowed
$0.8 million from its credit line facility and had $0.5 million in convertible notes issued in
April 2008 which are due in 2Q10 ($0.3 million) and 3Q10 ($0.2 million). These notes are
convertible into 0.9 million common shares at 50¢ per share. Likewise, two other tranches of debt,
$3.5 million issued in May 2008 and $2.5 million issued in October 2008, are also convertible into
4.4 million and 3.3 million shares at 80¢ and 75¢ per share, respectively. As these convertibles
are in-the-money we believe there is a high probability of conversion. Cash used in operating
activities stood at $0.3 million mainly due to $2.0 million invested in the direct response
advertisement campaign. LBMH also invested $0.8 million in P,P&E driven by the expansion into the
new 24,000 square foot facility which has been operational since January 2010. The company
purchased a certificate of deposit for $0.6 million, repaid $0.2 million against a convertible
note, received $0.2 million from warrants exercises, and $0.1 million from employee
stock purchases.
Ownership
LBMHs President and CEO, Mark Libratore, holds 47.2% of the outstanding shares and is the
companys largest shareholder. Millennium Partners, L.P. together with its associated companies
holds various convertible notes and warrants convertible into 14.5 million common shares amounting
to 34.7% of the total shares on a diluted basis. However, as per the terms of the convertible notes
and warrants Millennium Partners together with its associated companies cannot hold more than 9.99%
of the total issued and outstanding shares at any given date.
Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. | PAGE -10- |
Mickey M. Schleien (305) 572-4131 | LIBERATOR MEDICAL HOLDINGS (LBMH) |
Board of Directors
LBMHs Board is comprised of only three members. In addition to the CEO, in December 2009 the
company added two new directors to the board, Mr. Joseph Farish and Mr. Robert Cuillo. Mr. Farish
has over 50 years of litigation experience primarily in the areas of personal injury, wrongful
death, and commerce. He has also been an entrepreneur in residential and commercial real estate.
Mr. Cuillo is an entrepreneur in automotive dealerships and has interests in the performing arts
and charity trusts. Given the boards structure and the CEOs stake in the company, in our view
Mr. Libratore has substantial influence over the companys direction and strategic decisions.
Outlook & Valuation
Outlook
LBMH expects to attain revenue of $100 million with a 20% to 22% EBITDA margin by FY12. We
believe that the company is on track to achieve these targets given its recent performance. We
forecast LBMH to earn fully diluted EPS of 10¢ in FY10 and 17¢ in FY11. We forecast LBMH to
generate revenue of $46 million in FY10 and $75 million in FY11 on account of forecast advertising
investments of more than $22 million over the next two years. We expect forecast increased sales
volume should enable LBMH to potentially negotiate better pricing with vendors resulting in gross
margin expansion and expect the margin to expand from 65% in FY09 to 66% in FY11. Further, as LBMH
transitions more toward an Internet-based billing model we expect a reduction in bad debt and
payroll costs due to improved revenue realization and reduced collection efforts. Expansion in
gross margins coupled with a reduction in payroll and bad debt expenses should enable LBMH to
achieve an EBITDA margin of 19% and a net margin of 12% in FY11 compared to 14% and 9% in FY09,
respectively. We expect revenue growth and improved profitability to generate cash sufficient to
meet debt obligations and required advertising investments. We expect LBMH to meet its debt
obligations either through share issuance or cash redemption. As the companys major debt-holder,
Millennium Partners, cannot hold more than 9.99% of the shares outstanding, we expect the debt to
be at least partially redeemed in cash. We forecasted LBMH to generate free cash flow per fully
diluted share of 6¢ and 10¢ in FY10 and FY11, respectively.
