UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K/A
Amendment No. 1
x | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007
¨ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission file number: 0-23489
Access Worldwide Communications, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Delaware | | 52-1309227 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
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1820 North Fort Myer Drive Arlington, VA | | 22209 |
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) | | (Zip Code) |
Registrants telephone number including area code (703) 292-5210
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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Title of each class | | Name of each exchange on which registered |
None | | None |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, $0.01 par value.
(Title of class)
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ¨ No x
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes ¨ No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s 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. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
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Large accelerated filer | | ¨ | | | | | Accelerated filer | | ¨ | |
Non-accelerated filer | | ¨ | | | | | Smaller reporting company | | x | |
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) | | | | | |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x
As of March 24, 2008, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was$11,169,802 based on the closing price as reported on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System National Market System. The number of shares outstanding of the Company’s Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share is 36,997,266 as of March 26, 2007.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the Registrant’s Proxy Statement relating to the Registrant’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on May 21, 2008 are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K where indicated.
EXPLANATORY NOTE
On March 31, 2008, Access Worldwide Communications, Inc. (the “Company”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.
This Amendment No. 1 to Form 10-K (“Amendment No. 1”) of the Company is being filed solely to amend the following:
| • | | Part II, Item 7, page 14, Liquidity and Capital Resources, line 5 of the first full paragraph, $1.2 million was changed to $2.5 million. |
| • | | Part II, Item 8, page F-2, the Consolidated Balance Sheets, the total for Total Current Assets for December 31, 2006; $10,755,906 was changed to $9,105,906. |
The amendments set forth above are the only portion of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K being amended by this Form 10-K/A. This Amendment No. 1 does not change any other information set forth in the original filing of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 filed March 31, 2008.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
Certain information included in this report, or in other materials we have filed or will file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) (as well as information included in oral statements or other written statements made or to be made by us) contains or may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “1995 Act”). Forward-looking statements are based on information available to us and our perception of such information as of the date of this report and our current expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections about the industries in which we operate and the beliefs and assumptions of our management. You can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. They contain words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “may,” “can,” “could,” “might,” variations of such wording and other words or phrases of similar meaning in connection with a discussion of our future operating or financial performance, and other aspects of our business, including market share growth, gross profit, project mix, projects with varying profit margins, selling, general and administrative expenses, and trends in our business and other characterizations of future events or circumstances. From time to time, forward-looking statements also are included in our other periodic reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K, in press releases, in our presentations, on our web site and in other material released to the public. Any or all of the forward-looking statements included in this report and in any other reports or public statements made by us are only predictions and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those identified below in the “Risk Factors” section, the “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” section, and other sections of this report, and in our Forms 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2007, June 30, 2007 and September 30, 2007 and in other reports filed by us from time to time with the SEC as well as in press releases, in our presentations, on our web site and in other material released to the public. Such risks, uncertainties and assumptions are difficult to predict, beyond our control and may turn out to be inaccurate causing actual results to differ materially from those that might be anticipated from our forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. However, any further disclosures made on related subjects in our subsequent reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K should be consulted.
PART I
For convenience, the terms “Access Worldwide,” “Access,” “we,” “our,” “us” or the “Company” refer to Access Worldwide Communications, Inc. and/or, as the context requires, one or more of our subsidiaries.
The following discussion of our business should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
General
Established in 1983, today Access has approximately 1,000 employees in five locations across the United States (“U.S.”) and the Philippines. We are a provider of business process outsourcing (“BPO”) solutions focused on helping our clients cost-effectively acquire, retain, and profitably grow their customer base. We provide a full suite of inbound and outbound sales, customer care, marketing, IT, and back-office services in multiple languages, across all communication channels (e.g. phone, email, Internet, mail). Our clients are in a wide variety of industries including telecommunications, financial services/banks, media/publishing, and consumer product companies.
Given that each of our clients faces unique challenges, we combine leading edge technology, a global, well-educated workforce and a value-added approach to provide our clients with optimal scalability and choice. Whether it is a highly targeted sales campaign carried out by one of our U.S. communications centers, or a complex customer care application serviced in the Philippines, we have the resources in place to meet our clients expectations. We specialize in, and have a proven track record of success, supporting the following types of programs:
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Customer Acquisition: | | Customer Care: | | Technical Support/Help Desk: |
Inbound/Outbound Sales | | Customer Service/Retention | | Tier 1 Issue Resolution |
Order Entry/Up-sell | | Retention Sales | | Hardware/Software Support |
Lead Generation | | Billing Inquires & Adjustments | | |
Appointment Setting | | | | |
Our mission is to provide our clients with “superior service” by helping them to cost-effectively obtain, retain, and profitably grow their businesses though the professional outsourcing services we provide. We accomplish this by helping them select the most appropriate location (U.S. or off-shore), agents, and mix of services to meet their unique challenges.
We currently operate five state-of-the-art communication centers worldwide to provide our clients with not only maximum staffing flexibility and scalability, but with specialized resources needed to meet their specific sales and customer service objectives. Our communication centers are strategically located to take advantage of significant labor pools supporting the many languages spoken in the U.S.
The Philippines Off-Shore Advantage
The Philippines offers a large pool of highly-skilled and college educated workers. The Philippines is unique compared to other offshore locations with its strong service oriented society, American English proficiency and great affinity for American culture. In communication centers, Filipinos excel at quickly solving customer problems, and then in effectively cross-selling additional products and services.
With a population of approximately 86 million people, the Philippines has the third largest English-speaking population in the world. Each year approximately 500,000 English speaking college graduates enter the workforce. With proper training, they quickly become highly skilled career oriented customer service agents who are passionate about their jobs.
The BPO industry is a people business supported by advanced technology. The Philippines has an established BPO and communications infrastructure with high-speed global communication networks and integrated phone, email and chat systems. Filipino customer service representatives provide superior outsourced services that turn communication centers into profit centers.
Metro Manila, centrally located in the region, is the home of the Philippines national government. This area has developed into a commercial center and has become a BPO hub. The city has a large skilled labor base, housing 81 higher education institutions, 1,600 other schools, and a literacy rate of approximately 92%. It has a stable power supply, sufficient IT capabilities, a solid public transportation system and a busy international airport.
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Industry Experience
For 25 years we have assisted clients ranging from small and mid-size niche providers to Fortune 500 conglomerates acquire, service, retain, and grow their customer base through the high quality, cost-efficient, and scalable outsourcing services.
We have successfully implemented inbound, outbound and blended communication center applications for our clients in the following industries:
| • | | Financial/Banking Services; |
| • | | Telecommunications; and |
We have provided support in over 17 different languages, across multiple channels (e.g. phone, email, Internet, mail, etc.), and we constantly add newcomplementary services (e.g. IVR, back-office processing, transcription, etc.) to meet specific customer needs.
Our Industry
Business Process Outsourcing is the leveraging of technology or specialized process vendors to provide and manage an organization’s critical and/or non-critical enterprise processes and applications. The most common examples of BPO are call/communication centers, human resources, accounting and payroll outsourcing. BPO may involve the use of both on-shore, or U.S. based operations, and off-shore, or operations located in countries outside the U.S., such as the Philippines. BPO allows the company to focus on what it does best, its core business practices, and outsources process driven functions, which others can do more cost effectively and efficiently.
BPO in the Philippines is an emerging industry fueled mostly by customer care, medical transcription, software development, animation, and shared services. In 2005 there were approximately 112,000 people working in call/communication centers bringing in about $1.12 billion in revenues. Though customer care communication centers form the largest part of the BPO boom locally, the Philippines’ language proficient information technology, human resource, and finance/accounting professionals are significant contributing factors as well. The proficiency of many Filipinos in the English language is a major factor in the growth of BPO in the Philippines. BPO is a fast growing industry, and is expected to grow 10 percent per year from $140 billion in 2005 to over $220 billion by 2010 (Logica CMC Study).
Our Services
Our state-of-the-art communications centers in both the U.S. and the Philippines are strategically located to take advantage of significant labor pools supporting the various languages spoken in the U.S. We have successfully implemented inbound, outbound and blended sales and customer support applications, hardware and software support, and back-office processing, among others. Based on our experience, we are capable of serving a multitude of markets that include telecommunications, financial services and banking, media/publishing, and consumer product companies.
Multilingual Capabilities
We literally “speak the language” of the marketplace, including: English, Spanish, French, Cantonese, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, Tagalog, and Vietnamese. Our multicultural and multilingual staff has executed more than 400 marketing campaigns, customer activations, and customer service programs all in the language of cultural origin. This type of target marketing has fueled new growth and delivered increased revenue for a number of our clients.
Speaking to prospects and customers in their native language is an often over-looked foundation necessary to successfully service today’s diverse cultural marketplace. Over the years, statistics have shown that sales conducted in-language delivers 20%-30% conversion rate over English used on the same targets. The ability to communicate with a client’s prospects or customers in their native language has proven to deliver: significant retention of existing customer base; increased sales revenues; higher levels of understanding; and effective customer compliance.
By a client outsourcing its multicultural needs, it can reap the following advantages: (a) efficient utilization of its existing in-house resources, (b) access to state-of-the-art technology without capital expenditure, (c) access to a large pool of in-language agents, (d) elimination of the need to hire and train additional staff, (e) increase the speed of execution for new products and services, and (f) instant expansion of its existing capacity.
We have a proven track record that clearly demonstrates our ability to deliver the most complex applications, while remaining sensitive to both the client’s and prospects needs. Our philosophy dictates that we establish a comprehensive business relationship with our clients in order to deliver a seamless experience for the external customer that is consistent with their overall goal and expectations.
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Our Training
For two decades, we have combined proven processes, extensive experience and quality people to deliver the ultimate in telesales and customer care. We create a relationship with our clients in order to understand their business, goals and overall objectives. That information is communicated to the staff to provide a seamless experience for a client’s prospects and customers. If the client has training materials, we review the documents and move directly to a train-the-trainer methodology. If training materials are not available, our team collects the necessary information and develops the required modules to successfully complete the task. It all starts with finding the right people and we do an exceptional job of locating the right talent to support our clients’ applications.
We deploy talented, proactive, and exceptionally well trained people on every campaign in order to deliver our clients the ultimate in performance. We gain a complete understanding of our client needs, goals, and overall program objectives, and then customize the recruiting and selection process to uncover highly-qualified employees who will excel in delivering client-specific solutions.
Whether we utilize existing personnel or recruit new candidates, all candidates are thoroughly screened through written tests, telephone interviews and role-playing scenarios before being deployed to service a program. Each applicant is rigorously tested and their specific customer service or sales experience is then rated to individual client requirements to determine best fit.
Fortunately, we are located in some of the best recruiting markets in the world. Our Philippine-based professionals are college-educated, speak fluent English with an American influence, and have an affinity for the U.S. culture. Our New England-based agents have an exceptionally strong work ethic and are extremely loyal; our agents based in the Mid-Atlantic region (Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia) are culturally diverse and often multi-lingual, and experienced in multiple industries. Our strategically placed centers and high quality reputation produces a steady stream of talented people to deploy on our client’s behalf.
Quality Assurance
To ensure lasting success, our management team continually evaluates the effectiveness of employee training and delivers continuous recurrent training programs. These training areas include our culture and commitment to quality, communication skills, customer care or sales skills, and system capabilities and efficiencies.
Our call monitoring is designed to ensure quality and consistency on each call handled by our agents. We have an independent department comprised of seasoned professionals to guarantee the quality of every application and call. Our Quality Assurance (“QA”) staff works with clients to determine the specific areas of measurement and will implement a monitoring schedule that is mutually agreed upon.
A combined effort between the supervisors and the QA department enables us to monitor each agent a minimum of 10 times per month. Both remote and side-by-side monitoring is utilized. The primary purpose of the observation is to ensure contract compliance, recognize superior performance and identify individual opportunities and training needs. The agents receive immediate feedback and are coached on techniques to improve their call handling skills.
Our remote monitoring function provides real-time remote monitoring capabilities. It is one of the most accessible and user-friendly systems in the industry today. This system will allow our clients to monitor our calls during normal hours of operation without intervention by our staff.
We have a sophisticated call tracking system that allows for flexibility in reporting. Our system has the capability of providing daily, weekly, monthly and cumulative reports. All of our clients receive daily production reports with the prior day’s activities. Additionally, our Internet scripting & data management system stores all data and statistics in an SQL database and allows for almost unlimited variations of reporting criteria.
The Technology and Infrastructure
To provide our clients with maximum flexibility and scalability (i.e. some clients utilize both our U.S. and Filipino resources to support different aspects of their program), we developed an integrated network of five communication centers using solutions from Cisco (IPCC Enterprise), Rockwell (Spectrum), Microsoft (SQL Server), and Sprint (Voice & Data Network) that is based on an open design employing a multi-tiered client/server architecture. Our open platform architecture allows us to support the complete integration of systems whether internal or external in nature.
We can securely route inbound, multi-channel communications to the optimal location based on the type of interaction and on agent skill sets, and by using the same equipment, systems, and technology at all of our communication centers, we can meet all client disaster recovery and contingency requirements. Our overall system uptime exceeds 99.5% and we feature battery, generator, and data backups as part of our key emergency processes.
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Our current technology platform delivers Customer Relationship Management (“CRM”) solutions authored in JAVA which fully leverages a browser-based application environment. Our customized CRM system delivers superior quality inbound and outbound communication center solutions which support the business processes of our clients. We are able to adapt our suite of solutions to meet the needs of our most sophisticated client’s requirements.
Our CRM platform is integrated with Concerto Software systems providing our communication centers with a full suite of proprietary Computer Telephony Integrated (“CTI”) functionality. The solution runs on a scaleable multi-server environment running on fault-tolerant LINUX or Microsoft Server platforms.
We employ the latest technology to effectively communicate with our client’s prospects and customers to deliver quality results in the areas of customer service, sales, and support. Our technology solutions are client-tailored allowing us to offer best of breed solutions to our clients. With a mix of customized proprietary system and commercial off the shelf solutions, we are able to provide maximum value to our end-users and customers by reducing costs and improving operational efficiencies.
Business Strategy
Our business strategy is simple; operate and grow the business on a cost-effective basis while positioning the Company to benefit from the continuing trend toward outsourcing. Our goal is to increase client satisfaction while at the same time, improve shareholder value. To obtain our goals we exploit market opportunities, drive internal growth, maintain technological leadership and continue to expand our international presence.
