UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-QSB
(Mark One)
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended November 30, 2004
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the period ______________ to_____________
Commission File Number: 000-32847
VENTURES-NATIONAL INCORPORATED
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Utah | 87-0433444 |
(State or Other Jurisdiction of | (I.R.S. Employer |
Incorporation or Organization) | Identification Number) |
44358 Old Warm Springs Blvd.
Fremont, California 94538-6148
(Address of Principal Executive Offices, Including Zip Code)
Registrant's Telephone Number (including area code): (510) 824-1200
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 a check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act) Yes [ ] No [x]
Number of shares of common stock, $0.001 par value, outstanding at January 1, 2005: 24,749,305
VENTURES-NATIONAL INCORPORATED
(dba TITAN GENERAL HOLDINGS, INC.)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Page |
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION | |
Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements | 3 |
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 10 |
Item 3. Controls and Procedures | 19 |
| |
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION | |
Item 1. Legal Proceedings | 20 |
Item 2. Changes in securities and use of proceeds | 20 |
Item 3. Defaults upon senior securities | 20 |
Item 4. Submission of matters to a vote of security holders | 20 |
Item 5. Other information | 20 |
Item 6. Exhibits | 20 |
| |
Signatures | 21 |
VENTURES-NATIONAL INCORPORATED
(dba TITAN GENERAL HOLDINGS, INC.)
FORM 10-QSB
FOR THE QUARTER ENDED
NOVEMBER 30, 2004
FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Statements in this report concerning the future sales, expenses, profitability, financial resources, product mix, market demand, product development and other statements in this report concerning the future results of operations, financial condition and business of Ventures-National Incorporated are "forward-looking" statements as defined in the Securities Act of 1933 and Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Investors are cautioned that the Company's actual results in the future may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements due to risks and uncertainties that exist in the Company's operations and business environment, including competition, need for increased acceptance of products, ability to continue to develop and extend our brand identity, ability to anticipate and adapt to a comp etitive market, ability to effectively manage rapidly expanding operations, amount and timing of operating costs and capital expenditures relating to expansion of our business, operations and infrastructure, ability to provide superior customer service, dependence upon key personnel and the like. The Company's most recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including Form 10-KSB, contain additional information concerning many of these risk factors, and copies of these filings are available from the Company upon request and without charge.
VENTURES-NATIONAL INCORPORATED
(dba TITAN GENERAL HOLDINGS, INC.)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
NOVEMBER 30, 2004
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
ASSETS | | | |
| | | | |
Current assets: | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 343 | |
Accounts receivable, net of reserves of $70 | | | 2,786 | |
Inventory, net | | | 542 | |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | | | 150 | |
Total current assets | | | 3,821 | |
Equipment and improvements, net | | | 2,619 | |
Intangible assets, net | | | 19 | |
Capitalized loan fees, net | | | 313 | |
Other assets | | | 154 | |
Total assets | | $ | 6,926 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY | | | | |
| | | | |
Current liabilities: | | | | |
Current portion of long term debt, net of discounts of $2,760 | | $ | 752 | |
Line of credit, net of discounts of $2,047 | | | 323 | |
Short term debt, net of discounts of $317 | | | 272 | |
Accounts payable - trade | | | 1,345 | |
Accrued liabilities | | | 961 | |
Total current liabilities | | | 3,653 | |
Long-term liabilities | | | - | |
Total liabilities | | | | |
Commitments and contingencies | | | | |
Stockholders' equity: | | | | |
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 950,000,000 shares | | | | |
authorized, 24,749,305 shares issued and outstanding | | | 25 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 20,586 | |
Deferred compensation | | | (119 | ) |
Accumulated deficit | | | (17,219 | ) |
Total stockholders' equity | | | 3,273 | |
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity | | $ | 6,926 | |
The accompanying notes form an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
VENTURES-NATIONAL INCORPORATED
(dba TITAN GENERAL HOLDINGS, INC.)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
| | Three Months Ended | |
| | 11/30/04 | | 11/30/03 |
| | | | | | | |
Sales | | $ | 3,873 | | $ | 3,482 | |
Cost of sales | | | 3,956 | | | 3,101 | |
Gross profit (loss) | | | (83 | ) | | 381 | |
| | | | | | | |
Operating expenses: | | | | | | | |
Sales and marketing | | | 404 | | | 343 | |
General and administrative expenses | | | | | | | |
(Including non-cash of $78 and $486) | | | 622 | | | 1,128 | |
Loss from operations | | | (1,109 | ) | | (1,090 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
Other income (expenses): | | | | | | | |
Interest expense (Including non-cash of $335 and $414) | | | (500 | ) | | (692 | ) |
Miscellaneous | | | 1 | | | 201 | |
| | | | | | | |
Loss before income taxes | | | (1,608 | ) | | (1,581 | ) |
Provision for income taxes | | | - | | | - | |
Net loss | | $ | (1,608 | ) | $ | (1,581 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Net loss per share: | | | | | | | |