Valuation
Figure 5: LBMH Peer Valuation
Market | Enterprise | Share Price | EV/EBITDA | P/E | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ticker | Company Name | Cap (mn) | Value (mn) | Currency | 2/19/10 | CY08(A) | CY09(A) | CY10(E) | CY11(E) | CY08(A) | CY09(A) | CY10(E) | CY11(E) | P/BV | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
PSSI |
PSS World Medical Inc. | 1,239 | 1,367 | USD | 21.04 | 9.4x | 8.5x | 7.4x | NA | 17.1x | 16.4x | 13.6x | NA | 2.9x | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
LNCR |
Lincare Holdings Inc. | 2,719 | 3,125 | USD | 41.61 | 10.8x | 7.3x | 6.6x | 6.4x | 20.9x | 16.4x | 14.1x | 12.5x | 3.0x | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
CAH |
Cardinal Health, Inc. | 12,228 | 12,593 | USD | 33.83 | 5.0x | 7.7x | 7.2x | 6.5x | 12.6x | 15.1x | 13.8x | 12.4x | 2.3x | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
MEDIQ |
Mediq NV | 759 | 1,003 | EUR | 12.99 | 8.0x | 7.5x | 7.3x | 6.9x | NMF | 10.9x | 10.2x | 9.2x | 1.9x | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
OMI |
Owens & Minor Inc. | 1,943 | 2,055 | USD | 46.40 | 9.1x | 8.6x | 7.8x | 7.0x | 16.4x | 15.7x | 14.1x | 12.5x | 2.5x | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Median |
9.1x | 7.7x | 7.3x | 6.7x | 16.8x | 15.7x | 13.8x | 12.4x | 2.5x | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mean |
8.4x | 7.9x | 7.3x | 6.6x | 16.8x | 14.9x | 13.1x | 11.4x | 2.5x | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mean (excluding outliers) | 8.4x | 7.9x | 7.3x | 6.7x | 16.8x | 14.9x | 13.1x | 11.6x | 2.5x | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
LBMH |
Liberator Medical Holdings, Inc. | 82 | 86 | USD | 1.89 | 183.6x | 20.2x | 10.0x | 5.3x | NMF | 28.9x | 15.3x | 9.5x | 0.6x | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Source:
Capital IQ, Ladenburg Thalmann
Notes: PSSI $21.04 Buy
Unless otherwise stated, Ladenburg Thalmann does not cover the companies in this table.
LBMH is currently trading at 9.5x diluted CY11E EPS while its peers are trading at 11.6x. We
believe LBMHs growth profile warrants a premium vis-à-vis its relatively more mature peers. Though
there is a degree of execution risk involved in scaling up, we believe senior managements
experience and expertise should help mitigate this potential hazard. Hence, we believe LBMH should
trade at 15x its fully-diluted CY11 EPS of 20¢ and initiate coverage with a $3.00 price target.
Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. | PAGE -11- |
Mickey M. Schleien (305) 572-4131 | LIBERATOR MEDICAL HOLDINGS (LBMH) |
Management
Mark Libratore, 57, has been the President, CEO, and a Director of LBMH since its
incorporation in its current form. Prior to serving LBMH he was the founder and President of
Liberator Medical Supply Inc. from 1999 to 2007. Before founding Liberator Medical Supply, he was
the founder and president of Liberty Medical Supply from 1990. Liberty Medical Supply was sold to
PolyMedica Corporation in August 1996. He remained as the President of the subsidiary (Liberty
Medical Supply) and as a Senior Vice-President of PolyMedica Corp through February 1999.
Robert Davis, 62, has been the CFO of LBMH since its incorporation in its current form. Prior to
serving LBMH he had been the CFO and controller of Liberator Medical Supply Inc. since its
inception in 1999 through 2007. Before joining Liberator Medical Supply Inc. he was the CFO and
Manager of Financial Planning for Liberty Medical Supply, Inc. through 1999. Prior to 1999 he held
various executive-level finance positions such as Comptroller and Vice President of Finance for
TurboCombustor Corp., Data Development Inc., and Caribbean Computer Corp.
John Leger, 53, has been the COO of LBMH since its incorporation in its current form. Prior to
joining LBMH he was the COO of Liberator Medical Supply Inc. from 2006 to 2007. He served Closer
Healthcare, Inc. for a year after joining in 2005. Before his tenure at Closer Healthcare he was
the Senior Vice-President of operations at Liberty Medical Supply from 1991 through 2004.
Investment Risks
The primary risks to an investment in LBMH shares include, but are not limited to, the
following:
Changes in Medicare Policies: A reduction in reimbursement rates by Medicare could mean lower
revenue for LBMH. Any tightening in reimbursement policies and procedures could result in
additional operational costs while a more stringent Medicare audit of benefit providers facilities
and records could also increase operational costs. All these factors could have a negative impact
on profitability and cash flow.
Compliance Risks: LBMH, despite a long list of checks before accepting a patients claim to
Medicare, is subject to regular audits/investigations by each of the four regional Medicare
centers. In the past, negative findings in these audits have led to reimbursement of claims
previously paid by Medicare to LBMH. On the basis of the severity of the negative findings in the
future LBMH may be subject to offsets of future payments, fines, or even cancellation of Medicare
billing privileges. At times such negative findings can be due to external factors such as patients
concealing information. For example, a patient may already have similar equipment or may not have
been examined by a physician recently enough and lacks adequate medical necessity.
