UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K/A
Amendment No. 1
Original filed August 11, 2006
ANNUAL REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended February 28, 2006
Commission file number 033-25900
ASCENDIA BRANDS, INC.
(Formerly Cenuco, Inc.)
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware |
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75-2228820 |
(State or other jurisdiction of |
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(I.R.S. Employer |
100 American Metro Boulevard |
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08619 |
(Address of principal executive Offices) |
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(Zip Code) |
(609) 219-0930
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Act: |
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Title of each class |
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Name of exchange on which registered |
Common Stock |
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American Stock Exchange |
Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
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o Yes |
x No |
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act.
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o Yes |
x No |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Exchange Act during the past 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.
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x Yes |
o No |
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this Chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrants knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.
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 and large accelerated filer in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one).
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).
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o Yes |
x No |
The aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant, based on the closing sale price of its common stock on August 26, 2005, the last business day of the Companys second quarter for the current fiscal year, as quoted on the American Stock Exchange, was approximately $28,620,943.*
As of June 22, 2007, 41,779,840 shares of common stock, par value $.001 per share, were outstanding.
* Calculated by excluding all shares that may be deemed to be beneficially owned by executive officers and directors of the Registrant, without conceding that all such persons are affiliates of the Registrant for purposes of the federal securities laws.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I |
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1 | |
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ITEM 1. |
BUSINESS |
1 |
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ITEM 1A. |
RISK FACTORS |
10 |
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ITEM 1B. |
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS |
15 |
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ITEM 2. |
PROPERTIES |
15 |
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ITEM 3. |
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS |
15 |
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ITEM 4. |
SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS |
16 |
PART II |
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16 | |
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ITEM 5. |
MARKET FOR REGISTRANTS COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES |
16 |
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ITEM 6. |
SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA |
17 |
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ITEM 7. |
MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
18 |
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ITEM 7A. |
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK |
29 |
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ITEM 8. |
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA |
29 |
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ITEM 9. |
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE |
30 |
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ITEM 9A. |
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES |
30 |
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ITEM 9B. |
OTHER INFORMATION |
30 |
PART III |
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31 | |
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ITEM 10. |
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF REGISTRANT |
31 |
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ITEM 11. |
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION |
34 |
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ITEM 12. |
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS |
37 |
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ITEM 13. |
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS |
40 |
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ITEM 14. |
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES |
41 |
PART IV |
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42 | |
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ITEM 15. |
EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES |
42 |
SIGNATURES |
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45 |
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Annual Report includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the Exchange Act). These statements are based on managements beliefs and assumptions, and on information currently available to management. Forward-looking statements include the information concerning possible or assumed future results of operations of the Company set forth under the heading Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. Forward-looking statements also include statements in which words such as expect, anticipate, intend, plan, believe, estimate, consider or similar expressions are used.
Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. They involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The Companys future results and shareholder values may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements.
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This amendment to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2006 (Annual Form 10-K/A) filed on August 11, 2006 reflects a restatement of the Consolidated Financial Statements of Ascendia Brands, Inc. (formerly, Cenuco, Inc.) as of and for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2006.
The restatement relates to the following adjustments:
1. As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, to revise the purchase price paid in connection with the Merger to correctly comply with the provisions of SFAS 141 and EITF 99-12. The revised purchase price reflects the use of the market value of the Companys stock based on March 16, 2005, the date of the Merger Agreement and announcement instead of May 20, 2005, the effective date of the Merger. This increases the purchase price and the amount of goodwill by $18,700,756. In the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended February 28, 2006, The Company determined that there was an impairment of the goodwill with respect to this reporting unit. As such, the impairment loss recorded in the fourth quarter for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2006 will be increased by $18,700,756 and is reflected in this amended Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2006.
2. As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, to include the impact of a deemed dividend to holders of Series A Preferred Stock in the amount of $653,659. This results from a beneficial conversion feature with respect to the Series A Preferred Stock. The impact to common stockholders is to increase the loss by $653,659 to $47,732,837 for purposes of calculating loss per share.
3. As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, to reclassify amortization expense of $1,249,315 with respect to indentifiable intangible assets from for selling, general and administrative expense to cost of goods sold.
In addition to the above restatements and as more fully disclosed at Note 11(c), net loss per Series A Preferred share for periods prior to the reverse acquisition of Cenuco, Inc. on May 20, 2005 is presented to retrospectively reflect the number of equivalent shares received by HACI unitholders in connection with the reverse acquisition.
This Annual Form 10-K/A is being filed for purposes of amending the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2006 (Annual Form 10-K) of the Company, which was originally filed on August 11, 2006, and provides information about the financial results for the fiscal years ended February 28, 2006 (as restated as described above) and February 28, 2005.
The following items have been amended as a result of the restatement:
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Part I - Item 1 - Consolidated Financial Statements |
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Part I - Item 2 - Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
The Company has supplemented Item 6 of Part II to include current certifications of the Companys chief executive officer and chief financial officer pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, filed as Exhibits 31.1, 31.2 and 32 to this Third Quarter Form 10-Q/A.
The financial information that is included in this Annual Form 10-K/A has been corrected as part of the restatement described above. This restatement is only related to the fiscal year ended February 28, 2006. All amounts included in this report as of and for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2005 are not affected by the restatement. No attempt has been made in this Form 10-K/A to modify or update other disclosures presented in the original report on Form 10-K except as required to reflect the effects of the restatement. Information in this Annual Form 10-K/A is generally stated as of February 28, 2006 and generally does not reflect any subsequent information or events other than the restatement.
With the filing of this Annual Form 10-K/A, the Company has amended the Annual Form 10-K. Accordingly, the Companys Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2006 and the related financial information contained in the Annual Form 10-K should no longer be relied upon.
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Ascendia Brands, Inc. (Ascendia, the Company, the Registrant, we or us) manufactures, markets and distributes a portfolio of nationally and internationally recognized branded products in the health and beauty care categories. The brand portfolio includes Baby Magic®, Binaca®, Mr. Bubble®, Lander®, Lander essentials, Ogilvie®, Tek®, Dentax®, Dorothy Gray® and Tussy®. These products compete in the Bath Products, Baby Toiletries, Deodorant/Antiperspirant, Home Permanent Treatment, Mouthwash, Portable Breath Sprays and Drops, Manual Toothbrush, and Skin Care space within the personal care products market. Ascendia sells its brands through a variety of channels, concentrating on mass merchandisers, drug stores, supermarkets (mass, drug, food), and dollar store outlets. This strategy allows us to offer consumers brands in the outlets most often shopped for these product categories. Within the consumer products market, Ascendias brands hold either the number one or number two market position within the space in which we compete, as shown below:
Ascendias Major Brands Market Position.
Major Brand |
Space |
Market Position |
Mr. Bubble |
Childrens Bath |
#1 |
Lander, Lander essentials |
Basic Bath |
#1 |
Baby Magic/ Lander |
Baby Toiletries |
#2 |
Ogilvie |
Home Permanents |
#1 |
Binaca |
Portable Breath Freshening |
#2 |
Source: Information Resources, Inc., 4Q 2005.
Strategically, Ascendia limits its distribution to traditional mass, drug, food and dollar store retail venues; we do not currently participate in online, specialty retail, club stores or direct-to-consumer outlets. We continue to seek increased access to retail shelf space and distribution points that can provide enhanced profit margins for Ascendia while also providing good value for consumers. We anticipate that, in the long term, distribution in lower profit margin retail outlets will be scaled down in favor of sales through higher margin retail outlets.
The Company focuses internal resources on product development, manufacturing, distribution, marketing and sales. Ascendia utilizes these core competencies in conjunction with our experienced management team to increase sales and profits. The Company expects to achieve growth through a combination of increased market penetration from existing products in addition to strategic acquisitions.
The Company is also engaged in the development of remote video streaming applications, through its Cenuco Wireless subsidiary.
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Corporate Structure
On May 9, 2006 the Company (previously known as Cenuco, Inc.) changed its name to Ascendia Brands, Inc. The chart below depicts the current structure of Ascendia and its direct and indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries, and the discussion that follows summarizes the functions and role of each company in this group.
Ascendia Brands, Inc. (Ascendia, the Company, the Registrant, we or us). The Company is a holding company, organized under Delaware law, with its executive offices in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. It owns directly the stock of Hermes Acquisition Company I LLC and Cenuco, Inc. The Companys common stock is listed on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol ASB. Prior to the change in the Companys name to Ascendia Brands, Inc. the Companys common stock was quoted on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol ICU.
Hermes Acquisition Company I LLC (HACI). Hermes is a Delaware limited liability company that acts as the holding company for the Companys health and beauty care division.
Ascendia Brands Co., Inc. (Ascendia Brands). Ascendia Brands is a New Jersey corporation with its executive offices in Lawrenceville, New Jersey. As of May 1, 2006, Ascendia Brands assumed the manufacturing and distribution operations formerly conducted through Lander Co., Inc. (see, infra). As the successor to Lander Co., Inc., Ascendia Brands manufactures and sells branded health and beauty care products in the value and premium value categories, through mass market retailers (such as Wal-Mart and K-Mart), dollar stores, supermarkets and pharmacies. Ascendias brands include Baby Magic, Binaca, Mr. Bubble, Lander, Lander essentials, Ogilvie, Tek, Dentax, Dorothy Gray and Tussy. Ascendia Brands operates a manufacturing plant in Binghamton, New York, which is leased from a related party, Ascendia Real Estate LLC.
Lander Co., Inc. (Lander). Lander is a Delaware corporation with its executive offices in Wilmington, Delaware. During the period ended February 28, 2006, Lander was the principal operating company in Ascendias health and beauty care division. Following the transition of manufacturing and distribution activities to Ascendia Brands, Lander acts as an intellectual property holding company for trademarks and other intellectual property associated with the Lander brands.
Lander Co. Canada Ltd (Lander Canada). Lander Canada, a Canadian limited company, is the Canadian manufacturing and distribution arm of Ascendias health and beauty care division. Lander Canada operates a manufacturing facility in Toronto, Ontario, which it leases from a third party.
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Ascendia Real Estate LLC (f/k/a Hermes Real Estate I LLC) (Ascendia Real Estate). Ascendia Real Estate, a New York limited liability company, is a real estate holding company. Its sole asset is the Binghamton plant, which it leases to Ascendia Brands.
