UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
_______________________
FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 | Commission file number 0-19771 |
ACORN FACTOR, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)
Delaware | 22-2786081 |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
| |
200 Route 17, Mahwah, New Jersey | 07430 |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
(201) 529-2026
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code
_______________________
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share
(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 o 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 o 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 o
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. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer o | Accelerated filer o | Non-accelerated filer x |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o No x
As of last day of the second fiscal quarter, the aggregate market value of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $23 million based on the closing sale price on that date as reported on the Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board.
As of April 10, 2007 there were 9,561,659 shares of Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share, outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:
None.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I | | PAGE |
Item 1. | Business | 1 |
Item 1A. | Risk Factors | 5 |
Item 1B. | Unresolved Staff Comments | 10 |
Item 2. | Properties | 10 |
Item 3. | Legal Proceedings. | 11 |
Item 4. | Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. | 11 |
| | |
PART II | | |
| | |
Item 5. | Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters | |
| and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities. | 12 |
Item 6. | Selected Financial Data. | 12 |
Item 7. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | |
Item 7A. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | 27 |
Item 8. | Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. | 27 |
Item 9. | Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure | |
Item 9A. | Controls and Procedures | 28 |
Item 9B. | Other Information | 28 |
| | |
PART III | | |
| | |
Item 10. | Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance | 29 |
Item 11. | Executive Compensation | 31 |
Item 12. | Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters | |
Item 13. | Certain Relationships, Related Transactions and Director Independence | 42 |
Item 14. | Principal Accounting Fees and Services | 44 |
| | |
Part IV | | |
| | |
Item 15. | Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules. | 45 |
Certain statements contained in this report are forward-looking in nature. These statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believes”, “expects”, “may”, “will”, “should” or “anticipates”, or the negatives thereof, or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy. You are cautioned that our business and operations are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and, consequently, our actual results may materially differ from those projected by any forward-looking statements. Certain of such risks and uncertainties are discussed below under the heading “Item 1A. Risk Factors.”
EasyBillTM, OncosoftTM and OncoProTM are trademarks of our dsIT Solutions Ltd subsidiary. Maingate® is a registered trademark and PowerCampTM is a trademark of Comverge, Inc.
PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
OVERVIEW
Acorn Factor is a holding company that currently maintains majority ownership or primarily controlling equity positions in the three companies described below. Our principal business strategy is to identify, develop, acquire and operate majority-owned subsidiaries and primarily-controlled companies by seeking to acquire new technologies or existing businesses that (i) are led by proven entrepreneurs, (ii) have strong growth potential and (iii) are approaching profitability and positive cash flow. We seek to identify and acquire companies possessing new business models that can speed adoption of proven technologies, with a particular focus on “power systems” that offer solutions for managing knowledge, asset protection and intelligent delivery systems for our increasingly scarce natural resources. We also seek strategic partner companies outside the “power systems” area, which we believe would otherwise substantially fulfill the objectives of our business strategy.
We presently hold majority or significant equity interests in the following companies:
| (a) | Comverge, Inc. — a leading demand response company enabling utilities, industry and consumers to better manage peak electricity usage; |
| (b) | Paketeria GmbH — the innovator of Germany's first "Super Service Market"; and |
| (c) | dsIT Solutions Ltd. — a provider of software consulting and development services and software/hardware solutions in the areas of port security, oncology treatment and billing services. |
During 2006, we had operations in two reportable segments: RT Solutions and IT Solutions, both conducted through our dsIT subsidiary.
| · | RT Solutions whose activities are focused on two areas - naval solutions and other real-time and embedded hardware & software development. |
| · | IT Solutions, whose activities are comprised of the Company’s Oncosoft™ solution state of the art chemotherapy package for oncology and hematology departments and EasyBill™, an easy-to-use, end-to-end, modular customer care and billing system designed especially for small and medium-sized enterprises with large and expanding customer bases. |
SALES BY ACTIVITY
The following table shows, for the years indicated, the dollar amount and the percentage of the sales attributable to each of the segments of our operations.
| | 2004 | | 2005 | | 2006 | |
| | Amount | | % | | Amount | | % | | Amount | | % | |
RT Solutions | | $ | 1,988 | | | 59 | | $ | 2,844 | | | 68 | | $ | 2,729 | | | 66 | |
IT Solutions | | | 1,312 | | | 39 | | | 1,314 | | | 31 | | | 1,125 | | | 27 | |
Other | | | 64 | | | 2 | | | 29 | | | 1 | | | 263 | | | 7 | |
Total | | $ | 3,364 | | | 100 | % | $ | 4,187 | | | 100 | % | $ | 4,117 | | | 100 | % |
RT SOLUTIONS
Products and Services
dsIT’s RT Solutions activities are focused on two areas - naval solutions and other real-time and embedded hardware & software development. Our naval solutions include a full range of sonar and acoustic-related solutions to the commercial, defense and homeland security markets. These solutions include:
| · | Diver Detection Sonar (DDS) - a system that guards ports and shore installations from underwater threats; |
| · | Mobile Acoustic Range (MAR); - a mobile system that accurately measures the radiated noise of submarines and surface vessels, thus assisting to reduce their noise level; |
| · | Generic Sonar Simulator (GSS) - a PC based sonar simulator for the rapid and comprehensive training of ASW, submarine, and mine detection sonar operators; |
| · | Harbor Surveillance System (HSS) - a system that incorporates DDS sensors with above-water surveillance sensors to create a comprehensive above and below water security system; and |
| · | Underwater Acoustic Signal Analysis system (UASA) - a system that processes, analyzes and classifies all types of acoustic signals radiated by various sources and received by naval sonar systems. |
Our other real-time and embedded hardware & software development solutions areas of development and production include:
| · | Computerized vision for the Semiconductor industry; |
| · | Operation control consoles and HMI applications; and |
| · | Command & control applications |
During 2004, 2005 and 2006, sales from our RT solutions activities were $2.0 million, $2.8 million and $2.7 million, respectively, accounting for approximately 59%, 68% and 66% of company sales for 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively.
We generally provide our RT solutions on a fixed-price basis. When working on a fixed-price basis, we undertake to deliver software or hardware/software solutions to a customer’s specifications or requirements for a particular project, accounting for these services on the percentage-of-completion method. Since the profit margins on these projects are primarily determined by our success in controlling project costs, the margins on these projects may vary as a result of various factors, including underestimating costs, difficulties associated with implementing new technologies and economic and other changes that may occur during the term of the contract.
dsIT has initiated discussions for strategic alliances for marketing its sonar technology. We hope that some of these discussions will come to fruition before the end of 2007.
Customers and Markets
All of this segment’s operations and most sales took place in Israel in 2004, 2005 and 2006. We expect to generate significant revenues from naval solutions outside of Israel in 2007. We have created significant relationships with some of Israel’s largest companies in its defense and electronics industries. dsIT is continuing to invest considerable effort to penetrate European, Asian and other markets in order to broaden its geographic sales base with respect to our sonar technology solutions. Two customers accounted for 63% of segment sales in 2006 (32% and 31%, respectively) while in 2005 three customers accounted for 72% (33%, 22%, and 17%, respectively) of segment sales. (See Risks Related to the RT and IT Solutions segments - “We Are Substantially Dependent On A Small Number Of Customers And The Loss Of One Or More Of These Customers May Cause Revenues And Cash Flow To Decline” for more information.)
Competition
Our RT Solutions activity faces competition from numerous competitors, both large and small, operating in the Israeli and United States markets, some with substantially greater financial and marketing resources. We believe that our wide range of experience and long-term relationships with large corporations as well as the strategic partnerships we are developing will enable us to compete successfully and obtain future business.
IT SOLUTIONS
Products and Services
Through dsIT, we also provide globally oriented solutions in the area of information technology (“IT”). dsIT’s IT solutions includes OncoPro™, a state of the art chemotherapy package for oncology and hematology departments, based on experience gained in the largest cancer center in Israel. OncoPro™ integrates patient data with medical knowledge bases and enables the simplified management of daily ward functions as well as the creation of complex protocols. We also offer EasyBillTM, an easy-to-use, end-to-end, modular customer care and billing system designed especially for small and medium-sized enterprises with large and expanding customer bases.
Sales from our IT solutions activities were $1.3 million, $1.3 million and $1.1 million, respectively, accounting for approximately 39%, 31% and 27% of company sales for 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively.
We recently received a letter of intent from a major chain of hospitals in the U.S., which will allow us to install our OncoPro™ solutions package as a beta site. We expect to finalize this arrangement in the near future. In addition, we continue to have discussions with respect to potential strategic partners, investors and alliances for our OncoPro™ solutions package.
Customers and Markets
All of this segment’s operations and sales took place in Israel in 2004, 2005 and 2006. We expect to begin to generate revenues from our OncoPro™ solutions outside of Israel in 2007. We have created a significant relationship with Israel’s largest HMO organization (the Clalit Health Fund or “Clalit”) and are continuing to invest considerable effort to penetrate the US and European markets in order to broaden our geographic sales base. Two customers accounted for 83% (61% (Clalit) and 22%, respectively) of segment sales in 2006 (three customers accounted for 94% of segment sales in 2005 (54% (Clalit), 25% and 15%, respectively)). (See Item 1A. Risk Factors - Risks Related to the RT and IT Solutions Segments - “We are substantially dependent on a small number of customers and the loss of one or more of these customers may cause revenues and cash flow to decline” for more information.)
Proprietary Rights
The customer, for whom the services are performed, generally owns the intellectual property rights resulting from our consulting and development services. We own two proprietary software packages described above - Easybill™ and OncoPro™. These packages are licensed for use by customers, while we retain ownership of the intellectual property.
DEMAND RESPONSE SOLUTIONS - COMVERGE INC.
We are engaged in the business of providing demand response solutions, through Comverge Inc. Comverge is North America's leading provider of clean and low-cost peak electric capacity reduction, achieved through Demand Response solutions and technologies, including its patent pending fully outsourced Virtual Peaking Capacity(TM) offering. As North America's leader in Demand Response, Comverge serves over 500 clients in the electric utility industry, implementing both integrated and outsourced solution-based models for direct and price responsive load management, remote meter reading, and distributed generation monitoring. We currently have an approximate 23% equity interest in Comverge and are Comverge’s single largest stockholder. Comverge’s stockholders include Nth Power, EnerTech Capital, E.ON Venture Partners GmbH, Ridgewood Capital, Easton Hunt Capital Partners, L.P., Norsk Hydro Technology Ventures, Rockport Capital Partners, Partners for Growth, the Shell Internet Ventures affiliate of Royal Dutch/Shell Group, and Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
Comverge designs, develops and markets a full spectrum of products, services and turnkey solutions to electric utilities and transmission and distribution companies that provide capacity during periods of peak electricity demand and allow their residential and commercial customers to conserve energy. These Demand Response solutions allow Comverge’s customers to reduce usage or “shed load” during peak usage periods, such as the summer air conditioning season, thereby reducing or eliminating the need to buy costly additional power on the spot market, or invest in new peaking generation capacity. Demand Response solutions are cost-effective and environmentally superior to building new generation capabilities.
In addition to Demand Response solutions, Comverge also offers a combination of intelligent hardware and a suite of software products, which, together or separately, help customers address energy usage issues through data communications and analysis, real-time pricing and integrated billing and reporting. Comverge’s two-way data communications solutions allow utilities to gather, transmit, verify and analyze real-time usage information, and can be used for automated meter reading, support time-of-use metering, theft detection, remote connect/disconnect and other value-added services.
Comverge’s principal offices are located in East Hanover, New Jersey and Atlanta, Georgia. In addition, Comverge operates satellite offices in Newark, California, Pensacola, Florida and Tel Aviv, Israel.
SUPER SERVICES MARKET - PAKETERIA GmbH
We are engaged in the “Super Services Market” business through our 33% equity interest in Paketeria GmbH. In August 2006, we made our first investment (€600,000 or approximately $776.000) in Paketeria GmbH followed by a second investment (€320,000 or approximately $419,000) in October 2006. As a result of these investments, we currently own approximately 33% of Paketeria with options to acquire a controlling interest by August 2007.
Paketeria GmbH, a company registered in Germany and headquartered in Berlin, is a retail chain store operating in a unique “Super Services Market” format. The stores provide eBay drop shop, post and parcels, office supplies, photo processing, photocopy, printer cartridge refilling, and Internet pharmacy services in Germany. Paketeria was established to take advantage of the privatization and subsequent substantial reduction in retail outlets of the German post office, which has stranded many communities without convenient access to postal services. Since the beginning of 2006, Paketeria has doubled in size to four company owned stores and 60 franchised stores.
Paketeria’s principal offices are located in Berlin, Germany. Paketeria’s stores and franchises are located throughout Germany with a concentration in the area in and around Berlin.
BACKLOG
As of December 31, 2006, our backlog of work to be completed was $1.9 million, $1.4 million of which related to our RT segment and $0.5 million of which related to our IT segment. We estimate that we will perform our entire backlog in both of our reporting segments in 2007.
EMPLOYEES
At December 31, 2006, we employed a total of 70 people, including 53 in engineering and technical support, 1 in marketing and sales, and 16 in management, administration and finance. A total of 69 of our employees are employed by dsIT and are based in Israel. Our only employee in the United States is our CEO and President. We consider our relationship with our employees to be satisfactory.
We have no collective bargaining agreements with any of our employees. However, with regard to our Israeli activities, certain provisions of the collective bargaining agreements between the Israeli Histadrut (General Federation of Labor in Israel) and the Israeli Coordination Bureau of Economic Organizations (including the Industrialists Association) are applicable by order of the Israeli Ministry of Labor. These provisions mainly concern the length of the workday, contributions to a pension fund, insurance for work-related accidents, procedures for dismissing employees, determination of severance pay and other conditions of employment. We generally provide our Israeli employees with benefits and working conditions beyond the required minimums. Israeli law generally requires severance pay upon the retirement or death of an employee or termination of employment without due cause. Furthermore, Israeli employees and employers are required to pay specified amounts to the National Insurance Institute, which administers Israel’s social security programs. The payments to the National Insurance Institute include health tax and are approximately 5% of wages (up to a specified amount), of which the employee contributes approximately 70% and the employer approximately 30%.
SEGMENT INFORMATION
For additional financial information regarding our operating segments, foreign and domestic operations and sales, see “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Note 19 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
We may from time to time make written or oral statements that contain forward-looking information. However, our actual results may differ materially from our expectations, statements or projections. The following risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ from our expectations, statements or projections.
GENERAL FACTORS
We have a history of operating losses and decreasing cash available for operations.
We have a history of operating losses, and have used increasing amounts of cash to fund our operating activities over the years. In 2004, 2005 and 2006, we had operating losses of $2.5 million, $2.3 million and $3.6 million, respectively. Cash used in operations in 2004, 2005 and 2006 was $0.1 million, $1.7 million and $1.6 million, respectively.
Although we raised $3.2 million ($2.5 million net of transaction costs) in 2006 from the private placement of our securities, we have invested a significant portion of those funds in Paketeria. At December 31, 2006, we did not have sufficient cash available to fund our US operations for the next 12 months. As described under the caption “Recent Developments” in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” we recently raised an additional $6.9 million (approximately $6.0 after transaction costs) in a private placement of convertible debentures and warrants. While this provides us with enough cash to finance our US operations for the next 12 months, we may need additional funds to fund our operating activities and acquisitions over the longer term. Should we be unsuccessful in completing additional timely transactions providing necessary liquidity, we may not have sufficient funds to finance our future US activities and strategic acquisitions over the long-term. In such event, we might need to sell some of our assets to finance these activities.
For additional discussion of our liquidity position and factors that may affect our future liquidity, see the discussion under the captions “Recent Developments” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources” in “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
Loss of the services of a few key employees could harm our operations.