Competitive Bidding: CMSs competitive bidding program applicable to specific product categories
as well as particular competitive bidding areas could negatively impact average selling prices
particularly in the diabetes category thereby pressuring revenue and profitability.
Order Mix: According to management the company incurs losses on the first order from a Medicare
beneficiary/patient due to the costs involved in initial customer qualification as well as
regulatory compliance and marketing costs. As a result, LBMHs profitability is highly dependent on
the number and amount of sustained repeat orders. Repeat orders in turn are a product of multiple
external factors such as general economic conditions, patient preferences, competitive price
pressures, and other trends.
Product Liability: Product liability claims due to device/supplies malfunctioning can adversely
impact profitability despite insurance coverage. In the extreme, if the FDA were to order the
suspension of sales of specific products then LBMH would have to forgo sales on the specific
product during the suspension period.
Key Personnel: The CEO, CFO, and the COO were the key personnel at Liberty Medical Supply and were
the architects of that companys advertisement-driven model. A loss of any of these three
individuals could challenge the effectiveness of the business model.
Low Trading Volume: LBMHs shares have very limited trading volume and are subject to penny stock
regulations thus representing significant illiquidity risk for both entry into and exit out of the
stock.
Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. | PAGE -12- |
Mickey M. Schleien (305) 572-4131 | LIBERATOR MEDICAL HOLDINGS (LBMH) |
Control: Although LBMH inducted two independent directors to its Board of Directors
in December 2009, LBMHs CEO, Mark Libratore, has 47% ownership in the company and is also
a director. He therefore has significant influence on the functioning of the Board as well
as the companys direction.
Table 1: LBMH Income Statement
Income Statement
Liberator Medical Holdings Inc.
($000s, except per share data)
Liberator Medical Holdings Inc.
($000s, except per share data)
Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
FY 07A | FY 08A | FY 09A | Dec 09A | Mar 10E | Jun 10E | Sep 10E | FY 10E | Dec 10E | Mar 11E | Jun 11E | Sep 11E | FY 11E | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sales |
2,959 | 9,550 | 25,818 | 9,158 | 10,574 | 12,496 | 14,475 | 46,703 | 16,120 | 17,855 | 19,677 | 21,613 | 75,264 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of Sales |
1,328 | 3,439 | 9,050 | 3,248 | 3,724 | 4,369 | 5,025 | 16,366 | 5,580 | 6,163 | 6,772 | 7,417 | 25,931 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross Profit |
1,631 | 6,111 | 16,768 | 5,910 | 6,850 | 8,127 | 9,450 | 30,337 | 10,540 | 11,692 | 12,905 | 14,196 | 49,332 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating Expenses |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Payroll, taxes and benefits |
1,935 | 2,685 | 5,406 | 2,169 | 2,326 | 2,699 | 3,069 | 10,263 | 3,369 | 3,678 | 3,994 | 4,323 | 15,364 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Advertising |
173 | 470 | 2,042 | 806 | 1,176 | 1,409 | 1,649 | 5,041 | 1,860 | 2,097 | 2,347 | 2,609 | 8,913 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Bad debts |
427 | 1,042 | 2,488 | 655 | 703 | 769 | 818 | 2,945 | 863 | 902 | 935 | 962 | 3,662 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
General and administrative |
1,426 | 2,502 | 3,237 | 1,025 | 1,157 | 1,336 | 1,512 | 5,030 | 1,643 | 1,775 | 1,907 | 2,041 | 7,366 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
EBITDA |
(2,331 | ) | (588 | ) | 3,595 | 1,255 | 1,488 | 1,913 | 2,402 | 7,058 | 2,805 | 3,239 | 3,721 | 4,262 | 14,027 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation |
185 | 213 | 306 | 95 | 112 | 112 | 113 | 432 | 106 | 107 | 108 | 111 | 432 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