Lander Intangibles Corporation (Lander Intangibles). Lander Intangibles is a Delaware corporation with its executive offices in Wilmington, Delaware. Lander Intangibles is an intellectual property holding company that was formed to acquire and hold certain of the intellectual property that the Company purchased from Playtex Products Inc. and its affiliates (Playtex) on November 16, 2005.
Cenuco, Inc. (Cenuco Wireless). Cenuco Wireless is a Florida corporation with executive offices in Boca Raton. Cenuco Wireless develops and markets wireless data applications, with a focus on live video streaming to cellular devices across any carrier or handset platform.
Health and Beauty Care Division
Introduction
Ascendia Brands and its Canadian affiliate, Lander Canada manufacture, market and distribute value and premium value branded health and beauty care products in the United States and Canada, and in 90 countries throughout the Americas, Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Ascendias growing range of product offerings includes branded bath care, baby care, oral care and skin & hair care products. Additionally, through its Canadian facility, Lander Canada produces a line of private label brands for a limited number of large Canadian retail chains.
Ascendia Brands traces its history to the formation of Lander in 1920. Lander was the first value brand cosmetics company in the U.S. In the 1930s and 1940s, Lander introduced perfumes such as Romantic Days (in 1943), and Samezi-Soir (in 1950). By the 1950s, Lander owned and controlled over thirty brand names and four subsidiaries, including Lundborg Perfumers Inc. and Mac Gregor Mens Toiletries Inc. Lander began sales in Canada in 1947. A family-owned company for over 40 years, Lander was acquired in 1964 by what is now Bristol Myers Squibb. In 1968, ownership passed to Scott Chemical Co., Inc., and in 1994 Claneil Enterprises, Inc. purchased Lander. In 2003 the Hermes Group LLC, a Princeton, NJ-based private equity company, purchased Lander from Claneil. In May 2005, Hermes/Lander merged with Cenuco, Inc.
Ascendia has inherited Landers position as Americas leading manufacturer of quality value-brand health and beauty care products. Ascendia has sought to expand its offerings of premium products both through organic growth (including the launch in 2005 of its successful Lander essentials; 3in1 range of products), as well as through the acquisition of brands that offer a strategic fit with Ascendias business model and core competencies.
Acquisition of Brands from Playtex |
On November 16, 2005, Ascendia completed the acquisition of the Baby Magic, Mr. Bubble, Ogilvie, Binaca, Dorothy Gray, Tussy and Tek brands from Playtex.. The acquisition of these additional brands created commercial, operational and distribution synergies with the Companys existing manufacturing and distribution infrastructure. The acquired brands are positioned in product categories in which Ascendia Brands already has an established and significant extreme value leadership position. Management believes that combining marketing, sales, manufacturing and distribution of the former Playtex brands and the Lander brands will enable us to realize manufacturing and distribution efficiencies. More specifically, it gives us access to retailers with which the Ascendia Brands had not previously done business (e. g., Target Stores and Toys R Us), enabling us to offer more of our products to each customer.
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The brands acquired from Playtex in November 2005 include the following:
Baby Magic In 1950, Mennen Company first introduced the Baby Magic trade name to the market. The brand was later sold to Colgate, which in 1999 sold the United States, Puerto Rican, and Canadian rights to the trade name to Playtex. Playtex initially viewed Baby Magic as a core brand and provided sustained marketing and advertising support. Prior to our acquisition of the brand, however, the entry of additional competitors such as Huggies and Gerber had reduced Baby Magics market share and it was no longer viewed as a core brand. Nonetheless, Baby Magic had remained the number two brand in a highly competitive infant toiletries segment with more than 80 percent brand awareness. (Source: Proprietary Market Research, July 2005).
Mr. Bubble First introduced in 1961, Mr. Bubble is the market leader in the childrens bath additives category, with a market share of almost 30 percent and brand awareness in excess of 97 percent. The product is primarily used by children ages 3-8. Due to its longevity and category defining position, Mr. Bubble is viewed as an icon of popular culture. (Sources: Information Resources, Inc., 3Q 2005 and Proprietary Market Research, July 1998).
Binaca First introduced circa 1970, Playtex acquired the Binaca brand in 1998. Binaca has been associated with instantly fresh breath since its early beginnings. Today, Binaca is enjoying renewed brand growth as a result of renewed consumer interest in portable breath freshening.
Ogilvie First introduced in 1920, Ogilvie has been the market leader in the at-home hair permanents category for over 40 years. In 1998, when Playtex acquired the brand, Ogilvie had approximately a 50 percent market share. Today, Ogilvie has more than an 80 percent market share within the reported food, drug and mass outlets.
Tussy First introduced in 1925, Tussy is a brand deodorant and deodorant/antiperspirant. The deodorant product is offered in a cream form, while the deodorant/antiperspirant is available in the more common roll-on and stick forms. This brand meets a consumer need for an open-price point offering, available in food, drug, mass and Dollar outlets.
Tek Tek is a brand of toothbrush and includes the Tek Excel and Tek Pro Lines. The Tek toothbrushes carry the American Dental Seal of Acceptance. The Tek trademark was registered as a trademark in 1929 by Johnson & Johnson and assigned to Playtex in 1966.
Dorothy Gray Satura First introduce in 1916, Dorothy Gray is an upscale line of face cream products specifically designed to address the needs of dry or mature skin. The brand enjoys limited domestic distribution, with revenues generated primarily by sales to Korea and other international markets.
Prior to the acquisition of the former Playtex brands, Ascendias health and beauty care division distributed more than 82 million units annually (primarily liquid fill bath care, baby care and skin care products) in North America, and another 9 million units internationally. Subsequent to the acquisition, the Company estimates it will distribute an additional 40 million units annually. This increases total Company annual units to an estimated 131 million on a global basis.
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Customers and Distribution Channels
Ascendia Brands senior sales management team, along with our seasoned network of sales brokers, maintains long-standing relationships with our top fifty customers, which account for approximately eighty-five percent of our total gross sales. Ascendia Brands dedicated sales management group consists of eight people, who primarily focus on developing our profitable premium brands within our current base of core customers, as well as acquiring new customers in our targeted demographic groups. These focused efforts generated growth in sales volume of approximately forty-eight percent in fiscal 2006 within the portfolio of premium Lander / Lander essentials bath and body products. In the future, we will continue to emphasize growth in the higher margin, branded segments of our business, versus the extreme value and private label segments. Indeed this focus will be intensified in fiscal 2007 in conjunction with our new product offerings in our Lander essentials line, along with upgraded and new items in the recently acquired Baby Magic, Mr. Bubble, Binaca, and Ogilvie brands.
Ascendia Brands enjoys a broad distribution base comprised of a variety of markets and distribution channels internationally. During the fiscal year ended February 28, 2006, approximately 69 percent of Ascendia Brands gross revenues were derived in the United States, 20 percent were derived in Canada and the remaining 11 percent in roughly 90 other countries throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. In the U.S. and Canada, Ascendia Brands products are widely distributed throughout the food, drug, mass and dollar/specialty channels. The brands are now sold in over 60,000 retail outlets in the United States and Canada. Ascendia Brands largest customer is Wal-Mart, which accounted for approximately 36 percent of U.S. revenues and 34 percent of Canadian revenues in the year ended February 28, 2006. Other major customers include Walgreens, K-Mart, Shoppers Drug, Dollar General, Dollar Tree and Centennial, our Mexican distributor. As a result of the acquisition of the former Playtex brands, Ascendia Brands has gained access to several additional customers, including Target, Toys R Us, Safeway and Kroger.
Beyond acquisitions, Ascendia Brands strategy for acquiring new customers and increasing sales penetration with existing customers is to provide a full range of products within our product categories of competency, while at the same time providing consumers with a perceptibly better price/quality/value relationship than our competitors. Ascendia Brands employs a sell from shelf business approach, which provides higher than average margins for the retailer, a better value for the consumer, and improved sales and margins for Ascendia Brands. We refer to this as our win/win/win business model.
Facilities
Our health and beauty care division is headquartered in Hamilton, New Jersey. In addition, we operate two combined manufacturing/ distribution facilities. These facilities are located in Binghamton, New York (owned) and Toronto, Ontario (leased). The primary core competencies of both manufacturing facilities are health and beauty care liquid fill and talc powder filling. Additionally, Ascendia Brands utilizes three public warehouse facilities, located in Buena Park, CA, Scranton, PA and Charlotte, NC. The three distribution facilities act as remote warehouses and FOB pick-up locations.
Ascendia Brands Binghamton plant is a 163,000 square foot facility with 160 employees split into three 8 working hour shifts, five days a week. The hourly employees are represented by the International Chemical Workers Union, Local 293, with a contract that expires May 1, 2009. To the Companys knowledge, labor relations are good. The Binghamton plant primarily produces health and beauty care products for sale in the United States and internationally under the Lander brand name. In addition, the plant is currently producing Mr. Bubble, and will in the near term commence manufacturing Baby Magic, Dorothy Gray and Tussy. Products produced in this plant include bubble bath, lotions and creams, and baby products such as shampoo, baby oil, and baby powder. Additionally, this facility is approved by the United States Food & Drug Administration and the New York Board of Pharmacy to manufacture over-the-counter (OTC) drugs such as topical analgesics and vapor rubs.
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Lander Canadas Ontario plant is a 98,000 square foot facility with 105 employees split into two 8 working hour shifts, five days a week. The hourly employees are represented by the Laundry and Linen Drivers and Industrial Workers, Local 847, with a contract that expires on January 13, 2007. To the Companys knowledge, labor relations are good. This plant produces private label health and beauty care products for Canadas largest retail and drug stores as well as Lander brand products sold in the U.S. Lander Canada also produces and sells products domestically under the Lander brand. The plant will begin production of Baby Magic in July 2006. Products produced in this plant include lotions and creams, baby products such as shampoo, baby oil, baby powder, mouthwash, and nail polish remover. Lander Canadas facility is approved by Health Canada to manufacture OTC drugs, including antiseptic mouthwash, topical analgesics and vapor rubs.
Both manufacturing facilities have the capacity, with a modest capital investment, to absorb the incremental production required to meet projected organic sales growth, as well as additional sales from future acquisitions. The Company believes it can realize operating efficiencies in the areas of freight and distribution, raw material procurement, as well as, labor and overhead absorption, which would make sales derived from acquisitions significantly accretive.