| | $ | (0.07 | ) | $ | (0.10 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
Weighted average number of shares outstanding: | | | | | | | |
Basic and Diluted | | | 24,736,668 | | | 15,823,899 | |
The accompanying notes form an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
VENTURES-NATIONAL INCORPORATED
(dba TITAN GENERAL HOLDINGS, INC.)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
| | Three months Ended | |
| | | |
| | | |
| | 11/30/04 | | 11/30/03 | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Cash flows from operating activities: | | | | | | | |
Net loss | | $ | (1,608 | ) | $ | (1,581 | ) |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash | | | | | | | |
used in operating activities: | | | | | | | |
Non-cash interest paid in common stock | | | 20 | | | 548 | |
Amortization of deferred compensation | | | 78 | | | 485 | |
Non-cash interest expense related to | | | | | | | |
amortization of debt discounts | | | 315 | | | 85 | |
Accrued expenses to be converted to notes payable | | | - | | | 168 | |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 221 | | | 146 | |
Gain on debt extinguishment | | | - | | | (349 | ) |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | | | | | | | |
Accounts receivable | | | 110 | | | (786 | ) |
Inventory | | | (6 | ) | | (88 | ) |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | | | (85 | ) | | 7 | |
Other assets | | | 38 | | | (1 | ) |
Accounts payable | | | 259 | | | (137 | ) |
Accrued liabilities | | | 236 | | | (140 | ) |
Net cash used in operating activities | | | (422 | ) | | (1,643 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
Cash flows from investing activities: | | | | | | | |
Capital expenditures | | | (36 | ) | | (104 | ) |
Net cash used in investing activities | | | (36 | ) | | (104 | ) |
| | | | | | | |
Cash flows from financing activities: | | | | | | | |
Borrowings on line of credit, net of loan cost | | | 48 | | | 1,696 | |
Borrowings on long-term debt, net of loan cost | | | - | | | 1,993 | |
Proceeds from issuance of note payable to related parties | | | 300 | | | - | |
Proceeds from issuance of common stock | | | - | | | 667 | |
Payments of long-term debt | | | (304 | ) | | (412 | ) |
Payments of short-term debt | | | (40 | ) | | - | |
Payments of capital lease obligations | | | - | | | (85 | ) |
Payments on former lines of credit | | | - | | | (1,352 | ) |
Net cash provided by financing activities | | | 4 | | | 1,764 | |
Net (decrease) increase in cash | | | (454 | ) | | 17 | |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | | | 797 | | | 97 | |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | | $ | 343 | | $ | 114 | |
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: | | | | | | | |
Interest paid | | $ | 130 | | $ | 147 | |
Income tax paid | | $ | - | | $ | - | |
Non cash activities: | | | | | | | |
Issuance of common stock to pay off loans | | $ | - | | $ | 98 | |
Issuance of common stock to pay accrued interest | | $ | 20 | | $ | - | |
The accompanying notes form an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
VENTURES-NATIONAL INCORPORATED
(dba TITAN GENERAL HOLDINGS, INC.)
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
Note 1. Basis of Presentation and Nature of Business Operations
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by Ventures-National Incorporated, doing business as Titan General Holdings, Inc. ("Titan" or the "Company"), without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and disclosures normally included in the consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, which in the opinion of management, are necessary to present fairly the financial position, the results of operations and cash flows of Titan for the period presented.
These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report to Shareholders on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended August 31, 2004 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 14, 2004. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. As of November 30, 2004, Titan had working capital of $168 and an accumulated deficit of $17,219. Through November 30, 2004, the Company has not been able to generate sufficient sales from its operations to cover its costs and operating expenses. Although the Company has been able to issue its common stock through private placements to raise capital in order to fund its operations, it is not known whether the Company will be able to continue this practice, or be able to obtain other types of financing or if its sales will increase significantly to be able to meet its cash operating expenses. This, in tur n, raises substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. Management believes that the private equity financing and new product offerings will enable the Company to generate positive operating cash flows and continue its operations. However, no assurances can be given as to the success of these plans. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of these uncertainties.
On November 30, 2004, the Company's Board of Directors formed a strategic committee to investigate the possible sale or merger of the business appointing Kenneth Shirley, our former President and CEO, as chairman of this committee.
The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
Nature of Business
We are a fabrication service provider of time sensitive, high tech, prototype and pre-production rigid and rigid flex printed circuit boards ("PCBs") providing time-critical printed circuit board manufacturing services to original equipment manufacturers and electronic manufacturing services providers through our wholly-owned subsidiaries Titan EMS, Inc. and Titan PCB East, Inc. Our prototype printed circuit boards serve as the foundation in many electronic products used in telecommunications, medical devices, automotive, military applications, aviation components, networking and computer equipment.