EBIT |
(2,516 | ) | (801 | ) | 3,289 | 1,160 | 1,375 | 1,801 | 2,289 | 6,626 | 2,699 | 3,132 | 3,613 | 4,151 | 13,595 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other Income (Expense) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest Expense |
(334 | ) | (520 | ) | (1,054 | ) | (243 | ) | (225 | ) | (174 | ) | (71 | ) | (714 | ) | (24 | ) | | | | (24 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest Income |
59 | 12 | 19 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 7 | 19 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 9 | 30 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Other Income (Expense) |
(171 | ) | (508 | ) | (1,035 | ) | (240 | ) | (222 | ) | (169 | ) | (64 | ) | (694 | ) | (17 | ) | 6 | 7 | 9 | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income (Loss) before Income Taxes |
(2,687 | ) | (1,309 | ) | 2,254 | 920 | 1,154 | 1,633 | 2,226 | 5,932 | 2,682 | 3,139 | 3,621 | 4,160 | 13,601 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Provision for Income Taxes Net |
| | 32 | 66 | 16 | 23 | 361 | 467 | 939 | 1,099 | 1,267 | 1,456 | 4,760 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Income (Loss) |
(2,687 | ) | (1,309 | ) | 2,222 | 854 | 1,137 | 1,609 | 1,864 | 5,465 | 1,743 | 2,040 | 2,353 | 2,704 | 8,841 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Earnings (loss) per share Basic |
(0.10 | ) | (0.04 | ) | 0.07 | 0.03 | 0.03 | 0.04 | 0.05 | 0.15 | 0.04 | 0.05 | 0.06 | 0.07 | 0.22 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Earnings (loss) per share Diluted |
(0.10 | ) | (0.04 | ) | 0.05 | 0.02 | 0.02 | 0.03 | 0.04 | 0.11 | 0.03 | 0.04 | 0.05 | 0.05 | 0.17 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Weighted average shares outstanding |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic |
27,265 | 31,768 | 32,128 | 32,848 | 33,213 | 39,573 | 40,258 | 40,258 | 40,746 | 40,752 | 40,752 | 40,752 | 40,752 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Diluted |
27,265 | 31,768 | 43,620 | 51,350 | 51,350 | 51,350 | 51,350 | 51,350 | 51,350 | 51,350 | 51,350 | 51,350 | 51,350 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue
Growth |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue Growth Y-o-Y % |
222.8 | % | 170.3 | % | 71.4 | % | 81.5 | % | 79.8 | % | 88.0 | % | 80.9 | % | 76.0 | % | 68.8 | % | 57.5 | % | 49.3 | % | 61.2 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenue Growth Q-o-Q % |
19.0 | % | 15.5 | % | 18.2 | % | 15.8 | % | 11.4 | % | 10.8 | % | 10.2 | % | 9.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Margins |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Gross Margin |
55.1 | % | 64.0 | % | 64.9 | % | 64.5 | % | 64.8 | % | 65.0 | % | 65.3 | % | 65.0 | % | 65.4 | % | 65.5 | % | 65.6 | % | 65.7 | % | 65.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
EBITDA Margin |
-78.8 | % | -6.2 | % | 13.9 | % | 13.7 | % | 14.1 | % | 15.3 | % | 16.6 | % | 15.1 | % | 17.4 | % | 18.1 | % | 18.9 | % | 19.7 | % | 18.6 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
EBIT Margin |
-85.0 | % | -8.4 | % | 12.7 | % | 12.7 | % | 13.0 | % | 14.4 | % | 15.8 | % | 14.2 | % | 16.7 | % | 17.5 | % | 18.4 | % | 19.2 | % | 18.1 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Margin |
-90.8 | % | -13.7 | % | 8.6 | % | 9.3 | % | 10.8 | % | 12.9 | % | 12.9 | % | 11.7 | % | 10.8 | % | 11.4 | % | 12.0 | % | 12.5 | % | 11.7 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income Tax Rate |
0.0 | % | 0.0 | % | 1.4 | % | 7.2 | % | 1.4 | % | 1.4 | % | 16.2 | % | 7.9 | % | 35.0 | % | 35.0 | % | 35.0 | % | 35.0 | % | 35.0 | % |
Sources: Company Reports, Ladenburg Thalmann
Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. | PAGE -13- |
Mickey M. Schleien (305) 572-4131 | LIBERATOR MEDICAL HOLDINGS (LBMH) |
Table 2: LBMH Balance Sheet
Balance Sheet
Liberator Medical Holdings Inc.
($000s, except per share data)
Liberator Medical Holdings Inc.