In each industry vertical that we compete, our goal is to build and maintain a leading position through flexibility and specialized services. Whether it is a telecommunications outbound winback campaign or an off-shore software development program we employ the requisite expertise to exploit the opportunity and ensure customer satisfaction. We have an extremely flexible structure, which allows us to work with small, medium and large program opportunities. For years we have demonstrated effectiveness in communicating our clients’ products and services to complex and hard-to-reach markets.
As we continue to expand, we invest in training and quality support for our staff. Our goal is to provide value added expertise at a competitive price. The investment in our staff translates into consistently high levels of customer satisfaction, which in turn, significantly impacts our client relationships. We will continue to invest in proprietary systems and technologies that will provide us with competitive advantages. Our technology strategy is driven by our objective to maximize reliability, integration and flexibility.
In 2007 we achieved new milestones internationally, and by all accounts we consider it a successful year with revenues exceeding $10 million. With the opening of our second communication center toward the end of our first quarter in 2007, we achieved continued growth. The Philippines has provided a highly educated work force, employees with excellent English language skills, and an enduring American influence. By the end of 2008 we expect to have three sites fully operational in the Philippines.
Patents, Trademarks, Service Marks & Licenses
Our service marks relate to the names, “Access Worldwide” and “Access Worldwide Communications, Inc.” and to our logo. The name, “Access Worldwide Communications, Inc.” and our logo received Certificates of Registration from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in 2001.
Our application for the name, “Access Worldwide,” has been registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office since March 23, 2004. There is currently no known opposition to our use of the name Access Worldwide. If we were to lose the right to use the name “Access Worldwide” in our business, it could have a material, adverse effect on us.
Government Regulations
Our clients operate in industries that are subject to government regulation in varying degrees, in particular the financial services and telecommunications industries. Generally, compliance with these regulations is the responsibility of our client, but with the introduction of new regulations such as the national do-not-call registry in October 2003, it is imperative we remain vigilant in our efforts to comply. We could be subject to a variety of enforcement or private actions for failure or the failure of our clients to conform to any number of these regulations.
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Our communication centers must comply with a variety of regulations enforced by the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) and Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”).
The FCC rules under the Federal Telephone Consumer Act of 1991, which, among other things, limits the hours which telemarketers may call consumers and prohibits the use of automated telephone dialing equipment to call certain telephone numbers. The FCC also prohibits the unauthorized switching of subscribers’ long distance carriers, known in the industry as “slamming.” A fine of up to $100,000 may be imposed for each instance of slamming
The FTC regulates under the Federal Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Protection Act of 1994 (“TCFAPA”) and Telemarketing Sales Rule (“TSR”). The TCFAPA broadly authorizes the FTC to issue regulations prohibiting misrepresentation in telephone sales. In 1995, the FTC issued regulations under the TCFAPA, which, among other things, require telemarketers to make certain disclosures when soliciting sales.
The FTC has amended the TSR and made changes to the regulation of predictive dialers, which is computerized dialing equipment that significantly increases the number of calls that can be generated and completed from a communication center. This technology can sometimes generate unanswered calls or calls that are answered by a person and abandoned. The FTC requires that no more than three percent of calls generated by predictive dials be answered by a person and abandoned, measured per day per calling campaign, and that the consumer’s phone must ring a minimum of 15 seconds (approximately 4 rings) before hang up. This revision went into effect on March 31, 2003.
The FTC has also amended the TSR to require telemarketers to play an identification message to each abandoned call effective October 1, 2003.
The telemarketing legislation that gained significant media attention during 2003 was the introduction of a national do-not-call registry. The registry, created by amending the TSR, went into effect on October 1, 2003. Consumers were invited to register their home telephone number(s) on the registry in an effort to reduce the number of incoming telemarketing solicitations. Telemarketers are required to search the registry at least every three months and remove the phone numbers of consumers who have registered from their databases. However, teleservices providers are allowed to contact consumers with whom they have an established business relationship for up to 18 months after the consumer’s last purchase, delivery or payment, even if the consumer’s telephone number is on the national do-not-call registry. Effective October 1, 2003, a consumer who receives a telemarketing call despite being on the registry is able to file a complaint with the FTC, with violators facing the possibility of being fined up to $11,000 per incident. In addition to federal regulation, teleservices providers must also comply with do-not-call lists that exist on the state level.
In January of 2004, the FTC began requiring that telemarketing firms identify themselves on Caller ID. The name displayed by Caller ID must either be the company trying to make a sale or the firm making the call. The display must also include a phone number that consumers can call during regular business hours and ask that the company no longer call them. Firms operating in geographical locations that do not have Caller ID technology do not have to comply.
We investigate consumer complaints reported to our telecommunications clients and report the results to such clients. To our knowledge, no FCC complaint has been brought against any of our clients as a result of our services. We believe that the FCC generally examines the sales activities of long distance telecommunications providers, including our clients, and the activities of outside vendors, such as the Company.
The majority of states require outbound telemarketers to comply with various registration and disclosure requirements. As a publicly traded company, we are exempt from the majority of these filing requirements. However, failure to comply with these requirements could result in fines and/or a ban on calls into states where a violation may occur.
We represent companies in the financial services arena, and handle sensitive customer information for our clients. We are subject to provisions of the Office of Thrift Supervision (“OTS”), in particular OTS Thrift Bulletin 82, which deals with third party arrangements and provides guidance on managing the risks that may arise from services we provide under our financial services clients’ names. In general, all books and records related to the services we perform must be available to OTS for examination and audit. Under 12 CFR § 562.1(b), the thrift and its affiliates must maintain, in the U.S., records comprising documents, files, and other material or property of all business transactions, which includes records obtained by us. Thus, our contracts with financial services companies contain provisions that require us to make those records available to OTS.
In addition to the OTS, we must adhere toGramm-Leach-Bliley Financial Services Modernization Act, Pub. L. No. 106-102, 113 Stat. 1338 (November 12, 1999) (the “GLBA”), which requires us to, among other things, adhere to the Financial Privacy Rule. Under the GLBA, financial institutions must provide their clients a privacy notice that explains what information the company gathers about the client, where this information is shared, and how the company safeguards that information. This privacy notice must be given to the client prior to entering into an agreement to do business. There are exceptions to this when the client accepts a delayed receipt of the notice in order to complete a transaction on a timely basis.
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This has been somewhat mitigated due to online acknowledgement agreements requiring the client to read or scroll through the notice and check a box to accept terms.
The privacy notice must also explain to the customer the opportunity to ‘opt-out’. Opting out means that the client can say “no” to allowing their information to be shared with affiliated parties. The Fair Credit Reporting Act is responsible for the ‘opt-out’ opportunity, but the privacy notice must inform the customer of this right under the GLBA. The client cannot opt-out of:
| • | | information shared with those providing priority service to the financial institution |
| • | | marketing of products or services for the financial institution |
| • | | when the information is deemed legally required. |
In summary, the financial privacy rule provides for a privacy policy agreement between the company and the consumer pertaining to the protection of the consumer’s personal nonpublic information.
Violation of the GLBA may result in a civil action brought by the United States Attorney General. The penalties, as amended under theFinancial Institution Privacy Protection Act of 2003 (108th CONGRESS—1st Session—S. 1458; To amend the GLBA to provide for enhanced protection of nonpublic personal information, including health information, and for other purposes., In The Senate of the United States, July 25 (legislative day, JULY 21), 2003) include:
| • | | the financial institution shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $100,000 for each such violation. |
| • | | the officers and directors of the financial institution shall be subject to, and shall be personally liable for, a civil penalty of not more than $10,000 for each such violation. |
Failure to comply could with these regulations could result in damage to our relationship with our clients, and potentially result in fines and costly civil litigation.
Our Competition
The BPO industry in which we operate is very competitive and highly fragmented. We compete with other outsourced marketing services companies, ranging in size from very small companies offering specialized applications or short-term projects to larger more independent companies. While many companies provide outsourced marketing services, we believe there is no single company that dominates the entire industry.
There are significant barriers to entry into the outsourced marketing services industry. Some of these barriers include (i) large capital investment towards the development and maintenance of the necessary information technology systems; (ii) marketing knowledge and expertise within the market; (iii) the ability to simultaneously manage complex marketing programs in multiple jurisdictions, including off-shore; (iv) the establishment of solid working relationships with clients; and (v) an understanding of the complexities surrounding state, federal and foreign government regulation of the industry. From years of experience in the marketplace, we have overcome these road blocks and become a strong competitor in the market.
Within the teleservices industry there are many companies offering one or more of the following services: center management, customer service, sales, consulting, lead generation, fulfillment and database management services. Teleservices vendors may be selected based on a number of factors including price, range of services, expertise, speed to program execution, and industry reputation, among others. We compete with both small and large teleservices companies, such as APAC Customer Services, Convergys Corporation, ICT Group, Inc., PeopleSupport, Inc., SITEL Corporation, Sykes Enterprises, TeleTech Holdings, Inc., and West Corporation.
Some clients use more than one teleservices firm at a time and reallocate work among the various providers. This creates a project-by-project comparison of the performance of the various vendors which helps the client maintain a competitive marketplace.
While telephone marketing is only one aspect of BPO, it is still a major factor in the marketing industry. The telephone marketing industry represented 29% ($47 Billion) of the total mix of direct marketing advertising dollars in 2005.
Employees
As of December 31, 2007, we have approximately 1,000 employees domestically and overseas. None of our employees are represented by a labor union and we are not aware of any current activity to organize any of the employees. Management considers relations between us and our employees to be good.
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Availability of Reports and Other Information
Our corporate website is http://www.accessww.com. We make available on this website, our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, Proxy Statements on Schedule 14A and amendments to those materials filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practicable after we have electronically submitted such material to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”). Our corporate website also contains our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Ethics and Charter of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors. Information contained in our website is not deemed incorporated into this Annual Report on Form 10K. In addition, the Commission’s website is http://www.sec.gov. The Commission makes available on its website, free of charge, reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers, such as us, who file electronically with the Commission. Information on our website or the Commission’s website is not part of this document.
The following are certain risk factors that could affect our business, financial performance, and results of operations. These risk factors should be considered in connection with evaluating the forward-looking statements contained in this Form 10-K, as the forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, and actual results and conditions could differ materially from the current expectations. Investing in our securities involves a high degree of risk, and before making an investment decision, you should carefully consider these risk factors as well as other information we include or incorporate by reference in the other reports we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“Commission”).
In addition to other information set forth in this report, readers should carefully consider the following risk factors in evaluating Access Worldwide and our business. Any of these risks could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, or results of operations. These risks could also cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements contained herein and elsewhere. The risks described below are not the only risks facing us. Additional risks not currently known to us or those we currently deem to be immaterial may also materially and adversely affect our business operations.
Risks Related to Our Business
We have incurred significant losses over the last two years and we may never achieve or sustain profitability.
We have an accumulated deficit of $77.7 million through December 31, 2007, and net loss of $(5.0) million for the year ended December 31, 2007. We may never achieve operating profit. We will need to generate significantly higher revenues to sustain profitability, and we cannot be certain that we will realize sufficient revenues or operating profit to sustain our business.
We may not be able to obtain additional capital to fund our operations on reasonable terms and this could hurt our business and negatively impact our stockholders.
If adequate funds in the form of equity or debt are not available on reasonable terms or terms acceptable to us in the future, we may not be able to continue as a going concern. If we raise additional funds through the issuance of convertible debt or additional equity securities, the percentage ownership of our existing stockholders would be reduced, the securities issued may have rights, preferences and privileges senior to those of holders of our common stock, and the terms of the securities may impose restrictions on our operations.
We could be severely impacted by the loss of any of our largest clients.
Our two largest clients, AT&T (which consists of AT&T, SBC and Bell South) and E*Trade Financial together accounted for approximately 81.8% of our revenues for the year ended December 31, 2007. There can be no assurance that these clients will continue to do business with us, and the loss of business from any one of these clients could have a material adverse effect on us.
Our growth is dependent on various factors.
Our business and future operations depend significantly on our ability to utilize our existing infrastructure and databases to perform services for new clients, as well as on our ability to develop and successfully implement new marketing methods or channels for new services for existing clients.
Continued growth will also depend on a number of other factors, including, but not limited to, our ability to:
| • | | Maintain the high quality of services we provide to customers; |
| • | | Recruit, motivate and retain qualified personnel; |
| • | | Train existing sales representatives or recruit new sales representatives to sell various categories of services; and; |
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| • | | Open new service facilities in a timely and cost-effective manner. |
In light of, among other things, our limited resources, we cannot assure you that we will be able to execute our strategy effectively. Any growth that we would be able to attain would require the implementation of enhanced operational and financial systems and resources, as well as additional management of the resources needed for which we may not have available. Any such growth, if not managed effectively, could have a material adverse effect on us.
Our future growth is dependent on the trend toward outsourcing.
Our business and future operations depend largely on the industry trend toward outsourcing marketing services. There can be no assurance that this trend will continue, as companies may elect to perform such services internally. A significant change in the direction of this trend could have a material adverse effect on us.
We are heavily dependent on the industries we serve, particularly the financial services and telecommunications industries.
Our business and future operations are dependent to a great extent on the industries we serve. There can be no assurance that the financial services and telecommunications industries will grow or that it will continue to utilize outsourced marketing services. In addition, there can be no assurance that our business will benefit from any growth that these industries experience.
These industries are heavily regulated by federal and state authorities. Existing regulation, or increased regulation in the future, could negatively impact the ability of the industries to operate or grow. Anything that inhibits the operations or growth of the financial services and telecommunications industry could have a material adverse effect on us.
We rely on technology and could be adversely affected if we are unable to maintain facilities with the needed equipment.
We have invested significant funds in specialized telecommunications and computer technologies and equipment to provide customized solutions to meet our clients’ needs. In addition, we have invested significantly in sophisticated proprietary databases and software that enable us to market our clients’ products to targeted markets. We anticipate that it will be necessary to continue to select, invest in and develop new and enhanced technology and proprietary databases on a timely basis in the future in order to maintain our competitiveness.
We have leased equipment and have expended substantial time and resources to train our personnel in the operation of our existing equipment and to integrate the operations of our systems and facilities. In the event of substantial improvements in computer technologies and telecommunications equipment, we may be required to acquire such new technologies and equipment at significant cost and/or phase out a portion of our existing equipment. There can be no assurance that our technologies and equipment will not be rendered obsolete or our services rendered less marketable. In addition, we cannot assure you that we will be able to continue to develop and maintain the technology and systems necessary for our business.
We are dependent on key personnel and may be affected by changes in senior management.