Our time sensitive and high quality manufacturing services enable our customers to shorten the time it takes them to get their products from the research and development phase to the production phase, thus increasing their competitive position. Our focus is on high quality niche printed circuit boards consisting of complex, multi-layered, fine-lines and high-performance materials with delivery cycles between 24 hours and standard 14 day lead times at a competitive price.
Beginning in the year 2001, Titan began acquiring cutting edge technology equipment and processes from competitors unable to remain in business due to a severe market downturn and overwhelming debt.
Note 2. Loss Per Common Share
In accordance with SFAS No. 128, "Earnings Per Share," the basic loss per common share is calculated by dividing net loss available to common stockholders less preferred dividends by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted loss per common share is computed similarly to basic loss per common share, except that the denominator is increased to include the number of additional common shares that would have been outstanding if the potential common shares had been issued and if the additional common shares were not antidilutive. Titan has excluded all outstanding options and convertible debt from the calculation of diluted net loss per share because these securities are anti-dilutive. As of November 30, 2004, Titan had common stock equivalents of approximately 5,140,000 shares related to the options and warrants and approximately 19,580,000 shares related to shares to be issued upon conversion on the convertible debt.
Note 3 Inventory
Inventory consisted of the following:
| 11/30/04 |
Raw materials and finished subassemblies | $295 |
Work in process | 283 |
Finished goods | 45 |
| 623 |
Less inventory reserves | 81 |
Total | $542 |
Note 4. Notes Payable - Related Party
On November 30, 2004, the Company entered into a 10% $1,000 note agreement with Mr. Frank Crivello (the "Crivello Note"); whereby, Mr. Crivello will loan the Company up to a total of $1,000 convertible at $0.12/share with a maturity date of January 31, 2005. This note can be extended with the approval of both parties. On November 30, 2004, the Company received the first installment on this note of $300 when the stock price was $0.30/share; therefore the Company determined that there was a beneficial conversion feature in the amount of $300. This was recorded as additional paid in capital and a discount on the note payable. The discount will be amortized to interest expense over the term of the loan.
Note 5. Laurus Note
During the quarter ended November 30, 2004, Laurus Master Fund LTD ("Laurus") converted $20 of interest expense into 50,000 shares of common stock, waived the interest ratchet for the Crivello Note and extended the Company's principal payments on its term loans for a period of six months. Laurus also opted not to waive the Company's default of its loan covenants requiring the Company to carry all of its debt with Laurus as current.
Note 6. Proforma Loss under FASB 148
The Company uses the intrinsic value method (APB Opinion 25) to account for its stock options granted to officers, directors, and employees. Under this method, compensation expense is recorded over the vesting period based on the difference between the exercise price and quoted market price on the date the options are granted. During the three month periods ended November 30, 2004 and 2003, the Company recognized compensation expense of $12 and $9, respectively related to the amorization of stock option grants to employees.
During the three month periods ended November 30, 2004 and 2003, compensation expense recognized under SFAS 123 approximated that recognized under APB 25.
Note 7. Litigation
From time to time, we may become involved in various lawsuits and legal proceedings which arise in the ordinary course of business. However, litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties, and an adverse result in this or other matters could arise from time to time that may harm Titan's business, financial condition and results of operations.
Note 8. Convertible Notes
In the prior fiscal year, the Company issued convertible notes to private parties for cash infusions into the Company. These notes were issued as convertible notes with a conversion price of $0.32 per share and carry an interest rate of 10% per annum with an expiration date of December 31, 2004. During the quarter, the Company received extensions from these lenders extending the due date 90 days.
Note 9. Gain on Extinquishment of Debt
During the quarter ended November 30, 2003, the Company settled an unpaid capital lease obligation with a gain of approximately $349 which is included in miscellaneous income in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.
Item 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
This Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Plan of Operations and other portions of this report contain forward-looking information that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated by the forward-looking information. Factors that may cause such differences include, but are not limited to, availability and cost of financial resources, product demand, market acceptance and other factors discussed in this report under the heading "Business - Risk Factors." This Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Plan of Operations should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this report.
Overview
A detailed overview of our business and history is set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended August 31, 2004, to which overview we make reference.
Summary Corporate Background
We are a fabrication service provider of time sensitive, high tech, prototype and pre-production PCBs. We provide time-critical, PCB manufacturing services to original equipment manufacturers and electronic manufacturing services providers. Our prototype PCBs serve as the foundation in many electronic products used in telecommunications, medical devices, automotive, military applications, aviation components, networking and computer equipment. Our focus is on niche PCBs consisting of complex, high layer count, fine-lines and high-performance materials with capabilities to deliver in 24 hours, at premium pricing, as compared to standard 14 day lead time.