($000s, except per share data)
Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
FY 07A | FY 08A | FY 09A | Dec 09A | Mar 10E | Jun 10E | Sep 10E | FY 10E | Dec 10E | Mar 11E | Jun 11E | Sep 11E | FY 11E | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Current Assets |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash |
177 | 1,173 | 3,798 | 2,881 | 5,058 | 6,957 | 9,072 | 9,072 | 6,596 | 7,655 | 9,036 | 10,782 | 10,782 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Restricted Cash |
| | 500 | 1,053 | 1,053 | 1,053 | 1,053 | 1,053 | 1,053 | 1,053 | 1,053 | 1,053 | 1,053 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accounts receivable |
484 | 2,405 | 3,850 | 4,664 | 3,283 | 3,700 | 4,082 | 4,082 | 4,458 | 4,948 | 5,285 | 5,625 | 5,625 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Prepaid expenses |
802 | 321 | 59 | | | | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Inventory |
299 | 786 | 902 | 933 | 1,052 | 1,173 | 1,280 | 1,280 | 1,391 | 1,536 | 1,632 | 1,727 | 1,727 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Deferred advertising, current portion |
174 | 770 | 2,016 | 2,678 | 3,289 | 3,888 | 4,471 | 4,471 | 5,089 | 5,733 | 6,395 | 7,065 | 7,065 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Debt Issuance Costs, Current Potion |
| 316 | 347 | 242 | 242 | 242 | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other |
1 | 2 | 77 | 246 | 276 | 321 | 366 | 366 | 403 | 442 | 482 | 524 | 524 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Current Assets |
1,936 | 5,773 | 11,549 | 12,697 | 14,253 | 17,334 | 20,322 | 20,322 | 18,989 | 21,366 | 23,883 | 26,776 | 26,776 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Property and Equipment |
728 | 816 | 1,041 | 1,726 | 1,720 | 1,733 | 1,765 | 1,765 | 1,780 | 1,807 | 1,846 | 1,897 | 1,897 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other Assets |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Deferred advertising, net of current portion |
139 | 660 | 1,739 | 2,305 | 2,814 | 3,300 | 3,762 | 3,762 | 4,241 | 4,727 | 5,216 | 5,706 | 5,706 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Debt Issuance Costs |
| 177 | 7 | | | | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Deposits |
81 | 100 | 123 | 258 | 258 | 258 | 258 | 258 | 258 | 258 | 258 | 258 | 258 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Other Assets |
220 | 937 | 1,869 | 2,563 | 3,072 | 3,558 | 4,020 | 4,020 | 4,499 | 4,985 | 5,474 | 5,964 | 5,964 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Assets |
2,884 | 7,526 | 14,459 | 16,986 | 19,045 | 22,625 | 26,107 | 26,107 | 25,268 | 28,158 | 31,203 | 34,638 | 34,638 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Current Liabilities |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accounts payable |
400 | 900 | 2,089 | 2,834 | 3,404 | 4,046 | 4,712 | 4,712 | 5,293 | 6,045 | 6,644 | 7,278 | 7,278 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accrued liabilities |
204 | 290 | 716 | 560 | 736 | 856 | 975 | 975 | 1,074 | 1,178 | 1,285 | 1,397 | 1,397 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stockholder loan |
1,676 | 1,665 | 1,515 | 1,315 | 1,315 | 1,315 | 1,315 | 1,315 | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Convertible notes payable |
266 | 772 | 3,893 | 6,286 | 6,480 | 2,489 | 2,529 | 2,529 | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Capital lease obligations, current portion |
31 | 51 | 80 | 77 | 73 | 68 | 64 | 64 | 53 | 43 | 32 | 18 | 18 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Deferred rent liability, current portion |
42 | 48 | 60 | 38 | 38 | 38 | 38 | 38 | 38 | 38 | 38 | 38 | 38 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Current Liabilities |
2,618 | 3,726 | 8,353 | 11,860 | 12,796 | 9,562 | 10,383 | 10,383 | 7,208 | 8,053 | 8,749 | 9,480 | 9,480 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Long Term Liabilities |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Convertible notes payable |
66 | 2,789 | 2,447 | | | | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Capital lease obligations, net of current
portion |
| 82 | 70 | 53 | 39 | 24 | 10 | 10 | 6 | 2 | (3 | ) | (3 | ) | (3 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Deferred Tax Liability |
| | | 503 | 503 | 503 | 503 | 503 | 503 | 503 | 503 | 503 | 503 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Long Term Liabilities |
328 | 3,085 | 2,682 | 741 | 727 | 712 | 698 | 698 | 694 | 690 | 686 | 686 | 686 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Liabilities |
2,946 | 6,811 | 11,035 | 12,601 | 13,523 | 10,274 | 11,080 | 11.080 | 7,901 | 8,742 | 9,434 | 10,165 | 10,165 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stockholders Equity |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Common stock |
30 | 32 | 32 | 33 | 33 | 39 | 40 | 40 | 41 | 41 | 41 | 41 | 41 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Additional paid in capital |
9,093 | 11,177 | 11,705 | 11,820 | 11,820 | 17,033 | 17,844 | 17,844 | 18,440 | 18,448 | 18,448 | 18,448 | 18,448 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accumulated deficit |
(9,186 | ) | (10,494 | ) | (8,272 | ) | (7,418 | ) | (6,281 | ) | (4,671 | ) | (2,807 | ) | (2,807 | ) | (1,064 | ) | 977 | 3,330 | 6,034 | 6,034 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Less: Treasury stock |
| | (41 | ) | (50 | ) | (50 | ) | (50 | ) | (50 | ) | (50 | ) | (50 | ) | (50 | ) | (50 | ) | (50 | ) | (50 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Stockholders Equity |
(62 | ) | 715 | 3,424 | 4,385 | 5,522 | 12,351 | 15,027 | 15,027 | 17,366 | 19,415 | 21,769 | 24,473 | 24,473 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total Liabilities and Stockholders Equity |
2,884 | 7,526 | 14,459 | 16,986 | 19,045 | 22,625 | 26,107 | 26,107 | 25,268 | 28,158 | 31,203 | 34,638 | 34,638 |
Sources: Company Reports, Ladenburg Thalmann
Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. | PAGE -14- |
Mickey M. Schleien (305) 572-4131 | LIBERATOR MEDICAL HOLDINGS (LBMH) |
Table 3: LBMH Cash Flow Statement
Cash Flow Statement
Liberator Medical Holdings Inc.