We depend on our key management, technical employees and sales personnel. The loss of certain managers could diminish our ability to develop and maintain relationships with customers and potential customers. The loss of certain technical personnel could harm our ability to meet development and implementation schedules. The loss of certain sales personnel could have a negative effect on sales to certain current customers. Most of our significant employees are bound by confidentiality and non-competition agreements. Our future success also depends on our continuing ability to identify, hire, train and retain other highly qualified technical and managerial personnel. If we fail to attract or retain highly qualified technical and managerial personnel in the future, our business could be disrupted.
A failure to integrate our new management may adversely affect us.
We appointed a new chief financial officer and chief accounting officer in December 2005 and appointed a new president and chief executive officer in March 2006. Any failure to effectively integrate our new management and any new management controls, systems and procedures they may implement, could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
We may be exposed to potential risks relating to our internal controls over financial reporting and our ability to have those controls attested to by our independent registered public accounting firm.
As directed by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the SEC adopted rules requiring public companies to include a report of management on internal control over financial reporting in their annual reports. In addition, the independent registered public accounting firm auditing a public company’s financial statements must attest to and report on management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the company’s internal control over financial reporting as well as the operating effectiveness of the company’s internal controls over financial reporting. Our management is currently required to report on our internal controls as a required part of our annual report beginning with fiscal year 2007 and to allow our independent registered public accounting firm to attest to our internal controls as a required part of our annual report beginning with fiscal year 2008.
We may have to expend significant resources during fiscal years 2007 and 2008 in developing the necessary documentation and testing procedures required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and there is a risk that we will not comply with all of the requirements.
If we identify material weaknesses in our internal controls over financial reporting that we cannot remediate in a timely manner or we receive an adverse opinion from our independent registered public accounting firm with respect to our internal controls over financial reporting, investors and others may lose confidence in the reliability of our financial statements and our ability to obtain equity or debt financing could be adversely affected.
Compliance with changing regulation of corporate governance, public disclosure and financial accounting standards may result in additional expenses and affect our reported results of operations.
Keeping informed of, and in compliance with, changing laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate governance, public disclosure and accounting standards, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, as well as new and proposed SEC regulations and accounting standards, has required an increased amount of management attention and external resources. Compliance with such requirements may result in increased general and administrative expenses and an increased allocation of management time and attention to compliance activities.
RISKS RELATED TO THE RT AND IT SOLUTIONS SEGMENTS
Failure to accurately forecast costs of fixed-priced contracts could reduce our margins.
When working on a fixed-price basis, we undertake to deliver software or integrated hardware/software solutions to a customer’s specifications or requirements for a particular project. The profits from these projects are primarily determined by our success in correctly estimating and thereafter controlling project costs. Costs may in fact vary substantially as a result of various factors, including underestimating costs, difficulties with new technologies and economic and other changes that may occur during the term of the contract. If, for any reason, our costs are substantially higher than expected, we may incur losses on fixed-price contracts.
Hostilities in the Middle East region may slow down the Israeli hi-tech market and may harm our Israeli operations; our Israeli operations may be negatively affected by the obligations of our personnel to perform military service.
Our software consulting and development services segment is currently conducted in Israel. Accordingly, political, economic and military conditions in Israel may directly affect this segment of our business. Any increase in hostilities in the Middle East involving Israel could weaken the Israeli hi-tech market, which may result in a significant deterioration of the results of our Israeli operations. In addition, an increase in hostilities in Israel could cause serious disruption to our Israeli operations if acts associated with such hostilities result in any serious damage to our offices or those of our customers or harm to our personnel.
Many of our employees in Israel are obligated to perform military reserve duty. In the event of severe unrest or other conflict, one or more of our key employees could be required to serve in the military for extended periods of time. In the past, there were numerous call-ups of military reservists to active duty, and it is possible that there will be additional call-ups in the future. Our Israeli operations could be disrupted as a result of such call-ups for military service.
Exchange rate fluctuations could increase the cost of our Israeli operations.
The sales in this segment stem from our Israeli operations and a significant portion of those sales are in New Israeli Shekels (“NIS”). In addition, many transactions that are linked to the dollar are settled in NIS. The dollar value of the revenues of our operations in Israel will decrease if the dollar is devalued in relation to the NIS during the period from the invoicing of a transaction to its settlement. In addition, significant portions of our expenses in those operations are in NIS, so that if the dollar is devalued in relation to the NIS, the dollar value of these expenses will increase.
One of our major customers has a history of operating deficits and may implement cost-cutting measures that may have a material adverse effect on us.
In 2006, 17% of dsIT’s sales (17% and 13% in 2005 and 2004, respectively) and 24% of its billed receivables at December 31, 2006 (10% at December 31, 2005) were related to Clalit. Clalit has a history of running at a deficit, which in the past has required numerous cost cutting plans and periodic assistance from the Israeli government. Should Clalit have to institute additional cost cutting measures in the future, which may include restructuring of its terms of payment, this could have a material adverse effect on the performance of dsIT.
We are substantially dependent on a small number of customers and the loss of one or more of these customers may cause revenues and cash flow to decline
In 2006, 58% of dsIT’s sales (51% and 59% in 2005 and 2004, respectively) were concentrated in three customers (Applied Materials Israel Ltd., RAFAEL Armament Development Authority Ltd. and Clalit). A significant reduction of orders from any of these customers could have a material adverse effect on the performance of dsIT.
We have sold our outsourcing business, which in the past provided our Israeli operations with a steady cash flow; our Israeli operations may be hindered by future cash flow problems.
In August 2005, we sold our outsourcing business, which in the past provided our Israeli operations with a steady cash flow stream, and, in conjunction with bank lines of credit, helped to finance our Israeli operations. Our present operations, as we are currently structured, places a greater reliance on our meeting project milestones in order to generate cash flow to finance our operations. Should we encounter difficulties in meeting significant project milestones, resulting cash flow difficulties could have a material adverse effect on our operations.
If we are unable to keep pace with rapid technological change, our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows may suffer.
Some of our RT and IT solutions are characterized by rapidly changing technologies and industry standards and technological obsolescence. Our competitiveness and future success depends on our ability to keep pace with changing technologies and industry standards on a timely and cost-effective basis. A fundamental shift in technologies in could have a material adverse effect on our competitive position. Our failure to react to changes in existing technologies could materially delay our development of new products, which could result in technological obsolescence, decreased revenues, and/or a loss of market share to competitors. To the extent that we fail to keep pace with technological change, our revenues and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR PAKETERIA INVESTMENT
Paketeria’s business plan is predicated on projected rapid growth in its network of franchised stores. If Paketeria fails to effectively manage this growth, its business and operating results could be harmed. Additionally they could be forced to incur significant expenditures to address the additional operational and control requirements of this growth.
Paketeria’s business plan is predicated on projected rapid growth in its operations, which will place significant demands on its management, operational and financial infrastructure. If Paketeria does not effectively manage this growth, the quality of its services could suffer, which could negatively affect its operating results. To effectively manage this growth, Paketeria will need to continue to improve its operational, financial, and management controls and its reporting systems and procedures. These system enhancements and improvements could require Paketeria to make significant capital expenditures and an allocation of valuable management resources. If the improvements are not implemented successfully, Paketeria’s ability to manage growth may be impaired and could force it to make significant additional expenditures to address these issues, expenditures that could harm its financial position.
Paketeria will need to raise funds to finance its planned activities.
Paketeria does not currently have enough cash to finance its planned activities in 2007. In the event that it is unable raise these funds from new investors, we may need to make loans or additional equity investments in Paketeria from our limited financial resources to help fund its activities. (See “Recent Developments”.)
RISKS RELATED TO OUR SECURITIES
There is only a limited trading market for our Common Stock.
There is currently only a limited market for our Common Stock. Our Common Stock trades on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol “ ACFN“ with, until recently, very limited trading volume. We cannot assure you that a substantial trading market will be sustained for our Common Stock.
Our share price may decline due to the large number of shares of our Common Stock eligible for future sale in the public market including the shares of the selling security holders.
A substantial number of shares of our Common Stock are, or could upon exercise of options or warrants, become eligible for sale in the public market as described below. Sales of substantial amounts of shares of ourCommon Stock in the public market, or the possibility of these sales, may adversely affect our stock price.
As of December 31, 2006 there were 614,039 warrants with a weighted average exercise price of $2.79 and 1,626,157 options with a weighted average exercise price of $2.46 per share, presently exercisable, which if exercised for cash would result in the issuance of an additional 2,240,196 shares of Common Stock. In addition, there were 482,668 options and 190,000 warrants that expire on or before December 31, 2007 all of which are in-the-money at December 31, 2006.
The market price of our Common Stock will likely be affected by fluctuations in the market price of the common stock of Comverge.
As described below under “Recent Developments,” shares of Comverge common stock have commenced trading on the Nasdaq Global Market. Due to the substantial position we hold in Comverge, the market price of our Common Stock is likely to be affected by fluctuations in the market price of the common stock of Comverge.
We may be deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940; if we were deemed to be an investment company we could be forced to sell our shares in Comverge at prices lower than we might otherwise obtain.
Under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and the rules thereunder we would be deemed to be an investment company if it is determined that the value of investment securities we own account for more than 45% of the total value of our assets. The Investment Company Act and the rules thereunder exclude from the definition of investment securities shares in companies which are majority-owned or “controlled primarily” by the issuer.
Our equity holdings in Comverge currently account for substantially more than 45% of the value of our assets on a fair market value basis. We believe that until the recent Comverge initial public offering we had primary control over Comverge for purposes of application of the Investment Company Act and our Comverge holdings were therefore excluded from the definition of investment securities. However, as a result of the offering and the termination of our voting agreement with the other major Comverge shareholders, it is likely that Comverge will no longer be controlled primarily by us for Investment Company Act purposes. If we were no longer deemed to primarily control Comverge, we would no longer be excluded from the definition of an Investment Company effective June 30, 2007 since the value of our investment securities, which would now include our Comverge shares, would be in excess of 45% of our assets.
Were we to be deemed an investment company as a result of the Comverge IPO, we believe that we would be eligible for relief from the application of the Investment Company Act as a transient investment company under Rule 3a-2. Under Rule 3a-2, we would not be subject to the Investment Company Act provided that we have a bona fide intent to be engaged primarily, as soon as is reasonably possible (in any event within a one year period), in a business other than that of investing, reinvesting, owning, holding or trading in securities.
Our management and Board of Directors is formulating its plans for compliance with Rule 3a-2. These plans would include the acquisition of one or more wholly-owned, majority-owned, or primarily-controlled operating businesses. Steps in effectuating these plans may include the sale and or distribution to our shareholders of all or a portion of our Comverge shares, and/or a merger or other acquisition transaction.
We are subject to a lock-up period that would prevent us from being able to sell Comverge shares for six months following the completion of the Comverge initial public offering. To the extent that effectuating our plan to remain exempt from the Investment Company Act requires us to sell significant number of Comverge shares, we may have only a six month period in which to make such sales. Being forced to sell a significant portion of our Comverge shares during a relatively short time period could result in our selling Comverge shares sooner than we otherwise would have, at prices lower than we might otherwise have obtained. We may also find that we are not able to identify and acquire during the one year period a suitable operating business or businesses on terms acceptable to us. While we could request an order from the SEC to give us additional time beyond the year period allowed by Rule 3a-2 to sell and/or distribute Comverge shares and take any other action necessary to come into compliance with the Act, there is no assurance that such an order would be granted.
If we are unable to come into compliance with the Investment Company Act during the one year period (or any extension thereof granted to us by the SEC), we would be in violation of the Investment Company Act. Companies which fall under the Act are subject to substantial regulation concerning management, operations, transactions with affiliated persons, portfolio composition, including restrictions with respect to diversification and industry concentration, and other matters. We would be required to file reports with the SEC regarding various aspects of our business. The cost of such compliance would result in the Company incurring additional annual expenses. In addition, compliance with the Investment Company Act may not be consistent with the Company’s current strategy of holding primarily controlling interest in companies in which it holds interests.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
Prior to the consummation of the sale of our Databit computer hardware subsidiary, our corporate headquarters and the principal offices for our computer hardware sales segment were located in Mahwah, New Jersey in approximately 5,000 square feet of office space, at a rate of $85,000 per year (plus annual CPI adjustments), under a lease that expired in September 2006.
As part of the sale of our Databit computer hardware subsidiary, we assigned all of the US leases to Databit. The landlords of the properties have not yet consented to the assignments and we therefore continue to be contingently liable on these leases. Databit has agreed to indemnify us for any liability in connection with these leases.
In November 2006, we signed a lease for office space in Wilmington, Delaware. The annual rent is approximately $32,000 and the lease is to expire in November 2009.
Our Israeli activities are conducted in approximately 18,000 square feet of office space in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area under a lease that expires in August 2009. The annual rent is approximately $288,000. These facilities are used for the Israeli operations of our RT Solutions and IT Solutions segments.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
None.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Our Common Stock is currently traded on the OTC Bulletin Board (“OTCBB”) under the symbol “ ACFN.OB”. Prior to January 26, 2005, our Common Stock traded on The Nasdaq SmallCap Market. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low reported sales prices per share of our Common Stock on The Nasdaq SmallCap Market and the OTCBB (as applicable).
| | High | | Low | |
2005: | | | | | |
First Quarter | | $ | 1.30 | | $ | 0.64 | |
Second Quarter | | | 1.32 | | | 0.95 | |
Third Quarter | | | 1.74 | | | 1.05 | |
Fourth Quarter | | | 1.80 | | | 1.20 | |
| | | | | | | |
2006: | | | | | | | |
First Quarter | | $ | 2.80 | | $ | 1.43 | |
Second Quarter | | | 3.20 | | | 2.50 | |
Third Quarter | | | 3.39 | | | 2.85 | |
Fourth Quarter | | $ | 3.47 | | $ | 3.14 | |
As of April 10, 2007, the last reported sales price of our Common Stock on the OTCBB was $4.80, there were 106 record holders of our Common Stock and we estimate that there were approximately 1,100 beneficial owners of our Common Stock.
We paid no dividends in 2005 or 2006 and do not intend to pay any dividends in 2007.
PERFORMANCE GRAPH
The following stock price performance graph compares the cumulative total return of the Company’s Common Stock, during the period December 31, 2001 to December 30, 2006, to the cumulative total return during such period of (i) the NASDAQ Composite Index and (ii) the NASDAQ Computer Index. The graph assumes that the value of the investment in our Common Stock and each index (including reinvestment of dividends) was $100.00 on December 31, 2001.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected consolidated statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 and consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2005 and 2006 has been derived from our audited Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report. The selected consolidated statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2003 and the selected consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004 has been derived from our unaudited consolidated financial statements not included herein.