Ascendia Brands will continue to out-source production of certain products to third-party contract manufacturers.
Wireless Applications Development Division
Introduction
The Companys wireless applications development division, conducted through Cenuco Wireless located in Boca Raton, Florida, focuses on the transmission of secure and non-secured video onto cellular platforms via proprietary technologies. This is also known as remote video monitoring via cellular device. In this segment, Cenuco Wireless offers cellular carriers, Internet and security service providers, resellers and distributors a host of wireless video streaming products that generate an increase in subscriber adoption of wireless data services, as well as broadband Internet services. The business model provides additional recurring monthly service revenue models for carriers, ISPs, resellers and distributors.
We are currently in deployment negotiations and/or testing relationships with a number of international and national cellular carriers, major distribution providers, resellers and potential technology licensees.
Our wireless remote video monitoring technologies via cellular device (cellular phone, Pocket PC mobile Edition, Smart Phone, remote wire line computer, and remote cellular connected computer) have been customized to service a variety of market segments. On July 9, 2003, we announced that we had been awarded General Services Administration (GSA) contract number GS-03F-0025N by the United States government, allowing Cenuco Wireless to sell its products, technologies and services to every branch of the United States government, including all military agencies and the Department of Homeland Security. The entire line of CenVid products, launched this year, have also been accepted into the contract with GSA.
The Companys partnerships and affiliates include: Intel Corporation, Microsoft Corporation, Qualcomm, Tyco, and other leading technology organizations.
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We have the ability to license our proprietary core technology. We initiated discussions with a number of leading technology companies regarding the direct embedding of our technologies onto DSL or cable modems, routers, IP cameras, and other appliance oriented hardware. Our wireless video monitoring solutions allow users to view real-time streaming video of security cameras at their home or place of business from anywhere they receive a cellular connection, regardless of the carrier or users location. Our systems are also delivered with a password-protected PC desktop client that allows for single click access to any remote camera, and gives users the ability to communicate with us (via Internet link), manage user accounts and review archival video. This package of services and technology is currently unique in the marketplace.
Revenues from sales are recognized in the period in which sales are made. Revenues relating to subscription services are recognized for the period of time of rendered service during the reporting period. Our gross profit margin will be determined in part by our ability to estimate and control direct costs of production and shipping and our ability to incorporate such costs in the price charged to our distributors.
During 2005 Cenuco Wireless completed the development and has deployed its new commercial security product line, CenVid. The product is currently sold through 10 dealers nationally, and is promoted by 10 Manufacturers Representative Firms covering all 50 states in the U.S. Numerous companies and customers are evaluating the product, for purchase in 2006.
Products
We have developed a number of proprietary applications providing mobile video transmission connectivity on wireless handheld devices and cellular phones within specific market verticals and have filed two patents (software and process) relating to this technology. Products include:
CenVid. CenVid is 4-16 camera port encoder and transmitter, taking any existing digital video recorders video feeds and making them viewable via wireless handheld or cellular phones. Installation can takes less than an hour, and entails simply connecting the DVR systems video outputs to the complementary port on the Cenuco Wireless device. Launched in 2005, there is a strong interest in this product, as it takes any existing CCTV installation and makes it mobile, without any re-engineering, re-wiring or system rebuilding. Cenuco Wireless also received Federal GSA approval for CenVid in 2005. CenVid is certified by both Microsoft and Cingular.
Partnerships and Strategic Relationships
During the year, our business strategy included the development of strategic technical, marketing, and distribution partnerships as well as significant inter-corporate relationships. Management believes that the combination of these corporate relationships and partnerships will enable Cenuco Wireless to maintain a market leadership position, as well as to provide assistance in developing significant sales revenue. These partnerships include:
Microsoft. Microsoft has certified our wireless client applications for Windows SP powered Smart Phones and mobile edition Pocket PCs. In the last quarter, Microsoft has awarded Cenuco Wireless Gold Certified Partner status due to our expertise in wireless software development on the Microsoft platform.
Intel. Since 2003 Cenuco Wireless has been part of the Intel Early Access Program for Mobility. Through this program Intel has assigned us account representatives across numerous internal divisions. Intel has continued to provide marketing and co-op dollar support for trade shows, point of sale displays, etc. Intel has also been using our applications to demonstrate the utility of their chip-sets and mobile platforms (Smart Phone).
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Qualcomm. As the owner of the BREW wireless application protocol, Cenuco Wireless has been successful in receiving BREW certification on selected handsets, and continues to work directly with Qualcomm on certification efforts, as well as co-operative marketing initiatives to BREW cellular carriers globally.
Tyco. Our corporate products have undergone over a year of testing in Tycos Rapid R&D Development Program. In the fall of 2005, we entered the next phase of that program, which consists of talking with each of Tycos operating divisions regarding potential licensing or custom development arrangements. These divisions include: ADT, Sensormatic, American Dynamics, and others.
Cingular. Our wireless client software for all products has been tested and certified by Cingular, the largest carrier currently in the United States. Cingular certification is a significant step forward a more comprehensive deployment program with Cingular. As an expansion, effective in February 2006, Cingular and Cenuco Wireless are now officially co-marketing and co-selling Cenuco Wireless solutions on a regional basis. Management expects that this will expand nationally through fiscal 2007.
Acquisition of the Lander Business
HACI was formed on April 25, 2003 to acquire the health and beauty care business of Lander and Lander Canada. Effective May 31, 2003, HACI purchased certain assets and assumed certain liabilities associated with Landers United States operations and acquired 100 percent of the outstanding stock of Lander Canada for an aggregate purchase price of $11,091,456, inclusive of acquisition costs of $1,160,456. In addition, Ascendia Real Estate (then called Hermes Real Estate LLC) purchased Landers production plant in Binghamton, New York for a purchase price of $3,304,864, inclusive of acquisition costs of $254,864. Property, plant and equipment were recorded at fair value, reduced by the excess of fair value of net assets acquired over the purchase price of $1,095,813. In accounting for these acquisitions, the Company followed the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 141, Business Combinations. This Statement requires that the purchase method of accounting be used for all business combinations and provides specific criteria for the initial recognition and measurement of intangible assets apart from goodwill. On March 1, 2005, Ascendia Real Estate became a wholly-owned subsidiary of HACI. Prior thereto, HACI and Ascendia Real Estate were under common control.
The Lander-Cenuco, Inc. Merger (the Merger)
On May 20, 2005, Hermes Holding Company, Inc., a newly formed wholly-owned subsidiary of Cenuco, Inc.,(the parent company of Cenuco Wireless, and a public company traded on the American Stock Exchange under the symbol ICU) merged with HACI. The Merger was completed through the issuance of 2,553.7 shares of Cenuco, Inc.s Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (representing 65 percent of the aggregate outstanding voting power of Cenuco, Inc.s capital stock) in exchange for all the outstanding membership units of HACI. As a consequence of the Merger, HACI, together with its wholly-owned subsidiaries Lander Canada, Ascendia Real Estate (then called Hermes Real Estate I LLC) and Lander, became wholly-owned subsidiaries of Cenuco, Inc.
For financial reporting purposes, the Merger was treated as a recapitalization of HACI followed by the reverse acquisition of Cenuco by HACI for a purchase price equivalent to the total market value of Cenuco stock outstanding at the date of announcement and agreement (March 16, 2005), plus the fair value of the options that automatically vested on the date of the Merger (approximately $64.4 million). The average closing stock price for the few days before, after and including March 16, 2005 was $4.58, for a total value of $63.0 million. The fair value of the options was $1.0 million. The capitalized transaction fees were $0.4 million. Consistent with the accounting and presentation for reverse acquisitions, the historical financial statements of Cenuco prior to the date of the Merger reflect the financial position and results of operations of HACI and HREI, with the results of operations of Cenuco being included commencing on May 20, 2005. Effective with the completion of the Merger Cenuco changed its fiscal year end to be the last day of February, consistent with HACIs prior fiscal year.
- 8 -
In accordance with SFAS 141, Business Combinations, the Company determined the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the reverse acquisition of Cenuco, Inc. as follows, as revised in the quarter ended February 28, 2006:
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
6,002,887 |
|
Other current assets |
|
|
496,526 |
|
Total current assets |
|
|
6,499,413 |
|
Property, plant, and equipment |
|
|
111,382 |
|
Goodwill |
|
|
49,675,436 |
|
Intangibles - acquired core software technology |
|
|
8,000,000 |
|
Other Assets |
|
|
591,807 |
|
Total assets acquired |
|
|
64,878,038 |
|
Total liabilities assumed |
|
|
(473,590 |
) |
Estimated fair value of net assets acquired |
|
$ |
64,404,448 |
|
The initial estimated allocation of the purchase price equivalent was made by the Company in the thirteen weeks ended May 28, 2005 and included an allocation to customer lists and brand name intangibles assets totaling $2,473,025. In the quarter ended February 28, 2006, the Company determined that an allocation of value to these intangible assets was not appropriate and, identified the above noted core software technology intangible asset and estimated the related value to be $8,000,000. This revision resulted in $5,526,975 less being allocated to goodwill. Subsequent to the increase of $18,700,756 in the purchase price and goodwill,.all of the goodwill of $49,675,436 related to the acquisition was assigned entirely to the WAD operating division. This goodwill is not deductible for income tax purposes. The difference in the amortization of the core software technology intangible asset since May 20, 2005 (based on a 5 year expected life) and the corresponding amount for the originally identified customer lists and brand name intangible assets amounted to $ 913,546. This amount has been reflected in the results of operations for the year ended February 28, 2006.