Our wholly-owned subsidiary Titan PCB West ("Titan") was incorporated on March 27, 2001. On August 30, 2002, we acquired Titan through the merger of Titan EMS Acquisition Corp. with and into Titan. In connection with the Merger, the stockholders of Titan received shares of our common stock. For financial reporting purposes, the Merger has been treated as a reverse-merger, where Titan was the acquirer. Because the Merger is treated as a purchase of Ventures-National Incorporated, the historical financial statements of Titan became our historical financial statements after the Merger.
On August 6, 2002, Titan acquired all of the non-real estate assets and assumed all of the non-term loan liabilities of SVPC in exchange for the issuance to SVPC of 800,000 shares of Titan common stock, pursuant to the terms and conditions of a Contribution Agreement and Assignment and Assumption of Liabilities dated August 6, 2002.
Beginning in 2001, SVPC began acquiring cutting edge technology equipment, processes, customer lists and orders from competitors unable to remain in business principally due to a severe market downturn and excessive levels of indebtedness. On July 16, 2001, SVPC acquired all of the assets of SVPC Circuit Systems, Inc. and certain assets of CSI pursuant to a combined approved bankruptcy court sale. After these acquisitions, Titan acquired certain system integration division assets out of bankruptcy from creditors of Paragon Electronic Systems, Inc.
On August 6, 2002, Titan acquired certain intangible assets contributed by Louis George, a former executive officer and director, in exchange for 50,000 shares of Titan common stock valued at $1.50 per share, pursuant to the terms and conditions of a Contribution Agreement and Assignment and Assumption of Liabilities dated August 6, 2002.
Effective August 30, 2002, through our wholly-owned subsidiary Titan EMS Acquisition Corp. ("AcquisitionCo"), a Delaware corporation, we acquired all of the capital stock of Titan through an exchange of our common stock pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger. In connection with the Merger, our fiscal year was also changed from June 30 in each year to August 31 in each year.
On February 27, 2003, through our wholly-owned subsidiary Titan PCB East, we acquired certain assets of Eastern Manufacturing Corporation, for approximately $500,000 in a foreclosure sale from Eastern Manufacturing Corporation's secured lender Eastern Bank. The results from Eastern Manufacturing Corporation's operations will be reflected in our financial statements from the date of acquisition. No goodwill resulted from this acquisition.
Effective March 5, 2003, we purchased shares of common stock of Coesen representing 33.3% of its issued and outstanding shares of common stock from Mr. Howard Doane, the principal stockholder and an officer and director of Eastern Manufacturing Corporation, in exchange for 30,000 shares of common stock and $5,000 in cash.
Plan of Operations
Our business strategy is to:
| · | target potential customers and industries needing prototype boards with required turnaround times of between 24 hours and the industry standard 10-days as well as preproduction needs requiring numerous types of materials; |
| · | aggressively market specialty manufacturing services for time sensitive, high-tech prototype and pre-production PCBs to the high technology industry and cater to customers who need time sensitive delivery of low to medium production runs with high quality and superior design and customer service interface whether for production or research and development; |
| · | expand our services to include flexible circuits andrigid-flex combinations in order to diversify sources of sales; |
| · | expand our sales through the marketing and manufacture of rigid-flex PCBs using the patented HVR Flex process available; |
| · | acquire and integrate strategic assets of companies producing time sensitive, high tech prototype and pre-production PCBs with other unique customers, technology or processes in order to accelerate entry into our target market; and |
| · | acquire manufacturing facilities that have military certification and achieve military certification for our current facilities. |
| · | develop and continuously improve fabrication and sales processes in order to improve margins and competitive pricing. |
We plan to add and are in the process of adding additional independent sales representatives to extend our selling capacity. Commission costs therefore will fluctuate depending on the origin of sales orders with our internal sales team or our independent sales representative organization. We also plan to increase our marketing expenditures. There are no assurances that additional independent sales representatives or increased marketing expenditures will increase our sales.
We expect our general and administrative costs to increase in future periods due to our operating as a public company whereby we will incur added costs for filing fees, increased professional services and insurance costs.
Accounting Principles; Anticipated Effect of Growth
Below we describe a number of basic accounting principles, which we employ in determining our recognition of sales and expenses, as well as a brief description of the effects that we believe that our anticipated growth will have on our sales and expenses in the future.
Sales
We recognize sales upon shipment to our customers. We record net sales as our gross sales less an allowance for returns. At November 30, 2004, we had approximately 320 customers. We provide our customers a limited right of returns for defective PCBs and record an allowance against gross sales for estimated returns at the time of sale based on our historical results. Because our customers quickly test the PCBs we manufacture for them, the majority of returns for defects occur within the first 15 days following shipment. At November 30, 2004, we provided an allowance against accounts receivable for returns of $10,000. Actual returns may differ materially from our estimates, and revisions to the allowances may be required from time to time.