This data should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included herein and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
Selected Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:
| | | For the Years Ended December 31, | |
| | | 2002** (unaudited) | | | 2003** (unaudited) | | | 2004* | | | 2005* | | | 2006 | |
| | | (in thousands, except per share data) | |
Sales | | $ | 24,295 | | $ | 8,874 | | $ | 3,364 | | $ | 4,187 | | $ | 4,117 | |
Cost of sales | | | 17,910 | | | 6,833 | | | 2,491 | | | 2,945 | | | 2,763 | |
Gross profit | | | 6,385 | | | 2,041 | | | 873 | | | 1,242 | | | 1,354 | |
Research and development expenses | | | 1,526 | | | 153 | | | 30 | | | 53 | | | 324 | |
Selling, marketing, general and administrative expenses | | | 12,591 | | | 7,422 | | | 3,374 | | | 3,464 | | | 4,658 | |
Impairment of investment | | | 90 | | | -- | | | -- | | | -- | | | -- | |
Operating loss | | | (7,822 | ) | | (5,534 | ) | | (2,531 | ) | | (2,275 | ) | | (3,628 | ) |
Finance expense, net | | | (429 | ) | | (534 | ) | | (33 | ) | | (12 | ) | | (30 | ) |
Other income, net | | | -- | | | -- | | | 148 | | | -- | | | 330 | |
Loss from operations before taxes on income | | | (8,251 | ) | | (6,068 | ) | | (2,416 | ) | | (2,287 | ) | | (3,328 | ) |
Taxes on income | | | 46 | | | 48 | | | (27 | ) | | 37 | | | (183 | ) |
Loss from operations of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries | | | (8,205 | ) | | (6,020 | ) | | (2,443 | ) | | (2,250 | ) | | (3,511 | ) |
Share of losses in Comverge | | | -- | | | (1,752 | ) | | (1,242 | ) | | (380 | ) | | (210 | ) |
Gain on sale of shares in Comverge | | | -- | | | -- | | | 705 | | | -- | | | -- | |
Share of losses in Paketeria | | | -- | | | -- | | | -- | | | -- | | | (424 | ) |
Minority interests, net of tax | | | 880 | | | 264 | | | (90 | ) | | (73 | ) | | -- | |
Loss from continuing operations | | | (7,325 | ) | | (7,508 | ) | | (3,070 | ) | | (2,703 | ) | | (4,145 | ) |
Gain (loss) on sale of discontinued operations and contract settlement (in 2006), net of income taxes | | | -- | | | -- | | | -- | | | 541 | | | (2,069 | ) |
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes | | | (819 | ) | | 1,226 | | | 1,898 | | | 844 | | | 78 | |
Net loss | | $ | (8,144 | ) | $ | (6,282 | ) | $ | (1,172 | ) | $ | (1,318 | ) | $ | (6,136 | ) |
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loss from continuing operations | | $ | (1.00 | ) | $ | (0.97 | ) | $ | (0.39 | ) | $ | (0.26 | ) | $ | (0.48 | ) |
Discontinued operations | | | (0.11 | ) | | 0.16 | | | 0.24 | | | 0.10 | | | (0.23 | ) |
Net loss per share (basic and diluted) | | $ | (1.11 | ) | $ | (0.81 | ) | $ | (0.15 | ) | $ | (0.16 | ) | $ | (0.71 | ) |
Weighted average number of shares Outstanding - basic and diluted | | | 7,349 | | | 7,738 | | | 7,976 | | | 8,117 | | | 8,689 | |
___________
* Results have been restated for the discontinued operations of our Israel based consulting business, which was sold in August 2005. Results have been restated for the discontinued operations of our US-based computer VAR business, which was sold in March 2006.
** The selected consolidated statements of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2002 and 2003 have been restated for the discontinued operations of our US-based computer VAR business and our Israel and US-based consulting businesses and are unaudited.
Selected Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:
| | As of December 31, | |
| | 2002 (unaudited) | | 2003 (unaudited) | | 2004 (unaudited) | | 2005 | | 2006 | |
| | (in thousands) | |
Working capital | | | 2,845 | | $ | 729 | | $ | 874 | | $ | 1,458 | | $ | 259 | |
Total assets | | | 33,347 | | | 17,784 | | | 17,025 | | | 10,173 | | | 7,258 | |
Short-term and long-term debt | | | 10,033 | | | 2,259 | | | 1,396 | | | 365 | | | 488 | |
Minority interests | | | 1,609 | | | 1,367 | | | 1,471 | | | -- | | | -- | |
Total shareholders’ equity (deficit) | | | 7,128 | | | 3,200 | | | 2,125 | | | 820 | | | (461 | ) |
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
Private Placement of Debentures and Warrants
On April 11, 2007, we completed a private placement of $6.9 million of principal amount of 10% Convertible Redeemable Subordinated Debentures (the “Debentures”), resulting in gross proceeds of the same amount. The Debentures, subject to certain restrictions, are convertible into our common stock at a conversion price of $3.80 per share and mature on March 30, 2011.
In connection with the offering, we entered into subscription agreements with certain accredited investors. By the terms of the subscription agreements each subscriber in addition to the Debentures purchased, received a warrant exercisable for the purchase of 25% of the number of shares obtained by dividing the principal amount of a given Debenture by the conversion price of $3.80 per share, resulting in the issuance of warrants to purchase 453,047 shares. The warrants are exercisable for shares of Common Stock for a period of five years at an exercise price of $4.50 per share. Both the Debentures and the warrants are redeemable by us in certain circumstances.
In connection with the offering, we retained a registered broker-dealer to serve as placement agent. In accordance with the terms of our agreement with the placement agent, the agent received a 7% selling commission, 3% management fee, and 2% non-accountable expense allowance out of the gross proceeds of the offering.
Out of the gross proceeds of the offering, we paid the placement agent commissions and expenses of approximately $0.9 million. In addition, we issued to the placement agent warrants to purchase 181,211 shares of common stock on substantially the same terms as those issued to the subscribers.
Comverge IPO
On April 13, 2007, Comverge priced its initial public offering of 5,300,000 shares of its common shares, at $18.00 a share. The shares sold in the offering (which reflect a one for two reverse stock split made immediately prior to the offering) represent an approximate 28% interest in Comverge. The underwriters of the offering are Citigroup Global Markets Inc., sole book-running manager of the offering, and Cowen and Company, LLC, RBC Capital Markets Corporation and Pacific Growth Equities, LLC as co-managers. In addition, certain selling shareholders granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to 795,000 additional shares of common stock. We did not sell any of our shares of Comverge common stock in the offering. On April 13, 2007, shares of Comverge common stock commenced trading on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol "COMV".
As a result of the offeringall shares of preferred stock of Comverge will be converted to common stock of Comverge and as a result we will own 2,786,021 shares of Comverge common stock, representing 15.9% of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Comverge following the offering.
In connection with the offering, we (and all of Comverge’s executive officers, directors and certain of other major stockholders of Comverge), entered into a lock-up agreement under which we agreed, subject to limited exceptions, not to transfer or otherwise dispose of any of our shares of Comverge common stock for a period of at least 180 days from the date of effetiveness of the offering without the prior written consent of lead manager of the offering.
Paketeria
In January and March, we provided Paketeria with approximately $200,000 of loans in order to provide them with additional short-term financing to help it support its current expansion and operating activities.
Dilution of Our Holdings in dsIT
In February 2007, certain senior managers and other employees of dsIT exercised their options. These exercises reduced our holdings in dsIT from 80% to 58%.
OVERVIEW AND TREND INFORMATION
The following discussion includes statements that are forward-looking in nature. Whether such statements ultimately prove to be accurate depends upon a variety of factors that may affect our business and operations. Certain of these factors are discussed in “Item 1. Business-Risk Factors Which May Affect Future Results.”
We operate in two reportable segments: RT Solutions and IT Solutions. As we sold our Databit computer hardware sales in March 2006, the information provided below does not include the results from those activities as they have been reclassified and consolidated on one line as net income from discontinued operations, after tax.
The following analysis should be read together with the segment information provided in Note 19 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report.
RT Solutions
Segment revenues decreased by $0.1 million or 4% in 2006 as compared to 2005. The decrease in sales was the result of our near completion of a significant Naval solutions project in 2005, which was nearly offset by increases in sales from our embedded hardware and software development products. Segment gross profit, however, increased by $0.1 million or 16% in 2006 as compared to 2005. Segment gross profit percentage also increased (from 28% in 2005 to 34% in 2006) as we completed a number of relatively high margin embedded hardware and software development projects during the year.
Our projected growth in sales in 2007 is expected to come primarily from our Naval solutions projects with our embedded hardware and software development projects expected to remain relatively stable. Due to the sale of our outsourcing business in August 2005, our segment overhead currently is a heavier burden to the segment and we must generate a higher level of sales to reach profitability. We anticipate our sales to increase in the second half 2007 with the expected receipt of a number of significant Naval solutions contracts, with the segment reaching profitability towards the end of the year.
IT Solutions
Segment revenues decreased by $0.2 million or 14% in 2006 as compared to 2005. The decrease in sales was primarily the result of the decreased revenues from sales of our EasyBill™ billing system. OncoPro™ sales were not significantly changed in 2006 from 2005. Segment gross profit also decreased by $0.1 million or 19% in 2006 as compared to 2005 with segment gross profit percentage also decreasing (from 31% in 2005 to 28% in 2006).
Our projected growth in sales in 2007 is expected to come primarily from sales of our OncoPro™ solutions with revenues from our EasyBill™ billing system continuing to decline. We expect to successfully complete our beta-site work in the second half of 2007 and begin sales of OncoPro™ in the United States in the second half of 2007. As with our RT Solutions segment, due to the sale of our outsourcing business in August 2005, our segment overhead currently is a heavier burden to the segment and we must generate a higher level of sales to reach profitability. Though we anticipate our sales to increase in the second half 2007, we also anticipate significantly higher development costs associated with the beta-site work and do not expect this segment to reach profitability until 2008.
Comverge
We account for Comverge on the equity method; however since our losses to date exceed our investment, Comverge’s losses no longer affect our consolidated results.
As described above under “Recent Developments”, on April 13, 2007 Comverge priced its initial public offering. Comverge plans to use the net proceeds from the offering to finance current and future capital requirements of its VPC™ contracts, to finance research and development, to repay indebtedness, to fund any cash consideration for future acquisitions and for other general corporate purposes.
Paketeria
We account for our Paketeria investment the equity method and, as such, currently record approximately 33% of its income or loss in our consolidated results.
Paketeria was established to take advantage of the privatization and subsequent substantial reduction in retail outlets of the German post office. Since the beginning of 2006, Paketeria has doubled in size to four company owned stores and 60 franchised stores. In 2007, Paketeria is planning to continue its expansion of stores. In addition, Paketeria is planning to add additional services to its unique “Super Services Market” format. Planned additions to its services menu include an Internet pharmacy and telecommunication services in cooperation with The Phone House, Europe’s largest independent mobile phone retailer. In addition, Paketeria will be seeking additional capital investment to help fund its activities and expansion.
In 2007 to date, we lent Paketeria approximately $200,000 to help it finance its ongoing activities and expansion.
Corporate
In March 2006, we appointed John Moore as our President and CEO to succeed George Morgenstern, our founder and President and CEO since 1986. Mr. Morgenstern continues to serve on the board of directors and as Chairman of the Board focusing on efforts to grow our projects and solutions activities in Israel. Though our cash corporate expenses have been relatively stable in 2006 as compared to 2005, we have expended and will continue to expend in the future, significant amounts of funds on professional fees and other costs in connection with our strategy to seek out and invest in companies that fit our target business model.
We raised approximately $2.5 million, net, in private placements in 2006 and continue to raise funds in this way in 2007. For disclosure regarding our recently announced private placement, see “Recent Developments” above.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) defines “critical accounting policies” as those that require application of management's most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and may change in subsequent periods.
The following discussion of critical accounting policies represents our attempt to report on those accounting policies, which we believe are critical to our consolidated financial statements and other financial disclosure. It is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all of our significant accounting policies, which are more fully described in Note 2 of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report. In many cases, the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is specifically dictated by generally accepted accounting principles, with no need for management's judgment in their application. There are also areas in which the selection of an available alternative policy would not produce a materially different result.
We have identified the following as critical accounting policies affecting our company: principles of consolidation and investments in associated companies; revenue recognition; foreign currency transactions; income taxes; and stock-based compensation.
Principles of Consolidation and Investments in Associated Companies
Our consolidated financial statements include the accounts of all majority-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated. Minority interests in net losses are limited to the extent of their equity capital. Losses in excess of minority interest equity capital are charged against us in our consolidated statements of operations.
Investments in associated companies are accounted for by the equity method.
Our Comverge investment is comprised of both common and preferred stock. As of December 31, 2006 the balance of our investment was a net liability of $1.8 million comprised of our negative investment in common shares of $1.8 million and our investment in preferred shares of $3.8 million which we have written down to zero value as a result of accumulated equity losses against our preferred investment. We currently no longer record equity losses in Comverge. Should we begin to record equity income on our investment in Comverge, we would record that equity income to our preferred investment up to our original $3.8 million preferred share investment in Comverge, and thereafter to our investment in Comverge’s common shares, of which we currently own approximately 66% (we currently own a weighted average of approximately 23% of common and preferred shares). As at December 31, 2006, we had a provision for unrecognized losses in Comverge of $381,000. We will record equity income from our preferred investment in Comverge, if and when Comverge records net income in excess of approximately $5.7 million. As described above under “Recent Developments,” as a result of the Comverge IPO all shares of preferred stock will be converted into common stock. If as a result of Comverge’s public offering, we may be precluded from accounting for our investment in Comverge on the equity method and may account for our investment in Comverge on the cost method.
Our Paketeria investment is comprised of an initial investment of $877,000 (including transaction costs) for approximately 23% of Paketeria and a subsequent investment of approximately $461,000 (including transaction costs), which increased our holdings in Paketeria to approximately 33%. Our investment in Paketeria was allocated as follows:
| · | $69,000 to the net value of various options in the initial investment; |
| · | $281,000 to the value of the non-compete agreement given to Paketeria’s founder and managing director; |
| · | $185,000 to the value of the franchise agreements acquired at the date of our investment; |
| · | $446,000 to the value of the Paketeria brand name; and |
Since we account for our investment in Paketeria under the equity method, we have, in 2006, reduced our investment in Paketeria by $127,000, which represents our share of Paketeria’s losses during the period since our investment. In addition, we have included in our equity loss the amortization of the value of the acquired non-compete agreement and the franchise agreements, which in 2006 totaled $52,000 during the period since our investment. These reductions in our investment were partially offset by the $20,000 change in value of the put option we acquired.
The options that we have in Paketeria allow us to increase our holdings in Paketeria from our current 33% to just over 50% and would allow us to control the company.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue from time-and-materials service contracts, maintenance agreements and other services is recognized as services are provided.
In 2006, we derived $1.8 million of revenues from fixed-price type contracts, in both our RT Solutions and IT Solutions segments, representing approximately 43% of consolidated sales in 2006 ($1.9 million and 46%, and $1.8 million and 55%, in 2005 and 2004, respectively), which require the accurate estimation of the cost, scope and duration of each engagement. Revenue and the related costs for these projects are recognized for a particular period, using the percentage-of-completion method as costs (primarily direct labor) are incurred, with revisions to estimates reflected in the period in which changes become known. If we do not accurately estimate the resources required or the scope of work to be performed, or do not manage our projects properly within the planned periods of time or satisfy our obligations under the contracts, then future revenue and consulting margins may be significantly and negatively affected and losses on existing contracts may need to be recognized. Any such resulting changes in revenues and reductions in margins or contract losses could be material to our results of operations.
Foreign Currency Transactions
The currency of the primary economic environment in which our corporate headquarters and our U.S. subsidiaries operate is the United States dollar (“dollar”). Accordingly, the Company and all of its U.S. subsidiaries use the dollar as their functional currency.
In March 2006, we sold our Databit subsidiary. As a result, the results from Databit’s operations for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 are reflected as discontinued operations. Consequently, our dsIT Israeli subsidiary accounts for all of our net revenues for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006. In addition, dsIT accounts for 64% of our assets and 52% of our total liabilities as of December 31, 2006 (45% of our assets and 42% of our total liabilities as of December 31, 2005). dsIT’s functional currency is the New Israeli Shekel (“NIS”) and its financial statements have been translated using the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Statements of operations amounts have been translated using the exchange rate at date of transaction. All exchange gains and losses denominated in non-functional currencies are reflected in finance expense, net in the consolidated statement of operations when they arise.
Income Taxes
We have a history of unprofitable operations due to losses incurred in a number of our operations. These losses generated sizeable state, federal and foreign tax net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards, which as of December 31, 2006 were approximately $14.7 million, $12.1 million and $0.8 million, respectively.