Following the Merger, the Companys principal business activity has been the manufacture and distribution of health, beauty and oral-care products, as described above. In addition, through its Cenuco Wireless subsidiary, the Company is engaged in a wireless application technology business, primarily related to the transmission of secure and non-secured video onto cellular platforms via proprietary technologies. During the quarter ended February 28, 2006, in accordance with SFAS No. 142, the Company completed the test for impairment in the carrying value of goodwill and determined that an impairment charge of $16.4 million was required. After this restatement, the impairment charge is increased by $18.7 million to $35.1 million
Acquisition of Assets Current Fiscal Year
On November 16, 2005, Lander and Lander Intangibles acquired certain brands and brand-related assets from Playtex. The acquired brands included Baby Magic, Binaca, Mr. Bubble, Ogilvie, Tek, Dentax, Dorothy Gray, Better Off and Tussy. At the closing, Lander and Lander Intangibles paid a total cash purchase price of $59.1 million, inclusive of $2.1 million in acquisition costs. The $57.0 million purchase price was subject to certain post-closing adjustments based upon the amount of product inventory delivered to Lander at closing. In December 2005, this adjustment resulted in a purchase price reduction of approximately $1.3 million, bringing the total purchase price to $57.8 million, inclusive of acquisition costs. In accordance with SFAS 141, the Company allocated the purchase price to the assets acquired based on relative fair value, as follows:
- 9 -
Inventory |
|
$ |
9,600,000 |
|
Property, plant and equipment |
|
|
900,000 |
|
Brand names and product formulas |
|
|
16,924,477 |
|
Customer relationships |
|
|
30,393,673 |
|
Total Purchase Price |
|
$ |
57,818,150 |
|
Number of Employees
As of February 28, 2006, the Company has 327 total employees in the United States and Canada.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
Health and Beauty Care Business
The high level of competition in Ascendia Brands industry - the health and beauty care business - could adversely affect our sales, operating results and profitability.
The business of selling health and beauty products is highly competitive. Numerous manufacturers, distributors, marketers and retailers actively compete for consumers business, both in the United States and abroad.
Ascendia Brands principal competitors include Health Tech, Johnson & Johnson, Kimberly Clark, Pfizer, Procter & Gamble, The Village Company, and Unilever. Nearly all of these competitors are larger and have substantially greater resources than Ascendia Brands, and may therefore have the ability to spend more aggressively on advertising and marketing and to respond more effectively to changing business and economic conditions than we do. This could adversely affect our sales, operating results and profitability. Ascendia Brands competes on the basis of numerous factors, including brand recognition, product quality, performance, price and product availability at retail stores. Merchandising and packaging, the timing of new product introductions and line extensions also have a significant impact on customers buying decisions and, as a result, on our sales. The structure and quality of our sales force and broker network, as well as consumption of Ascendia Brands products, affect in-store position, shelf display space and inventory levels in retail outlets. If Ascendia Brands is not able to maintain or improve the inventory levels and/or shelf placement of its products in retail stores, our sales and operating results will be adversely affected. Ascendia Brands markets also are highly sensitive to the introduction of new products, which may rapidly capture a significant share of the market. An increase in the amount of product introductions by our competitors could have a material adverse effect on our sales, operating results and profitability.
In addition, competitors may attempt to gain market share by offering products at or below the prices typically offered by Ascendia Brands. Competitive pricing may require Ascendia Brands to reduce prices and may result in lost sales and/or reductions in our margins.
Ascendia Brands depends on a limited number of customers for a large portion of its gross sales and the loss of one or more of these customers could materially reduce our gross sales and therefore could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
For the year ended February 28, 2006, Ascendia Brands top five customers accounted for approximately 47 percent of net sales, with one customer (Wal-Mart) accounting for 32 percent and a second (Dollar Tree) for 7 percent. We expect that for the year ending February 28, 2007 and future periods, Ascendia Brands top five customers, including Wal-Mart and Dollar Tree, will, in the aggregate, continue to account for a significant portion of our gross sales. The loss of one or more of Ascendia Brands top customers, any significant decrease in sales to these customers or any significant decrease in retail display space in any of these customers stores, could reduce Ascendia Brands gross sales and therefore could have a material adverse effect on our sales, operating results and profitability.
- 10 -
In addition, Ascendia Brands business is based primarily upon individual sales orders, and we typically do not enter into long-term contracts. Our customers could cease buying our products at any time and for any reason. The fact that we typically do not have long-term contracts means that we generally have no recourse in the event a customer ceases purchasing our products or reduce the level of purchases If a significant number of our customers cease purchasing our products, or materially reduce the volume or value of those purchases, this could have a material adverse effect on our sales, operating results and profitability.
Ascendia Brands and Lander Canada manufacture a significant quantity of the products they sell at their own manufacturing facilities. Any disruption in production could result in lost sales, and could have a material adverse effect on our customer relationships, financial condition and results of operations.
We manufacture most of our Lander brand health and beauty care products, plus a portion of the brands acquired from Playtex, at our 163,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Binghamton, New York and our 98,000 square foot plant in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada. Although we have the capability to manufacture most products (including shampoos, bubble bath, powders and topical analgesics) at either facility, alcohol-based products (such as mouthwash) and acetone-based products (such as nail polish remover) can be manufactured only at the Ontario location. A permanent or temporary unplanned shutdown of either of our plants, resulting from equipment malfunction, accident, fire, sabotage, strike or lockout, act of God or other factors, could substantially reduce our output of finished products. If output from one facility were to be curtailed, there is no assurance that we could absorb any lost production in our other manufacturing facility or that we could arrange to outsource production of the affected products in sufficient time to maintain scheduled deliveries. In the event of a protracted disruption in our own manufacturing operations, we would become more dependent on contract manufacturers and there is no assurance that we could obtain finished products from such contract manufacturers in sufficient quantities or at prices comparable to our own manufacturing costs. Our inability to do so could result in decreased sales and loss of market share, and could have a material adverse effect on our customer relationships, operating results and profitability.
Ascendia Brands and Lander Canada depend on third parties to provide raw materials for the products they manufacture. Disruption in the supply of raw materials, or increases in raw material costs, could adversely affect sales and our profitability.
Our ability to maintain production of our health and beauty care products at our own facilities depends upon access to raw materials, all of which we purchase from unrelated vendors. These raw materials include oil-based derivatives (such as mineral oil, petrolatum, surfactants and other specialty chemicals), plastic resin products (such as bottles and caps) and paper products (such as boxes, labels and packaging). If our current vendors become unable or unwilling to supply us with raw materials in a timely manner or at acceptable prices, there is no assurance that we could identify and qualify substitute vendors in sufficient time to prevent a disruption in production of some or all of the products we manufacture, or that substitute vendors would be able or willing to supply raw materials in the quantities and at the prices required to maintain normal operations. In addition, many of the raw materials we use, such as petroleum derivatives and paper products, are commodities that may be subject to significant price fluctuation, both in the short- and long-term. There is no assurance that we could pass through to our customers, in the form of higher prices, any resulting increase in our manufacturing costs. As a volume producer of value and extreme value products, we may be more susceptible than other producers to margin erosion resulting from increases in manufacturing costs. Our inability to secure sufficient quantities of raw materials at prices consistent with our current costs and sales price structure could therefore negatively impact inventory levels, customer relationships, sales and market share, and could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and profitability.
- 11 -
In addition, if our raw material suppliers fail to maintain adequate controls over specifications and quality, we may be unable to maintain the quality of our finished products. Reliance on raw materials of inferior quality could diminish the value of our brand names and the level of customer satisfaction. This could similarly lead to reduced sales and loss of market share and could thereby negatively affect our operating results and profitability.
Ascendia Brands and Lander Canada rely on unrelated carriers for the shipment of raw materials and finished products. Any disruption in, or unavailability of, transportation, could adversely affect production and distribution of our products.
Ascendia Brands and Lander Canada receive raw materials at their manufacturing facilities by truck, and distribute finished products to warehouses and customer distribution facilities by truck and/or rail. We rely on unrelated transportation companies for these services, which we typically contract on a short-term or ad hoc basis. The availability and cost of transportation services may be affected by many factors, including, without limitation, (i) market conditions of supply and demand, (ii) inclement weather, flood, hurricanes and the like, (iii) fuel shortages and/or increases in fuel costs, and (iv) strikes, lockouts or other industrial action. Although we seek to manage our raw materials and finished goods inventories prudently, any disruption in transportation services may interfere with normal plant operations, and/or could impede or prevent the delivery of finished products to our warehouses and to our customers facilities. Any sustained increase in transportation rates would increase our manufacturing and/or distribution costs, and there is no assurance that we would be able to pass these cost increases through to our customers in the form of higher prices. These factors could result in lost sales and market share and could adversely affect our operating results and profitability.
Disruption in our distribution centers may prevent us from meeting customer demand.
We manage our product distribution in the continental United States and Canada through distribution centers in California, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Toronto, Canada. A serious disruption in the operation of any of these distribution centers, caused by a flood, fire or other factors, could damage or destroy inventory and could materially impair our ability to distribute products to our customers in a timely manner or at a reasonable cost. We could incur significantly higher costs and experience longer delivery lead times during the time it would take to reopen or replace a distribution center. This in turn could have a material adverse effect on our sales, operating results and profitability.
Ascendia Brands makes use of contract manufacturers to manufacture significant quantities of the finished products we sell.
We rely on contract manufacturers to manufacture certain of the finished products sold by our health and beauty care division, and the use of contract manufacturers has increased significantly as a result of Ascendia Brands acquisition of the former Playtex brands in November, 2005. Any delay in delivery by one or more of these contract manufacturers, or the breach or termination of a manufacturing contract, could adversely affect our inventory levels, our ability to meet scheduled deliveries and to accept new orders. Any or all of these factors could also negatively affect our market share, customer relationships, operating results and profitability.
Efforts to acquire other companies, brands or product lines may divert our managerial resources from our day-to-day operations, and if we complete an acquisition we may incur or assume additional liabilities or experience integration problems.
- 12 -
Our growth strategy is bifurcated, driven both by acquiring other companies, brands or product lines that management believes complement our existing health and beauty care business, and through organic growth of our existing brands. At any given time, we may be engaged in discussions with respect to possible acquisitions or other business combinations that are intended to enhance our product portfolio, enable us to realize cost savings and further diversify our category, customer and channel focus. Our ability successfully to grow through acquisition depends on our ability to identify, acquire and integrate suitable acquisition targets and to obtain any necessary financing. These efforts could divert the attention of our management and key personnel from our day-to-day business operations. If we complete acquisitions, we may also experience:
|
|
difficulties or delays in integrating any acquired companies, personnel and/or products into our existing business; |
|
|
delays in realizing the benefits of the acquired company or products; |
|
|
diversion of our managements time and attention from other business concerns; |
|
|
higher than anticipated integration costs; |
|
|
difficulties in retaining key employees of the acquired business who may be necessary to manage those businesses most efficiently; |
|
|
difficulties in maintaining uniform standards, controls, procedures and policies throughout all acquired companies; and/or |
|
|
adverse customer reaction to the business combination. |
In addition, an acquisition could materially impair our operating results by causing us to incur debt, amortize acquisition expenses and/or depreciate acquired assets.