Our success depends in large part upon the abilities and continued service of our key management personnel. Our failure to retain the services of all of our key personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business, including our financial condition and results of operations. In addition, in order to support any growth that we are able to effectuate, we will be required to recruit and retain additional qualified management personnel. In light of our limited resources, we cannot assure you that we will be able to recruit and retain such personnel. Our inability to attract and retain such personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We are dependent on our labor force and could be affected by potentially high turnover rates.
Many aspects of our business are labor intensive, and based on the transient nature of our work force, there is a potential for high personnel turnover. Our operations typically require specially trained persons, such as those employees who market services and products in languages other than English. A higher turnover rate among our employees would increase our recruiting and training costs and decrease operating efficiencies and productivity. In addition, any growth in our business will require us to recruit and train qualified personnel at an accelerated rate from time to time. There can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to hire, train and retain a sufficient labor force of qualified persons to meet the needs of our business.
We could be affected by a business interruption.
Our business is highly dependent on our computer, software and telephone equipment. The temporary or permanent loss of such systems or equipment, through casualty or operating malfunction, or a significant increase in the cost of telephone services that is not recoverable through an increase in the price of our services, could have a material adverse affect on us. Our property and business interruption insurance may not adequately compensate us for all losses that we may incur in any such event.
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Our stock price has declined substantially at times in the previous year and may become more volatile.
The market price of Access Worldwide’s common stock has fluctuated in the past and is likely to fluctuate in the future as well. During the 2007 fiscal year, our stock’s closing price fluctuated from a low of $0.53 to a high of $1.20. During that time period, the average trading volume was 2,623 shares per day, but the volatility of the price is often driven by trading volumes that can total less than 1,000 shares of common stock per day. With this level of volume, small trades can have a significant impact on the price. Additional factors that may have a significant impact on the market price of the stock include:
| • | | Future announcements concerning Access Worldwide or our competitors; |
| • | | Results of technological innovations or service extensions; |
| • | | Government regulations; and |
| • | | Changes in general market conditions, particularly in the market for micro-cap stocks. |
Shortfalls in our revenues or earnings in any given period relative to any expectations in the securities markets could immediately, significantly and adversely affect the trading price of the common stock. We have experienced and may experience future quarter to quarter fluctuations in our results of operations. Quarterly results of operations may fluctuate as a result of a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the size and timing of client orders, changes in client budgets, material variations in the cost of telephone services, the demand for our services, the timing of the introduction of new services and service enhancements by us, the market acceptance of new services, competitive conditions in the industries we serve, our ability to effectuate any strategic transactions and general economic conditions. These factors, either individually or in the aggregate, could result in decreasing revenues and earnings, which could, in turn, materially and adversely affect the price of our common stock.
We face risk due to our stock trading on the Over the Counter Bulletin Board (“OTCBB”).
Because our stock trades on the OTCBB and not on an exchange or the NASDAQ National Market or NASDAQ Capital Market, we have less ability to access the public equity and debt markets, should it be necessary or advisable to do so, than if our stock traded on one of those other more recognizable trading venues.
Trading in our stock may be restricted by the SEC’s penny stock regulations, which may limit a stockholder’s ability to buy and sell our common shares.
The SEC has adopted regulations which generally define “penny stock” to be any equity security that has a market price (as defined) less than $5.00 per share or an exercise price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions. Our shares most likely will be covered by the penny stock rules, which impose additional sales practice requirements on broker-dealers who sell to persons other than established customers and “accredited investors.” The term “accredited investor” refers generally to entities with assets in excess of $5,000,000 or individuals with a net worth in excess of $1,000,000 or annual income for the current and the past two years exceeding $200,000 or $300,000 jointly with their spouse.
The penny stock rules require a broker-dealer, prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from the rules, to deliver a standardized risk disclosure document in a form prepared by the SEC which provides information about penny stocks and the nature and level of risks in the penny stock market. The broker-dealer also must provide the customer with current bid and offer quotations for the penny stock, the compensation of the broker-dealer and its salesperson in the transaction and monthly account statements showing the market value of each penny stock held in the customer’s account. The bid and offer quotations, and the broker-dealer and salesperson compensation information, must be given to the customer orally or in writing prior to effecting the transaction and must be given to the customer in writing before or with the customer’s confirmation.
In addition, the penny stock rules require that prior to a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from these rules, the broker-dealer must make a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser and receive the purchaser’s written agreement to the transaction. These disclosure requirements may have the effect of reducing the level of trading activity in the secondary market for our stock. As long as the Company’s Common Stock is subject to the penny stock rules, the holders of the Company’s Common Stock may find it difficult to sell the Common Stock of the Company.
Risks Related to Our Industry
We may be adversely impacted by competition, industry consolidation and potential consumer saturation.
The outsourced marketing services industry is very competitive and highly fragmented. We compete with other BPO and outsourced marketing services companies ranging in size from very small companies offering specialized applications or short-term projects to large independent companies. While many companies provide outsourced marketing services, we believe that there is no single company that dominates the entire industry. A significant number of our competitors and potential competitors have more extensive marketing capabilities, more extensive experience and greater financial resources than us. Consolidation among prospective clients also increases competition for buyers of our services. There can be no assurance that we will be able to compete successfully or that competitive pressures will not materially and adversely affect us.
We were impacted by the events of September 11, 2001 and may be impacted in the future by events of a similar nature, war and other international conflicts.
Our businesses were impacted by the events of September 11, 2001 when we experienced, among other things, lost production days at our communication centers.
To the extent that there are any further events of a nature similar to that of September 11, 2001, war and other international conflicts, or a prolonged downturn in the U.S. economy, our financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
We are subject to extensive regulations and compliance with these regulations can be costly, time consuming and subject us to fines for non-compliance.
Several industries in which our clients operate are subject to varying degrees of governmental regulation, in particular the telecommunications and financial services industries. Generally, compliance with these regulations is the responsibility of our clients. However, we are exposed to a variety of enforcement or private actions for our failure or the failure of our clients to comply with such regulations.
Our communication centers must comply with a variety of regulations. With respect to our telecommunications services, we believe our operating procedures comply with the telephone solicitation rules of the FCC and FTC. With respect to our financial services, we believe our operating procedures comply with the regulations set forth by the OTC and GBLA. However, we cannot assure you that additional federal or state legislation, or changes in regulatory implementation, would not limit the activities of the Company or our clients in the future or significantly increase the cost of regulatory compliance.
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In addition, the majority of states require outbound telemarketers to comply with various registration and documentation requirements. Failure to comply with the registration requirements could result in fines and call prohibitions which could have a material adverse effect on us.
Our principal executive offices are located in Arlington, Virginia. We have operations in Maryland, Virginia and Maine, domestically, and internationally, in Manila, Philippines. All of our facilities are leased and have lease terms of two to ten years. We believe that our current facilities are adequate for our needs for the foreseeable future. Set forth below is a list of the facilities that we currently utilize.
| | | | |
Location | | Principal Use | | Approx. Square Feet |
Business Services Segment: | | | | |
Arlington (Rosslyn), VA | | Corporate Headquarters | | 1,000 |
Boca Raton, FL | | Administrative Offices | | 2,000 |
Arlington (Rosslyn), VA | | Customer Sales and Service Programs | | 27,200 |
Hyattsville, MD | | Customer Sales and Service Programs | | 24,500 |
Augusta, ME | | Customer Sales and Service Programs | | 15,000 |
Manila, Philippines | | Customer Sales and Service Programs | | 18,000 |
Manila, Philippines | | Customer Sales and Service Programs | | 17,600 |
We are involved in a variety of proceedings that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of its business. We are involved in legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, and believe that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Item 4. | Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders |
None.
PART II
Item 5. | Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities |
(a) Market Information
Our common stock trades on the Over The Counter Bulletin Board under the symbol “AWWC.” The over-the-counter market quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down or commissions and may not necessarily represent actual transactions. The following table sets forth the high and low intra-day sale prices for our common stock as reported by the markets in which our stock traded for the periods indicated:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Market Prices |
| | 2007 | | 2006 |
Fiscal Quarters | | High | | Low | | High | | Low |
First Quarter | | $ | 1.20 | | $ | 0.66 | | $ | 0.54 | | $ | 0.47 |
Second Quarter | | | 1.15 | | | 0.85 | | | 0.60 | | | 0.32 |
Third Quarter | | | 1.02 | | | 0.75 | | | 0.46 | | | 0.32 |
Fourth Quarter | | | .90 | | | 0.53 | | | 1.01 | | | 0.38 |
(b) Holders
The number of record holders of common stock as of March 26, 2007 was approximately 228 and the number of beneficial owners of common stock as of March 26, 2008 was approximately 469.
(c) Dividends
We have never paid cash dividends on our common stock and do not anticipate paying cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future.
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ITEM 7. | MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with Selected Financial Data and our Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto included elsewhere in this Form 10-K.
OVERVIEW
Access Worldwide Communications, Inc. (“Access Worldwide,” “Access,” “we,” “our,” “us” or the “Company” refers to Access Worldwide and/or, as the context requires, one or more of our subsidiaries) was incorporated in the State of Delaware on August 11, 1983 and has been a provider of outsourced sales and marketing services since its inception. Over the past two years we sold non-core businesses to focus on the rapidly growing business process outsourcing (“BPO”) market. We are a provider of customer management services in the Telecommunications, Financial Services, Retail/Catalog and Media industries. We currently have approximately 1,000 employees worldwide with communication centers in the U.S. and the Philippines.
QUARTERLY RESULTSOFOPERATIONSANDPERFORMANCETRENDS (UNAUDITED)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Quarters Ended | |
| | Dec. 31, 2007 | | | Sept. 30, 2007 | | | June 30, 2007 | | | March 31, 2007 | | | Dec. 31, 2006 | | | Sept. 30, 2006 | | | June 30, 2006 | | | March 31, 2006 | |
| | (In Thousands Except for Per Share Data) | |
Statements of Operations Data: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | |
Revenues | | $ | 7,223 | | | $ | 8,175 | | | $ | 8,685 | | | $ | 8,748 | | | $ | 8,466 | | | $ | 7,406 | | | $ | 6,336 | | | $ | 5,503 | |
(Loss) incomes from continuing operations | | | (1,455 | ) | | | (673 | ) | | | (2,779 | ) | | | 13 | | | | (350 | ) | | | (1,801 | ) | | | (1,209 | ) | | | (891 | ) |
Income (loss) from discontinued operations | | | — | | | | 9 | | | | (70 | ) | | | (49 | ) | | | (332 | ) | | | 8,213 | | | | (464 | ) | | | (280 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net (loss) income | | $ | (1,455 | ) | | $ | (664 | ) | | $ | (2,849 | ) | | $ | (36 | ) | | $ | (682 | ) | | $ | 6,412 | | | $ | (1,673 | ) | | $ | (1,171 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic (loss) earnings per share of common stock: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Continuing Operations | | $ | (0.05 | ) | | $ | (0.02 | ) | | $ | (0.13 | ) | | $ | (0.00 | ) | | $ | (0.02 | ) | | $ | (0.10 | ) | | $ | (0.07 | ) | | $ | (0.05 | ) |
Discontinued Operations | | $ | (0.00 | ) | | $ | 0.00 | | | $ | (0.00 | ) | | $ | (0.00 | ) | | $ | (0.02 | ) | | $ | 0.47 | | | $ | (0.03 | ) | | $ | (0.02 | ) |
Net (loss) income | | $ | (0.05 | ) | | $ | (0.02 | ) | | $ | (0.13 | ) | | $ | (0.00 | ) | | $ | (0.04 | ) | | $ | 0.37 | | | $ | (0.10 | ) | | $ | (0.07 | ) |
Weighted average common shares outstanding | | | 31,092,481 | | | | 31,029,146 | | | | 22,129,092 | | | | 17,679,065 | | | | 17,340,065 | | | | 17,340,065 | | | | 17,350,507 | | | | 17,679,065 | |
Diluted (loss) earnings per share of common stock:(1) | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Continuing Operations. | | $ | (0.05 | ) | | $ | (0.02 | ) | | $ | (0.13 | ) | | $ | (0.00 | ) | | $ | (0.02 | ) | | $ | (0.10 | ) | | $ | (0.07 | ) | | $ | (0.05 | ) |
Discontinued Operations | | $ | (0.00 | ) | | $ | (0.00 | ) | | $ | (0.00 | ) | | $ | (0.00 | ) | | $ | (0.02 | ) | | $ | (0.47 | ) | | $ | (0.03 | ) | | $ | (0.02 | ) |
Net (loss) income | | $ | (0.05 | ) | | $ | (0.02 | ) | | $ | (0.13 | ) | | $ | (0.00 | ) | | $ | (0.04 | ) | | $ | 0.37 | | | $ | (0.10 | ) | | $ | (0.07 | ) |
Weighted average common shares outstanding | | | 31,092,481 | | | | 31,029,146 | | | | 22,129,092 | | | | 17,679,065 | | | | 17,340,065 | | | | 17,340,065 | | | | 17,350,507 | | | | 17,679,065 | |
(1) | Since the effects of outstanding stock options, common stock equivalents, and warrants are anti-dilutive for all quarters in 2007 and 2006, except for the third quarter of 2006, these effects have not been included in the calculation of diluted earning per share. |
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIESAND ESTIMATES
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, sales and expenses as well as the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We regularly review our estimates and assumptions. Our estimates and assumptions, which are based upon historical experience and on various other factors which we believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, form the basis of our judgments about the carrying values of our assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Our reported amounts and disclosures may have been different had management used different estimates and assumptions or if different conditions had occurred in the periods presented. Our accounting policies can be found inNote 2to our Consolidated Financial Statements. Below is a discussion of the policies that we believe may involve a high degree of judgment and complexity.
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REVENUES
Our customer management revenues are recognized based on rates per production hour, talk time, fixed monthly fee and phone calls placed and/or received which end in sales. We recognized revenues when we have no significant obligations remaining, fees are fixed and determinable and collection of the related accounts receivable is reasonably assured.
ACCOUNTSRECEIVABLE
We extend credit to our customers in the normal course of business. Our accounts receivable are concentrated in a relatively few number of customers most of which are Fortune 500 companies. However a significant change in the liquidity or financial position of these customers could have a material adverse impact on the collectability of our accounts receivable and our future operating results. We continuously monitor accounts receivable balances and payments from our customers and maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon historical experience and any specific customer collection issues. For the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, we maintain allowance for doubtful accounts of $10,983 and $99,130, respectively. While our bad debt expenses have been historically within our expectations and the allowances we established, we cannot guarantee that we will continue to have the same experience in the future. Management’s assessment and judgment are vital in assessing the ultimate realization of accounts receivable, which include the credit-worthiness, financial stability and effects of market conditions on each customer.