Generally accepted accounting principles require that we record a valuation allowance against the deferred income tax asset associated with these NOL carryforwards and other deferred tax assets if it is “more likely than not” that we will not be able to utilize them to offset future income taxes. Due to our history of unprofitable operations, we only recognize net deferred tax assets in those subsidiaries in which we believe that it is “more likely than not” that we will be able to utilize them to offset future income taxes in the future. We currently provide for income taxes only to the extent that we expect to pay cash taxes on current income or disallowed expenses.
It is possible, however, that we could be profitable in the future at levels which cause management to conclude that it is more likely than not that we will realize all or a portion of the NOL carryforwards and other deferred tax assets. Upon reaching such a conclusion, we would immediately record the estimated net realizable value of the deferred tax assets at that time and would then provide for income taxes at a rate equal to our combined federal and state effective rates or foreign rates. Subsequent revisions to the estimated net realizable value of the deferred tax assets could cause our provision for income taxes to vary significantly from period to period.
Stock-based Compensation
For the year ending December 31, 2006, we incurred stock compensation expense of approximately $1.8 million. We account for all stock-based compensation in accordance with the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123R, Share-Based Payment. Under these provisions, stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date based on the value of the award and is recognized as expense over the vesting period. Under SFAS No. 123R, we are required to use judgment in estimating the amount of stock-based awards that are expected to be forfeited. If actual forfeitures differ significantly from the original estimate, stock-based compensation expense and our results of operations could be materially impacted.
The following table sets forth a comparison of the per share effect of our adoption of SFAS 123R for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006.
| | Year ended December 31, | |
| | 2004 | | 2005 | | 2006 | |
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share as reported: | | | | | | | |
Loss per share from continuing operations | | $ | (0.39 | ) | $ | (0.26 | ) | $ | (0.48 | ) |
Discontinued operations | | | 0.24 | | | 0.10 | | | (0.23 | ) |
Net loss per share - basic and diluted | | $ | (0.15 | ) | $ | (0.16 | ) | $ | (0.71 | ) |
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share had we not adopted SFAS 123R: | | | | | | | | | | |
Loss per share from continuing operations | | $ | (0.39 | ) | $ | (0.26 | ) | $ | (0.29 | ) |
Discontinued operations | | | 0.24 | | | 0.10 | | | (0.19 | ) |
Net loss per share - basic and diluted | | $ | (0.15 | ) | $ | (0.16 | ) | $ | (0.48 | ) |
See Note 14 to the condensed consolidated financial statements for information on the impact of our adoption of SFAS 123R and the assumptions used to calculate the fair value of share-based employee compensation.
Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123-R, we accounted for stock-based employee compensation plans in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees and its related interpretations (APB No. 25), and followed the pro forma net income, pro forma income per share, and stock-based compensation plan disclosure requirements set forth in SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation.
The fair values of all stock options granted were estimated using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model. The Black-Scholes-Merton model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions such as risk-free interest rates, volatility factor of the expected market price of our Common Stock and the weighted-average expected option life. The expected volatility factor used to value stock options in 2006 was based on the historical volatility of the market price of the Company’s Common Stock over a period equal to the estimated weighted average life of the options. The weighted average life of the options was estimated based management’s estimates based on an evaluation of the vesting term, contractual life, and expected exercise behavior since our history of option exercises is too brief to have established historical rates. The risk-free interest rate used is based upon U.S. Treasury yields for a period consisted with the expected term of the options.
We account for stock-based compensation issued to non-employees on a fair value basis in accordance with SFAS No. 123 and EITF Issue No. 96-18, “Accounting for Equity Instruments That Are Issued to Other Than Employees for Acquiring, or in conjunction with Selling, Goods or Services” and related interpretations. We use the Black-Scholes valuation method to estimate the fair value of warrants.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following table sets forth selected consolidated statement of operations data as a percentage of our total sales:
| | Year Ended December 31, | |
| | 2002 (unaudited) | | 2003 (unaudited) | | 2004 | | 2005 | | 2006 | |
Sales | | | 100 | % | | 100 | % | | 100 | % | | 100 | % | | 100 | % |
Cost of sales | | | 74 | | | 77 | | | 74 | | | 70 | | | 67 | |
Gross profit | | | 26 | | | 23 | | | 26 | | | 30 | | | 33 | |
Research and development expenses | | | 6 | | | 2 | | | 1 | | | 1 | | | 8 | |
Selling, marketing, general and administrative expenses | | | 52 | | | 84 | | | 100 | | | 83 | | | 113 | |
Impairment of investment | | | 0 | | | -- | | | -- | | | -- | | | -- | |
Operating loss | | | (33 | ) | | (62 | ) | | (75 | ) | | (54 | ) | | (88 | ) |
Finance expense, net | | | (2 | ) | | (6 | ) | | (1 | ) | | 0 | | | (1 | ) |
Other income, net | | | -- | | | -- | | | 4 | | | -- | | | 8 | |
Loss from operations before taxes on income | | | (34 | ) | | (68 | ) | | (71 | ) | | (55 | ) | | (81 | ) |
Taxes on income | | | 0 | | | (1 | ) | | 1 | | | (1 | ) | | 4 | |
Loss from operations of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries | | | (34 | ) | | (68 | ) | | (72 | ) | | (54 | ) | | (85 | ) |
Share of losses in Comverge | | | -- | | | (20 | ) | | (37 | ) | | (9 | ) | | (5 | ) |
Gain on sale of shares in Comverge | | | -- | | | -- | | | 21 | | | -- | | | -- | |
Share of losses in Paketeria | | | -- | | | -- | | | -- | | | -- | | | (10 | ) |
Minority interests, net of tax | | | 4 | | | 3 | | | (3 | ) | | (2 | ) | | -- | |
Loss from continuing operations | | | (30 | ) | | (85 | ) | | (91 | ) | | (65 | ) | | (101 | ) |
Gain (loss) on sale of discontinued operations and contract settlement (in 2006), net of income taxes | | | -- | | | -- | | | -- | | | 13 | | | (50 | ) |
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes | | | (3 | ) | | 14 | | | 56 | | | 20 | | | 2 | |
Net loss | | | (34 | )% | | (71 | )% | | (35 | )% | | (31 | )% | | (149 | )% |
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to revenues and profits of our reportable business segments for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, including the percentages of revenues attributable to such segments. (See Note 18 to our consolidated financial statements for the definitions of our reporting segments.) Segment information excludes the discontinued results of our US based consulting activities, which were discontinued in 2004, and our Israel based outsourcing activities, which were discontinued in 2005 as well as the results of our former Databit subsidiary which was sold in March 2006 (see Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements). The column marked “Other” aggregates information relating to miscellaneous operating segments, which may be combined for reporting under applicable accounting principles.
| | RT Solutions | | IT Solutions | | Other | | Total | |
| | (in thousands) | |
Year ended December 31, 2006: | | | | | | | | | |
Revenues from external customers | | $ | 2,729 | | $ | 1,125 | | $ | 264 | | $ | 4,117 | |
Percentage of total revenues from external customers | | | 66 | % | | 27 | % | | 7 | % | | 100 | % |
Gross profit | | | 936 | | | 330 | | | 88 | | | 1,354 | |
Segment income (loss) before income taxes | | | (159 | ) | | (281 | ) | | 29 | | | (411 | ) |
Year ended December 31, 2005: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Revenues from external customers | | $ | 2,844 | | $ | 1,314 | | $ | 29 | | $ | 4,187 | |
Percentage of total revenues from external customers | | | 68 | % | | 31 | % | | 1 | % | | 100 | % |
Gross profit | | | 805 | | | 408 | | | 29 | | | 1,242 | |
Segment income before income taxes | | | 34 | | | 48 | | | 19 | | | 102 | |
Year ended December 31, 2004: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Revenues from external customers | | $ | 1,988 | | $ | 1,312 | | $ | 64 | | $ | 3,364 | |
Percentage of total revenues from external customers | | | 59 | % | | 39 | % | | 2 | % | | 100 | % |
Gross profit | | | 479 | | | 330 | | | 64 | | | 873 | |
Segment income (loss) before income taxes | | | (175 | ) | | (49 | ) | | 38 | | | (186 | ) |
2006 COMPARED TO 2005
Sales. Sales in 2006 decreased marginally as compared to 2005 with slight decreases in both of our reporting segments being partially offset by an increase in sales in our “Other” miscellaneous segment.
Gross profit. Gross profits increased in 2006 by $112,000 or 9%, primarily due to an increase in gross profits from our RT Solutions segment which more than offset the decrease in gross profits from our IT Solutions segment. The increase in gross profit in our RT Solutions segment was primarily attributable to a number of specific projects with particularly high profit margins, which offset the decrease in sales. The decrease in gross profit in our IT Solutions segment was attributable to a combination of reduced sales and a reduced gross margin.
Research and development expenses (“R&D”). Research and development expenses increased by $271,000, which was primarily attributable to an increase in development costs associated with our OncoProTM solution package in our IT Solutions segment.
Selling, marketing, general and administrative expenses (“SMG&A”). SMG&A increased in 2006 by approximately $1.2 million or 34%. This increase is entirely attributable to the $1.2 million of stock-compensation expense we recorded as a result of our adoption of FAS 123(R) in 2006 that is included in SMG&A. Excluding the stock-compensation expense, our corporate SMG&A was relatively unchanged in 2006 compared to 2005 whereas dsIT’s SMG&A in 2006 was approximately $90,000 less in 2006 as compared to 2005.
Other income, net. In the first quarter of 2006, we reached a settlement agreement with an Israeli bank with respect to our claims against the bank and the bank’s counterclaim against us. As a result of the settlement agreement, we recorded income of $330,000, net of legal expenses.
Taxes on income. The increase in taxes on income in 2006 is due to the increase in a tax provision previously made with respect to a transaction in a previous year.
Share of Losses in Comverge. In the first quarter of 2006, the carrying value of our investment in Comverge's common stock and preferred stock was reduced to zero. As such, Comverge has had no effect on our results since the first quarter of 2006. Our share of Comverge's net losses in 2006 was $210,000. In the future, when Comverge begins to show profit, after it has reached the level of equity at which we ceased recording equity losses, we will record 7% of that income as equity income to our preferred investment up to our original $3.9 million preferred share investment in Comverge, and thereafter to our investment in Comverge’s common shares, of which we currently own approximately 66%.
Share of losses in Paketeria. In the third quarter of 2006, we acquired 23% of Paketeria and increased our investment in the fourth quarter of 2006 to approximately 33%. Our share of Paketeria’s net losses plus amortization of the purchase price allocated to intangibles during the period since our acquisition was $159,000.
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax. Under applicable accounting principles, as a result of our sale of Databit in the first quarter of 2006, the results of Databit have been reclassified in the current period and for all prior periods as a discontinued operation. The condensed results of this business are presented in each of the current and comparative period as net income from discontinued operations.
The results for 2005 include the condensed results of Databit as well as the condensed results of the Company’s outsourcing consulting services business in Israel, which was sold in August 2005. The decrease in net income from discontinued operations in the 2006 period as compared to the 2005 period was primarily due to the inclusion in the 2005 period of the results of the outsourcing consulting services business.
Loss on sale of discontinued operations and contract settlement, net of tax. This loss resulted from the sale of our Databit computer hardware company and contract settlement with our former CEO during the first quarter of 2006.
2005 COMPARED TO 2004
Sales. The increase in sales in 2005 as compared to 2004 was almost entirely attributable to an increase in sales in our RT Solutions segment. Approximately $535,000 of the $856,000 increase was attributable to an increase in sales in our naval solutions activities. Sales in our IT Solutions segment was virtually unchanged from 2004 to 2005.
Gross profit. The increase in gross profits in 2005 as compared to 2004 was attributable to both our RT and IT reporting segments. The increase in RT Solutions gross profits was attributable to both an increase in sales and gross profit margin whereas the increase in IT Solutions gross profits was attributable to an increase in IT Solutions gross margin.
Selling, marketing, general and administrative expenses (“SMG&A”). SMG&A in 2005 was increased slightly as compared to 2004 increasing by $90,000. Both corporate and dsIT increased their SMG&A costs in 2005 as compared to 2004 by immaterial amounts.
Other income, net. During the second quarter of 2004, we received a decision from the Israeli Supreme Court in our dispute with an Israeli bank. In its decision, the Court reversed the district court’s award for costs in favor of the bank for which we had previously accrued. The courts also remanded to the district court our claims against the bank for a determination as to the amount of damages. As a result of the decision we recorded other income of approximately $148,000 in 2004.
Taxes on Income. The change in income tax expense in 2005 as compared to 2004 was primarily due to a one-time expense due to the reorganization of business at dsIT, as a result of which, previously recognized foreign income tax assets were expensed. Those expenses were offset by a tax benefit recorded from the sale of our dsIT Technologies subsidiary.
Share of Losses in Comverge. Our share of Comverge's $8.0 million and $9.3 million of net losses in 2005 and 2004, respectively, was $380,000 and $1.2 million, respectively. The reduction in our share of losses in 2005 is attributable to our no longer recording equity losses in Comverge, as our preferred stock investment has been reduced to zero.
Gain on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax. In August 2005, we sold our Israeli outsourcing consulting business for approximately $3.7 million, resulting in a gain of $541,000.
Minority interests. Minority interests reflect the minority interests in income generated by our former dsIT Technologies subsidiary.
Net income from discontinued operations, net of tax. In August 2005, we sold our Israel based consulting business. As a result, net income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes for those operations have been restated for 2004. The decrease in net income from discontinued operations, net of tax is due to 2005 results reflected results for a seven and a half month period as compared to 2004 which reflects an entire year’s results.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
As of December 31, 2006, we had working capital of $ 0.3 million, including $1.5 million in cash and cash equivalents. Net cash of $0.6 million was provided during 2006. Net cash of $1.6 million was used in operating activities during 2006. The net loss for the year ended December 31, 2006 of $6.1 million, was due primarily to the $2.1 million loss on our sale of our Databit computer hardware company, the contract settlement with our former CEO, and corporate expenses of $3.0 million of which 1.5 million was related to stock option compensation. The primary use of cash in operating activities during 2006 was net corporate general and administrative expenditures of approximately $1.5 million. Net cash of $1.2 million used in investing activities was primarily for the contract settlement with our former CEO and associated sale of our Databit computer hardware company totaling $1.0 million, and our investments in Paketeria ($1.3 million) and Comverge ($0.2 million). These cash expenditures were partially offset by the release of previously restricted cash balances of $1.6 million. Additional cash of $3.4 million was provided by financing activities, which included the net cash provided by the private placements of our Common Stock and employee stock option exercises ($2.9 million) and a loan provided to us by our CEO of $0.3 million.
Our working capital of $259,000 at December 31, 2006, included working capital of $679,000 in our dsIT subsidiary. Due to Israeli tax and company law constraints and dsIT’s own cash flow requirements, working capital and cash flows from dsIT's operations are not readily available to finance US based activities. As of December 31, 2006, dsIT was utilizing approximately $188,000 (net) of its approximately $485,000 lines of credit. dsIT's lines of credit are denominated in NIS and bear a weighted average interest rate of the Israeli prime rate plus 2.2% per annum. The Israeli prime rate fluctuates and as of December 31, 2006 was approximately 6.0%. In February 2007, dsIT and one of its banks agreed to convert NIS 450,000 (or approximately $107,000) of its lines of credit to a term loan to be paid over a period of one-year with the terms of the remaining balance in the line of credit to be revisited in June 2007. At December 31, 2006, dsIT was in technical violation of covenants under its line of credit with its other bank. This bank is continuing to provide funding to dsIT despite the technical violation and has not formally notified dsIT of any violation or any contemplated action. In addition, Acorn has agreed to be supportive of dsIT’s liquidity requirements over the next 12 months.