Regulatory matters governing our industry could have a significant negative effect on our sales and operating costs.
In both our U.S. and foreign markets, we are subject to extensive laws, governmental regulations, administrative determinations, court decisions and similar constraints affecting our health and beauty care business. Such laws, regulations and other constraints may exist at the federal, state or local levels in the United States and at analogous levels of government in foreign jurisdictions.
In particular, the formulation, manufacturing, packaging, labeling, distribution, importation, sale and storage of the products sold by our health and beauty care division are subject to regulation by various federal agencies, including the FDA, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency, and by various agencies of the states, localities and foreign countries in which our products are manufactured, distributed and sold. In addition, the adoption of new regulations or changes in the interpretations of existing regulations may result in significant compliance costs or require discontinuation of product.
If we fail to comply with federal, state or foreign regulations, we could be required to:
|
|
pay fines and/or penalties; |
|
|
suspend manufacturing operations; |
|
|
change product formulations; |
|
|
suspend the sale of products with non-complying specifications; |
|
|
initiate product recalls; or |
|
|
change product labeling, packaging, or take other corrective action. |
- 13 -
Any of these actions could materially and adversely affect our financial results.
In addition, any failure to comply with FTC or state regulations, or with regulations in foreign markets that cover our product claims and advertising, including direct claims and advertising by us, may result in enforcement actions and imposition of penalties or otherwise materially and adversely affect the distribution and sale of our products.
Our business depends upon the protection of our intellectual property rights..
The market for our health and beauty care products depends to a significant extent upon the goodwill associated with our trademarks and tradenames. The trademarks and tradenames on our products are how we convey that the products Ascendia Brands sells are value brand name products, and we believe consumers ascribe value to our brands. Ascendia Brands and its affiliates own the material trademark and tradename rights used in connection with the packaging, marketing and sale of our products. This ownership is what prevents competitors or new entrants to the market from using our valuable brand names.
Therefore, trademark and tradename protection is critical to our business. Although most of our material trademarks are registered in the United States and in applicable foreign countries, we may not be successful in asserting trademark or tradename protection. If we were to lose the exclusive right to use any of our brand names in the United States or any other market in which we sell our products, our sales and operating results could be materially and adversely affected. We could also incur substantial costs to defend legal actions relating to the use of our intellectual property, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.
Other parties may infringe on our intellectual property rights and may thereby dilute the value of brands in the marketplace. If the value of our brands becomes diluted, or if our competitors are able to introduce brands that cause confusion with our brands in the marketplace, it could adversely affect the value that our customers associate with our brands, and thereby negatively impact our sales. Any such infringement of our intellectual property rights would also likely result in a commitment of our time and resources to protect these rights through litigation or otherwise. In addition, third parties may assert claims against our intellectual property rights and we may not be able successfully to resolve these claims.
Wireless Applications Development Business
The Cenuco Wireless business faces extensive competition.
Our wireless applications development business, conducted under the Cenuco name has only recently introduced its full line of wireless video monitoring servers. There can be no assurance that the market will accept the wireless products currently offered. The industries in which the Cenuco Wireless division operates are characterized by intense competition. We face competition in all aspects of our business and we compete directly with numerous other firms, a significant number of which may offer their customers a broader range of products and services, have substantially greater financial, personnel, marketing, research and other resources, have greater operating efficiencies and have established reputations relating to product offerings and customer service. There can be no assurance that we will be able to compete in this business successfully.
If we are unable to protect our intellectual property rights our ability to compete effectively in the market for our products could be negatively impacted.
We regard our patents, copyrights, service marks, trademarks, trade secrets and similar intellectual property as important to our success in wireless applications development. We rely on patent, trademark and copyright law, trade secret protection and confidentiality agreements with our employees, customers, consultants and advisors to protect our proprietary rights; however, the steps we take to protect our proprietary rights may be inadequate and legal means may afford only limited protection. In addition, traditional legal protections may not be applicable in the Internet or wireless context, and the ownership of proprietary rights in our Cenuco Wireless technology may be subject to uncertainty. Our failure or inability to protect our proprietary rights could materially harm our business and competitive position.
- 14 -
We have filed for one Utility patent, Wireless Security Audio-Video Monitoring, which was accepted by the United States Patent Office in June, 2004, as Patent Pending #10/846426. We have also filed for one Provisional Patent, which the Company expects to covert to a full Utility Patent filing later this year. From time to time, we may decide to file additional patent applications relating to aspects of our proprietary Cenuco Wireless technology. Other parties may independently develop similar or competing technology or design around any patents that may be issued to us. There is no assurance that any of the patent applications we file will be approved, or that any issued patents will adequately protect our intellectual property. In addition, there is no assurance that third parties will not challenge the validity of our patents, or assert that technology developed and sold by Cenuco Wireless infringes other patents. Any such claims, even if lacking in merit, could require us to expend considerable resources in defending them and adversely affect the results of our operations.
Our Business Generally
Both operating divisions depend on our key personnel and the loss of the services of executive officers or other key employees could harm our business and results of operations.
Our success in the health and beauty care and wireless applications development business sectors depends to a significant degree upon the continued contributions of our senior management and (in the case of Cenuco Wireless) of the programmers and technicians responsible for technology development. These employees may voluntarily terminate their employment with us at any time. We may not be able to retain existing key personnel or identify, hire and integrate new personnel.
The Company must comply with the listing provisions of the American Stock Exchange.
The Company must maintain sufficient net worth to continue its listing on The American Stock Exchange. If the Company continues to experience losses, additional equity capital will be required to maintain sufficient net worth.
Future Impairments to Goodwill and other non amortizable intangible assets.
The Company has approximately $31.0 million of goodwill and other non amortizable intangible assets. The testing for impairment in the future may result in additional write-offs.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
Not Applicable
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The corporate headquarters is located at 100 American Metro Boulevard, Suite 108, Hamilton, New Jersey. This facility consists of approximately 16,020 square feet of office space, leased from a non-affiliated third, expiring in 2011. The Company recently relocated its headquarters from 2000 Lenox Drive Suite 202, Lawrenceville, NJ and plans to sub-lease that premises to an unrelated third party for the balance of the lease term (2009).
We also operate manufacturing facilities in Binghamton, New York (owned) (163,000 square feet) and Toronto, Canada (leased) (98,000 square feet). Cenuco Wireless has an office in Boca Raton, Florida.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Cenuco Wireless is currently the defendant in a patent infringement case commenced on February 1, 2005 in Federal District Court for the Southern District of New York ( Joao v. Cenuco, Inc., 05 Civ. 1037 (CM) (MDF)). The plaintiff, Raymond Anthony Joao, asserts in his complaint that Cenuco Wireless is infringing certain patents held by Joao, specifically United States Patents Nos. 6,587,046, 6,542,076 and 6,549,130, which cover apparatuses and methods for transmitting video information to remote devices and/or over the Internet. Cenuco Wireless has timely answered the complaint denying infringement, and intends to defend this case vigorously on the merits. Management believes that the patents relied on by Joao are invalid and that the chances of Joao prevailing are remote. Nonetheless, there can be no assurance as to the outcome of the case, and a judicial determination that Cenuco Wireless is infringing Joaos patents, while unlikely, could have a material adverse effect on the ability of Cenuco Wireless to market and sell its current product line. Similarly, there is no assurance that Cenuco Wireless would be able to develop, at a reasonable cost, within a reasonable length of time or at all, a workaround to eliminate any patent infringement found to exist.
- 15 -
We are also involved, from time to time, in routine legal proceedings and claims incidental to our business. Should it appear probable in managements judgment that we will incur monetary damages or costs in relation to any such proceedings or claims, and such costs can be reasonably estimated, liabilities are recorded in the financial statements and charges recorded against earnings. We believe that the resolution of such claims, taking into account reserves and insurance, will not individually or in the aggregate have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None.
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANTS COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
From January 4, 2000 until December 17, 2002, our common stock was traded in the over-the-counter market and quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol VADC.OB. From December 17, 2002, our common stock was traded in the over-the-counter market and quoted on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol CNUO.OB. On May 20, 2004, our common stock began trading on the American Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol ICU. Following the change in the Companys name to Ascendia Brands, Inc. we adopted a new ticker symbol, ASB, which became effective on May 15, 2006.
The reported high and low sale prices for the common stock are shown below for the periods indicated. The prices reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, markdown or commissions, and may not always represent actual transactions.
|
|
High ($) |
|
Low ($) |
|
Fiscal 2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter (3/1/05-5/28/05) |
|
5.66 |
|
2.28 |
|
Second Quarter (5/29/05-8/27/05) |
|
3.54 |
|
2.28 |
|
Third Quarter (8/28/05-11/26/05) |
|
3.80 |
|
2.00 |
|
Fourth Quarter (11/27/05-2/28/06) |
|
3.80 |
|
2.75 |
|
Fiscal 2005 |
|
|
|
|
|
First Quarter (3/1/04-5/29/04) |
|
6.74 |
|
3.70 |
|
Second Quarter (5/30/04-8/28/04) |
|
7.50 |
|
3.60 |
|
Third Quarter (8/29/04-11/27/04) |
|
7.50 |
|
3.99 |
|
Fourth Quarter (11/28/04-2/28/05) |
|
7.78 |
|
4.01 |
|
As of August 9, 2006, there were approximately 1,200 record owners of our common stock.
To date, we have not paid any cash dividends on our Common Stock and have no intention of paying dividends in the foreseeable future. The terms of our Series A Junior Partnership Preferred Stock restrict our ability to pay dividends on our common stock whenever quarterly dividends or distributions payable on such preferred stock are in arrears. Subject to such restrictions, the payment of dividends, if any, in the future is within the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon our earnings, capital requirements, financial condition and other relevant factors. Our ability to pay dividends in the future may also be dependent upon relevant provisions of Delaware corporate law.