We expect the number and complexity of PCBs we sell to fluctuate with the changes in demand from our customers and, the prices we charge our customers to fluctuate as a result of intense competition in the PCB industry and the current economic situation and its impact on the high technology market. Until industry conditions improve and demand increases, we expect that decreased average pricing will continue to negatively affect our sales.
We expect sales to grow as we develop our reputation in our target market. Additional acquisitions will also increase sales as well as cause disruption as facilities, employees, and processes are integrated. We expect these fluctuations to be relatively short lived while expecting the sales growth to be more permanent with the variable of market demand as a condition.
Future demand and product pricing will depend on many factors including product mix, levels of advanced technology, capacity utilization, competitive pressure in the PCB industry, and economic conditions affecting the markets we serve and the electronics industry in general. The current uncertainty regarding the level and timing of an economic recovery in our product markets and volatility in our customer forecasts continue to make our forecasting less reliable than in prior periods.
In each case, our plan of operations anticipates that our internal growth, as well as acquisitions of competitors, shall materially contribute to our ability to increase our sales as described above.
Through the time of our acquisition of EMC, the Company's primary source of sales were from rigid bare-board manufacturing that provides time sensitive, high technology, and superior quality PCB's to the electronics industry at a competitive price. Following this acquisition, Titan receives sales from customers who need rigid-flex and flex bare-board manufacturing that provide time sensitive, high technology, and superior quality PCBs. In addition, after an initial inspection and certification period, Titan intends to expand its sales focus to the military market place, which includes those vendors supplying the U.S. military with products in our target market.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales consists of materials, labor, outside services and overhead expenses incurred in the manufacture and testing of our products. Many factors affect our gross margin, including, but not limited to, capacity utilization, production volume and yield. We do not participate in any long-term supply contracts and we believe there are a number of high quality suppliers for the raw materials we use. Our cost of goods, as a percentage of sales, varies depending on the complexity of the PCBs we manufacture in any given period.
Based upon our plan of operations, we anticipate that our cost of sales will increase as our sales increase, but that cost of sales as a percentage of net sales shall generally decrease as our sales increase. We believe that the amount of the decrease of this percentage over the next several fiscal periods will be dependent in large part upon the source of the increase in sales. For example, an increase in our penetration in the existing market for our goods and services will permit us to increase sales at a low cost in part by causing us to utilize a greater portion of our existing manufacturing capacity, an expense which we already incur. On the other hand, an increase in our sales attributable to our offering a greater portfolio of products including much more complex products and services may result in less of a decrease in such percentage as such activities may initially be less efficient than our existing operations.
Included in cost of sales is overhead which is relatively fixed. Materials and labor are semi-variable and are influenced by the complexity of orders as well as the quantity of orders. As our business is continually changing with regard to the type of product produced, we plan to implement broader use of production systems to control the overtime in production as well as the use of materials in production. We anticipate that these systems will assist in the pricing of its products with the objective to be more competitive and profitable in our target market.
We intend to continue to expand and upgrade our production capability as well as our production systems and the financial systems interface in order to better manage material, labor and overhead costs.
Operating Expenses
Our operating expenses for the three month periods ended November 30, 2004 and 2003 are comprised of costs for sales and marketing, general and administrative.
Sales and marketing expenses consist primarily of salaries and commissions paid to our internal sales team, commissions paid to independent sales representatives and costs associated with advertising and marketing activities. We expect our selling and marketing expenses to fluctuate as a percentage of sales as we add new personnel, develop new independent sales representative channels and advertise our products.
General and administrative expenses include all corporate and administrative functions that serve to support our current and future operations and provide an infrastructure to support future growth. Major items in this category include management and staff salaries and benefits, travel, network administration and systems/data processing, training, rent/leases and professional services. We expect these expenses to increase as a requirement of operating as a public company and we further expect these expenses to fluctuate as a percentage of sales as we expand our business. We intend to slightly ex pand our customer and sales support operation in order to support the increased complexity and volume of our PCB business and our anticipated use of indirect sales. We do not expect a material increase in sales and marketing expense that is not consistent with an increase in sales.
Interest Expense
Interest expense, including finance charges, relates primarily to an accounts receivable line of credit with Laurus Master Fund, Ltd., term loans with Laurus, and the associated amortization of discounts on convertible debt with Laurus and others. We expect interest expense to fluctuate based on the timing of borrowings under our lines of credit.