VALUATIONOFLONG-LIVED ASSETS
We review our long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be fully recoverable. If we determine that the carrying amount of long-lived assets may not be fully recoverable, we measure impairment by comparing the asset’s estimated fair value to its carrying value. We determine fair value based on quoted market prices in active markets, if available, or independent appraisals; sales price negotiations; or projected future cash flows discounted at a rate we believe to be commensurate with our business risk. When we estimate fair value utilizing discounted forecasted cash flows, it includes significant judgment regarding assumptions of revenue, operating and marketing costs; selling and administrative expenses; interest rates; property, plant and equipment additions and retirements; and industry competition and general economic and business conditions, among other factors.
INCOMETAXES
We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities based on differences between financial statement carrying amounts and its tax basis. When assessing the need for a valuation allowance we consider tax loss carrybacks, reversal of deferred tax liabilities, tax planning and estimates of future taxable income. When we determine that we are unable to realize deferred tax assets in excess of our recorded amount, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset is made which increases income. Likewise, if we determine that we would not be able to realize all or part of our net deferred tax assets in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax assets is made which would decrease income.
ACCOUNTINGFOR STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
FASB Statement No. 123,Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation(“SFAS No. 123”), defines a fair value method of accounting for issuance of stock options and other equity instruments. Under the fair value method, compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and is recognized over the service period, which is usually the vesting period. Pursuant to SFAS No. 123, we were not required to adopt the fair value method of accounting for employee stock-based transactions through December 31, 2005. We were permitted to account for such transactions under APB Opinion No. 25,Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees(“APB No. 25”), which defines an intrinsic value method of accounting for the issuance of stock options and other equity instruments, but are required to disclose in a note to our consolidated financial statements pro forma net income and per share amounts as if we had applied the methods prescribed by SFAS No. 123. For purposes of the pro forma disclosure, we calculate the fair value of our stock options using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. To use this model, we must judgmentally determine the estimated life of the stock option, the projected volatility of our common stock over the estimated life of the stock option, the projected dividend yield of our common stock over the estimated life of the stock option, and the risk-free interest rate. For further information regarding our pro forma disclosure estimates, seeNote 2to our Consolidated Financial Statements.
In December 2004, the FASB issued Statement No. 123 (revised 2004),Share-Based Payment (“SFAS No. 123R”). This statement is a revision of FASB Statement No. 123.Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (“SFAS No. 123”), and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, and its related implementation guidance. Under SFAS No. 123R, entities are required to recognize the cost of an equity award based on its fair value at the date of grant. The cost, which is calculated in a similar manner to the pro forma calculation shown inNote 2 to our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, is recognized over the attribution period, which is the expected period of benefit. SFAS No. 123R is effective for fiscal periods beginning on or after June 15, 2005. In April 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) amended its Regulation S-X to amend the date of compliance with SFAS No. 123R to the first reporting period of the fiscal year beginning on or after June 15, 2005.
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SFAS No. 123R permits public companies to adopt its requirements using one of two methods- “modified prospective” or “modified retrospective”. The “modified prospective” method requires that compensation cost is recognized beginning with the effective date (a) based on the requirements of SFAS No. 123R for all share-based payments granted, modified or settled after the effective date and (b) based on the requirements of SFAS No. 123 for all awards granted to employees prior to the effective date of SFAS No. 123R that remain unvested on the effective date. The “modified retrospective” method which includes the requirements of the modified prospective method described above, but also permits entities to restate, based on the amounts previously recognized under SFAS 123 for purposes of pro forma disclosures, either (a) all prior periods presented or (b) prior interim periods of the year of adoption. We adopted SFAS No. 123R using the modified prospective method.
RESULTSOF OPERATIONSBY SEGMENTFOR 2007AND 2006
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain statements of operations data by segment obtained from our consolidated statements of operations.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | United States | | | International |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | Change | | | 2007 | | 2006 | | Change |
| | (in thousands) |
Statements of Operations Data: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Revenues | | $ | 22,595 | | | $ | 22,504 | | | 91 | | | $ | 10,236 | | $ | 5,207 | | 5,029 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Cost of services | | | 19,893 | | | | 18,407 | | | 1,486 | | | | 6,383 | | | 2,908 | | 3,475 |
Selling, general and administrative expenses | | | 4,622 | | | | 5,104 | | | (482 | ) | | | 2,320 | | | 1,454 | | 866 |
Depreciation expense | | | 520 | | | | 586 | | | (66 | ) | | | 943 | | | 451 | | 492 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating (loss) income | | $ | (2,440 | ) | | $ | (1,593 | ) | | (847 | ) | | $ | 590 | | $ | 394 | | 196 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Year Ended December 31, 2007 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2006
Revenues
Our revenues increased $5.1 million, or 18.4%, to $32.8 million for 2007, compared to $27.7 million for 2006. Revenues for the U.S. Segment increased $0.1 million, or 0.4%, to $22.6 million for 2007, compared to $22.5 million for 2006. The U.S. Segment’s revenue grew very little due to our client’s terminating one of its programs due to budget cuts and our termination of a another program because of its low performance and profitability. Revenues for these programs were $6.2 and $8.2 million in 2007 and 2006, respectively. Excluding these programs, we experienced growth in revenues of 14.7% from 2006 to 2007 and a 19.3% increase in production hours billed. At the end of 2007, our United States communications centers were running at 39.9% of capacity compared to 69.7% at the end of 2006. Revenues for the International Segment increased $5.0 million, or 96.2%, to $10.2 million for 2007, compared to $5.2 million for 2006. The increase in revenues was primarily attributed to a 166.7% increase in production hours of which 87.2% was attributed to one of our main clients. At the end of 2007, our international communication centers were running at 53.9% of capacity compared to 63.1% in 2006.
Cost of Services
Our cost of services increased $5.0 million, or 23.5%, to $26.3 million for 2007, compared to $21.3 million in 2006. Cost of services as a percentage of revenues increased to 80.2% for 2007, compared to 76.9% for 2006. Cost of revenues as a percentage of revenues for the U.S. Segment increased to 88.1% for 2007, compared to 81.8% for 2006. The increase was mainly attributed to an increase in employee turnover as we approached the third quarter of 2007. To combat this problem, management adjusted pay rates to become more competitive, reintroduced career pathing, and terminated programs that did not suit our cultural environment. The additional separation costs associated with the termination of the two programs mentioned above also contributed to the increase in the short term as it was necessary to realign payroll costs with the decreased revenue. Cost of services as a percentage of revenues for the International Segment increased to 62.8% for 2007, compared to 55.8% for 2006. The increase was primarily attributed to an increase in payroll expenses as we continued to increase personnel to execute the increased production hours requested by our primary client. The increase in payroll costs was mainly attributed to increased head count and additional time required to complete training programs. In addition, we experienced increases in telecommunications costs and equipment maintenance costs for our core system servicing our international operations.
Selling, General and Administrative
Our selling, general and administrative expenses increased $0.3 million, or 4.6%, to $6.9 million for 2007, compared to $6.6 million for 2006. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues decreased to 21.0% for 2007, compared to 23.8% for 2006. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues for the U.S. Segment decreased to 20.4% for 2007, compared to 22.7% for 2006. The decrease was primarily attributed to reduced corporate costs allocated as a percentage of segment revenues to the total revenues produced, reduced facilities cost due to our non renewal for 8,100 square feet of production space in late 2006 and reduced legal fees. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues for the International
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Segment decreased to 22.6% for 2007, compared to 28.9% for 2006. The decrease was primarily attributed to increased revenues produced in 2007 offset by increased facilities costs from the addition of our second communication center in the first quarter of 2007 and increased in support costs to support our growth.
Depreciation Expense:
Our depreciation expense increased $0.5 million, or 50.0%, to $1.5 million for 2007, compared to $1.0 million for 2006. Depreciation expense for the United States Segment decreased $0.1 million, or 16.7%, to $0.5 million for 2007, compared to $0.6 million for 2006. The decrease was primarily attributed to a total of $0.5 million in assets becoming fully depreciated in 2007 offset by additions to fixed assets of $0.4 million. Depreciation expense for the International Segment increased $0.4 million or 80%, to $0.9 million for 2007, compared to $0.5 million for 2006. The increase was mainly attributed to additions totaling $2.1 million in fixed assets during 2007. The majority of these additions were the direct result of the opening of our second communication center in the first quarter of 2007.
LIQUIDITYAND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The following table summarizes our cash flow by category for the years ended December 31, (in thousands):
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | | | Change | |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | | $ | 449 | | | $ | (6,009 | ) | | $ | 6,467 | |
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities | | $ | (550 | ) | | $ | 9,313 | | | $ | (10,850 | ) |
Net cash (used in) financing activities | | $ | (308 | ) | | $ | (2,223 | ) | | $ | 2,126 | |
Our primary cash requirements include the funding of the following:
| • | | capital expenditures for new and ongoing communication centers |
| • | | interest payments and the repayment of principal on our debt. |
Our primary source of liquidity has been cash flows from operations, supplemented by both borrowings under our revolving line of credit and funding from the equity investments. Borrowing under our revolving line requires that we continue to meet our debt covenants. Failure to meet such covenants and to attract new or existing debt or equity investors could have a materially adverse impact on our financial statements and operations. For the year ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, we had cash and cash equivalents of $0.8 million and $2.5 million, respectively and working capital of $1.5 million and $4.2 million respectively. We have incurred a net loss of $5.0 million for the period ended December 31, 2007 with $1.7 million of the net loss being attributed to non-cash interest expense due to the conversion of all of our outstanding convertible notes to equity.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $0.4 million in 2007, compared to net cash used in operating activities of $(6.0) million in 2006. The increase resulted from a decrease in accounts receivable and other assets. The decrease in accounts receivable is attributed to a change in the mix of our clients with more accounts receivable having short terms. The decrease in other assets is mainly attributed to the settlement of our Hold Back from the sale of our TMS Professional Markets Group in March 2007 for $0.3 million.
We utilize Days Sales Outstanding as a key performance indicator to monitor the average collection period for our accounts receivable and to assess overall collection risk. Our Days Sales Outstanding was 63.8 days and 75.7 days for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
Net cash used in investing activities was $(2.4) million in 2007, compared to net cash provided by in investing activities of $9.3 million in 2006. The net cash used for investing activities was mainly attributed to the opening of our second call communication center in the Philippines and the establishment of a co-location center for our IT equipment offset by the release of restricted cash in accordance with our lease agreement for our Maryland communication center and the investment of $0.8 million in a certificate of deposit.
Net cash used in financing activities was $(0.1) million in 2007, compared to net cash used in financing activities of $(2.2) million in 2006. The net cash used in financing activities were borrowings under our Revolver offset by the repayment of our note payable to one of our Board members, lease payments, and the repurchase of 209,808 shares of our common stock as part of an equity investment which closed in January 2008 (See Note 17).
14
We expect to meet our short-term liquidity requirements through net cash provided by operations, the release of restricted cash as collateral under a lease arrangement, our revolving line of credit and cash and cash equivalents. We believe that these sources of cash will be sufficient to meet our operating needs and planned capital expenditures for at least the next twelve months.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONSAND OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
The following is a chart of our approximate contractual cash payment obligations, which have been aggregated to facilitate a basic understanding of our liquidity as of December 31, 2007:
Contractual Cash Obligations
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Payments Due by Period |
| | Total | | 1 year | | 2-4 years | | 5 years |
Long-term debt | | $ | 2,238,000 | | $ | 2,238,000 | | $ | — | | $ | — |
Capital lease obligations | | | 634,000 | | | 385,000 | | | 249,000 | | | — |
Operating leases | | | 6,027,000 | | | 2,652,000 | | | 3,375,000 | | | — |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total contractual obligations | | $ | 8,899,000 | | $ | 5,275,000 | | $ | 3,624,000 | | $ | — |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements. The debt and lease obligations in the table above do not include accrued interest. The above operating lease payments will be offset by $261,000 in sublease rental income through October 2008.
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
In connection with certain acquisitions and in the normal course of business, we have entered into employment agreements with our management employees, which expire at various times through 2010, certain of whom are our stockholders. The employment agreements have terms up to three years and require an aggregate annual base salary payments of $800,000 and bonus payments of up to $80,000 per year.
ITEM 7A. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK. |
Our results of operation and cash flows are subject to fluctuations due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates, particularly the Philippines peso. For the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2007, approximately 8% and 12%, respectively, of our expenses were generated in the Philippines. We derived all of our revenues in U.S. dollars. A 10% increase in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to the Philippines peso would reduce the expenses associated with the operations of our overseas operation by approximately $0.4 million where as a 10% decrease in the relative value of the dollar would increase the cost associated with these operations by approximately $0.4 million. Expenses relating to our operations outside of the Unites States increased for the year ended December 31, 2007 when compared to the year ended December 31, 2006 due to increased cost associated with higher revenue generation and a decrease in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to the Philippine peso.
We have cash, cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash equivalents totaling $2.0 million at December 31, 2007. These amounts were primarily invested in money market funds and certificate of deposits. The cash and cash equivalents are held for working capital requirements, expansion and general corporate purposes. We do not enter into investments for trading or speculative purposes. We believe that we have no material exposure to changes in the fair value of our investment portfolio as a result of changes in interest rates.
ITEM 8. | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA. |
Our Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto, together with the reports thereon of Daszkal Bolton, LLP dated March 31, 2008, are filed as part of this Form 10-K.
15
ITEM 9. | CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE. |
None.
ITEM 9A. | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES |
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(c) and 15d-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report. Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the period covered by this Annual Report in accumulating and communicating to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, material information required to be included in the reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Based on an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, there has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting during our last fiscal quarter, identified in connection with that evaluation, that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we have begun an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007 based on the framework in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP).
As of December 31, 2007, we have not concluded our evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the COSO framework.
ITEM 9B. | OTHER INFORMATION |
None.
PART III
ITEMS 10, | 11, 12, 13 and 14. |
The information required by Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 (except for the information required by Item 12 required by Item 201(d) of Regulation S-K) will be set forth in our Proxy Statement relating to the 2008 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed no later than April 30, 2007, and is incorporated herein by reference.