At the end of March 2007, dsIT was using approximately $160,000 (net) of its lines-of-credit. We believe that dsIT will have sufficient liquidity to finance its activities from cash flow from its own operations over the next 12 months. This is based on continued utilization of its lines of credit and expected improved operating results stemming from anticipated growth in sales. However, there is no assurance the measures taken by will be successful and we may need to provide supplementary financing, or sell all or part of that business.
The cash balance in Acorn at the end of March 2007 was approximately $535,000 not including the cash from our recent private placements (see “Recent Developments”). We believe that the cash available will provide more than sufficient liquidity to finance Acorn’s activities for the foreseeable future and for the next 12 months in particular.
Contractual Obligations and Commitments
The table below provides information concerning obligations under certain categories of our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2006.
| | Ending December 31, | |
| | (in thousands) | |
Cash Payments due to Contractual Obligations | | Total | | 2007 | | 2008-2009 | | 2010-2011 | | 2012 and thereafter | |
Long-term debt | | $ | 26 | | $ | 26 | | $ | -- | | $ | -- | | $ | -- | |
Operating leases | | | 1,084 | | | 523 | | | 561 | | | -- | | | -- | |
Potential severance obligations to Israeli employees (1) | | | 2,545 | | | -- | | | -- | | | -- | | | 2,545 | |
Investor relations | | | 81 | | | 81 | | | -- | | | -- | | | -- | |
Buy-out of Paketeria loan (2) | | | 92 | | | 92 | | | -- | | | -- | | | -- | |
Total contractual cash obligations | | $ | 3,828 | | $ | 722 | | $ | 561 | | $ | -- | | $ | 2,545 | |
We expect to finance these contractual commitments in 2007 from cash currently on hand and cash generated from operations.
(1) Under Israeli law and labor agreements, dsIT is required to make severance payments to dismissed employees and to employees leaving employment under certain other circumstances. The obligation for severance pay benefits, as determined by the Israeli Severance Pay Law, is based upon length of service and last salary. These obligations are substantially covered by regular deposits with recognized severance pay and pension funds and by the purchase of insurance policies. As of December 31, 2006, we accrued a total of $2.5 million for potential severance obligations of which approximately $1.6 million was funded with cash to insurance companies.
(2) As a part of our initial agreement to purchase 23% of Paketeria, we agreed to the purchase of a €210,000 principal promissory note issued by Paketeria to its founder and managing director. Under the terms of the agreement, we must purchase one-third of the note from the founder for a cash payment equal to one-third of the principal amount, plus accrued interest, upon Paketeria having achieved each of three franchise licensing milestones—the licensing of its 60th, 75th, and 115th franchises. In October 2006, we purchased €140,000 (approximately $184,000) of the note. We expect to purchase the remaining €70,000 (approximately $92,000) of the note in 2007, upon the achievement of the third and final milestone.
Certain Information Concerning Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements.
Our Israeli subsidiary provided various performance, advance and tender guarantees as required in the normal course of its operations. As of December 31, 2006, such guarantees totaled approximately $21,000 and are due to expire through 2015.
Impact of Inflation and Currency Fluctuations
A majority of our sales are denominated in dollars. The remaining portion is either in NIS or denominated in NIS, linked to the dollar. Such sales transactions are negotiated in dollars; however, for the convenience of the customer they are settled in NIS. These transaction amounts are linked to the dollar between the date the transactions are entered into until the date they are effected and billed. From the time these transactions are effected and billed through the date of settlement, amounts are primarily unlinked. The majority of our expenses in Israel are in NIS, while a portion is in dollars or dollar-linked NIS.
The dollar cost of our operations in Israel may be adversely affected in the future by a revaluation of the NIS in relation to the dollar, should it be significantly different from the rate of inflation. In 2006 the appreciation of the NIS against the dollar was 8.2%, whereas in 2005 the depreciation of the NIS against the dollar was 6.8%. Inflation in Israel was (0.1%) in 2006 and 2.4% during 2005. During the first two months of 2007, the NIS was virtually unchanged against the dollar and inflation during this period was -(0.4%).
As of December 31, 2006, virtually all of our monetary assets and liabilities that were not denominated in dollars or dollar-linked NIS were denominated in NIS. In the event that in the future we have material net monetary assets or liabilities that are not denominated in dollar-linked NIS, such net assets or liabilities would be subject to the risk of currency fluctuations.
SUMMARY QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)
The following table sets forth certain of our unaudited quarterly consolidated financial information for the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2006. This information should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto.
| | | 2005 | | | 2006 | |
| | | First Quarter | | | Second Quarter | | | Third Quarter | | | Fourth Quarter | | | First Quarter | | | Second Quarter | | | Third Quarter* | | | Fourth Quarter* | |
| | | (in thousands, except per share amounts) | |
Sales | | $ | 1,159 | | $ | 1,049 | | $ | 782 | | $ | 1,197 | | $ | 973 | | $ | 990 | | $ | 923 | | $ | 1,231 | |
Cost of sales | | | 790 | | | 772 | | | 630 | | | 753 | | | 745 | | | 645 | | | 597 | | | 776 | |
Gross profit | | | 369 | | | 277 | | | 152 | | | 444 | | | 228 | | | 345 | | | 326 | | | 455 | |
Research and development expenses | | | 9 | | | 17 | | | 16 | | | 11 | | | 26 | | | 71 | | | 137 | | | 90 | |
Selling, marketing, general and administrative expenses | | | 1,040 | | | 876 | | | 996 | | | 510 | | | 922 | | | 1,044 | | | 1,570 | | | 1,122 | |
Operating loss | | | (680 | ) | | (616 | ) | | (860 | ) | | (77 | ) | | (720 | ) | | (770 | ) | | (1,381 | ) | | (757 | ) |
Finance income (expense), net | | | (10 | ) | | (21 | ) | | (25 | ) | | 2 | | | 14 | | | (20 | ) | | (17 | ) | | (7 | ) |
Other income | | | -- | | | -- | | | -- | | | -- | | | 330 | | | -- | | | -- | | | -- | |
Loss before taxes on income | | | (690 | ) | | (637 | ) | | (885 | ) | | (75 | ) | | (376 | ) | | (790 | ) | | (1,398 | ) | | (764 | ) |
Taxes on income | | | 2 | | | 4 | | | 43 | | | (12 | ) | | (2 | ) | | (4 | ) | | (2 | ) | | (175 | ) |
Loss from operations of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries | | | (688 | ) | | (633 | ) | | (842 | ) | | (87 | ) | | (378 | ) | | (794 | ) | | (1,400 | ) | | (939 | ) |
Minority interests, net of tax | | | (42 | ) | | (17 | ) | | (14 | ) | | -- | | | -- | | | -- | | | -- | | | -- | |
Share of loss in Paketeria | | | -- | | | -- | | | -- | | | -- | | | -- | | | -- | | | (251 | ) | | (173 | ) |
Share of loss in Comverge | | | (201 | ) | | (178 | ) | | -- | | | -- | | | (210 | ) | | -- | | | -- | | | -- | |
Net loss from continuing operations | | | (931 | ) | | (828 | ) | | (856 | ) | | (87 | ) | | (588 | ) | | (794 | ) | | (1,651 | ) | | (1,112 | ) |
Gain (loss) on sale of discontinued operations, net of tax | | | -- | | | -- | | | 542 | | | (1 | ) | | (2,298 | ) | | -- | | | -- | | | 229 | |
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax | | | 492 | | | 257 | | | 187 | | | (92 | ) | | 78 | | | -- | | | -- | | | -- | |
Net loss | | $ | (439 | ) | $ | (571 | ) | $ | (127 | ) | $ | (180 | ) | $ | (2,808 | ) | $ | (794 | ) | $ | (1,651 | ) | $ | (883 | ) |
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss per share from continuing operations | | $ | (0.11 | ) | $ | (0.10 | ) | $ | (0.11 | ) | $ | (0.01 | ) | $ | (0.07 | ) | $ | (0.10 | ) | $ | (0.18 | ) | $ | (0.11 | ) |
Discontinued operations | | | 0.06 | | | 0.03 | | | 0.09 | | | (0.01 | ) | | (0.27 | ) | | -- | | | -- | | | 0.02 | |
Net loss per share | | $ | (0.05 | ) | $ | (0.07 | ) | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | (0.02 | ) | $ | (0.34 | ) | $ | (0.10 | ) | $ | (0.18 | ) | $ | (0.09 | ) |
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - basic | | | 8,117 | | | 8,117 | | | 8,117 | | | 8,117 | | | 8,160 | | | 8,161 | | | 8,993 | | | 9,444 | |
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - diluted | | | 8,117 | | | 8,117 | | | 8,117 | | | 8,117 | | | 8,160 | | | 8,161 | | | 8,993 | | | 9,444 | |
* | FAS123R expense of $199 and $66 for the third and fourth quarters of 2006, respectively, have been reclassed from selling, marketing, general and administrative expenses to Share of loss in Paketeria. |
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
General
We are required to make certain disclosures regarding our financial instruments, including derivatives, if any.
A financial instrument is defined as cash, evidence of an ownership interest in an entity, or a contract that imposes on one entity a contractual obligation either to deliver or receive cash or another financial instrument to or from a second entity. Examples of financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, trade accounts receivable, loans, investments, trade accounts payable, accrued expenses, options and forward contracts. The disclosures below include, among other matters, the nature and terms of derivative transactions, information about significant concentrations of credit risk, and the fair value of financial assets and liabilities.
Foreign Currency Risk
The translation of the balance sheets of our Israeli operations from NIS into U.S. dollars is sensitive to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. These translation gains or losses are recorded either as cumulative translation adjustments (“CTA) within stockholders’ equity, or foreign exchange gains or losses in the statement of operations. In 2006 the NIS strengthened in relation to the U.S. dollar by 8.2%. To test the sensitivity of these operations to fluctuations in the exchange rate, the hypothetical change in CTA and foreign exchange gains and losses is calculated by multiplying the net assets of these non-U.S. operations by a 10% change in the currency exchange rates.
As of December 31, 2006, a 10% unfavorable change in the exchange rate of the U.S. dollar against the NIS would have decreased stockholders’ equity by approximately $45,000 (arising from a negative CTA adjustment of approximately $57,000 net exchange gains of approximately $12,000). These hypothetical changes are based on increasing the December 31, 2006 exchange rates by 10%.
We do not employ specific strategies, such as the use of derivative instruments or hedging, to manage exchange rate exposures.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Fair values of financial instruments included in current assets and current liabilities are estimated to approximate their book values due to the short maturity of such investments. Fair value for long-term debt and long-term deposits are estimated based on the current rates offered to us for debt and deposits with similar terms and remaining maturities. The fair value of our long-term debt and long-term deposits are not materially different from their carrying amounts.
Concentrations of Credit Risk
Financial instruments, which potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk, consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, short and long-term bank deposits, and trade receivables. The counterparty to a majority of our cash equivalent deposits is a major financial institution of high credit standing. We do not believe there is significant risk of non-performance by this counterparty. Approximately 62% of the trade accounts receivable at December 31, 2006 was due from three customers that pay their trade receivables over usual credit periods. Credit risk with respect to the balance of trade receivables is generally diversified due to the number of entities comprising our customer base.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Furnished at the end of this report commencing on page F-1.
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None.
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Controls and Procedures
We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of December 31, 2006, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as required to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Controls and Procedures
There have been no significant changes in our internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect disclosure controls and procedures subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
Directors and Executive Officers
Set forth below is certain information concerning the directors and certain officers of the Company:
Name | | Age | | Position |
George Morgenstern | | 73 | | Founder, Chairman of the Board; Chairman of the Board of our dsIT Solutions Ltd. subsidiary (“dsIT”) |
John A. Moore | | 41 | | Director, President and Chief Executive Officer; director of our Comverge Inc. equity affiliate (“Comverge”) and director of our Paketeria GmbH equity affiliate (“Paketeria”) |
Samuel M. Zentman | | 60 | | Director |
Richard J. Giacco | | 54 | | Director |
Richard Rimer | | 41 | | Director |
Kevin P. Wren | | 52 | | Director |
Jacob Neuwirth | | 60 | | Chief Executive Officer and President of dsIT |
Michael Barth | | 46 | | Chief Financial Officer of the Company and dsIT. |
George Morgenstern, founder of the Company, and one of our directors since 1986, has been Chairman of the Board since June 1993. Mr. Morgenstern served as our President and Chief Executive Officer from our incorporation in 1986 until March 2006. Mr. Morgenstern also serves as Chairman of the Board of dsIT. Mr. Morgenstern served as a member of the Board of Directors of Comverge from October 1997 to March 2006 and as Chairman until April 2003.
John A. Moore has been a director and President and Chief Executive Officer of our Company since March 2006. Mr. Moore also serves as a director of Comverge. Mr. Moore is the President and founder of Edson Moore Healthcare Ventures, which he founded to acquire $150 million of drug delivery assets from Elan Pharmaceuticals in 2002. Mr. Moore was Chairman and EVP of ImaRx Therapeutics, a drug and medical therapy development company, from February 2004 to February 2006 and Chairman of Elite Pharmaceuticals from February 2003 to October 2004. He is currently Chairman of Optimer, Inc., a research based polymer development company, and a member of the Board of Directors of Voltaix, Inc., a leading provider of specialty gases to the solar and semiconductor industries.
Samuel M. Zentman has been one of our directors since November 2004. Since 1980 Dr. Zentman has been the president and chief executive officer of a privately-held textile firm, where he also served as vice president of finance and administration from 1978 to 1980. From 1973 to 1978, Dr. Zentman served in various capacities at American Motors Corporation.
Richard J. Giacco was elected to the Board in September 2006. Mr. Giacco has been President of Empower Materials, Inc., a manufacturer of carbon dioxide based thermoplastics, since January 1999. Mr. Giacco is also a Managing Member of Ajedium Film Group, LLC, a manufacturer of thermoplastic films. Mr. Giacco served as Associate General Counsel of Safeguard Scientifics, Inc. from 1984 to 1990. Mr. Giacco presently serves as the Chair of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of Ministry of Caring, Inc., and the Chair of the Finance Committee of the Board of Directors of Sacred Heart Village, Inc.
Richard Rimer was elected to the Board in September 2006. From 2001 to 2006, Mr. Rimer was a Partner at Index Ventures, a private investment company. He formerly served on the boards of Direct Medica, a provider of marketing services to pharmaceutical companies, and Addex Pharmaceuticals, a pharmaceutical research and development company. Prior to joining Index Ventures, Mr. Rimer was the co-founder of MediService, the leading direct service pharmacy in Switzerland and had served as a consultant with McKinsey & Co.
Kevin P. Wren was elected to the Board in September 2006. Mr. Wren was employed by MBNA America in various senior management capacities from March 1995 until his retirement from MBNA in April 2005, most recently as Director of MBNA Corporate Strategic Planning from January 2004 through April 2005. Prior to that, he served as Director in charge of U.S. credit card product development and as MBNA’s Chief Internet Officer. Mr. Wren is currently a member of the Board of Directors of Christiana Care Visiting Nurse Association, a non-profit home health care organization.
Jacob Neuwirth has been Chief Executive Officer and President of dsIT since December 2001. From 1994 to 2001, he was the founder and President of Endan IT Solutions Ltd., an Israeli IT solutions provider, specializing in billing and healthcare IT solutions, which was acquired by dsIT in December 2001.
Michael Barth has been our Chief Financial Officer and the Chief Financial Officer of dsIT since December 2005. For the six years prior, he served as Deputy Chief Financial Officer and Controller of dsIT. Mr. Barth is a Certified Public Accountant in both the U.S. and Israel and has 18 years of experience in public and private accounting.