Future sales of preferred shares or large amounts of common stock, and conversion of preferred shares into common stock could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
- 16 -
Future sales of our common stock by existing stockholders pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, or following the exercise of future option grants, could adversely affect the market price of our common stock. Our directors and executive officers and their family members are not under lockup letters or other forms of restriction on the sale of their common stock. The issuance of any or all of these additional shares upon exercise of options will dilute the voting power of our current stockholders on corporate matters and, as a result, may cause the market price of our common stock to decrease. Further, sales of a large number of shares of common stock in the public market could adversely affect the market price of the common stock and could materially impair our future ability to generate funds through sales of common stock or other equity securities. In addition the conversion of preferred shares into common stock could adversely impact the market price of the common stock.
The Company has not repurchased any of its equity securities during the quarter ended February 28, 2006.
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA (RESTATED)
(Amounts in $000s, except per share) |
Predecessor Ownership |
Successor Ownership | |||||
|
Year Ended 2/28/02 |
Year Ended 2/28/03 |
Period 3/1/03 to 5/31/03 |
Period 4/25/03 to 2/29/04 |
Year Ended 2/28/05 |
Year Ended 2/28/06 | |
Statement of Operations Data: |
|
|
|
|
|
| |
Net sales |
$80,660 |
$73,019 |
$16,903 |
$55,046 |
$69,861 |
$79,562 | |
Gross profit |
13,825 |
10,048 |
2,645 |
6,803 |
7,491 |
4,055 | |
Loss from operations |
(15,992) |
(8,265) |
(1,086) |
(1,195) |
(2,756) |
(46,427) | |
Net loss |
(15,992) |
(8,265) |
(1,086) |
(1,719) |
(3,989) |
(48,913) | |
Loss from operations per common share |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
(3.46) | |
Balance sheet data at end of period: |
|||||||
Total assets |
35,777 |
29,294 |
28,735 |
24,461 |
24,036 |
102,946 | |
Current portion of long-term debt |
75 |
30,004 |
30,005 |
8,203 |
8,930 |
32 | |
Long-term debt, less current portion |
30,016 |
13 |
13 |
7,608 |
6,875 |
80,000 | |
Other long-term obligations |
375 |
427 |
463 |
673 |
673 |
967 | |
Shareholders equity (deficit)/ members deficit |
(16,478) |
(24,510) |
(25,569) |
(1,815) |
(5,830) |
8,869 | |
Cash dividends declared per common share |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 | |
Notes:
Basis of Financial Statements - The predecessor financial statements were prepared on a consolidated basis. For the successor, the financial statements for the period from April 25, 2003 to February 29, 2004 and for the year ended February 28, 2005 were prepared on combined basis. For the successor, the financial statements for the period from March 1, 2005 to May 19, 2005 were prepared on a combined basis and the financial statements for the period thereafter through February 28, 2006 were prepared on a consolidated basis.
A significant portion of the loss for the year ended February 28, 2002, is due primarily to impairment and restructuring charges during predecessor ownership related to intangibles and other long-lived assets. In addition, the successor did not purchase all of the long-lived assets at June 1, 2003 from predecessor. The loss from operations and the net loss for the year ended February 28, 2006 include a $35,121 charge for an impairment in the carrying value of goodwill established in the Merger. Also reflected are the results of the merger with Cenuco as well as the acquisition of the Playtex products.
- 17 -
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10K. Managements discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that involve risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to: quarterly fluctuations in results; customer demand for the Companys products; the development of new technology; domestic and international economic conditions; the achievement of lower costs and expenses; the continued availability of financing in the amounts and on the terms required to support the Companys future business; credit concerns in this industry; and other risks detailed from time to time in the Companys other Securities and Exchange Commission filings. Actual results may differ materially from managements expectations. The risks included here are not exhaustive. Other sections of this Annual Report on Form 10-K may include additional factors that could adversely affect the Companys business and financial performance. Moreover, the Company operates in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risk factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for management to predict all such risk factors, nor can it assess the impact of all such risk factors on the Companys business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Given these risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results.
Investors should also be aware that while the Company does communicate with securities analysts from time to time, it is against our policy to disclose to them any material non-public information or other confidential information. Accordingly, investors should not assume that the Company agrees with any statement or report issued by any analyst irrespective of the content of the statement or report. Furthermore, the Company has a policy against confirming financial forecast or projections issued by others. Therefore, to the extent that reports issued by securities analysts contain any projections, forecasts or opinions, such reports are not the responsibility of the Company.
Executive Summary
On May 9, 2006, Cenuco, Inc. changed it name to Ascendia Brands, Inc.
On May 20, 2005, Hermes Holding Company, Inc., a newly formed wholly owned subsidiary of Cenuco, Inc., merged (the Merger) with HACI. As a consequence of the Merger, HACI, together with its wholly owned subsidiaries Lander, Ascendia Real Estate (then known as Hermes Real Estate I LLC) and Lander Canada became wholly owned subsidiaries of Cenuco.
For accounting purposes, HACI is considered the acquirer in a reverse acquisition transaction and consequently the Merger has been treated as a recapitalization of HACI followed by the reverse acquisition of Cenuco, Inc. by HACI. Thus, HACIs financial statements are the historical financial statements of the post-Merger entity and the results of operations of Cenuco, Inc. have been included commencing on the date of the Merger.
Since the date of the Merger, the Company has been organized around two operating divisions, namely health and beauty care (conducted through HACI and its subsidiaries), and wireless applications development (conducted through Cenuco Wireless).
On November 16, 2005, Lander and Lander Intangibles acquired certain brands and brand-related assets from Playtex. The brands included Baby Magic, Binaca, Mr. Bubble, Ogilvie, Tek, Dentax, Dorothy Gray, Better Off and Tussy.
- 18 -
Health and Beauty Care Business
The Companys health and beauty care division is headquartered in Hamilton, New Jersey, and operates two facilities that contain both manufacturing and distribution centers. These facilities are located in Binghamton, New York (owned) and Toronto, Ontario (leased).
Through its Ascendia Brands subsidiary, the Company manufactures, markets and distributes: (i) bath products under the Lander, Lander essentials, and Mr. Bubble brand names, (ii) baby toiletries under the Baby Magic and Lander brand names, (iii) deodorant and antiperspirant products under the Tussy and Lander brand names, (iv) home permanent treatments under the Ogilvie brand name, (v) mouthwash products under the Lander brand name, (vi) portable breath sprays and drops under the Binaca brand name and (vii) manual toothbrushes under the Tek brand name, as well as other health and beauty care products within the personal care category in the United States. In addition, Ascendia Brands markets and distributes approximately $9 million of products exported annually to consumers in 90 other countries throughout the world.
Through its Lander Canada subsidiary, the Company produces private label brands for a limited number of large Canadian retail chains.
Prior to the acquisition of the former Playtex brands, the Company distributed on an annual basis, more than 82 million units of health and beauty products (primarily liquid fill bath care, baby care, and skin care products) in North America, and another 9 million internationally. Subsequent to the acquisition, the Company estimates it will distribute an additional 40 million units annually. This increases total Company annual units to an estimated 131 million on a global basis.
Wireless Applications Development Business
The Companys wireless applications development division is based in Boca Raton, Florida.
Through its Cenuco Wireless subsidiary, the Company is engaged in the wireless application technology business, primarily related to the transmission of secure and non-secured video onto cellular platforms via proprietary technologies. This is also known as remote video monitoring via cellular device. In this wireless segment, the Company provides cellular carriers, Internet Service Providers, resellers, and distributors a host of wireless video streaming products that can generate an increase in subscribers of wireless data services, as well as broadband Internet services.
Revenue and expense for the Wireless Application Development division reflects activity from the date of the Merger (May 20, 2005) to February 28, 2006. Prior to the Merger the Wireless Application Development divisions financial information and other pertinent information is disclosed in Cenuco Inc.s public filings prior to the Merger.
Year Ended February 28, 2006 (RESTATED) Compared to the Year Ended February 28, 2005
General
The Companys health and beauty care brand portfolio grew through acquisition from Playtex of certain nationally and internationally-recognized brands. After acquiring a brand, the focus is to increase its sales, market share and distribution in both existing and new channels. This growth will be driven by new marketing and sales strategies, improved packaging and formulations, innovative new products and line extensions consistent with managements strategic plan.
Net Sales
Consolidated net sales for the year ended February 28, 2006 increased by $9.7 million (13.9 percent) compared to net sales for the year ended February 28, 2005. Sales results were favorably impacted by the acquisition of the former Playtex brands, which resulted in additional net sales of $13.1 million in fiscal 2006.
- 19 -
U.S. net sales from the Lander brand products increased during the year by $0.2 million. Included in this increase are sales of Lander higher margin premium value products which increased net sales by $5.2 million (48 percent), with key elements in this growth being the addition of Lander essentials 3in1 and foam bath products, yielding additional net sales of $3.1 million, and an additional $1.7 million (20 percent) increase in Adult 64 oz. Bubble Bath net sales. This increase was offset by a $5.0 million decrease in extreme value products sales, as described in the following paragraph.
Strategically, Ascendia Brands limits its distribution to traditional mass, drug, food and dollar store retail venues and does not currently participate in online, specialty retail, club stores or direct-to-consumer outlets. We will continue to seek increased access to retail distribution venues that can provide enhanced profit margins for Ascendia while also providing tremendous value for consumers. Consistent with the Companys strategy to focus its efforts on higher margin, premium products, lower profit margin products will be de-emphasized long-term. Net sales of extreme value products (i.e., those retailing for $1.00) decreased by $5.0 million (12.8 percent) this year versus the prior year consistent with this strategy. This decrease can be attributed primarily to pricing actions following the raw material increases in petroleum-based products and higher transportation costs related to fuel surcharges.
Offsetting the above noted U.S. sales growth from the newly acquired products and Lander branded products is a reduction of $4.2 million attributable to the termination of a prior years marketing and administrative services agreement for the sale of licensed products. This licensing agreement and corresponding net sales terminated with the licensors bankruptcy filing and cessation of business during the first quarter of the current fiscal year.
Further contributing to the above noted consolidated sales increase were net sales derived from Lander Canada increased by $0.6 million (4.1 percent) this year versus the same period last year. There was a positive impact from exchange rate gains of $1.1 million, partially offset by a decrease in extreme value products of $0.5 million, consistent with the trends previously discussed for the U.S. market.