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
| | | | | | | |
Plan Category | | (a) Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights | | (b) Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights | | (c) Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a) |
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders | | 1,458,690 | | $ | 0.70 | | 1,040,110 |
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders | | — | | | — | | — |
Total | | 1,458,690 | | $ | 0.70 | | 1,040,110 |
16
PART IV
ITEM 15. | EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES |
The following report and Consolidated Financial Statements and the Notes thereto are filed as part of this report beginning on page F-1, pursuant to the Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
(a)(1) Financial Statements.
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms
Consolidated Balance Sheets
Consolidated Statements of Operations
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Common Stockholders’ Deficit
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(a)(2) Schedule.
Schedule II: Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Years Ended December 31, 2007 and 2006
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Balance at Beginning of Period | | Charged to Expense | | Deductions | | | Balance at End of Period |
Year ended December 31, 2007: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Allowance for doubtful accounts | | $ | 99,130 | | $ | 33,628 | | $ | (121,775 | ) | | $ | 10,983 |
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance | | | 17,114,109 | | | 2,161,354 | | | — | | | | 19,275,463 |
Year ended December 31, 2006: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Allowance for doubtful accounts | | $ | 61,994 | | $ | 59,248 | | $ | (22,112 | ) | | $ | 99,130 |
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance | | | 18,970,295 | | | — | | | (1,856,186 | ) | | | 17,114,109 |
All other schedules have been omitted because they are not applicable or are not required under Regulation S-X.
17
(a)(3) Exhibits
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
| | |
Exhibit Number | | |
3.1 | | Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant (Incorporated by reference to Annex I of Schedule 14A filed on April 27, 2007). |
| |
3.2 | | By-Laws of the Registrant (Incorporated by reference to Form S-1 filed on February 12, 1998). |
| |
4.1 | | Access Worldwide Communications, Inc. 2007 Stock Option Plan (Incorporated by reference to Annex II of Schedule 14A filed on April 27, 2007). |
| |
10(ssss)* | | Consulting Agreement, dated February 9, 2005, by and between Access Worldwide Communications, Inc. and Alfonso Yuchengco, III (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(gggg) to the Company’s 10-Q filed on May 16, 2005) |
| |
10(uuuu) | | Lease Agreement, dated march 29, 2005, by and between RCBC Realty Corporation and Access Worldwide (AWWC) Philippines, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s 8-K filed on April 1, 2005.). |
| |
10(iiiii) | | Asset Purchase Agreement, dated June 20, 2006, by and among, Access Worldwide, Telemanagement Services, Inc. and TMS Professional Markets Group, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s 8-K filed on June 22, 2006). |
| |
10(jjjjj) | | Payoff Letter for the Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement dated as of June 10, 2003, by and among Access Worldwide Communications, Inc., and its subsidiaries, the Lenders party thereto and CapitalSource Finance, LLC, as agents for the Lenders (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified to date), dated August 3, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(jjjjj) to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on November 14, 2006). |
| |
10(mmmmm) | | Lease Agreement, by and between Access Worldwide (AWWC) Philippines, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Access Worldwide Communications Inc., and RCBC Realty Corporation, dated November 2006 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on December 1, 2006). |
| |
10(nnnnn) | | Employment Agreement by and between Access Worldwide Communications, Inc. and Shawkat Raslan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 5, 2007). |
| |
10(ooooo) | | Employment Agreement by and between Access Worldwide Communications, Inc. and Richard Lyew (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 5, 2007). |
| |
10(ppppp) | | Employment Agreement by and between Access Worldwide Communications, Inc. and J. Ted Jordan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 5, 2007). |
| |
10(qqqqq) | | Employment Agreement by and between Access Worldwide Communications, Inc. and Mark Wright (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 5, 2007). |
| |
10(vvvvv) | | First Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated November 15, 2007, by and between Access Worldwide Communications, Inc. (the “Borrower”) and Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company (the “Lender”) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(vvvvv) to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on November 16, 2007). |
| |
10.1 | | Common Stock Purchase Agreement, dated January 17, 2008 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(wwwww) to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 24, 2008). |
| |
10.2 | | Voting Agreement, dated January 17, 2008 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(xxxxx) to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 24, 2008). |
| |
10.3 | | Option To Purchase Agreement, dated January 17, 2008 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(yyyyy) to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 24, 2008). |
| | |
10.4 | | Master Services Agreement, dated January 17, 2008 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(zzzzz) to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 24, 2008). |
| |
10.5 | | Amendment To Master Services Agreement, dated January 17, 2008 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(aaaaaa) to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 24, 2008). |
| |
24 | | Powers of Attorney (see signature page). |
| |
31.1 | | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
| |
31.2 | | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
| |
32.1 | | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
| |
32.2 | | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
* | Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. |
POWER OF ATTORNEY
The Registrant and each person whose signature appears below hereby appoint Shawkat Raslan and Richard Lyew as attorneys-in-fact with full power of substitution, severally, to execute in the name and on behalf of the Registrant and each such person, individually and in each capacity stated below, one or more amendments to the annual report which amendments may make such changes in the report as the attorney-in-fact acting in the premises deems appropriate and to file any such amendment to the report with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
| | |
Access Worldwide Communications, Inc. |
| |
By | | /s/ Shawkat Raslan |
| | Shawkat Raslan, Chairman, President |
| | and Chief Executive Officer |
Dated: March 31, 2008
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated have signed this report below.
| | | | |
Signature | | Title | | Date |
| | |
/s/ Shawkat Raslan (Shawkat Raslan) | | Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) | | March 31, 2008 |
| | |
/s/ Richard Lyew (Richard Lyew) | | Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial and accounting officer) | | March 31, 2008 |
| | |
/s/ Michael Curcio (Michael Curcio) | | Director | | March 31, 2008 |
| | |
/s/ Michael Dornemann (Michael Dornemann) | | Director | | March 31, 2008 |
| | |
/s/ Gregory Framke (Gregory Framke) | | Director | | March 31, 2008 |
| | |
/s/ Frederick Thorne (Frederick Thorne) | | Director | | March 31, 2008 |
| | |
/s/ Carl H. Tiedemann (Carl H. Tiedemann) | | Director | | March 31, 2008 |
| | |
/s/ Alfonso Yuchengco III (Alfonso Yuchengco III) | | Director | | March 31, 2008 |
| | |
/s/ Charles Henri Weil (Charles Henri Weil) | | Director | | March 31, 2008 |
20
Index to Financial Statements
21
[DASZKAL BOLTON LLP LETTERHEAD]
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders
Access Worldwide Communications, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Access Worldwide Communications, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related statements of operations, changes in stockholder’s equity (deficit), and cash flows for the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Access Worldwide Communications, Inc. as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Boca Raton, Florida
March 31, 2008
ACCESS WORLDWIDE COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
| | | | | | | | |
| | As of December 31, | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Current assets: | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 777,354 | | | $ | 1,186,980 | |
Certificate of deposit | | | 883,553 | | | | — | |
Restricted cash | | | 123,000 | | | | 123,000 | |
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $10,983 and $99,130, respectively | | | 4,739,401 | | | | 6,956,218 | |
Unbilled receivables | | | — | | | | 7,750 | |
Other current assets, net | | | 465,364 | | | | 831,958 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total current assets | | | 6,988,672 | | | | 9,105,906 | |
Property and equipment, net | | | 3,815,750 | | | | 3,374,575 | |
Investments | | | — | | | | 1,650,000 | |
Restricted cash | | | 220,000 | | | | 343,000 | |
Other assets, net | | | 516,176 | | | | 386,127 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total assets | | $ | 11,540,598 | | | $ | 14,859,608 | |
| | | | | | | | |
LIABILITIES AND COMMON STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (DEFICIT) | | | | | | | | |
Current liabilities: | | | | | | | | |
Current portion of indebtedness | | $ | 2,623,062 | | | $ | 438,866 | |
Current portion of indebtedness—related parties | | | — | | | | 1,750,000 | |
Accounts payable | | | 826,965 | | | | 1,315,785 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 364,396 | | | | 654,140 | |
Accrued salaries, wages and related benefits | | | 466,042 | | | | 586,107 | |
Customer deposits | | | 969,296 | | | | 1,210,146 | |
Deferred revenue | | | 240,515 | | | | 669,290 | |
Accrued interest | | | 21,664 | | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total current liabilities | | | 5,511,940 | | | | 6,624,334 | |
Long-term portion of indebtedness | | | 249,845 | | | | 259,256 | |
Other long-term liabilities | | | 423,511 | | | | 530,992 | |
Convertible Notes, net | | | — | | | | 4,625,490 | |
Mandatorily redeemable preferred stock, $0.01 par value: 1,000,000 shares authorized, 40,000 shares issued and outstanding | | | 4,000,000 | | | | 4,000,000 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total liabilities | | | 10,185,296 | | | | 16,040,072 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Commitments and contingencies | | | | | | | | |
Common stockholders’ equity (deficit): | | | | | | | | |
Common stock, $0.01 par value: voting: 100,000,000 and 40,000,000 shares authorized; 31,219,146 and 17,340,065 shares issued and outstanding, respectively | | | 312,191 | | | | 173,401 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 78,884,981 | | | | 71,362,793 | |
Accumulated deficit | | | (77,721,021 | ) | | | (72,716,658 | ) |
Less: treasury stock at cost, 209,808 shares | | | (120,849 | ) | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total common stockholders’ equity (deficit) | | | 1,355,302 | | | | (1,180,464 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Total liabilities and common stockholders’ equity (deficit) | | $ | 11,540,598 | | | $ | 14,859,608 | |
| | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-2
ACCESS WORLDWIDE COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
| | | | | | | | |
| | For the Years Ended December 31, | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
Revenues | | $ | 32,831,193 | | | $ | 27,711,626 | |
Cost and expenses: | | | | | | | | |
Cost of services | | | 26,276,214 | | | | 21,315,235 | |
Selling, general and administrative expenses | | | 6,942,956 | | | | 6,557,701 | |
Depreciation and amortization expense | | | 1,463,493 | | | | 1,037,856 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Total costs and expenses | | | 34,682,663 | | | | 28,910,792 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Loss from operations | | | (1,851,470 | ) | | | (1,199,166 | ) |
Interest income | | | 89,835 | | | | 117,465 | |
Interest expense - related parties | | | (1,079,680 | ) | | | (131,280 | ) |
Interest expense | | | (2,052,995 | ) | | | (3,038,091 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Loss from continuing operations | | | (4,894,310 | ) | | | (4,251,072 | ) |
Discontinued operations | | | | | | | | |
(Loss) from discontinued operations | | | (110,053 | ) | | | (591,631 | ) |
Gain on disposal of segment, net of income tax expense of $0 | | | — | | | | 7,728,775 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | (110,053 | ) | | | 7,137,144 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net (loss) income | | | (5,004,363 | ) | | | 2,886,072 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Deemed dividend - warrants issued to certain stockholders | | | — | | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net (loss) income applicable to common stockholders | | $ | (5,004,363 | ) | | $ | 2,886,072 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Basic and diluted (loss) income per share of common stock | | | | | | | | |
Continuing operations | | $ | (0.19 | ) | | $ | (0.25 | ) |
Discontinued operations | | $ | 0.00 | | | $ | 0.41 | |
Net (loss) income | | $ | (0.20 | ) | | $ | 0.17 | |
Weighted average common shares outstanding | | | 25,482,446 | | | | 17,340,065 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-3
ACCESS WORLDWIDE COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN
COMMON STOCKHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
For the Years Ended December 31, 2006 and 2007
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Common Stock | | Additional Paid-in Capital | | | Accumulated Deficit | | | | | | Deferred Compensation | | | Total | |
| | Shares | | Amount | | | | Treasury Stock | | | |
Balance, December 31, 2005 | | 16,616,219 | | $ | 166,162 | | $ | 70,389,446 | | | $ | (75,602,730 | ) | | $ | — | | | $ | (13,200 | ) | | $ | (5,060,322 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Common stock warrants exercised | | 553,500 | | | 5,535 | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 5,535 | |
Common stock issued for services | | 121,199 | | | 1,212 | | | 96,288 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 97,500 | |
Common stock issued to pay accrued bonus | | 49,147 | | | 492 | | | 24,082 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 24,574 | |
Reversal of intrinsic value of deferred compensation | | — | | | — | | | (13,200 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | 13,200 | | | | — | |
Share based compensation expense | | — | | | — | | | 105,046 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 105,046 | |
Value of warrants issued in connection with refinancing Convertible Note I | | — | | | — | | | 600,385 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 600,385 | |
Value of warrants issued in connection with note payable to related party | | — | | | — | | | 160,746 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 160,746 | |
Net income for the year ended December 31, 2006 | | — | | | — | | | — | | | | 2,886,072 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 2,886,072 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, December 31, 2006 | | 17,340,065 | | $ | 173,401 | | $ | 71,362,793 | | | $ | (72,716,658 | ) | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | (1,180,464 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Common stock warrants exercised | | 1,914,000 | | | 19,140 | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 19,140 | |
Common stock issued for Board fees | | 141,521 | | | 1,415 | | | 80,835 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 82,250 | |
Common stock issued upon exercise of stock options | | 5,000 | | | 50 | | | 1,200 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 1,250 | |
Common stock issued upon conversion of Convertible Notes | | 11,818,560 | | | 118,185 | | | 7,164,371 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 7,282,556 | |
Value of warrants issued in connection with issuance of note payable to related party | | — | | | — | | | 171,750 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 171,750 | |
Share based compensation expense | | — | | | — | | | 104,032 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 104,032 | |
Repurchase of common stock from investor | | — | | | — | | | — | | | | — | | | | (120,849 | ) | | | — | | | | (120,849 | ) |
Net loss for the year ended December 31, 2007 | | — | | | — | | | — | | | | (5,004,363 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | (5,004,363 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance, December 31, 2007 | | 31,219,146 | | $ | 312,191 | | $ | 78,884,981 | | | $ | (77,721,021 | ) | | $ | (120,849 | ) | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,355,302 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-4
ACCESS WORLDWIDE COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
| | | | | | | | |
| | For the Years Ended December 31, | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
Cash flows from operating activities: | | | | | | | | |
Net (loss) income | | $ | (5,004,363 | ) | | $ | 2,886,072 | |
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: | | | | | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 1,463,493 | | | | 1,037,856 | |
Allowance for doubtful accounts | | | (87,838 | ) | | | 98,821 | |
Amortization of deferred compensation | | | 10,500 | | | | 10,500 | |
Amortization of deferred financing costs | | | 210,743 | | | | 600,239 | |
Accretion of discount on Convertible Notes | | | 1,009,510 | | | | 691,727 | |
Gain on sale of discontinued operations | | | — | | | | (7,728,775 | ) |
Interest expense paid in common shares | | | 1,729,806 | | | | — | |
Share based compensation expense | | | 104,032 | | | | 227,119 | |
Changes in assets and liabilities from discontinued operations | | | (45,135 | ) | | | 734,419 | |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | | | | | | | | |
Accounts receivable | | | 2,150,617 | | | | (4,253,286 | ) |
Other assets | | | 240,373 | | | | (449,720 | ) |
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities | | | (761,952 | ) | | | 287,465 | |
Accrued salaries, wages and related benefits | | | (115,538 | ) | | | 301,441 | |
Customer deposits | | | (48,392 | ) | | | (2 | ) |
Deferred revenue | | | (428,775 | ) | | | 325,603 | |
Accrued interest and related party expenses | | | 21,664 | | | | (778,167 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | | | 448,745 | | | | (6,008,688 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Cash flows from investing activities: | | | | | | | | |
Additions to property and equipment, net | | | (1,455,174 | ) | | | (564,988 | ) |
Write-off of property and equipments from discontinued operations, net | | | 15,351 | | | | (187,549 | ) |
Net proceeds from sale of discontinued operations | | | — | | | | 9,751,470 | |
Investment in CD and variable rate preferred | | | 766,647 | | | | (1,650,000 | ) |
Decrease in restricted cash | | | 123,000 | | | | 314,000 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities | | | (550,176 | ) | | | 7,662,933 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Cash flows from financing activities: | | | | | | | | |
Payments on capital leases | | | (519,775 | ) | | | (383,146 | ) |
Proceeds from issuance of common stock | | | — | | | | 5,535 | |
Proceeds from exercise of common stock options and warrants | | | 20,390 | | | | — | |
Net borrowings under Credit Facility and Debt Agreement | | | 2,238,487 | | | | (4,454,388 | ) |
(Payments) borrowings under note payable to related party | | | (1,750,000 | ) | | | 2,000,000 | |
Repayment of Convertible Notes | | | — | | | | (115,000 | ) |
Loan origination fees | | | (145,334 | ) | | | (140,000 | ) |
Proceeds from issuance of Convertible Notes | | | — | | | | 1,500,000 | |
Payments under note payable to related party | | | — | | | | (602,334 | ) |
Payments on equipment and insurance financing, net | | | (13,522 | ) | | | (17,122 | ) |
Payments on capital leases from discontinued operations | | | (17,592 | ) | | | (16,736 | ) |
Purchase of common stock from investor | | | (120,849 | ) | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net cash (used in) financing activities | | | (308,195 | ) | | | (2,223,191 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | | | (409,626 | ) | | | (568,946 | ) |
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year | | | 1,186,980 | | | | 1,755,926 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year | | $ | 777,354 | | | $ | 1,186,980 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: | | | | | | | | |
Cash paid during the period for: | | | | | | | | |
Interest (note $1,000,000 was paid in 2006 for early termination of credit facility.) | | $ | 252,874 | | | $ | 1,896,767 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities: | | | | | | | | |
Equipment acquisitions through capital leases | | $ | 474,651 | | | $ | 24,290 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Issuance of warrants on Note | | $ | 171,750 | | | $ | 158,000 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Conversion of Convertible Notes with interest | | $ | 5,635,000 | | | $ | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
Issuance of common stock to pay bonuses | | $ | — | | | $ | 49,147 | |
| | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F-5
ACCESS WORLDWIDE COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. BUSINESS DESCRIPTION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
Business Description
Access Worldwide Communications, Inc. (“Access Worldwide,” “Access,” “we,” “our,” “us” or the “Company” refers to Access Worldwide and/or, as the context requires, one or more of our subsidiaries) was incorporated in the State of Delaware on August 11, 1983 and has been a provider of outsourced sales and marketing services since its inception. We are a business process outsourcing (“BPO”) company providing customer management services in the Telecommunications, Financial Services, Retail/Catalog and Media industries, with approximately 1,000 employees in the U.S. and Philippines combined.