($000s, except per share data)
Liberator Medical Holdings Inc.
($000s, except per share data)
Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
FY 07A | FY 08A | FY 09A | Dec 09A | Mar 10E | Jun 10E | Sep 10E | FY 10E | Dec 10E | Mar 11E | Jun 11E | Sep 11E | FY 11E | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash flow from operating activities: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Income (Loss) |
(2,759 | ) | (1,309 | ) | 2,222 | 854 | 1,137 | 1,609 | 1,864 | 5,465 | 1,743 | 2,040 | 2,353 | 2,704 | 8,841 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net
cash provided by (used in) operating activities: |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
185 | 663 | 2,172 | 905 | 1,214 | 1,434 | 1,661 | 5,214 | 1,869 | 2,097 | 2,337 | 2,590 | 8,893 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Equity based compensation |
309 | 739 | 420 | 133 | | | | 133 | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Provision for doubtful accounts and sales returns |
427 | 1,042 | 2,488 | 763 | | | | 763 | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Noncash interest related to convertible notes
payable |
| 233 | 701 | 180 | 194 | 46 | 40 | 460 | (29 | ) | | | | (29 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of noncash loan issuance costs |
| 12 | 37 | 9 | | | | 9 | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Inventory reserve |
50 | | 60 | | | | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loss on abandonment of leasehold improvements |
13 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Loss on disposal of assets |
3 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accounts receivable |
423 | (2,963 | ) | (3,933 | ) | (1,576 | ) | 1,381 | (417 | ) | (382 | ) | (994 | ) | (376 | ) | (490 | ) | (337 | ) | (339 | ) | (1,543 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
(47 | ) | 23 | (119 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Deposits |
(19 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Inventory |
58 | (487 | ) | (176 | ) | (31 | ) | (119 | ) | (121 | ) | (107 | ) | (378 | ) | (111 | ) | (145 | ) | (96 | ) | (96 | ) | (448 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accounts payable |
(148 | ) | 501 | 1,189 | 744 | 570 | 642 | 666 | 2,622 | 581 | 751 | 599 | 634 | 2,565 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Accrued expenses |
114 | 157 | 433 | (179 | ) | 176 | 120 | 119 | 236 | 99 | 104 | 107 | 112 | 422 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Deferred rent |
24 | (42 | ) | (37 | ) | (2 | ) | | | | (2 | ) | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Deferred loan costs |
| 128 | 446 | | | | 242 | 242 | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Deferred advertising |
(106 | ) | (1,567 | ) | (4,191 | ) | (2,037 | ) | (2,222 | ) | (2,407 | ) | (2,593 | ) | (9,259 | ) | (2,860 | ) | (3,120 | ) | (3,380 | ) | (3,640 | ) | (13,000 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other current assets |
(1 | ) | (1 | ) | | (150 | ) | (30 | ) | (45 | ) | (45 | ) | (270 | ) | (37 | ) | (39 | ) | (40 | ) | (42 | ) | (158 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Cash Flow Provided by (Used in) Operating |
(1,475 | ) | (2,870 | ) | 1,712 | (324 | ) | 2,302 | 861 | 1,466 | 4,305 | 879 | 1,198 | 1,543 | 1,923 | 5,543 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash flow from investing activities: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase of property and equipment |
(144 | ) | (222 | ) | (441 | ) | (780 | ) | (106 | ) | (125 | ) | (145 | ) | (1,155 | ) | (121 | ) | (134 | ) | (148 | ) | (162 | ) | (564 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase of Certificate of Deposit |
| | (500 | ) | (553 | ) | | | | (553 | ) | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Cash Flow Used in Investing Activities |
(144 | ) | (222 | ) | (941 | ) | (1.333 | ) | (106 | ) | (125 | ) | (145 | ) | (1,708 | ) | (121 | ) | (134 | ) | (148 | ) | (162 | ) | (564 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash flow from financing activities: |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from sale of stock |
678 | 762 | | | | | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from Exercise of Warrants |
| | 10 | 163 | | 2,188 | 812 | 3,163 | 508 | 9 | | | 517 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from issuance of convertible notes |
878 | 4,098 | 2,500 | | | | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from notes payable |