Audit Committee; Audit Committee Financial Expert
Since September 2006, we no longer have an Audit Committee. We have opted instead to have the entire Board serve the function of the audit committee as permitted under the Exchange Act. One of our directors, Samuel Zentman, has been designated as our lead director for Audit Committee matters for the purpose of overseeing our accounting and financial reporting processes and audits of our financial statements by our independent auditors.
Our Board has not determined that any current member of our board meets the qualifications for an “audit committee financial expert” set forth in Item 407 of Regulation S-K. It is our intention to reconstitute the Audit Committee in the near future, with the appointment of one or more additional directors who would also serve on the audit committee, at least one of which would be expected to meet the qualifications for an audit committee financial expert.
Compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) requires our executive officers and directors, and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of our equity securities to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC. These persons are also required by SEC regulation to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely on our review of such forms or written representations from certain reporting persons, we believe that during 2006 our executive officers and directors complied with the filing requirements of Section 16(a), with the exception of the late filing of following reports (i) the Form 3s filed on October 5, 2006 by our directors Richard Rimer, Richard Giacco and Kevin Wren following their initial appointment to the Board in September 2006, (ii) a Form 4 filed by Mr. Moore on March 31, 2006, (iii) a Form 4 filed by Mr. Barth on July 26, 2006, and (iii) a Form 4 filed by Mr. Rimer on October 20, 2006. We have implemented measures to assure timely filing of Section 16(a) reports by our executive officers and directors in the future.
Code of Ethics
We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, and principal accounting officer or controller, and/or persons performing similar functions. Our code of ethics is incorporated by reference as an exhibit to this Annual Report.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Executive Compensation
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
The entire Board of Directors establishes the general compensation policies of the Company, the specific compensation levels for each executive officer, and administers the Company’s equity compensation plans and practices. The Company does not currently have a compensation committee.
The main objectives of the Company’s compensation structure including rewarding individuals for their respective contributions to the Company’s performance, establishing executive officers with a stake in the long-term success of the Company and providing compensation policies that will attract and retain qualified executive personnel.
Compensation of our executives has three primary components: (1) salary; (2) in certain cases a yearly cash incentive bonus; and (3) in almost all cases stock option awards. In addition, we provide our executives with benefits that are generally available to our salaried employees.
The Board of Directors determines the appropriate level of total compensation and of each component of compensation based on its determination in part as to the amount and type of compensation necessary to attract and retain the executive, overall company performance, individual performance and other considerations we deem relevant. Except as described below, our board of directors have not adopted any formal or informal policies, set formulas, or guidelines for setting total compensation for each executive or allocating compensation between cash and other currently paid-out compensation and other long-term forms of compensation. This is due to the small size of our executive team and the need to tailor each executive's award to attract and retain that executive. With respect to the periods covered by this discussion and analysis, the Board of Directors has also not utilized the services of compensation consultants and other experts.
For compensation decisions, including decisions regarding the grant of equity compensation relating to executive officers (other than our President and Chief Executive Officer), the Board of Directors typically considers the recommendations of our President and Chief Executive Officer.
The current intent of the Board of Directors is to perform a periodic review of the total compensation and the components thereof of its executive officers relative to the compensation paid by companies with whom we compete for executives.
We account for the equity compensation expense for our employees under the rules of SFAS No. 123R, which requires us to estimate and record an expense for each award of equity compensation over the service period of the award. We also record cash compensation as an expense at the time the obligation is accrued. Until we achieve sustained profitability, the availability to us of a tax deduction for compensation expense is not material to our financial position. We structure cash incentive bonus compensation so that it is taxable to our employees at the time it becomes available to them. It is not anticipated that any executive officer's annual cash compensation will exceed $1 million, and we have accordingly not made any plans to qualify for any compensation deductions under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.
Base Compensation
We fix the base salary of each of our executives at a level we believe enables us to hire and retain individuals in a competitive environment and rewards satisfactory individual performance and a satisfactory level of contribution to our overall business goals.
Cash Incentive Bonuses
Yearly cash incentive bonuses for our executive officers are established as part of their respective individual employment agreements to focus them on achieving key operational and financial objectives within a yearly time horizon. y Jacob Neuwirth, the President and Chief Executive Officer of our dsIT subsidiary has an employment agreement which provides for a cash incentive bonuses. Mr. Neuwirth is entitled to a performance bonus of 5% of dsIT’s net income (as defined) before tax as well as a salary increase if dsIT achieves certain performance targets. In 2006, Mr. Neuwirth did not earn any performance bonus in 2006 ($11,000 performance bonus was earned in 2005). Mr. Neuwirth did not attain the performance targets in 2006 (or 2005) to attain a salary increase.
Stock Options and Equity Awards
We utilize stock options to reward long-term performance and to ensure that our executive officers have a continuing stake in our long-term success. These options are intended to produce significant value for each executive if our performance is outstanding and if the executive has an extended tenure. Because, going forward, our executive officers are awarded stock options with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of our Common Stock on the date of grant, the determination of which is discussed below, these options will have value to our executive officers only if the market price of our Common Stock increases after the date of grant.
Authority to make stock option grants to executive officers rests with our board of directors. In determining the size of stock option grants to executive officers, our board of directors considers individual performance against the individual's objectives, the extent to which shares subject to previously granted options are vested and the recommendations of our Chief Executive Officer and other members of management.
In 2006, prior to the adoption of the 2006 Stock Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors and the 2006 Stock Incentive Plan, we issued a total of 1,035,000 non-plan options to certain of our directors and executive officers, the founder and director of our Paketeria affiliate, and our investor relations advisor.
In addition, during 2006, we modified the terms of previously awarded stock options. The terms of total of 392,500 options were modified as a result of the agreement to sell our former Databit subsidiary to Shlomie Morgenstern (the President of Databit). The modifications involved the adjustment of the expiration date of options granted to Databit employees and to Shlomie Morgenstern to be 18 months from the date of the transaction. Certain options granted to Shlomie Morgenstern also had their vesting period accelerated. In addition, the terms of 260,000 options previously granted to George Morgenstern (our former CEO and current Chairman of the Board) were modified in connection with the contract settlement agreement. Of those options, 200,000 had their expiration date extended to December 31, 2009 and 60,000 received accelerated vesting. Furthermore, 515,000 options which had been granted at a below market price in 2006 to our CEO, CFO and an investor relations advisor were modified so that the exercise price of those options were equal to the market price of our stock of the date of the original grant. In addition, the expiration date for 116,000 other options for employees and former employees were extended and 15,000 options for a former director had a price modification and extension of an expiration date.
Going forward, we expect that all equity awards to our directors, executive officers and employees (other than dsIT) will be made under our 2006 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors and 2006 Stock Incentive Plan.
In November 2006, we adopted a Key Employee Stock Option Plan for our dsIT Solutions Ltd. subsidiary. Under the plan, a committee of board members of dsIT, to initially be comprised of the entire board of directors of dsIT, was to be created for its administration.
On December 31, 2006, dsIT granted options to purchase 3,914 of its ordinary shares, to senior management and employees of dsIT (including an option to purchase 569 ordinary shares that was granted to Michael Barth, our CFO as well as the CFO of dsIT) under the plan. The options were granted with an exercise price of NIS 1.00 per share and are exercisable for a period of seven years. The options were fully vested and exercisable at the date of grant. The options were exercised in February 2007 and resulted in the reduction of our equity interest in dsIT from 80% to 58%.
On the same date, dsIT granted options to purchase 2,260 of its ordinary shares to senior management and employees of dsIT (including an option to purchase 190 ordinary shares granted to Michael Barth with an exercise price of $105.26) at exercise prices ranging from NIS 1.00 to $126.05 per share and exercisable for a period of seven years. These options vest and become exercisable only upon the occurrence of either an initial public offering of dsIT or a merger, acquisition, reorganization, consolidation or similar transaction involving dsIT. If and when these options become exercisable and are exercised, our equity interest in dsIT will be reduced from 58% to approximately 50%.
The purpose of the Key Employee Stock Option Plan for our dsIT Solutions Ltd. subsidiary and corresponding grants is to provide incentives to key employees of dsIT to further the growth, development and financial success of dsIT.
Severance and Change in Control Benefits
The President and Chief Executive Officer of dsIT and our CFO and each has a provision in his employment agreement providing for certain severance benefits in the event of termination without cause. The CEO also has as a provision providing for the acceleration of his then unvested options in the event of termination without cause following a change in our control. These severance and acceleration provisions are described in the "—Employment Agreements" section below, and certain estimates of these change of control benefits are provided in "Estimated Payments and Benefits Upon Termination" below.
Other Benefits
The President and Chief Executive Officer of dsIT and our CFO each receives company cars as well as payments to pension funds and education funds made on their behalves in accordance with their contracts which is substantially on the same basis as other Israeli executives.
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
The Board of Directors of Acorn Factor, Inc., which has no Compensation Committee, has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K with management and, based on such review and discussions, the Board of Directors has recommended that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF ACORN FACTOR, INC.
George Morgenstern
John A. Moore
Samuel M. Zentman
Richard J. Giacco
Richard Rimer
Kevin P. Wren
The following table sets forth for the periods indicated information concerning the compensation of our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and other officers who received in excess of $100,000 in salary and bonus during 2006 (the “named executive officers”):
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE | |
Name and Principal Position | | Year | | Salary ($) | | Bonus ($) | | Stock Awards ($) | | Options Awards ($) | | | | All Other Compensation ($) | | | |
John A. Moore President and Chief Executive Officer | | | 2006 | | | 131,750 | | | -- | | | -- | | | 675,744 | (1) | | | | | 11,669 | (2) | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
George Morgenstern Chairman of the Board and Chairman of the Board of dsIT | | | 2006 | | | 64,837 | | | -- | | | -- | | | 10,474 | (3) | | | | | 699,823 | (4) | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Jacob Neuwirth Chief Executive Officer of dsIT and President of dsIT | | | 2006 | | | 201,038 | | | 10,733 | (5) | | -- | | | -- | | | | | | 55,972 | (6) | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Michael Barth Chief Financial Officer and Chief Financial Officer of dsIT | | | 2006 | | | 95,250 | | | -- | | | -- | | | 57,912 | (7) | | | | | 18,463 | (6) | | | |
__________________
| |
(1) | Granted 400,000 stock options as of March 27, 2006 with an exercise price of $2.60 per share. |
(2) | Consists of (i) $4,669 in health insurance premiums and (ii) $7,000 in director’s fees. |
(3) | Granted 7,500 stock options as of October 3, 2006 with an exercise price of $3.28 per share. |
(4) | Consists of (i) $600,000 received as a lump-sum payment in exchange for a release by Mr. Morgenstern of the Company of any and all liability or obligation due him under his employment agreement (ii) $17,600 in contributions to a non-qualified retirement fund, (iii) $19,223 in life insurance premiums, and (iv) $13,000 in director’s fees. |
(5) | Performance bonus of $10,733 paid in 2006 on 2005 results. |
(6) | Consists of contributions to severance and pension funds and automobile fringe benefits. Contributions to severance and pension funds are made on substantially the same basis as those made on behalf of other Israeli executives. |
(7) | Granted 50,000 stock options as of July 21, 2006 with an exercise price of $3.00 per share. |
OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS
AT 2006 FISCAL YEAR END
Name | | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Exercisable | | Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options (#) Unexercisable | | Option Exercise Price ($) | | Option Expiration Date |
John A. Moore | | 300,000 | | 100,000 | (1) | 2.60 | | March 31, 2011 |
Michael Barth | | 4,000 3,333 16,666 | | 1,667 33,334 | (2) (3) | 4.75 0.91 3.00 | | May 31, 2007 December 31, 2009 July 31, 2011 |
George Morgenstern | | 150,000 50,000 180,000 | | 7,500 | (4) | 6.00 4.80 0.91 3.28 | | December 31, 2009 December 31, 2009 December 31, 2009 October 3, 2013 |
_______________________
| (1) | These options vest upon our share price achieving a five-day average closing market price of $5.00. |
| (2) | These options vest on June 30, 2007 |
| (3) | 16,667 of these options vest on each of December 31, 2007 and December 31, 2008. |
| (4) | These options vest on October 3, 2007. |
Compensation of Directors
Through the end of September 2006, each of our directors was paid $1,000 for each Board or committee meeting which he attended (except when a committee meeting was held on the same day as a Board meeting) and was reimbursed for associated out-of-pocket expenses. Mr. Kerbs, Dr. Zentman and Mr. Levine were each paid based upon a rate of $6,000 per annum plus meeting fees in connection with their service on the Board (and in the case of Mr. Levine and Dr. Zentman, on the Audit Committee). Mr. Yurman was paid $24,000 per annum plus meeting fees for his service on the Board and as Chairman of the Audit Committee.
Beginning in October 2006, it was agreed that non-employee directors (Dr. Zentman, Mr. Rimer, Mr. Giacco, Mr. Wren and Mr. Morgenstern) should receive a cash retainer of $20,000 payable quarterly in advance, as well as meeting fees for Board and Committee meetings of $500 per meeting.
In February 2007, our Board of Directors adopted two a new stock option plans for directors. The 2006 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors provides for formula grants to non-employee directors equal to an option to purchase (i) 25,000 shares of our Common Stock upon a member’s first appointment or election to the Board of Directors and (ii) 7,500 shares of our Common Stock to each director, other than newly appointed or elected directors, immediately following each annual meeting of stockholders. The option to purchase 25,000 shares of our Common Stock shall vest one-third per year for each of the three years following such date of appointment or election and the option for the purchase of 7,500 shares of the Company’s Common Stock shall fully vest one year from the date of grant. Both options shall be granted at an exercise price equal to the closing price on the OTCBB on the day preceding the date of grant and shall be exercisable until the earlier of (a) seven years from the date of grant or (b) 18 months from the date that the director ceases to be a director, officer, employee, or consultant. The plan also provides for non-formal grants at the our discretion. The maximum number of shares of our Common Stock to be issued under the plan is 200,000. Our Board of Directors is to administer the plan.
The following table sets forth the compensation paid by the Company to non-employee Directors for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006:
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION FOR 2006
Name | | Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($) | | Option Awards ($) (1) | | Total ($) | |
| | | | | | | |
Avi Kerbs (2) | | | 1,500 | | | -- | | | 1,500 | |
Elihu Levine (3) | | | 7,500 | | | -- | | | 7,500 | |
Shane Yurman (4) | | | 19,000 | | | 22,077 | | | 41,077 | |
Samuel M. Zentman (5) | | | 19,500 | | | 29,495 | | | 48,995 | |
Richard J. Giacco (6) | | | 6,000 | | | 8,362 | | | 14,362 | |
Richard Rimer (6) (7) | | | 6,000 | | | 68,017 | | | 72,017 | |
Kevin Wren (6) | | | 6,000 | | | 8,362 | | | 14,362 | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| (1) | Reflects the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006 in accordance with FAS 123(R), and thus includes amounts from awards granted in and prior to 2006. All options awarded to directors in 2006 remained outstanding at fiscal year-end. |
| (2) | Resigned as director on March 27, 2006. |
| (3) | Term as director ended on September 15, 2006. In December 2006, certain options received in the past were modified. The expiration date of these options was extended and the exercise price was adjusted to reflect the closing share price of our Common Stock on the date prior to the date of modification. We did not recognize any compensation expense in connection with the modification. |
| (4) | Term as director ended on September 15, 2006. Includes $18,000 fee as chair of the Audit Committee. |
| (5) | Option awards include an award of options for service as the lead director for Audit Committee matters. |
| (6) | Was voted in as a director on September 15, 2006. |
| (7) | Option awards includes an award of options for service as the lead director in charge of acquisitions. |
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
All matters related to the compensation of executive officers, including the Chief Executive Officer, are acted upon by the full Board of Directors.