Liquidity
Our primary source of liquidity has been cash flows from operations, supplemented by both borrowings under our revolving line of credit and funding from the equity investments. Borrowing under our revolving line requires that we continue to meet our debt covenants. Failure to meet such covenants and to attract new or existing debt or equity investors could have a materially adverse impact on our financial statements and operations. For the year ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, we had cash and cash equivalents of $0.8 million and $1.2 million, respectively and working capital of $1.5 million and $4.2 million respectively. We have incurred a net loss of $5.0 million for the period ended December 31, 2007 with $1.7 million of the net loss being attributed to non-cash interest expense due to the conversion of all of our outstanding convertible notes to equity.
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Accounting Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in our financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
F-6
Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements present our financial position and results of operations, including all subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and short-term investments with original maturities of three months or less. Cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2007 and 2006 consist of money market funds and investments in Variable Rate Preferred securities. At times, cash balances held at financial institutions are in excess of federally insured limits. We have not experienced any losses in such accounts and management believes the risk related to these short term investments are minimal.
As of December 31, 2007, we have restricted cash of $0.3 million in the form of a certificate of deposit which secured a letter of credit issued to the landlord of our Maryland communication center. The restriction decreases each anniversary year of the lease agreement by $0.1 million through 2008 and then remains at $0.2 million through 2010.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets ranging from three to seven years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the life of the asset. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and any resulting gain or loss is recognized in operations in the period. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred, while expenditures for major renewals that extend the useful lives are capitalized.
Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets, excluding indefinite-lived intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the related carrying amounts may not be recoverable. An impairment loss on assets is recognized based on the excess of the asset’s carrying amount over the fair value of the assets, and the long-lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2006 consolidated financial statements to conform to the 2007 presentation. Such reclassifications did not change our net (loss) income or total common stockholders’ equity (deficit) as previously reported.
Revenue Recognition
Our customer management services revenues are recognized on the following bases: production hours, inbound minutes, phone calls placed or received, sales made per hour or fixed monthly fee. Revenues are recognized when we have no significant obligations remaining, fees are fixed and determinable and collection of the related accounts receivable is reasonably assured.
(Loss) earnings Per Share
Basic (loss) earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and diluted earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and all potentially dilutive common shares outstanding.
The following is a summary of the number of shares or securities outstanding during the respective periods that have been excluded from the calculation because their effects on net loss from operations would have been anti-dilutive:
| | | | |
| | For the Years Ended December 31, |
| | 2007 | | 2006 |
Convertible debt | | — | | 10,120,000 |
Warrants | | 5,082,500 | | 6,671,500 |
Stock options | | 1,458,690 | | 1,294,890 |
| | | | |
| | 6,541,190 | | 18,086,390 |
| | | | |
F-7
The following is the computation of basic and diluted loss per common share:
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the Years Ended December 31, | |
| | Loss (Numerator) | | | Shares (Denominator) | | Per Share Amount | |
2007 | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | $ | (5,004,363 | ) | | 25,482,446 | | $ | (0.20 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Loss per share of common stock - diluted | | $ | (5,004,363 | ) | | 25,482,446 | | $ | (0.20 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
2006 | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic | | $ | 2,886,072 | | | 17,340,065 | | $ | 0.17 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Earnings per share of common stock - diluted | | $ | 2,886,072 | | | 17,340,065 | | $ | 0.17 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Stock-Based Compensation
We maintained an incentive stock option plan that provides for the grant of stock options to our directors, officers and key employees. Under the stock option plan, stock options must be granted at an option price equal to the closing market price of the stock on the date of the stock option was awarded. Stock options granted under the plan become exercisable over three or five years, as determined by the Compensation Committee, in equal annual installments after the date of grant. All stock options granted expire ten years from the date of grant.
Options granted under our stock-based compensation plan to employees were accounted for using the intrinsic value method in accordance with the provisions of APB Opinion No. 25,Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees(“APB No. 25”), and related interpretations. We did not recognize compensation expense in connection with granting stock options to employees as the strike price of the option at the time of grant generally equals the fair market value of our stock at such time. Options granted under our stock-based compensation plan to non-employees are accounted for based on fair value accounting rules. Vesting terms are determined by the Compensation Committee at the time of grant.
In December 2004, the FASB issued Statement No. 123 (revised 2004, Share-Based Payment (“SFAS No. 123R”), which is a revision of Statement No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (“SFAS No. 123”). The Statement supersedes APB No. 25 and its related implementation guidance. As of December 31, 2007, there was approximately $303,000 of total unrecognized share based compensation costs related to the stock options granted under our stock plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 6.7 years.
Valuation and Expense Information under SFAS No. 123R
The adoption of SFAS No. 123R did not have an effect on income per share for the period ended December 31, 2006. We recorded share based compensation cost of approximately $104,032 and $105,046 for the period ended December 31, 2007 and 2006.
F-8
As required by SFAS 123R, we now estimate forfeitures of employee stock options and recognize compensation cost only for those awards expected to vest. Forfeiture rates are determined for three groups of employees-directors, senior management and all other employees, based on historical experience. Estimated forfeitures are now adjusted to actual forfeiture experience as needed. The effect actual forfeitures and the estimated forfeiture rate for the period ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 were 4% and 8% and 29% and 12%, respectively.
In connection with the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, we estimate the fair value of each stock option on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing formula, applying the following assumptions, and amortize that value to expense over the option’s vesting period using the straight-line attribution approach for the period ended December 31,:
| | | | | | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
Divided yield | | 0 | % | | 0 | % |
Expected volatility | | 108 | % | | 106 | % |
Risk-free interest rate (weighted average) | | 4.86 | % | | 4.72 | % |
Expected option term | | 7.5 years | | | 6.5 years | |
Nominal option term | | 10 years | | | 10 years | |
Foreign Currency Translation
The U.S. Dollar is the functional currency of our continuing operations. For subsidiaries where the U.S. Dollar is the functional currency, all foreign currency asset and liability amounts are remeasured into U.S. Dollars at end-of-period exchange rates, except for prepaid expenses, property and equipment, and other assets, which are remeasured at historical rates. Foreign currency income and expenses are remeasured at average exchange rates in effect during the year, except for expenses related to balance sheet amounts remeasured at historical exchange rates. Exchange gains and losses arising from remeasurement of foreign currency-denominated monetary assets and liabilities are included in income in the period in which they occur.
TREASURY STOCK
We record treasury stock purchases under the cost method.
3. CONCENTRATIONS OF RISK
We are potentially subjected to concentration of credit risks through our cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. Cash and cash equivalents are deposited or managed by major financial institutions and at times are in excess of FDIC insurance limits. At December 31, 2007 and 2006 cash and cash equivalents held in excess FDIC insurance limits were approximately $2.1 million and $0.4 million, respectively.
We extend credit to our customers in the normal course of business and our accounts receivable are concentrated in a relatively few number of customers, a significant change in the liquidity or financial position of any of these customers could have a material adverse impact on the collectability of our accounts receivable and our future operating results. We continuously monitor accounts receivable balances and payments from our customers and maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts based upon historical experience and any specific customer collection issues that we have identified. For the year ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, we maintain allowance for doubtful accounts of $10,983 and $99,130, respectively. While such bad debt expenses have historically been within our expectations and the allowances established, we cannot guarantee that we will continue to experience the same collectability rates that we have in the past. Management’s assessment and judgment are vital requirements in assessing the ultimate realization of accounts receivable, including the credit-worthiness, financial stability and effects of market conditions on each client.
For the year ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, a substantial portion of our revenues was derived from three customers, who are included in our domestic and international segments (see Note 16).
| | | | | | |
| | For the year ended December 31, | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
Revenues | | | | | | |
Client A | | 58.3 | % | | 50.3 | % |
Client B | | 23.5 | % | | 16.3 | % |
Accounts Receivable | | | | | | |
Client A | | 53.3 | % | | 49.5 | % |
Client B | | 42.6 | % | | 55.4 | % |
Our revenues are dependent on clients in the telecommunications, financial services, retail/catalog and media industries, and a material decrease in demand for outsourced services in these industries could result in decreased revenues. Additionally, we have significant operations in the Philippines and are subject to risk associated with operating in the Philippines including political, social and economic instability and increase security concern, fluctuation in currency exchange rates and exposure to different legal standards.
We maintain operational and technical facilities for our global operations, including maintaining a relationship with three significant vendors that provide maintenance of our main technology equipment and data. Any significant events leading to systems and operations unavailability before our contingency plans can be deployed could potentially lead to a disruption of services and associated financial impact.
4. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Our property and equipment consists of the following:
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | Useful Life In Years | | December 31, | |
| | | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
Furniture and fixtures | | 7 | | $ | 995,280 | | | $ | 984,834 | |
Furniture and fixtures under capital lease | | Life of lease | | | 154,802 | | | | 154,802 | |
Telephone and office equipment | | 7 | | | 2,183,866 | | | | 2,072,639 | |
Telephone and office equipment under capital lease | | Life of lease | | | 230,922 | | | | 230,922 | |
Computer equipment | | 3-5 | | | 5,233,567 | | | | 4,650,099 | |
Computer equipment under capital lease | | Life of lease | | | 1,765,471 | | | | 1,289,651 | |
Leasehold improvements | | Life of lease | | | 1,899,451 | | | | 1,442,965 | |
Fixed assets not placed in service | | | | | 3,180 | | | | 208,678 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | 12,466,539 | | | | 11,034,590 | |
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization (1) | | | | | (8,650,789 | ) | | | (7,660,015 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Property and equipment, net | | | | $ | 3,815,750 | | | $ | 3,374,575 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization expense (including such expense for property and equipment held under capital leases) was $1,463,493 and $1,037,856 for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 , respectively.
(1) | Accumulated amortization on assets held under capital leases was approximately $481,000 and $634,000 at December 31, 2007 and 2006 respectively. |
F-9
5. INCOME TAXES
Our benefit for income taxes consists of the following:
| | | | | | |
| | For the Years Ended December 31, |
| | 2007 | | 2006 |
Current tax benefit : | | | | | | |
Federal | | $ | — | | $ | — |
State | | | — | | | — |
| | | | | | |
| | | — | | | — |
| | | | | | |
Deferred tax benefit: | | | | | | |
Federal | | | — | | | — |
| | | | | | |
| | $ | — | | $ | — |
| | | | | | |
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes.