505 | | | | | | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Repayment on Stockholder loan |
| | | | | | | | (1,315 | ) | | | | (1,315 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Broker commissions |
(180 | ) | (101 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Debt Issuance Costs |
| (577 | ) | (326 | ) | | | | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan |
| | 27 | 56 | | | | 56 | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Legal and other fees paid |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Purchase of treasury stock |
| | (41 | ) | (9 | ) | | | | (9 | ) | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Payments of long-term debt and capital lease
obligations |
(147 | ) | (94 | ) | (316 | ) | (220 | ) | (19 | ) | (1,026 | ) | (19 | ) | (1,284 | ) | (2,427 | ) | (15 | ) | (15 | ) | (15 | ) | (2,470 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net Cash Flow Provided by Financing Activities |
1,733 | 4,088 | 1,854 | 740 | (19 | ) | 1,163 | 793 | 2,677 | (3,234 | ) | (6 | ) | (15 | ) | (15 | ) | (3,268 | ) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net increase in cash |
114 | 996 | 2,625 | (917 | ) | 2,177 | 1,899 | 2,115 | 5,274 | (2,475 | ) | 1,058 | 1,381 | 1,746 | 1,711 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash at beginning of period |
81 | 177 | 1,173 | 3,798 | 2,881 | 5,058 | 6,957 | 3,798 | 9,072 | 6,596 | 7,655 | 9,036 | 9,072 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash at end of period |
195 | 1,172 | 3,798 | 2,881 | 5,058 | 6,957 | 9,072 | 9,072 | 6,596 | 7,655 | 9,036 | 10,782 | 10,782 |
Sources: Company Reports, Ladenburg Thalmann
Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. | PAGE -15- |
Mickey M. Schleien (305) 572-4131 | LIBERATOR MEDICAL HOLDINGS (LBMH) |
APPENDIX A: IMPORTANT RESEARCH DISCLOSURES
ANALYST CERTIFICATION
I, Mickey M. Schleien, attest that the views expressed in this research report accurately reflect
my personal views about the subject security and issuer. Furthermore, no part of my compensation
was, is, or will be directly or indirectly related to the specific recommendation or views
expressed in this research report.
The research analyst(s) primarily responsible for the preparation of this research report have
received compensation based upon various factors, including the firms total revenues, a portion of
which is generated by investment banking activities.
COMPANY BACKGROUND
Headquartered in Stuart, Florida, LBMH is an accredited Medicare, Medicaid and private health
insurance benefits provider that sells durable medical supplies and products through its subsidiary
Liberator Medical Supply Inc directly to consumers.
VALUATION METHODOLOGY
We have valued LBMH shares on their CY2011 PE multiple.
RISKS
In addition to the normal economic and market risk factors affecting LBMH, the main risks of
investing in LBMH include, but are not limited to, the following: 1) changes in Medicare policies,
2) compliance, 3) competitive bidding, 4) order mix, 5) product liability, 6) key personnel, 7) low
trading volume, and 8) Board control.
STOCK RATING DEFINITIONS
Buy:
|
The stocks return is expected to exceed 15% over the next twelve months. | |
Neutral:
|
The stocks return is expected to be plus or minus 15% over the next twelve months. | |
Sell:
|
The stocks return is expected to be negative 15% or more over the next twelve months. |
Investment ratings are determined by the ranges described above at the time of initiation of
coverage, a change in risk, or a change in target price. At other times, the expected returns may
fall outside of these ranges because of price movement and/or volatility. Such interim deviations
from specified ranges will be permitted but will become subject to review.
RATINGS DISPERSION AND BANKING RELATIONSHIPS (as of 02/01/10)
Buy
|
67% | (18% are banking clients) | ||
Neutral
|
32% | (5% are banking clients) | ||
Sell
|
1% | (0% are banking clients) |
COMPANY SPECIFIC DISCLOSURES:
Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. makes a market in LBMH. Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. has not had an
investment banking relationship with, nor received compensation for investment banking services
from LBMH in the past 12 months. Neither the Analyst nor members of the Analysts household own
any
securities issued by LBMH or other companies mentioned in this report.