In 2006, George Morgenstern served as the as President and Chief Executive Officer until March 2006 and was Chairman of our Board for the entire year. In March 2006, John Moore became our President and Chief Executive Officer. No member of the Board of Directors who was also one of our officers participated in any deliberations of the Board of Directors or any committee thereof relating to his own compensation or to the compensation of any person to whom he is related. Except as described in the preceding sentence, each member of the Board of Directors participated in the deliberations of the Board of Directors concerning executive officer compensation in 2006. During 2006, George Morgenstern engaged in transactions with us in which he was deemed to have an interest. For further information regarding these transactions please see “Item 13. Certain Relationships, Related Transactions and Director Independence” below.
Employment Arrangements
John A. Moore became our President and Chief Executive Officer in March 2006. During the period from March until October 2006, he did not have a formal employment contract and was being compensated at the rate of $120,000 per annum as approved by the Board of Directors. Effective October 2006, the Board approved annual compensation for Mr. Moore of $275,000 with standard benefits. The Board also approved in principle to provide Mr. Moore with a year-end performance bonus to commence in 2007 with performance targets to be established by the Board. To date, no performance targets have been set by the Board.
In March 2006, the Board also approved grants to Mr. Moore of an option to purchase 200,000 shares of our Common Stock at an exercise price of $2.00 per share, vesting on September 30, 2006 and expiring on March 31, 2011, and an option to purchase 200,000 shares of our Common Stock at an exercise price of $2.25 per share, vesting on March 30, 2009 and expiring on March 31, 2011; both subject to certain accelerated vesting provisions. The exercise price of both option grants was subsequently modified to $2.60, that being the market price of our shares on the date of the grant.
Through March 2006, George Morgenstern served as our Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer pursuant to an employment agreement dated as of January 1, 1997, as amended by the First Amendment to Employment Agreement dated as of May 17, 2001, the Second Amendment to Employment Agreement dated as of March 13, 2002, the Third Amendment to Employment Agreement dated as of December 30, 2004 and a Letter Agreement dated as of March 16, 2005 (collectively, the “GM Employment Agreement”).
On March 10, 2006 Mr. Morgenstern entered into an Amendment and Assignment of Employment Agreement with us in connection with the sale of our Databit subsidiary pursuant to which Databit assumed all remaining obligations under the GM Employment Agreement, subject to a lump sum payment by us of $600,000 to Mr. Morgenstern. In connection with the Amendment and Assignment, Mr. Morgenstern releases us from any further obligations under the GM Employment Agreement. Mr. Morgenstern has been retained as a consultant, presently engaged as Chairman of our Board, by way of a Consulting Agreement between himself and the Company dated March 10, 2006. Such agreement provides for the payment of an annual consulting payment of $1.00, the assumption by Databit of the remainder of the payments due under an auto loan after the one-time payment of $25,000 by the Company towards such loan, and a non-accountable expense allowance of $65,000 per year. For further information, see “Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” below.
Jacob Neuwirth serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of dsIT pursuant to an employment agreement dated as of December 16, 2001. Mr. Neuwirth’s employment agreement provides for a base salary which is denominated in Israeli Consumer Price Index linked NIS, currently equivalent to approximately $195,000 per annum. Mr. Neuwirth is entitled to a salary increase if dsIT achieves certain performance targets. In addition to his base salary, Mr. Neuwirth is entitled to receive a bonus payment equal to 5% of dsIT’s net profit before tax.
Under the terms of the employment agreement with Mr. Neuwirth, we are obligated to make certain payments upon termination or change in control. See “Estimated Payments and Benefits Upon Termination or Change in Control” below for details.
Under his employment agreement, Mr. Neuwirth is entitled to a loan of up to $100,000 from dsIT. As of December 31, 2005 the loan balance plus accrued interest which is denominated in linked NIS, bears interest at 4% and has no fixed maturity date, had an outstanding balance of $104,000.
Michael Barth has served as Chief Financial Officer of the Company and Chief Financial Officer of dsIT beginning December 1, 2006. In July 2006, the Board approved an annual salary of $100,000 for Mr. Barth retroactive to March 1, 2006. In July 2006, the Board also approved grants to Mr. Barth of an option to purchase 50,000 shares of our Common Stock at an exercise price of $2.65 per share, vesting one-third each on December 31, 2006, 2007 and 2008 and expiring on July 31, 2011. The exercise price of both option grants was subsequently modified to $3.00, that being the market price of our shares on the date of the grant.
Under the terms of the employment agreement with Mr. Barth, we are obligated to make certain payments upon termination or change in control. See “Estimated Payments and Benefits Upon Termination or Change in Control” below for details.
We do not sponsor any qualified or non-qualified defined benefit plans.
Nonqualified Deferred Compensation
We do not maintain any non-qualified defined contribution or deferred compensation plans. The board of directors may elect to provide our officers and employees with non-qualified defined contribution or deferred compensation benefits if it determines that doing so is in our best interests.
The amount of compensation and benefits payable to each named executive officer in various termination situations has been estimated in the tables below.
John A. Moore
The following table describes the potential payments and benefits upon termination of employment for Mr. Moore, our President and Chief Executive Officer, as if his employment terminated as of December 31, 2006, the last day of our last fiscal year.
| | Circumstances of Termination | |
Payments and benefits | | Voluntary resignation | | Termination not for cause | | Change of control | | Death or disability | |
| | | | | | | | | |
Compensation: | | | | | | | | | |
Base salary (1) | | | -- | | | -- | | | -- | | | -- | |
Benefits and perquisites: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Perquisites and other personal benefits | | | -- | | | -- | | | -- | | | -- | |
Acceleration of stock awards (2) | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Market value of stock vesting on termination | | | -- | | | -- | | | 87,000 | (3) | | -- | |
Total | | $ | -- | | $ | -- | | $ | 87,000 | | $ | -- | |
| (1) | Assumes that there is no earned but unpaid base salary at the time of termination. |
| (2) | Calculated on the year-end per share price of our stock ($3.47) |
| (3) | According to the terms of Mr. Moore’s options, upon a change of control, the remaining 100,000 unvested options that he has with an exercise price of $2.60 would accelerate their vesting |
Under the terms of the employment agreement with Mr. Neuwirth, we are obligated to make certain payments to fund in part our severance obligations to him. We are required to pay Mr. Neuwirth an amount equal to his last month's salary multiplied by the number of years (including partial years) that Mr. Neuwirth worked for us. This severance obligation, which is customary for executives of Israeli companies, will be reduced by the amount contributed by us to certain Israeli pension and severance funds pursuant to Mr. Neuwirth’s employment agreement. In addition, the agreement with Mr. Neuwirth provided for an additional payment equal to six times his last month’s total compensation, payable at the end of his employment with us. As of December 31, 2006, the unfunded portion of these payments was $214,000. If there is a change of control in dsIT or Acorn, Mr. Neuwirth is entitled to severance obligations equal to 150% of his last month's salary multiplied by the number of years (including partial years) that Mr. Neuwirth worked for us and an additional payment equal to six times his last month’s total compensation (a total of 12 months total compensation).
The following table describes the potential payments and benefits upon termination of employment for Mr. Neuwirth, the President and Chief Executive Officer of our dsIT subsidiary, as if his employment terminated as of December 31, 2006, the last day of our last fiscal year.
| | Circumstances of Termination |
Payments and benefits | | Voluntary resignation | | Termination not for cause | | Change of control | | Death or disability |
Compensation: | | | | | | | | | |
Base salary | | $ | 97,434 | (1) | $ | 97,434 | (1) | $ | 194,869 | (2) | $ | 97,434 | (1) |
Benefits and perquisites: | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Perquisites and other personal benefits | | $ | 216,705 | (3) | $ | 306,226 | | $ | 462,244 | (1) | $ | 306,226 | (4) |
Total | | $ | 314,139 | | $ | 403,660 | | $ | 657,113 | | $ | 403,660 | |
_______________
| (1) | Assumes that there is no earned but unpaid base salary at the time of termination. The $97,434 represents a parachute payment of six months salary due to Mr. Neuwirth or by death or disability. |
| (2) | Assumes that there is no earned but unpaid base salary at the time of termination. The $194,869 represents a parachute payment of 12 months salary due to Mr. Neuwirth upon a change of control. |
| (3) | Includes $168,758 of severance pay based on the amounts funded in for Mr. Neuwirth’s severance in accordance with Israeli labor law. Also includes accumulated, but unpaid vacation days ($21,069), car benefits ($7,101) and payments for pension and education funds ($19,778). |
| (4) | Includes $258,279 of severance pay in accordance with Israeli labor law calculated based on his last month’s salary multiplied by the number of years (including partial years) that Mr.. Neuwirth worked for us. Of the $258,279 due Mr. Neuwirth, we have funded $168,758 in an insurance fund. Also includes accumulated, but unpaid vacation days ($21,069), car benefits ($7,101) and payments for pension and education funds ($19,778). |
| (5) | Includes $387,418 of severance pay in accordance with Israeli labor law calculated based on his last month’s salary multiplied by the number of years (including partial years) that Mr.. Neuwirth worked for us multiplied by 150% in accordance with his contract, which calls for increased severance under a change of control. Of the $387,418 due Mr. Neuwirth, we have funded $168,758 in an insurance fund. Also includes accumulated, but unpaid vacation days ($21,069), car benefits ($14,201) and payments for pension and education funds ($39,556). |
Michael Barth
Under the terms of the employment agreement with Mr. Barth, we are obligated to make certain payments to fund in part our severance obligations to him. We were required to pay Mr. Barth an amount equal to 120% of his last month's salary multiplied by the number of years (including partial years) that Mr. Barth worked for us. This severance obligation, which is customary for executives of Israeli companies, was to be reduced by the amount contributed by us to certain Israeli pension and severance funds pursuant to Mr. Barth’s employment agreement. In addition, the agreement with Mr. Barth provided for an additional payment equal to six times his last month’s total compensation, payable at the end of his employment with us. As of December 31, 2006, the unfunded portion of these payments was $108,000.
The following table describes the potential payments and benefits upon termination of employment for Mr. Barth, our Chief Financial Officer, as if his employment terminated as of December 31, 2006, the last day of our last fiscal year.
| Circumstances of Termination |
Payments and benefits | | Voluntary resignation | | Termination not for cause | | Change of control | | Death or disability |
Compensation: | | | | | | | | | | | |
Base salary | | $ | 16,667 | (1) | | $ | 50,000 | (2) | | | -- | | $ | 50,000(2) | |
Benefits and perquisites: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Perquisites and other personal benefits | | $ | 48,001 | (3) | | $ | 101,153 | (3) | | | -- | | $ | 101,153(4) | |
Total | | $ | 64,668 | | | $ | 151,153 | | | $ | -- | | $ | 151,153 | |
| (1) | Assumes that there is no earned but unpaid base salary at the time of termination. The $16,667 represents a parachute payment of two months salary due to Mr. Barth. |
| (2) | Assumes that there is no earned but unpaid base salary at the time of termination. The $50,000 represents a parachute payment of 6 months salary due to Mr. Barth upon termination without cause or by death or disability. |
| (3) | Includes $28,690 of severance pay based on the amounts funded in for Mr. Barth’s severance in accordance with Israeli labor law. Also includes accumulated, but unpaid vacation days ($13,978), car benefits ($1,750) and payments for pension and education funds ($3,583). |
| (4) | Includes $71,175 of severance pay in accordance with Israeli labor law calculated based on his last month’s salary multiplied by the number of years (including partial years) that Mr.. Barth worked for us multiplied by 120% in accordance with his contract, which calls for increased severance upon termination without cause. Of the $71,175 due Mr. Barth, we have funded $28,690 in an insurance fund. Also includes accumulated, but unpaid vacation days ($13,978), car benefits ($5,250) and payments for pension and education funds ($10,750). |
The following table and notes set forth information, as of April 10, 2007, concerning beneficial ownership of Common Stock by (i) each director of the Company, (ii) each of the executive officers of the Company (iii) all executive officers and directors of the Company as a group, and (iv) each holder of 5% or more of the Company’s outstanding shares of Common Stock:
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner(1)(2) | | Number of Shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned(2) | | Percentage of Common Stock Outstanding (2) |
George Morgenstern | | 474,554(3) | | 4.8% |
Howard Gutzmer 5550 Oberlin Drive San Diego, CA 92121 | | 647,328(4) | | 6.8% |
Richard Giacco | | 1,000 | | * |
Richard Rimer | | 46,500(6) | | * |
Kevin Wren | | 5,000 | | -- |
Samuel M. Zentman | | 39,121(7) | | * |
Jacob Neuwirth | | 57,870 | | * |
John A. Moore | | 720,877 (8) | | 7.3% |
Michael Barth | | 30,932(9) | | * |
All executive officers and directors of the Company as a group (8 people) | | 1,345,920 | | 13.09% |
_____________
Based upon 9,556,659 shares outstanding.
* Less than 1%
| (1) | Unless otherwise indicated, the address for each of the beneficial owners listed in the table is in care of the Company, 200 Route 17, Mahwah, NJ 07430. |
| (2) | Unless otherwise indicated, each person has sole investment and voting power with respect to the shares indicated. For purposes of this table, a person or group of persons is deemed to have “beneficial ownership” of any shares as of a given date which such person has the right to acquire within 60 days after such date. Percentage information is based on the number of shares outstanding as of April 10, 2007. |
| (3) | Includes (i) 380,000 currently exercisable options, and (ii) 49,439 shares owned by Mr. Morgenstern’s wife. |
| (4) | Based on information in Amendment No. 1 to Schedule 13D filed on January 26, 2006. Consists of (i) 500,317 shares owned by the Gutzmer Family Trust, of which Mr. Gutzmer is a co-trustee; (ii) 73,450 shares held in an IRA for Mr. Gutzmer’s wife, with Mr. Gutzmer as Custodian; (iii) 13,756 shares owned by a corporation of which Mr. Gutzmer is an executive officer, director and principal shareholder. |
| (5) | Includes 25,000 currently exercisable options. |
| (7) | Includes (i) 32,500 currently exercisable options and (ii) 1,324 shares issuable upon exercise of warrants. |
| (8) | Includes 340,000 currently exercisable options. |
| (9) | Consists of (i) 25,998 currently exercisable options, (ii) 3,289 shares issuable upon conversion of debenture, and (iii) 1,645 shares issuable upon exercise of warrants. |
EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION
The table below provides certain information concerning our equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2006.
Plan Category | | Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights (a) | | Weighted-average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights (b) | | Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (Excluding Securities Reflected in Column (a) (c) |
Equity Compensation Plans Approved by Security Holders | | 1,163,000 | | $2.89 | | 335,000(1) |
Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved by Security Holders(2) | | 412,335 | | $1.32 | | 0 |
Total | | 1,575,335 | | $2.48 | | 335,000 |
__________________________
| (1) | This number reflects the number of shares available for issuance under the 1994 Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors (the “1994 Plan”). With the exception of the 1994 plan, all Company plans have expired. |
| (2) | All grants were made under our 1995 Stock Option Plan for Non-Management Employees (the “1995 Plan”). The 1995 Plan, which recently expired, provided for grants of options to our employees, officers or consultants, excluding directors and executive officers. The maximum aggregate number of shares that could be issued upon the exercise of options granted under the 1995 Plan was 870,225. For more information about the 1995 Plan please see the plan, as amended, filed as an exhibit to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004. |
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS, RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Transactions With Related Persons
During 2006, we paid approximately $473,000 for legal services rendered and reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses to Eilenberg & Krause LLP, a law firm in which Sheldon Krause, a former director and our Secretary and General Counsel, is a member. Such fees related to services rendered by Mr. Krause and other members and employees of his firm, as well as certain special and local counsel retained and supervised by his firm who performed services on our behalf. Mr. Krause is the son-in-law of George Morgenstern, our Chairman of the Board, who up until March 2006, also served as our President and Chief Executive Officer.