Net deferred tax assets are comprised of the following:
| | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
Deferred tax assets: | | | | | | | | |
Accrued bonus | | $ | — | | | $ | 31,933 | |
Accrued severance | | | — | | | | 15,328 | |
Bad debt expense | | | 4,857 | | | | 43,539 | |
Accrued vacation pay | | | — | | | | 1,277 | |
AMT credit | | | 178,664 | | | | 178,664 | |
Depreciation | | | 179,153 | | | | 83,694 | |
Amortization of goodwill | | | 5,891,720 | | | | 6,901,730 | |
Federal and state net operating loss carryforwards | | | 12,981,189 | | | | 9,810,681 | |
Foreign net operating loss carryforwards | | | — | | | | 7,383 | |
Other | | | 39,880 | | | | 39,880 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Gross deferred tax assets | | | 19,275,463 | | | | 17,114,109 | |
Less: valuation allowance | | | (19,275,463 | ) | | | (17,114,109 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
Net deferred tax assets | | | — | | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
Deferred tax liabilities | | | — | | | | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
Net deferred taxes | | $ | — | | | $ | — | |
| | | | | | | | |
At December 31, 2007, we had approximately $29,414,000 of net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards for federal income tax purposes, and approximately $57,886,000 for state income tax purposes, which expire at various times through 2025.
F-10
A valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets is recorded if, based on the weight of the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. In determining the need for a valuation allowance, an assessment of all available evidence both positive and negative was required. We recorded a valuation allowance of $19,275,463 and $17,114,109 at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively, which primarily relates to intangible assets and net operating loss carryforwards.
Our effective tax rate was different from the federal statutory rate as follows:
| | | | | | |
| | For the Years Ended December 31, | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
Statutory rate | | 34 | % | | (34 | )% |
Permanent difference | | 0 | | | 0 | |
State income taxes, net of federal benefit | | (9 | ) | | (9 | ) |
Valuation allowance | | (43 | ) | | 43 | |
| | | | | | |
| | 0 | % | | 0 | % |
| | | | | | |
6. INDEBTEDNESS
| | | | | | | | |
| | December 31, | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
Our borrowings consist of the following: | | | | | | | | |
Subordinated unsecured promissory note payable to related party, constant maturity of four months and 200,000 warrants for each four month period | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,750,000 | |
Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement (collectively the “Debt Agreement”) | | | 2,238,487 | | | | — | |
Deferred financing and insurance | | | — | | | | 13,521 | |
Capital leases payable in monthly installments through May 2010 | | | 634,420 | | | | 684,601 | |
| | | | | | | | |
| | | 2,872,907 | | | | 2,448,122 | |
Less: current portion | | | (2,623,062 | ) | | | (2,188,866 | ) |
| | | | | | | | |
| | $ | 249,845 | | | $ | 259,256 | |
| | | | | | | | |
On June 20, 2006, the Board of Directors (the “Board”) approved an asset purchase agreement, to sell all or substantially all the assets of TeleManagement Services (“TMS”), pursuant to majority consent from our outstanding stockholders. On August 3, 2006, after receiving a majority consent from our outstanding stockholders, we completed the sale of substantially all of the assets of TMS for $10.5 million, less $0.4 million for the settlement of a subordinated note with the former stockholder of TeleManagement Services, accrued interest and a $0.8 million holdback for working capital settlement within 90 days, as defined in the Assets Purchase Agreement. On March 20, 2007, we settled the working capital settlement with TMS for $0.3 million. The remaining $5.3 million was used to fund operations and pay CapitalSource all amounts due under the terms of the Debt Agreement, including an early termination fee of $1.0 million which has been classified as interest expense.
On May 24, 2006, we entered into a $2.0 million subordinated unsecured promissory note agreement (the “Note”) with Charles Henri-Weil, a member of our board of directors and one of our stockholders. The Note had a constant maturity of four months that required us to issue a warrant to purchase 200,000 shares of our common stock for each of the four month periods the Note remained unpaid. The warrants were fully vested upon issuance and had an exercise price of $0.01 per share and a term of ten years. As of December 31, 2007, we had issued warrants to Mr. Weil to acquire 725,000 shares of our common stock. We estimated these warrants to have a fair value of $328,000 using a Black-Scholes pricing model, which has been recorded as debt discount, and has been amortized to interest expense over each four month period. On August 8, 2007, in conjunction with the execution of our revolving line of credit, the Note was repaid in full and all loan origination fees associated with the note were recognized as interest expense.
F-11
On August 8, 2007, we entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company (“M&T”) for an $8.0 million revolving line of credit (the “Revolver”). The Revolver bears an interest rate of the prime rate plus a margin of 1.25%. The margin is adjustable based on our total liabilities to net worth as defined in the Agreement. Loans made under the Revolver are secured by a pledge of (i) all of our domestic assets and (ii) 65% of our common stock of our international subsidiary. All principal and unpaid interest on the Revolver is due and payable in full on August 7, 2010. We were required to pay loan origination fees, commitment fees, an unused facility fee, collateral management fees and adhere to certain financial covenants.
During the third quarter of 2007, we notified M&T of the loss of one of our most profitable programs due to budgetary cuts by the client, and that we would not be able to make our fixed charge coverage covenant for the third and fourth quarters of 2007. On November 15, 2007, M&T agreed to waive the default of the fixed charge coverage covenant for three months ended September 2007 and eliminate the remaining fixed charge coverage covenants for 2007. The covenants were replaced by a monthly cash flow covenant from October 31, 2007 to March 31, 2008 and an amended and reset fixed charge coverage covenant for 2008 and 2009. If we do not meet these revised debt covenants we will be in technical default. The interest rate at December 31, 2007 was 4.45% and we had unused availability of approximately $639,000.
We expect to meet our short-term liquidity requirements through net cash provided by operations and cash and cash equivalents. We believe that these sources of cash will be sufficient to meet our operating needs and planned capital expenditures for at least the next twelve months.
Aggregate annual principal maturities for indebtedness as of December 31, 2007 are as follows:
| | | |
2008 | | $ | 2,623,062 |
2009 | | | 190,779 |
2010 | | | 59,066 |
| | | |
| | $ | 2,872,907 |
| | | |
7. CONVERTIBLE NOTES
On July 15, 2003 (the “Effective Date”), we completed a private placement of $2.1 million of Convertible Notes and warrants (“Convertible Notes I) to purchase up to 1.05 million shares of our common stock that were sold to accredited investors. The proceeds of the Convertible Notes I were used to fund working capital and operations. The Convertible Notes I had a 39 month term, bearing interest at a rate of 5% and were convertible after one year from the Effective Date of the Convertible Notes I into our common stock at a conversion price of $1.00 per share. The warrants had an exercise price of $0.01 per share, a term of ten years, and were exercisable commencing July 15, 2004. Interest on the Convertible Notes I was paid quarterly, provided we were in compliance with the covenants of our senior lenders, if any. Principal was payable on the earliest of the 39 month term or a Change of Control (as defined); in either case, only after (i) all amounts due to our senior lenders, if any, had been paid or (ii) our senior lenders, if any, consented to the payment. During 2004 and 2005, warrants to purchase 920,000 and 55,000 shares of our common stock were exercised for cash proceeds of $9,200 and $550. At December 31, 2007, all warrants have been exercised.
On August 24, 2004, we filed a registration statement on Form S-3 to permit a public offering and sale of shares of common stock into which the Convertible Notes I are convertible, and of the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrants. The registration statement was declared effective on September 7, 2004.
We recorded a debt discount of approximately $1,281,000 consisting of the intrinsic value of the beneficial conversion option of $441,000 and the portion of the proceeds allocated to the warrants of $840,000, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, based on the relative fair values of the warrants and the Convertible Notes I. The debt discount was amortized over the contractual life of the Convertible Notes I as additional interest expense using the effective interest method.
During the third quarter of 2006, we contacted the Holders of Convertible Note I (the “Holders”) and offered each, the following options: (a) to convert their Convertible Note I to shares of our common stock, (b) to receive a payout of principal and any accrued interest, or (c) to reinvest their Convertible Note I with us for another 36 months in return for an increased conversion rate from one (1) share of our common stock per dollar invested, to two (2) shares of common stock per dollar invested. On October 13, 2006, approximately $1.985 million of the Holders agreed to reinvest in Convertible Notes I (henceforth referred to as “Convertible I” and Convertible Notes I was amended. Convertible I matured the earlier of (a) October 1, 2009 or (b) a change of control, all or any part of the principal amount may be converted at any time at a conversion rate of $0.50 per share. The sale of the underlying shares
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associated with the amendment was exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 as a private offering to accredited investors under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act. We recorded a debt discount of approximately $600,385 using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The debt discount will be amortized over the contractual life of Convertible I as additional interest expense using the effective interest method. During 2007, 2006, and 2005 approximately $87,000, $354,000, and $400,000 respectively, of debt discount was amortized as interest expense. Convertible Note I was converted on June 29, 2007.
On December 15, 2004, we completed a private placement of $1.15 million of Convertible Notes and warrants (“Convertible Notes II”) to purchase up to 1.15 million shares of our common stock that were sold to accredited investors. The proceeds of the Convertible Notes II were used to fund working capital and operations. The Convertible Notes II had a 39 month term, bearing interest at a rate of 5% and were convertible beginning one year from the Effective Date, as defined, of the Convertible Notes II into common stock at a conversion price equal to $1.00 per share. The warrants had an exercise price of $0.01 per share, a term of ten years, and were exercisable commencing December 15, 2005. Interest on the Convertible Notes II was paid quarterly, provided we were in compliance with the covenants of our senior lenders, if any. Principal was payable on the earliest of the 39 month term or a Change of Control (as defined); in either case, only after (i) all amounts due to our senior lenders, if any, had been paid or (ii) our senior lenders consented to the payment.
We recorded a debt discount of approximately $1,104,000 consisting of the intrinsic value of the beneficial conversion option of $494,500 and the portion of the proceeds allocated to the warrants of $609,500, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, based on the relative fair values of the warrants and the Convertible Notes II. The debt discount has been amortized over the contractual life of Convertible Notes II as additional interest expense using the effective interest method. As of December 31, 2006 and 2005, the unamortized balance of our debt discounts associated with Convertible Notes II issued for $1.1 million is approximately $0.4 million and $0.8 million, respectively. During 2007, 2006 and 2005, approximately $175,000, $338,000 and $322,000, respectively, of debt discount was amortized as interest expense. Convertible Note II was converted on June 29, 2007 and all warrants have been exercised.
On August 31, 2005, we completed a private placement for approximately $2.26 million of Convertible Notes (“Convertible Notes III”) and Warrants (“Warrants”) to Accredited Investors, as defined in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The Convertible Notes III was convertible at a ratio of 2 shares of our common stock for each $1.00 invested. Each holder of the Convertible Notes III received Warrants to purchase 2 shares of our common stock for each $1.00 invested. The Warrants, which are exercisable into an aggregate of 4,510,000 shares of our common stock, have an exercise price of $0.75 per share, a term of ten years, and are exercisable commencing upon the Vesting Date, which is defined as the completion of both (i) the date upon which the holder of the Warrant pays the purchase price for the Convertible Notes III, and (ii) the date of the Conversion Event. Convertible Notes III was automatically convertible upon the Conversion Event, which is defined as that date upon which the majority of our common stockholders voted to amend our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (“Certificate of Incorporation”), to increase the authorized shares of the Company’s common stock from 20 million to not less than 35 million.
On August 25, 2005, by written consent, a majority of our stockholders approved an amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation to increase the number of authorized shares of common stock from 20 million to 40 million. As a result of the Conversion Event, on the August 31, 2005, the closing date of the Convertible Notes III, the notes automatically converted into 4,510,000 shares of our common stock. As the Warrants were issued to investors whose Convertible Notes III automatically converted upon issuance to common stock, the Warrants represent a cost of capital. As of December 31, 2007, there are 4.5 million warrants outstanding.
On March 17, 2006, we completed a private placement of $2.5 million of Convertible Notes (“Convertible Notes IV”) to purchase up to 5.0 million shares of our common stock that were sold to accredited investors. The proceeds of the Convertible Notes IV were used to fund working capital and operations. The Convertible Notes IV had a 36 month term, bearing interest at a rate of 5% and were immediately convertible into common stock at a rate of 2 shares per dollar invested, as defined. Interest on the Convertible Notes IV was paid quarterly, provided we were in compliance with the covenants of our senior lenders, if any. Principal was payable on the earliest of the 36 month term or a Change of Control (as defined); in either case, only after (i) all amounts due to our senior lenders, if any, have been paid or (ii) our senior lenders consented to the payment.
Under the terms of registration rights granted to the holders of Convertible Notes II, III and IV for the shares into which the notes and related warrants are convertible or exercisable, we have committed to take all reasonable efforts to file a registration statement to register and maintain registration such shares for a period of two years from the effective date of the registration statement.
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On June 29, 2007, all holders of our Convertible Notes I, II and IV agreed to convert their Convertible Notes to common stock, par value $0.01, at the conversion rates presented below:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Notes | | Amount | | Accrued Interest | | Total Value ($) | | Shares issued for Early Conversion | | Conversion Rate |
Convertible I | | $ | 1,985,000 | | $ | 248,533 | | $ | 2,233,533 | | 4,218,533 | | 1.8887 |
Convertible Note II | | | 1,150,000 | | | 54,822 | | | 1,204,822 | | 2,354,822 | | 1.9545 |
Convertible Note IV | | | 2,500,000 | | | 245,205 | | | 2,745,205 | | 5,245,205 | | 1.9107 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total | | $ | 5,635,000 | | $ | 548,560 | | | 6,183,560 | | 11,818,560 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
8. PRIVATE PLACEMENT OF COMMON STOCK
On March 4, 2005, we sold and issued to accredited investors 1,000,000 shares of our common stock at a price of $1.00 per share (the “Equity Placement”), including 150,000 shares purchased by a member of our Board of Directors, and 42,500 shares issued to the same member of the Board of Directors or a company affiliated with the member of the Board of Directors on behalf of the other participants as a broker fee. The sale of these shares was exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 as a private offering to “accredited investors” under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act and Rule 506 of Regulation D.
On July 10, 2005, we amended the Equity Placement agreement to include a provision to issue warrants if we raise any additional capital within a year of the Equity Placement agreement for a purchase price of less than the $1.00 per share.
On September 15, 2005, the amended Equity Placement agreement was triggered by the issuance of Convertible Notes III and we issued warrants to purchase 1,000,000 shares of our common stock (the “Warrants”) to the investors in the Equity Placement. The Warrants had an exercise price of $0.01 per share, a ten year term and vested upon the Conversion Event.