Sales for the WAD division were not material for the year ended February 28, 2006.
Gross Profit
Consolidated gross profit decreased by $3.4 million for the year ended February 28, 2006, from $7.5 million for the year ended February 28, 2005. The acquisition of the former Playtex brands resulted in an increase in gross profit by $4.7 million for the year. However, in accordance with SFAS 141, the Company recorded the inventory acquired at the fair market value, which negatively impacted gross profit of the brands for the year by $3.7 million, thus reducing gross profit on the former Playtex brands to $1.0 million. The Company has implemented cost reduction programs and continues to streamline its manufacturing process; however, inflationary increases resulting from rising oil prices resulting in higher raw material prices for surfactants, mineral oil and components negatively impacted the year by $3.2 million.
Gross profit for the WAD division was a negative $1.2 million due to the amortization of software technology being recorded in cost of goods sold in accordance with SFAS 86.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses amounted to $15.4 million for the year ended February 28, 2006 compared to $10.2 million for the year ended February 28, 2005. This increase of $5.2 million is attributable to several factors associated with the product acquisition from Playtex and the May 20, 2005 merger with Cenuco, Inc. $0.3 million is related to the expansion of the marketing department to capitalize on the acquired products. In addition the Company incurred $0.7 million of incremental selling and administrative expenses related to the Transition Services Agreement with Playtex for the period November 16, 2005 to February 28, 2006. Amortization expense for the intangible assets acquired in the Playtex acquisition amounted to $0.9 million. An additional $1.0 million of the increase pertains to indirect costs for outside legal, consulting, and accounting fees relative to the filing of the 8K-A, strategic reviews of the business units and bank fees associated with potential capital sources which did not materialize. The wireless applications development division contributed $1.2 million of incremental cost this year and on a consolidated basis the Company incurred $1.1 million related to incremental salary, benefits and outside consulting fees in connection with becoming a public traded company.
- 20 -
Goodwill Impairment
Goodwill established in connection with the Merger on May 20, 2005 was first tested in the quarter ended February 28, 2006 in accordance with SFAS No. 142. This led to the Company recording an impairment charge of $35.1 million for the WAD division. There was no impairment testing in prior years or periods since no goodwill was recorded prior to the Merger.
Other Income
Other income, net of $3.1 million for the year ended February 28, 2006 represents an increase of $2.9 million over the year ended February 28, 2005. The primary reason for the increase is a one-time gain of $2.5 million due to the forgiveness of a portion of the debt related to the 2003 acquisition of the Lander business.
Interest expense
Interest expense, net of $5.6 million for the year ended February 28, 2006 represents an increase of $4.2 million over the year ended February 28, 2005. The primary reason for the increase is the interest expense associated with the $80.0 million Bridge Loan (see discussion below under Liquidity and Capital Resources Bridge Loan).
Year Ended February 28, 2005 Compared to the Period from April 25, 2003 (Inception) to February 29, 2004
Net Sales
Consolidated net sales for the year ended February 28, 2005 increased $14.8 million (26.9 percent) when compared to net sales for the period from April 25, 2003 (inception) to February 29, 2004. The primary reason for the increase is the comparison of 12 months to nine months of results.
Net Sales from Lander branded products increased by $10.0 million due to the volume impact for 12 months versus nine months. However, $4.2 million of the total increase is attributable to a marketing and administrative services agreement for the sale of licensed products, which was terminated in the first quarter of 2006.
Gross Profit
Consolidated gross profit increased by $0.7 million to $7.5 million for the year ended February 28, 2005, from $6.8 million for the period from April 25, 2003 (inception) to February 29, 2004. This increase reflects a $1.5 million increase related to higher sales volume, due to the comparison of 12 months versus nine months, partially offset by the impact of rising oil prices affecting freight, utilities and commodity pricing. This resulted in higher prices for customer freight, commodity chemicals, surfactants, mineral oil, caps and bottles, which negatively impacted fiscal year 2005 by $1.8 million. This net loss was partially offset by the favorable margins on sale of the licensed products totaling $1.0 million.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $2.2 million to $10.2 million for the year ended February 28, 2005 from $8.0 million for the period from April 25, 2003 (inception) to February 29, 2004. The increase is due to the comparison of 12 months versus 9 months. Offsetting the increase were improvements in expenses as a result of several factors including reductions in headcount, benefits, and facility costs.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Bridge Loan
In order to finance the acquisition of the brands from Playtex ($57.8 million), fund financing fees ($2.8 million), repay certain existing indebtedness of the Company and its subsidiaries including the Seller Note and the Financing Arrangement referred to below under Long-Term Debt (approximately $13.8 million in total) and provide working capital for the operations of Lander (approximately $5.6 million), on November 15, 2005, the Company, Lander, HACI and Lander Intangibles (collectively, the Borrowers), entered into an $80.0 million Bridge Loan Term Agreement (the Bridge Loan) with Prencen, LLC (Prencen) and Highgate House Funds Ltd. (Highgate), as lenders, and Prencen, as agent for the lenders.
- 21 -
For the first 90 days following closing, the Bridge Loan bore interest at an annual rate of 5.5 percent above the three-month LIBOR (set two days in advance on November 14, 2005 at 4.34 percent). The interest rate margin over LIBOR increased at the end of that 90-day period to 10.5 percent. Also at the end of the 90-day period the three-month LIBOR was reset on February 12, 2006 for the next 90 days (February 15 to May 15, 2006). The reset three-month LIBOR rate of 4.74 percent plus the increased interest rate margin of 10.5 percent generated an interest rate on the Bridge Loan of 15.24 percent for the period February 15 to May 15, 2006. Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an event of default, the annual rate of interest would have increased by 5.5 percent over the rate of interest otherwise in effect. Interest accrued monthly, in arrears.
The Bridge Loan was originally due and payable on May 15, 2006. The Bridge Loan term was extended to coincide with the closing of the Second and Restated Securities Purchase Agreement described below, with interest to accrue and be paid at closing. The Bridge Loan principal was refinanced with the long-term financing described below. The borrowings under the Bridge Loan were secured by a first priority lien against all assets of the Borrowers and HREI, and by a pledge of the shares in Ascendia owned by two shareholders.
Financing Facility
On October 1, 2005, Ascendia (the parent of HACI following the merger (see Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere herein), entered into agreements with Prencen and Highgate (both of which are also lenders under the Bridge Loan described above and in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere herein) for the provision of long-term debt and equity financing (the Debt/Equity Financing) to refinance the Bridge Loan. The terms of these agreements were amended on November 15, 2005, concurrently with the closing of the Bridge Loan. Prior to its maturity, the parties agreed to an extension of the Bridge Loan pending the completion of discussions on further modifications to the Debt/Equity Financing. The parties also agreed to defer the payment of certain interest under the Bridge Loan pending its maturity. On June 30, 2006, Ascendia (i) agreed with Prencen and Highgate to amend and re-state the Debt/Equity Financing and (ii) in connection with such restatement, entered into a Second and Restated Securities Purchase Agreement (the Securities Purchase Agreement) with Prencen and Prencen Lending (Prencen Lending), which closed on August 3, 2006; the obligations to Highgate having been acquired by Prencen Lending.
Under the Securities Purchase Agreement, the Company sold Prentice Lending senior convertible notes (the Notes) in the principal amount of $91.0 million (and warrants described below) in exchange for the settlement of obligations under the Bridge Loan ($80.0 million) and $11.0 million in funding which was used to pay accrued interest on the Bridge Loan ($4.1 million), fees associated with the refinancing ($4.2 million) and produce net cash proceeds to the Company of approximately $2.7 million.
The Notes have a term of 10 years (subject to the put and call rights described below) and bear interest at the rate of 9 percent per annum, provided that during the first six months of the term, Ascendia will have the option to accrue and capitalize interest. In the event of Ascendia making an acquisition in the consumer products area that shall in form and substance be satisfactory to a majority of the holders of the Notes (an Approved Acquisiton), it may elect to defer and capitalize interest for the balance of the term of the Notes. In addition, upon the consummation of such an Approved Acquisition, Ascendia may redeem up to $40.0 million of the balance outstanding under the Notes at a premium of 15 percent.
Any portion of the balance due under the Notes is convertible at any time, at the option of the holders(s), into the common stock of Ascendia at a price of $1.75 per share (subject to certain ant-dilution adjustments), provided that the holders may not convert any amounts due under the Notes if and to the extent that, following such a conversion, the holder and any affiliate would collectively own more than 9.99 percent of the aggregate number of shares of common stock of Ascendia outstanding following such conversion. Given the nature of the conversion feature and the penalties involved for untimely registration of the related underlying shares of common stock (see below), the conversion option on the Notes may be separated under EITF 00-19 and recorded as a liability at its fair value, with an offsetting debt discount that would be amortized to interest expense under the effective interest method. Such liability, if recorded, would be adjusted to market value at each subsequent reporting date with the differential in value between reporting dates recorded as a component of interest expense in the related period. While management has not yet determined if a liability should be recorded for such conversion option, the impact of such accounting on subsequent interest expense could be material to future results of operations. If the provisions of EITF 00-19 are not applicable, the Company would follow the provisions of EITF 98-5 and 00-27, the result of which could also have a material impact on future interest expense and future reported results of operations.
- 22 -
At any time after the fifth anniversary of the issuance of the Notes, Ascendia may redeem or any holder may require the Company to redeem all or any portion of the balance outstanding under the Notes at a premium of 5 percent. Such 5 percent premium will be accreted to the recorded liability for the Notes over the first five years and be charged to interest expense under the effective interest method. In the event of t default or a change in control of Ascendia, the holders of the Notes may require the Company to redeem the Notes at a premium of 25 percent.
As part of the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company is required to file a Registration Statement to register the shares of common stock issuable upon the conversion of the Notes, the exercise of warrants described below, and other shares. Failure to file such Registration Statement by October 2, 2006 or have it declared effective by January 30, 2007, would constitute an event of default under the Notes. In the event of such a default, the holders of the Notes are entitled to a cash penalty in the amount of 2% of the face amount of the Notes for each 30 day period until such time as the default has been cured, subject to a maximum of 10%. In addition, in the event that holders of the Notes request conversion of all or a portion of their Notes, or the holders of the warrants described below present such warrants for exercise, and the Company is unable to timely deliver the related shares, the holders of such Notes or warrants will be entitled to damages in the amount of 1.5% per day of the then current value of the shares not timely delivered for each day that such delivery is not provided.