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth statement of operations data for the three month periods ended November 30, 2004 and 2003 and should be read in conjunction with the"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Plan of Operations" and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes appearing elsewhere in this report.
| | Three Months Ended | |
| | 11/30/04 | | 11/30/03 | |
Net sales | | | 100.0 | % | | 100.0 | % |
Cost of sales | | | 102.1 | | | 89.0 | |
Gross profit/(loss) | | | (2.1 | ) | | 11.0 | |
| | | | | | | |
Operating expenses: | | | | | | | |
Sales and marketing | | | 10.4 | | | 9.9 | |
General and administrative | | | 16.1 | | | 32.4 | |
Total operating expenses | | | 26.5 | | | 42.3 | |
| | | | | | | |
Operating loss | | | (28.6 | ) | | (31.3 | ) |
Interest expense | | | (12.9 | ) | | (19.9 | ) |
Miscellaneous | | | 0.0 | | | 5.8 | |
Net loss | | | (41.5 | ) | | (45.4 | ) |
Three Months Ended November 30, 2004 Compared to the Three Months Ended November 30, 2003.
Net Sales
Net sales increased by $391,000 or 11.2% from $3,482,000 in the three months ended November 30, 2003 to $3,873,000 in the three months ended November 30, 2004. This increase resulted primarily from the 33.4% additional sales achieved in our West operation offset by the 18.6% decrease in sales in our East operation. The Company's East operation is experiencing a reduction in sales as sales efforts are being spent on long-term military contracts due to the new military P31032 specification. Military contracts materialize slowly but when they materialize remain solid for a long span of time and at which time are expected to greatly increase the sales in the Company's East operation.
Cost of Sales
Cost of sales increased $855,000, or 27.8%, from $3,101,000 in the three months ended November 30, 2003 to $3,956,000 in the three months ended November 30, 2004. As a percentage of sales, these costs increased from 89.1% in the three months ended November 30, 2003 to 102.1% in the three months ended November 30, 2004. The increase in cost of sales % resulted from: a greater number of qualification boards built to the new military specifications which should result in future orders; additional facility related costs as production is increased; and additional costs of outside services utilized as our manufacturing has become more difficult.
Gross Profit (Loss)
Gross profit decreased by $464,000 or 121.8%, from $381,000 in the three months ended November 30, 2003 to a loss of $83,000 in the three months ended November 30, 2004. The decrease in gross profit resulted primarily from a 2.1% decrease in direct margin combined with the higher costs mentioned above.
Operating Expenses
Sales and marketing expenses increased $61,000 from $343,000 in the three months ended November 30, 2003 to $404,000 in the three months ended November 30, 2004 and as a percentage of sales increased from 9.8% of sales in the quarter ended November 30, 2003 to 10.4% of sales in the quarter ended November 30, 2004. This was primarily due to the Company utilizing more outside representatives with commissions being paid and an increase in the traveling of our current sales staff.
General and administrative expenses decreased by $506,000 or 44.9%, from $1,128,000 in the three months ended November 30, 2003 to $622,000 in the three months ended November 30, 2004. The decrease was due in major part to the lower amortization of deferred compensation and stock issuances for professional fees issued in the prior fiscal year.
Interest Expense
Interest expense decreased by $192,000, or 27.7%, from interest expense of $692,000 in the three months ended November 30, 2003 to $500,000 in the three months ended November 30, 2004 and as a percentage of sales, interest expense decreased from 19.9% in the three months ended November 30, 2003 to 12.9% in the three months ended November 30, 2004. In the three months ended November 30, 2003, interest expense related primarily to interest expense on a 60 day note which carried a 10% premium and the issuance of 600,000 shares of stock. In the three months ended November 30, 2004, interest expense related mainly to the amortization of loan discounts associated with our Laurus convertible debt and other convertible debt the Company has issued.
Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous income decreased $200,000 from $201,000 in the three months ended November 30, 2003 to $1,000 in the three months ended November 30, 2004. In the three months ended November 30, 2003, the Company paid off a capitalized lease obligation that was on the books for $434,000 for $85,000 recording a $349,000 gain offset by the penalties incurred upon the early payoff of various debt obligations upon the closing of the Laurus transaction.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our principal sources of liquidity have been cash provided by Laurus and an infusion of capital from our largest shareholder. Our principal uses of cash have been for operations, to meet debt service requirements, and to finance capital expenditures. We anticipate these uses will continue to be our principal uses of cash in the future.
We will require additional financing in order to implement our business plan. We currently anticipate capital expenditures of at least $1.0 million during the next 12 months. If the anticipated cash generated by our operations are insufficient to fund requirements and losses, we will need to obtain additional funds through third party financing in the form of equity, debt or bank financing. Particularly in light of our limited operating history and losses incurred, there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain the necessary additional capital on a timely basis or on acceptable terms, if at all. In any of such events, our business, prospects, financial condition, and results of operations would be materially and adversely affected. As a result of any such financing, the holders of our common stock may experience substantial dilution. In addition, as our results may be negatively impacted and thus delayed as a result of political and economic factors beyond our control, including the potential war in the Middle East and its impact on the high technology market and the economy in general, our capital requirements may increase.