In December 2006, John Moore, our CEO lent us $300,000 on a note payable for a period of six months. The note bears interest at the rate of 9.5% during the time it was outstanding. We have the right to repay the note at any time prior to maturity. The note shall become immediately due and payable to the extent we raise proceeds through any equity or debt financing transaction or from the sale of shares of Comverge Inc.
In August 2007, as part of our initial investment in Paketeria, we also entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement with two shareholders of Paketeria—one of whom is our President and Chief Executive Officer and the other who is one of our directors. Pursuant to that agreement, we are entitled through August 2007 to purchase the shares of Paketeria held by the two Paketeria shareholders for an aggregate purchase price of the US dollar equivalent on the date of purchase of €598,000 (approximately $758,000 at the current exchange rate), payable our Common Stock and warrants on the same terms as our July 2006 private placement.
On March 10, 2006 we entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of March 9, 2006 (the “Stock Purchase Agreement”), for the sale of all the outstanding capital stock of our Databit subsidiary to Shlomie Morgenstern. The transactions contemplated under the SPA, and the related transactions to which we, Shlomie Morgenstern and George Morgenstern were a party and which are described herein (collectively, the “Transactions”), were consummated on March 10, 2006 with the approval of the Company’s Board of Directors and included the following:
(a) Termination of the Employment Agreement dated August 19, 2004 among Shlomie Morgenstern, Databit and us and our release from any and all liability thereunder (other than under the related stock option and restricted stock agreements which would be modified as provided described below), including the waiver by Shlomie Morgenstern of any and all severance or change of control payments to which he would have been entitled to thereunder.
(b) Amendment of the option and restricted stock agreements between us and Shlomie Morgenstern to provide for acceleration of any unvested grants on the closing of the Transactions and for all options to be exercisable through 18 months from the closing.
(c) The assignment to and assumption by Databit of our obligations to George Morgenstern under the GM Employment Agreement upon the following terms:
(i) Reduction of the amounts owed to George Morgenstern under the GM Employment Agreement by the lump sum payment described below and the modifications to options and restricted stock agreements described below.
(ii) The release of us, by George Morgenstern, from any and all liability and obligations to him under the GM Employment Agreement, subject to a lump sum payment of $600,000.
(d) The assumption by Databit of our obligations under the our leases for the premises in New York City and Mahwah, New Jersey, which provide for aggregate rents of approximately $450,000 over the next three years.
(e) The delivery by John A. Moore and the other reporting persons on the Schedule 13D dated June 30, 2005 (filed July 11, 2005), as amended, of consent agreements manifesting approval of the Transactions and their fairness, and agreeing not to institute any claims against the parties to the Transactions arising from the Transactions, subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions specified in such consents.
(f) The amendment of the option agreement with George Morgenstern dated December 30, 2004 to provide for the acceleration of the 60,000 options that are not currently vested and the extension of the exercise period for all options held by George Morgenstern to the later of (i) September 2009 and (ii) 18 months after the cessation of service under the new consulting agreement described below.
(g) The execution and delivery by George Morgenstern of a new consulting agreement for a period of two years, pursuant to which George Morgenstern would serve us as a consultant, primarily to assist in the management of our dsIT subsidiary, such agreement to provide for compensation of $1.00 per year plus a non-accountable expense allowance of $65,000 per year to cover expected costs of travel and other expenses.
It is the unwritten policy of the Company that before a transaction with a related party will be entered into, it must receive the approval of a majority of the disinterested members of the Board of Directors. In determining whether or not a transaction involves a related party we apply the definition provided under Item 404 of Regulation S-K.
All of the above transactions received the unanimous approval of the disinterested members of our Board of Directors.
Director Independence
Applying the definition of independence provided under the Nasdaq Marketplace Rules, with the exception of Mr. Moore and Mr. Rimer, all of the members of the Board of Directors are independent. Applying Marketplace Rules, Mr. Moore would not be deemed independent because he is an employee of the Company and Mr. Rimer would not be deemed independent because he is director in charge of acquisitions, for which he receives compensation outside of the ordinary fees paid to board members.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
Accounting Fees
Aggregate fees billed by our principal accountant during the last two fiscal years are as follows:
| | 2005 | | 2006 | |
| | | | | |
Audit Fees | | $ | 117,000 | | $ | 94,000 | |
Audit- Related Fees | | | 24,000 | | | 29,000 | |
Tax Fees | | | -- | | | -- | |
Other Fees | | | 67,000 | | | 36,000 | |
Total | | $ | 208,000 | | $ | 159,000 | |
Audit Fees were for professional services rendered for the audits of the consolidated financial statements of the Company, statutory and subsidiary audits, assistance with review of documents filed with the SEC, consents, and other assistance required to be performed by our independent accountants.
Audit Related Fees were for assurance and related services.
Other Fees were for services related to a response letter to the SEC and for reviewing registration statements. Other fees in 2005 were for services related to the sale of our dsIT Technologies Ltd. subsidiary and services related to response letters to the SEC.
Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures
The Audit Committee’s current policy is to pre-approve all audit and non-audit services that are to be performed and fees to be charged by our independent auditor to assure that the provision of these services does not impair the independence of the auditor. The Audit Committee was in compliance with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 regarding the pre-approval of all audit and non-audit services and fees by the mandated effective date of May 6, 2003. The Audit Committee pre-approved all audit and non-audit services rendered by our principal accountant in 2006 and 2005.
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a)(1) List of Financial Statements of the Registrant
The consolidated financial statements of the Registrant and the report thereon of the Registrant’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm are included in this Annual Report beginning on page F-1.
Report of Kesselman & Kesselman
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2005 and 2006
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity (Capital Deficiency) for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(a)(2) List of Financial Statement Schedules
Financial Statement Schedules:
The financial statement schedule of the Registrant and the report thereon of the Registrant’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm are included in this Annual Report beginning on page F-1.
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
(a)(3) List of Exhibits
No. | |
3.1 | Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, with amendments thereto (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-70482) (the “1993 Registration Statement”)). |
3.2 | By-laws of the Registrant (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File No. 33-44027) (the “1992 Registration Statement”)). |
3.3 | Amendments to the By-laws of the Registrant adopted December 27, 1994 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.3 of the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated January 10, 1995). |
4.1 | Specimen certificate for the Common Stock (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the 1992 Registration Statement). |
4.2 | Warrant to Purchase Common Stock of the Registrant, dated October 12, 1999 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.4 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2000 (the “2000 10-K”)). |
4.3 | Securities Purchase Agreement, dated as of June 11, 2002, by and among the Registrant, Databit, Inc. and Laurus Master Fund, Ltd. (“Laurus”) (including the forms of convertible note and warrant) (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated June 11, 2002). |
4.4 | Purchase and Security Agreement, dated as of December 4, 2002, made by and between Comverge (“Comverge”) and Laurus (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 5, 2002 (the “December 2002 8-K”)). |
4.5 | Convertible Note, dated December 4, 2002, made by and among Comverge, Laurus and, as to Articles III and V only, the Registrant (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the December 2002 8-K). |
4.6 | Common Stock Purchase Warrant, dated December 5, 2002, issued by the Registrant to Laurus (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the December 2002 8-K). |
4.7 | Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of December 4, 2002, by and between the Registrant and Laurus (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the December 2002 8-K). |
4.8 | Form of Warrant (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006). |
#4.9 | Form of Convertible Debenture. |
#4.10 | Form of Warrant. |
10.1 | Employment Agreement between the Registrant and George Morgenstern, dated as of January 1, 1997 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 (the “1997 10-K”)).* |
10.2 | Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Yacov Kaufman, dated as of January 1, 1999 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.22 of the Registrants Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 (the “1999 10-K”)).* |
10.3 | 1991 Stock Option Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the 1992 Registration Statement).* |
10.4 | 1994 Stock Incentive Plan, as amended. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004(the “2004 10-K”)).* |
10.5 | 1994 Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors, as amended (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995 (the “1995 10-K”)).* |
10.6 | 1995 Stock Option Plan for Non-management Employees, as amended (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the 2004 10-K).* |
10.7 | Agreement dated January 26, 2002, between the Registrant and Bounty Investors LLC (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the 2000 10-K). |
10.8 | Lease Agreement, dated February 5, 2002, between Duke-Weeks Realty Limited Partnership and Comverge, (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.13 to the 2000 10-K). |
10.9 | Share Purchase Agreement, dated as of November 29, 2001, by and among the Registrant, Decision Systems Israel Ltd., Endan IT Solutions Ltd., Kardan Communications Ltd., Neuwirth Investments Ltd., Jacob Neuwirth (Noy) and Adv. Yossi Avraham, as Trustee for Meir Givon (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 13, 2001). |
10.10 | Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of December 13, 2002, by and among the Registrant, Kardan Communications Ltd. and Adv. Yossi Avraham, as Trustee for Meir Givon (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated December 13, 2002). |
10.11 | First Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of May 17, 2002, by and between the Registrant and George Morgenstern (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.23 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2001.* |
10.12 | Agreement, dated as of February 25, 2003, between the Registrant and J.P. Turner & Company, L.L.C. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.25 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 (the “2002 10-K”). |
10.13 | Second Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of March 12, 2002, between the Registrant and George Morgenstern (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2002).* |
10.14 | Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of June 1, 2002, between the Registrant and Yacov Kaufman (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2002).* |
10.15 | Preferred Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of April 7, 2003, by and among Comverge, the Registrant and the other investors named therein (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to the 2002 10-K). |
10.16 | Investors’ Rights Agreement, dated as of April 7, 2003, by and among Comverge, the Registrant and the investors and Comverge management named therein (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to the 2002 10-K). |
10.17 | Co-Sale and First Refusal Agreement, dated as of April 7, 2003, by and among Comverge, the Registrant and the investors and stockholders named therein (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to the 2002 10-K). |
10.18 | Voting Agreement, dated as of April 7, 2003, by and among Comverge, the Registrant and the other investors named therein (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to the 2002 10-K). |
10.19 | Letter Agreement, dated as of April 1, 2003, by and between the Registrant and Laurus (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to the 2002 10-K). |
10.20 | Employment Agreement dated as of August 19, 2004 and effective as of January 1, 2004 by and between the Registrant and Shlomie Morgenstern (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004).* |
10.21 | Restricted Stock Award Agreement dated as of August 19, 2004, by and between the Registrant and Shlomie Morgenstern (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004).* |
10.22 | Stock Option Agreement dated as of August 19, 2004, by and between Shlomie Morgenstern and the Registrant (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004).* |
10.23 | Second Amended and Restated Co-Sale And First Refusal Agreement dated as of October 26, 2004, by and among Comverge, Inc., the Registrant and other persons party thereto (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2004). |
10.24 | Third Amendment to Employment Agreement, dated as of December 30, 2004, between the Registrant and George Morgenstern(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.34 of the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004 (the “2004 10-K”).* |
10.25 | Form of Stock Option Agreement to employees under the 1994 Stock Incentive Plan(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.35 of the 2004 10-K). |
10.26 | Form of Stock Option Agreement under the 1994 Stock Option Plan for Outside Directors (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.36 of the 2004 10-K). |
10.27 | Form of Stock Option Agreement under the 1995 Stock Option Plan for Nonmanagement Employees (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.37 of the 2004 10-K). |
10.28 | Stock Option Agreement dated as of December 30, 2004 by and between George Morgenstern and the Registrant (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.38 of the 2004 10-K).* |
10.29 | Stock Option Agreement dated as of December 30, 2004 by and between Yacov Kaufman and the Registrant (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.39 of the 2004 10-K).* |
10.30 | Stock Option Agreement dated as of December 30, 2004 by and between Sheldon Krause and the Registrant (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.35 of the 2004 10-K).* |
10.31 | Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of March 9, 2006 by and between Shlomie Morgenstern, Databit Inc., and Data Systems & Software Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 16, 2006 (the “2006 8-K”)). |
10.32 | Termination and Release Agreement dated as of March 9, 2006 by and between Shlomie Morgenstern and Data Systems and Software Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit A to Exhibit 10.1 to the 2006 8-K).* |
10.33 | Amendment Agreement to GM Employment Agreement dated as of March 9, 2006 by and between George Morgenstern and Data Systems & Software Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit B to Exhibit 10.1 to the 2006 8-K).* |
10.34 | Amendment Agreement to Purchaser Option Agreements and Restricted Stock Award Agreement dated as of March 9, 2006 by and between Shlomie Morgenstern and Data System’s and Software Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit C to Exhibit 10.1 to the 2006 8-K).* |
10.35 | Amendment Agreement to GM Option Agreements and Restricted Stock Agreement dated as of March 9, 2006 by and between George Morgenstern and Data System’s & Software Inc. (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit D to Exhibit 10.1 to the 2006 8-K).* |
10.36 | Consulting Agreement dated as of March 9, 2006 by and between George Morgenstern and Data Systems & Software Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit E to Exhibit 10.1 to the 2006 8-K).* |
10.37 | Form of Consent Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit F to Exhibit 10.1 to the 2006 8-K.). |
10.38 | Form of Subscription Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006). |
10.39 | Placement Agent Agreement between First Montauk Securities Corp. and the Registrant dated June 13, 2006 (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2006). |
10.40 | Form of Common Stock Purchase Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 17, 2006 ( the “August 2006 8-K“)). |
10.41 | Form of Note Purchase Agreement with Form of Convertible Promissory Note attached (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the August 2006 8-K). |
10.42 | Form of Stock Purchase Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the August 2006 8-K). |
10.43 | Form of Investors’ Rights Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the August 2006 8-K). |
10.44 | Form of Non-Plan Option Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the August 2006 8-K).* |
10.45 | Acorn Factor, Inc. 2006 Stock Option Plan for Non-Employee Directors (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K dated February 8, 2007 (the “February 2007 8-K”).* |
10.46 | Acorn Factor, Inc. 2006 Stock Incentive Plan (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the February 2007 8-K).* |
#10.47 | Form of Subscription Agreement. |
#10.48 | Placement Agent Agreement between First Montauk Securities Corp. and the Registrant dated June 13, 2006. |
14.1 | Code of Ethics of the Registrant (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 14.1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003). |
21.1 | List of subsidiaries (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 21.1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005). |
#23.1 | Consent of Kesselman & Kesselman CPA. |
#31.1 | Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
#31.2 | Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
#32.1 | Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
#32.2 | Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
_________________
* This exhibit includes a management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement in which one or more directors or executive officers of the Registrant participate.
# This Exhibit is filed or furnished herewith. (These exhibits have not been provided with this Report, but can be found as exhibits Company’s originally filed Annual Report on Form 10-K and the Amendment thereto on Form10-K/A for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005.)
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, in the Township of Mahwah, State of New Jersey, on April 16, 2007.
| By: | Acorn Factor, Inc. /s/ John A. Moore John A. Moore |
| | President and Chief Executive Officer |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant, in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature | | Title | Date |
| | | |
/s/ John A. Moore | | | |
John A. Moore | | President; Chief Executive Officer; and Director | April 16, 2007 |
| | | |
/s/ George Morgenstern | | | |
George Morgenstern | | Chairman of the Board and Director | April 16, 2007 |
/s/ Michael Barth | | | |
Michael Barth | Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) | April 16, 2007 |
/s/ Samuel M. Zentman | | | |
Samuel M. Zentman | | Director | April 16, 2007 |
| | | |
/s/ Richard J. Giacco | | | |
Richard J. Giacco | | Director | April 16, 2007 |
| | | |
| | | |
Richard Rimer | | Director | April 16, 2007 |
| | | |
/s/ Kevin Wren | | | |
| | | |
| | |