The Warrants had a fair value of approximately $740,000, which was determined by utilizing the Black-Scholes pricing model with the following assumptions: an expected life of 10 years, expected volatility of 108%, risk-free interest rate of 4.18%, and a 0% dividend yield. This value has been recorded as a deemed dividend to the warrants and has been classified as such in the accompanying Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2005. As of December 31, 2007; 572,500 warrants remain outstanding.
9. MANDATORILY REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK
We have outstanding 40,000 shares of mandatorily redeemable preferred stock (the “Preferred Stock”) which entitles the holders to dividends payable in cash and non-cash distributions equal to the product of (x) 8.33 and (y) any per share dividend and distributions paid on shares of the common stock. The Preferred Stock is mandatorily redeemable by us at a price of $100 per share upon public offerings subsequent to February 13, 1998, a change of control or when we achieve net income of $10 million over four consecutive quarters.
10. STOCK OPTION PLAN
As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, there were 1,458,690 and 634,110 stock options available for issuance, respectively. A summary of the status of the Plan as of December 31, 2007 and 2006 and changes during the years then ended is presented below:
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2007 | | 2006 |
| | Shares | | Weighted Avg. Exercise Price | | Shares | | Weighted Avg. Exercise Price |
Outstanding at beginning of year | | 1,294,890 | | $ | 0.66 | | 1,464,006 | | $ | 0.66 |
Granted | | 228,500 | | | 0.50 | | 208,000 | | | 0.50 |
Exercised | | 5,000 | | | 0.00 | | — | | | 0.00 |
Forfeited | | 59,700 | | | 0.90 | | 377,116 | | | 0.90 |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Outstanding at end of year | | 1,458,690 | | | 0.68 | | 1,294,890 | | | 0.68 |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Options exercisable at end of Year | | 850,476 | | | | | 694,838 | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted-average fair value of options granted during the year | | | | $ | 0.42 | | | | $ | 0.42 |
| | | | | | | | | | |
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The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2007:
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Options Outstanding | | Options Exercisable |
Range of Exercise Prices | | Number Outstanding | | Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Life | | Weighted- Average Exercise Price | | Number Exercisable | | Weighted- Average Exercise Price |
$0.25-$0.93 | | 1,226,190 | | 6.2 | | $ | 0.63 | | 833,976 | | $ | 0.62 |
$1.05-$2.38 | | 232,500 | | 9.1 | | | 1.09 | | 16,500 | | | 1.62 |
$0.25-$2.38 | | 1,458,690 | | 6.7 | | $ | 0.70 | | 850,476 | | $ | 0.64 |
11. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Consulting Agreements and Other Services
During the first quarter of 2005, we entered into a Consulting Agreement with a member of our board of directors to provide consulting services with regard to all matters and activities we are performing in the Philippines. The Consulting Agreement provides among other things (i) a term through February 29, 2008 with an option to renew on a month-by-month basis thereafter, (ii) the payment of US $5,000 a month for the remainder of the term, (iii) a designated percent commission on all Qualifying Sales as defined in the Consulting Agreement throughout the remainder of the term, and (iv) a one-time issuance of a stock option to purchase 50,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, at an exercise price of $0.79 per share (the closing market price at the date of grant), with a term of ten years, and a five year vesting schedule. In May of 2006, the monthly $5,000 consulting fee was reduced to $2,000 a month. As of December 31, 2007 and 2006, we paid consulting fees of $24,000 and $36,000, amortized compensation expense relating to the one-time issuance of a stock options above of $10,500 and $10,500, and commission expense of $19,000 and $800, respectively. (See Note 17)
Office Space
On March 29, 2005 and November 28, 2006, we entered into operating lease agreements for our communications centers in the Philippines from a realty company that is majority owned by the immediate family of a member of our board of directors. The leases have terms of five and three years respectively with minimum rent payments of approximately $491,000 and $789,000 over the remaining lease period, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, we paid rental payments of $505,000 and $209,541; respectively. Additionally, at December 31, 2007 and 2006, we have approximately $24,000 and $327,000 of cash in a Philippines bank account with a bank that is also majority owned by the immediate family of a member of our Board of Directors.
Capital Financing
The Board of Directors and certain executive management participated in our capital raisings for Convertible Debt I, II, III, and IV and invested $950,000, $800,000, $1,000,000 and $525,000, respectively. In addition, a greater than 5% shareholder has invested $25,000, and $75,000 in the Convertible Notes I and Convertible Notes II, respectively. Convertible Debt I, II, III and IV were converted to shares of common stock on June 29, 2007 (See Note 7).
In accordance with the July 10, 2005 amendment to the March 4, 2005 Subscription Agreement for the private placement of our common stock, we issued warrants to purchase 1,000,000 shares of our common stock to those investors, including a warrant to purchase 192,500 shares issued to a member of the our Board of Directors who participated in the March 4, 2005 private placement. (See Note 8.)
On February 19, 2008, as part of an equity investment in Access, two employees of one of our main clients were nominated and elected to our Board of Directors. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors, one will be serving on the Audit Committee and the other on the Compensation Committee. (See Note 17).
Stock Repurchase
On December 28, 2007, we repurchased 209,808 shares from a related party for $120,849 as part of a later $3.0 million equity investment. Treasury stock is accounting for using the cost method. (See Note 17).
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12. DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS
We have defined contribution employee benefit plans which cover substantially all of our employees. We may make discretionary contributions to our plans. During the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, no amounts were contributed to the plans.
13. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Employment Agreements
In connection with certain acquisitions in the normal course of business, we entered into employment agreements with our executive management employees, which expire January 1, 2010, certain of whom are our stockholders. The employment agreements have terms up to three years and require an aggregate annual base salary payments of $800,000 and bonus payments of up to $80,000.
Legal Proceedings
We are involved in a variety of proceedings that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of our business. We believe that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
Operating Leases
We lease office space and operating equipment under non-cancelable operating leases with terms ranging from two to ten years and expiring at various dates through April 2011.Certain non cancelable leases are classified as capital leases and the leased assets are included in fixed assets. Rent expense from continuing operations under operating leases was approximately $2,291,000 and $1,725,000 for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
Aggregate minimum annual rentals under the operating leases as of December 31, 2007 are as follows:
| | | |
2008 | | $ | 2,643,000 |
2009 | | | 2,330,000 |
2010 | | | 975,000 |
2011 | | | 287,000 |
| | | |
| | $ | 6,235,000 |
| | | |
The above operating leases will be offset by $261,000 in sublease rental income through October 2008.
14. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents and certificate of deposits approximates their fair values. The fair value of our long-term debt including capital lease obligations and a revolving line of credit are determined by calculating the present value of expected future cash outlays associated with our debt instruments. The discount rate used is equivalent to the current rate offered to us for debt of the same maturities at December 31, 2007. The fair value of our long-term indebtedness approximates the carrying value thereof.
15. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
In accordance with SFAS 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long Lived Assets, we have reclassified as discontinued operations, the operations of our TMS Professional Markets Group (“TMS”), a provider of highly professional pharmaceutical marketing services in a variety of therapeutic categories and our AM Medica Communications Group (“AMG”), a provider of highly professional pharmaceutical education and meeting management services.
TMS was sold on August 3, 2006 for $10.5 million less $0.4 million for the settlement of a subordinated note with the former stockholder of TeleManagement Services, accrued interest, and a $0.8 million holdback for the working capital settlement in 90 days, as defined in the Asset Purchase Agreement. On March 20, 2007, we settled the working capital settlement with TMS for $0.3 million. We realized a net gain, including operations through July 31, 2006, of $7.8 million on the disposal of the segment, net of income tax expense and expenses incurred in connection with the transaction as of December 31, 2006.
On December 5, 2006, the Board of Directors approved a plan to terminate our medical education and meeting management services as of December 31, 2006, so that we could focus our attention to the rapidly growing business process outsourcing industry.
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In addition to the classification of the gain on the disposal of the segment as discontinued operations, we reclassified the net (loss) income from the operations of the segments, net of the related income tax (benefit) expense, for the period from January 1, 2006 until the date of the transaction to discontinued operations in the accompanying statements of income. Revenues and statement of income for TMS and AMG were:
| | | | |
| | 2006 | |
TMS: | | | | |
Revenues | | $ | 8,617,564 | |
Operating loss | | | (315,512 | ) |
Net loss per share | | $ | (0.02 | ) |
| |
AMG: | | | | |
Revenues | | $ | 1,367,667 | |
Operating loss | | | (260,268 | ) |
Net loss per share | | $ | (0.02 | ) |
The TMS assets and liabilities as of July 31, 2006 were as follows:
| | | |
Cash | | $ | 860,682 |
Accounts receivable, net | | | 3,303,986 |
Prepaid expenses | | | 101,974 |
Property and equipment | | | 1,062,757 |
Other assets | | | 46,177 |
| | | |
Total assets | | $ | 5,375,576 |
| | | |
Accounts payable | | $ | 1,888,103 |
Accrued expenses | | | 407,078 |
Other liabilities | | | 789,435 |
| | | |
Total liabilities | | $ | 3,084,616 |
| | | |
16. SEGMENTS
Our reportable segments are strategic business units that offer our products and services out of different geographical regions. Our reportable segments consist of a U.S. Segment, which provides customer management services utilizing personnel in the U.S. and a Philippines Segment, which provides customer management services utilizing personnel in the Philippines.
We evaluate the performance of our segments and allocate resources based on revenues and operating (loss) income. The tables below present information about our reportable segments for our continuing operations used by our chief operating decision-maker as of and for the years ended December 31,
| | | | | | | | |
| | 2007 | | | 2006 | |
Revenues | | | | | | | | |
Domestic | | $ | 22,595,035 | | | $ | 22,504,228 | |
International | | | 10,236,158 | | | | 5,207,398 | |
Total | | $ | 32,831,193 | | | $ | 27,711,626 | |
Operating (loss) income | | | | | | | | |
Domestic | | $ | (2,440,331 | ) | | $ | (1,593,363 | ) |
International | | | 588,861 | | | | 394,197 | |
Total | | $ | (1,851,470 | ) | | $ | (1,199,166 | ) |
Depreciation expense | | | | | | | | |
Domestic | | $ | 520,117 | | | $ | 586,553 | |
International | | | 943,376 | | | | 451,303 | |
Total | | $ | 1,463,493 | | | $ | 1,037,856 | |
Total Assets | | | | | | | | |
Domestic | | $ | 6,089,873 | | | $ | 13,570,101 | |
International | | | 5,441,725 | | | | 1,289,507 | |
Total | | $ | 11,531,598 | | | $ | 14,859,608 | |
17. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS.
On January 17, 2008, we entered into a Common Stock Purchase Agreement (the “Stock Agreement”) which resulted in the sale and issuance to an accredited investor and a significant customer 5,778,120 shares of our common stock, par value $0.01, at a price per share of approximately $0.52, for an aggregate purchase price of $3 million (the “Transaction”). The sale of these shares was exempt from registration under the Securities Act of 1933 as a private offering to “accredited investors” under Section 4(2) of the Securities Act and Rule 506 of Regulation D. In addition, the Stock Agreement allows for an additional investment of $1.0 million within 12 months from the effective date provided certain financial terms are met.
As part of the Transaction, we also entered into an Amendment to our Master Services Agreement dated June 1, 2005 providing for, among other things, an extension to the duration of the Master Services Agreement and discount on pricing for services provided under the Master Services Agreement.
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INDEX TO EXHIBITS
| | |
Exhibit Number | | |
3.1 | | Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant (Incorporated by reference to Annex I of Schedule 14A filed on April 27, 2007). |
| |
3.2 | | By-Laws of the Registrant (Incorporated by reference to Form S-1 filed on February 12, 1998). |
| |
4.1 | | Access Worldwide Communications, Inc. 2007 Stock Option Plan (Incorporated by reference to Annex II of Schedule 14A filed on April 27, 2007). |
| |
10(ssss)* | | Consulting Agreement, dated February 9, 2005, by and between Access Worldwide Communications, Inc. and Alfonso Yuchengco, III (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(gggg) to the Company’s 10-Q filed on May 16, 2005) |
| |
10(uuuu) | | Lease Agreement, dated march 29, 2005, by and between RCBC Realty Corporation and Access Worldwide (AWWC) Philippines, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s 8-K filed on April 1, 2005.). |
| |
10(iiiii) | | Asset Purchase Agreement, dated June 20, 2006, by and among, Access Worldwide, Telemanagement Services, Inc. and TMS Professional Markets Group, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s 8-K filed on June 22, 2006). |
| |
10(jjjjj) | | Payoff Letter for the Revolving Credit, Term Loan and Security Agreement dated as of June 10, 2003, by and among Access Worldwide Communications, Inc., and its subsidiaries, the Lenders party thereto and CapitalSource Finance, LLC, as agents for the Lenders (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified to date), dated August 3, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(jjjjj) to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on November 14, 2006). |
| |
10(mmmmm) | | Lease Agreement, by and between Access Worldwide (AWWC) Philippines, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Access Worldwide Communications Inc., and RCBC Realty Corporation, dated November 2006 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on December 1, 2006). |
| |
10(nnnnn) | | Employment Agreement by and between Access Worldwide Communications, Inc. and Shawkat Raslan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 5, 2007). |
| |
10(ooooo) | | Employment Agreement by and between Access Worldwide Communications, Inc. and Richard Lyew (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 5, 2007). |
| |
10(ppppp) | | Employment Agreement by and between Access Worldwide Communications, Inc. and J. Ted Jordan (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 5, 2007). |
| |
10(qqqqq) | | Employment Agreement by and between Access Worldwide Communications, Inc. and Mark Wright (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 5, 2007). |
| |
10(vvvvv) | | First Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated November 15, 2007, by and between Access Worldwide Communications, Inc. (the “Borrower”) and Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company (the “Lender”) (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(vvvvv) to the Company’s Form 10-Q filed on November 16, 2007). |
| |
10.1 | | Common Stock Purchase Agreement, dated January 17, 2008 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(wwwww) to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 24, 2008). |
| |
10.2 | | Voting Agreement, dated January 17, 2008 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(xxxxx) to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 24, 2008). |
| |
10.3 | | Option To Purchase Agreement, dated January 17, 2008 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(yyyyy) to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 24, 2008). |
| | |
10.4 | | Master Services Agreement, dated January 17, 2008 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(zzzzz) to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 24, 2008). |
| |
10.5 | | Amendment To Master Services Agreement, dated January 17, 2008 (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(aaaaaa) to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on January 24, 2008). |
| |
24 | | Powers of Attorney (see signature page). |
| |
31.1 | | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
| |
31.2 | | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
| |
32.1 | | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
| |
32.2 | | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
* | Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. |