The consolidated financial statements included in the accompaying Form 10QSB have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. As of November 30, 2004, Titan had working capital of $168 and an accumulated deficit of $17,219. Through November 30, 2004, the Company has not been able to generate sufficient sales from its operations to cover its costs and operating expenses. Although the Company has been able to issue its common stock through private placements to raise capital in order to fund its operations, it is not known whether the Company will be able to continue this practice, or be able to obtain other types of financing or if its sales will increase significantly to be able to meet its c ash operating expenses. This, in turn, raises substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. Management anticipates sales to grow as a result of additional products offered to its customers after the move to its new facility. Management believes that the private equity financing and new product offerings will enable the Company to generate positive operating cash flows and continue its operations. However, no assurances can be given as to the success of these plans. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of these uncertainties.
The following factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ from those indicated in the forward-looking statements included in this Form 10Q-SB: pricing pressures in the industry; the loss of any of our major customers; a continued downturn in the economy in general or in the technology sector; a further decrease in demand for electronic products or continued weak demand for these products; our ability to attract new customers; our ability to reduce costs, including those associated with our restructuring plan; an increase in competition in the market for electronic interconnect solutions; and the ability of some of our new customers to obtain financing. These factors or additional risks and uncertainties not known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may impair business oper ations and may cause our actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement.
Although we believe the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. We are under no duty to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this report to conform them to actual results or to make changes in our expectations.
In the three months ended November 30, 2004, net cash used by operations was $422,000 while in the three months ended November 30, 2003 cash used in operating activities was $1,643,000, a decrease of $1,221,000. This decrease was primarily the result of our accounts receivable leveling off as well as the extension of payables and accruals due an immediate cash shortage.
In the three months ended November 30, 2004, we utilized $36,000 for the purchase of fixed assets compared to $104,000 used for the purchase of fixed assets in the three months ended November 30, 2003, a decrease of $68,000, or 65.4%. As we achieve positive operating cash flow, we expect our spending on capital expenditures to increase during the fourth quarter of this fiscal year.
On November 30, 2004, we entered into a 10% Convertible Promissory Note with Mr. Frank Crivello, a related party. This note is convertible into the Company's Common Stock at $0.12/share, expires on January 31, 2005 but can be extended by agreement from both parties. We have initially borrowed $300,000 with the ability to borrow up to $1,000,000. Since the fair market value of our stock on such date was $0.30 we have recorded a beneficial conversion feature which was limited to the amount borrowed. This beneficial conversion feature was recorded as additional paid in capital and as a discount on the debt. This discount will be amortized as interest expense over the term of the debt.
On November 30, 2004, the Company's board of directors formed a strategic committee to explore the sale or merger of the Company and appointed Kenneth Shirley, our former President and CEO, the chairman of this committee.
Quantitative And Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Our exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to the increase or decrease in the amount of interest income we can earn on our available funds for investment. We ensure the safety and preservation of our invested principal funds by limiting default risk, market risk and reinvestment risk. We mitigate default risk by investing in high quality, short-term securities. We do not believe that changes in interest rates will have a material effect on our liquidity, financial condition or results of operations.
We have interest rate risk in our long-term debt since the interest rate charged by Laurus is prime plus 3% but at the present do not enter into interest rate swap agreements to guard against any fluctuation in the prime rate.
Impact of Inflation
We believe that our results of operations are not dependent upon moderate changes in inflation rates as we expect we will be able to pass along component price increases to our customers.
Seasonality
We have experienced sales fluctuations due to customer business shut downs over December holidays and the slow down of purchasing activities in the summer during peak vacation months.
Contractual Obligations
The following table presents the Company's contractual obligations as of November 30, 2004 for the remaining of this fiscal year as well as over the next five fiscal years. The Company does not have any contractual obligations that extend beyond five fiscal years:
| | Payment by period | | | | | |
| | | | During | | | | | |
| | | | current | | | | | |
Contractual Obligations | | Amount | | fiscal year | | 1 - 3 years | | 4 - 5 years | |
Employment agreements | | $ | 577,500 | | $ | 161,250 | | $ | 416,250 | | $ | - | |
Short-term debt | | | 485,000 | | | 485,000 | | | - | | | - | |
Long-term debt | | | 3,595,416 | | | 3,595,416 | | | - | | | - | |
Revolving line of credit | | | 2,370,461 | | | 2,370,461 | | | - | | | - | |
Operating leases | | | 2,950,367 | | | 543,962 | | | 2,058,211 | | | 348,194 | |
Total Contractual Obligations | | $ | 9,978,744 | | $ | 7,156,089 | | $ | 2,474,461 | | $ | 348,194 | |
Critical Accounting PoliciesThe U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") recently issued Financial Reporting Release No. 60, "CAUTIONARY ADVICE REGARDING DISCLOSURE ABOUT CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES" ("FRR 60"), suggesting companies provide additional disclosure and commentary on their most critical accounting policies. In FRR 60, the SEC defined the most critical accounting policies as the ones that are most important to the portrayal of a company's financial condition and operating results, and require management to make its most difficult and subjective judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates of matters that are inherently uncertain. Based on this definition, our most critical a ccounting policies include: inventory valuation, which affects our cost of sales and gross margin; and allowance for doubtful accounts, which affects the general and administrative expenses. The methods, estimates and judgments we use in applying these most critical accounting policies have a significant impact on the results we report in our consolidated financial statements.