GENERAL DISCLAIMERS
Information and opinions presented in this report have been obtained or derived from sources
believed by Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. to be reliable. The opinions, estimates and projections
contained in this report are those of Ladenburg Thalmann as of the date of this report and are
subject to change without notice.
Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. accepts no liability for loss arising from the use of the material
presented in this report, except that this exclusion of liability does not apply to the extent that
such liability arises under specific statutes or regulations applicable to Ladenburg Thalmann & Co.
Inc. This report is not to be relied upon in substitution for the exercise of independent judgment.
Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. may have issued, and may in the future issue, other reports that are
inconsistent with, and reach different conclusions from, the information presented in this report.
Those reports reflect the different assumptions, views and analytical methods of the analysts who
prepared them and Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. is under no obligation to ensure that such other
reports are brought to the attention of any recipient of this report.
Some companies that Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. follows are emerging growth companies whose
securities typically involve a higher degree of risk and more volatility than the securities of
more established companies. The securities discussed in Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. research
reports may not be suitable for some investors. Investors must make their own determination as to
the appropriateness of an investment in any securities referred to herein, based on their specific
investment objectives, financial status and risk tolerance.
Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. | PAGE -16- |
Mickey M. Schleien (305) 572-4131 | LIBERATOR MEDICAL HOLDINGS (LBMH) |
Past performance should not be taken as an indication or guarantee of future performance, and
no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made regarding future performance. The price,
value of and income from any of the securities mentioned in this report can fall as well as rise.
The value of securities is subject to exchange rate fluctuation that may have a positive or adverse
effect on the price or income of such securities. Investors in securities such as ADRs, the values
of which are influenced by currency volatility, effectively assume this risk. Securities
recommended, offered or sold by Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. (1) are not insured by the Federal
Deposit Insurance Company; (2) are not deposits or other obligations of any insured depository
institution; and (3) are subject to investment risks, including the possible loss of some or all of
principal invested. Indeed, in the case of some investments, the potential losses may exceed the
amount of initial investment and, in such circumstances; you may be required to pay more money to
support these losses.
The information and material presented in this report are provided to you for information purposes
only and are not to be used or considered as an offer or the solicitation of an offer to sell or to
buy any securities mentioned herein. This publication is confidential for the information of the
addressee only and may not be reproduced in whole or in part, copies circulated, or disclosed to
another party, without the prior written consent of Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc.
Investing in low priced securities is speculative and carries a high degree of risk. You should
independently investigate and understand all risks before making any investment. The markets for
small cap stocks are highly speculative and this level of risk may not be appropriate for all
investors. Some of the companies listed may be subject to the Penny Stock Rule. Under this rule,
the SEC has defined a penny stock to be any equity security which has a market price of less than
$5.00 share, subject to certain exemptions. Such exemptions include an equity listed security
listed on NASDAQ and an equity security issued by an issuer which has (i) net tangible assets of at
least $2,000,000, if such issuer has been in continuous operational for three (3) years; (ii) net
tangible assets of at least $5,000,000, if such issuer has been in continuous operation for less
than three (3) years; or (iii) average revenue of at least $6,000,000 for the preceding three (3)
years. Unless such exemption is available, regulations require delivery of a risk disclosure
document explaining the penny stock market and the risks associated therewith prior to any
transaction involving a penny stock. For stock not quoted on NASDAQ or at any time that the
company has less than $2,000,000 in net tangible assets, the trading in the common stock is covered
under Rule 15g-9 under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 for non-NASDAQ and non-exchange listed securities. Under such rule,
broker-dealers who recommend covered securities to persons other than established customers and
accredited investors must make a written suitability determination for the purchaser and receive
the purchasers written agreement to a transaction prior to sale. Some securities may not be
cleared for sale in all states or other jurisdictions and LTCO assumes no responsibility to apprise
you of individual states or jurisdictions regulatory restrictions. Stocks in the microcap segment
of market have risks that are not as common in other segments of market. These risks include, but
are not limited to, liquidity risk, which can lead to higher volatility and low trade volume,
company specific risks that contribute to lower valuation, higher probability of financial default
and distress.
Links to third party websites are provided for convenience only, Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. does
not support the content of third party link, nor does it endorse such content. Ladenburg Thalmann &
Co. Inc. is not responsible for content of third party websites.
Member NYSE, NYSE Amex, FINRA, all other principal exchanges, and SIPC.
Additional Information Available Upon Request
© 2010 Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc. | PAGE -17- |