Inventory ValuationOur policy is to value raw material inventories at the lower of cost or market on a part-by-part basis on a first in first out basis ("FIFO") . We also value work-in-process and finished goods at the lower of cost or market utilizing a standard cost system which management believes approximates cost on a FIFO basis. This policy requires us to make estimates regarding the market value of our inventories, including an assessment of excess or obsolete inventories. We determine excess and obsolete inventories based on an estimate of the future demand for our products within a specified time horizon, generally 12 months. The estimates we use for demand are also used for near-term capacity planning a nd inventory purchasing and are consistent with our revenue forecasts. If our demand forecast is greater than our actual demand we may be required to take additional excess inventory charges, which will decrease gross margin and net operating results in the future. In addition, as a result of the downturn in demand for our products, we have excess capacity in our manufacturing facilities. Currently, we are not capitalizing any inventory costs related to this excess capacity as the recoverability of such costs is not certain. The application of this policy adversely affects our gross margin.
Allowance for doubtful accountsWe maintain an allowance for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. Our allowance for doubtful accounts is based on our assessment of the collectibility of specific customer accounts, the aging of accounts receivable, our history of bad debts, and the general condition of the industry. If a major customer's credit worthiness deteriorates, or our customers' actual defaults exceed our historical experience, our estimates could change and impact our reported results.
Stock-based compensation.We record stock-based compensation to outside consultants at a fair market value in general and administrative expense. We do not record expense relating to stock options granted to employees with an exercise price greater than or equal to market price at the time of grant. We report pro-forma net loss and loss per share in accordance with the requirements of SFAS 148. This disclosure shows net loss and loss per share as if we had accounted for our employee stock options under the fair value method. Pro-forma information is calculated using the Black-Scholes pricing method at the date of the grant. This option valuation model requires input of highly subjective assumptions. Because our em ployee stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the subjective input assumption can materially affect the fair value estimate, in management's opinion, the existing model does not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of fair value of our employee stock options.
ITEM 3. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures As of November 30, 2004, the Company's management carried out an evaluation, under the supervision of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's system of disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Act , Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective, as of the date of their evaluation, for the purposes of recording, processing, summarizing and timely reporting material informatio n required to be disclosed in reports filed by the Company under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
Change in Internal ControlsThere were no changes in internal controls over financial reporting, known to the Chief Executive Officer or Chief Financial Officer that occurred during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is likely to materially effect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
PART II
OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
From time to time, we may become involved in various lawsuits and legal proceedings which arise in the ordinary course of business. However, litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties, and an adverse result in these or other matters may arise from time to time that may harm our business. We are currently not aware of any such legal proceedings or claims that we believe will have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse affect on our business, financial condition or operating results.
ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Not applicable.
ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
We are currently in default of our secured convertible notes, dated as of November 30, 2003 and as of March 30, 2004 and amended on June 29, 2004, issued by us to Laurus Master Fund, Ltd. Pursuant to the secured convertible notes we issued to Laurus Master Fund, we covenanted to keep all of our debts as current. We are currently delinquent in our payment of payroll taxes for the months of November and December 2004 in the amount of approximately $200,000. Laurus has verbally agreed to extend the payment of principal under the secured convertible notes, in the amount of approximately $140,000 per month, for six months, starting December 1, 2004. During the six-month forbearance, we will continue to pay interest to Laurus Master Fund.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
Not applicable.
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
Not applicable.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
31.1 - Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14 and Rule 15d-14(a), promulgated under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
31.2 - Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14 and Rule 15d 14(a), promulgated under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
32.1 - Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Chief Executive Officer)
32.2 - Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (Chief Financial Officer)
S I G N A T U R E S
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| | |
| VENTURES-NATIONAL INCORPORATED |
| (Registrant) |
| | |
| | |
Dated: January 14, 2005 | | /s/ Curtis Okumura |
|
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| President and CEO |
| (Principal Executive Officer) |
| |
| | |
| | /s/ Daniel Guimond |
| Daniel Guimond |
| Chief Financial Officer |
| (Principal Financial Officer) |