The Notes rank as senior secured debt of Ascendia, provided however that the Notes are subordinated to the new revolving credit facility of up to $13.0 million secured by inventory and accounts receivable (described below). The Notes are also subordinated to indebtedness incurred in connection with an Approved Acquisition, in an amount up to $250 million.
In connection with the amendment and restatement of the Debt/Equity Financing agreements and the sale of the Notes, Ascendia also issued certain warrants (the Series A warrants) entitling Prencen to purchase 3.053.358 shares of its common stock at an exercise price of $2.10. In addition, Ascendia commited to the issuance of certain warrants (the Series B warrants) entitling Prencen to purchase shares of its common stock under terms that are contingent upon the balance outstanding on the Notes at the earlier to occur of an Approved Acquisition or October 31, 2006. If the balance outstanding under the Notes on such date is greater or less than $61.0 million, Ascendia is required to issue to Prencen up to 3 million Series B warrants, at exercise prices ranging from $1.15 to $1.95. In the event the balance outstanding under the Notes is $61.0 million, no Series B warrants will be issued. The fair market value of the Series A and B warrants, when estimated, may be recorded separately as a liability at the date of issuance with an offsetting debt discount that would be amortized to interest expense under the effective interest method. Subsequent adjustments to the market value of the liability at each reporting date thereafter would be recorded as a component of interest expense in the period of such change.
Upon closing of the Long-Term Financing, Ascendia paid Prentice Capital Management, LP, an affiliate of Prencen and Prencen Lending, a closing fee of $3,667,500 and reimbursed Prencen Lending for certain disbursements related to the transaction. In addition, Ascendia paid fees and expenses of $5,525,171 to Stanford Group Company (Stanford). At closing, Ascendia issued to Stanford warrants for the purchase of its common stock as follows: (i) 137,615 warrants at an exercise price of $3.76 per share, and (ii) 552,632 warrants at an exercise price of $4.37 per share. Such cash costs and the value of the warrants issued to Stanford will be treated as a cost of the related financing and be amortized to interest expense under the effective interest method.
Revolver
On August 3, 2006, the Company closed on a revolving line of credit with a major financial institution for a $13.0 million three year facility. This facility will be used to fund approximately $1.8 million of the above noted cash costs associated with the Long-Term Financing and approximately $3.6 was used to redeem certain shares of the Companys Series A Preferred Stock from MarNan LLC and Dana Holdings LLC (see Item 13 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions), with the remainder availability to be used in the future for working capital and general corporate purposes. The facility is secured with the Companys United States accounts receivable and inventory.
- 23 -
The Revolver contains the following key provisions:
|
|
Line of credit A revolving line of credit providing for revolving advances up to the lesser of (a) $13,000,000 or (b) the sum of (herein the Borrowing Base): (i) eighty-five percent of eligible domestic (US) accounts receivable, subject to dilution of 5%, plus (ii) eighty-five percent (85%) of the net orderly liquidation value as a percentage of cost of eligible US finished goods and raw materials inventory. The total inventory sublimit will not exceed $8,000,000. The Agreement requires excess availability of $2,000,000 at closing and a permanent availability block against the Borrowing Base of $750,000. |
|
|
Interest rate Interest will be computed and payable monthly on all outstanding revolving loans at a rate equivalent to the Chase Bank Rate per annum or, at the Companys option, Libor plus two and one quarter percent (2¼%). |
|
|
Fees A loan facility fee of $100,000 earned at closing and payable: $25,000 upon signing of commitment letter, $25,000 payable at closing and $50,000 payable six (6) months from closing. A collateral management fee of $30,000 per year, earned at closing and on each Anniversary Date, payable $2,500 monthly. |
|
|
Termination fee A termination fee is charged of 1% of total facility if terminated prior to first Anniversary Date, three quarters percent (¾%) if terminated prior to second Anniversary Date, and one half percent (½%) if terminated anytime thereafter prior to an Anniversary Date. |
At February 28, 2006 Ascendia had Cash and Cash Equivalents of $1.9 million. Management believes this and other financing sources subsequently made available, including the $13.0 million committed revolving credit facility and the increase in the Financing Facility from $80.0 million to $91.0 million described above, provide Ascendia with sufficient operating liquidity for at least the next 12 months.
Cash Flow Year Ended February 28, 2006 and February 28, 2005
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities was ($19.4) million and $1.1 million, respectively for the year ended February 28, 2006 and February 28, 2005. For the year ended February 28, 2006, a primary factor contributing to negative operating cash flow was the acquisition of inventory of ($9.6) million in the asset acquisition from Playtex. The other primary contributor consisted of the net loss of $30.2 million, less the net effect of non-cash items of $18.8 million. Additional changes in operating assets and liabilities provided a positive contribution of $1.6 million. For the year ended February 28, 2005, the major contributors to a positive operating cash flow were a smaller net loss of ($4.0) million, less the net effect of non-cash items of $1.4 million and an increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $3.6 million.
Net cash used in investing activities was $42.5 million for the year ended February 28, 2006 compared to $0.9 million for the year ended February 28, 2005. For the year ended February 28, 2006, the major activities consisted of cash received of $6.0 million from the reverse acquisition of Cenuco, $1.3 million for capital equipment purchases and $47.3 million, primarily for the purchase of intangible assets from Playtex. For the year ended February 28, 2005, cash of $0.5 million was expended for capital equipment and $0.4 million for acquisition costs.
Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended February 28, 2006 was $63.9 million compared to net cash used in financing activities for the year ended February 28, 2005 of $0.1 million. The majority of the activity related to the Bridge Loan (see Liquidity and Capital Resources discussion above), net of repayments under the Companys line of credit and other long-term debt for the year ended February 28, 2006. The major activity for the year ended February 28, 2005 relates to net repayments of $0.1 million under the Companys line of credit.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
The Company has no off-balance sheet financing arrangements as that term is used in Item 303(a)4 of Regulation S-K.
- 24 -
Contractual Obligations
|
|
PAYMENTS DUE BY PERIOD |
|||||||||||||
|
|
(US$) |
|||||||||||||
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS |
|
|
|
LESS THAN |
|
|
|
|
|
MORE THAN |
|||||
($) |
|
TOTAL |
|
1 YEAR |
|
1-3 YEARS |
|
3-5 YEARS |
|
5 YEARS |
|||||
Long-term debt obligations (1) |
|
$ |
80,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
80,000,000 |
Capital lease obligations |
|
|
31,749 |
|
|
31,749 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating lease obligations |
|
|
3,503,184 |
|
|
888,440 |
|
|
1,363,094 |
|
|
1,145,517 |
|
|
106,133 |
Purchase obligations |
|
|
573,300 |
|
|
573,300 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total |
|
$ |
84,108,233 |
|
$ |
1,493,489 |
|
$ |
1,363,094 |
|
$ |
1,145,517 |
|
$ |
80,106,133 |
(1) Presented as long-term debt in the above table based upon the terms of the financing facility subsequently closed on August 3, 2006 and used to repay the above $80,000,000 outstanding Bridge Loan as of February 28, 2006. Interest has not been included in the table due to subsequent refinancing (see Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements) with interest at 9% per annum.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Our critical accounting policies include:
|
|
revenue recognition; |
|
|
cooperative advertising. |
|
|
trade accounts receivable; |
|
|
sales returns reserve; |
|
|
accounting for inventory and of costs of goods sold; |
|
|
accounting for goodwill and intangible assets; |
|
|
accounting for plant, property and equipment and |
|
|
income taxes |
Revenue Recognition
For the Health & Beauty Care division, revenue from product sales is recognized when the related goods are shipped, all significant obligations of the Company have been satisfied, persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, the price to the buyer is fixed or determinable and collection is reasonably assured or probable.
Amounts billed to customers related to shipping and handling are included in net sales. The cost of shipping products to the customer is recognized at the time the products are shipped and included in cost of sales.
In connection with the development and sale of wireless solutions and web services, which include the development of business-to-business and business-to-consumer wireless applications, and state of the art wireless technology and services, the Wireless Application Development (WAD) division recognizes revenue as services are performed on a pro-rata basis over the contract term or when products are delivered. WAD periodically enters into agreements whereby the customer or distributor may purchase wireless products on a consignment type basis. Revenues are recognized under these arrangements only when the customer or distributor has resold the product and the Company has an enforcement right to its sales price.
- 25 -
Cooperative Advertising Accruals
Cooperative advertising programs and other volume-based incentives are accounted for on an accrual basis as a reduction in net revenue according to the requirements of Emerging Task Force 01-09, Accounting for Consideration Given By a Vendor to a Customer or a Reseller of the Vendors Products in the period in which the related sales are recognized. If additional cooperative advertising programs, promotions and other volume-based incentives are required to promote the Companys products, then additional reserves may be required. Conversely reserves are decreased to reflect the lesser need for cooperative advertising programs.
Trade Accounts Receivable
The Company extends credit based upon evaluations of a customers financial condition and provides for any anticipated credit losses in our financial statements based upon managements estimates and ongoing reviews of recording allowances. If the financial conditions of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional reserves may be required. Conversely, reserves are reduced to reflect credit and collection improvements.
Sales Returns Reserve
The Companys management must make estimates of potential future product returns related to current period product revenue. Management analyzes historical returns, current economic trends and changes in customer demand for our products when evaluating the adequacy of the reserve for sales returns. Management judgments and estimates must be made and used in connection with establishing the sales returns reserves in any accounting period. If actual sales returns increase above the historical return rate, then additional reserves may be required. Conversely, the sales return reserve could be decreased if the actual return rates are less than the historical return rates, which were used to establish such sales returns reserve.
Inventory
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Inventories consist of raw materials used to manufacture the Companys health, beauty and oral care products, as well as finished goods that consist of the Companys product lines sold to its customers. The Company writes down inventory for estimated excess and discontinued products equal to the difference between cost and estimated market value based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. Excess and discontinued product inventory could arise due to numerous factors, including but not limited to, the competitive nature of the market and product demand by consumers. If market conditions are less favorable than those anticipated by management, additional write-downs may be required, including provisions to reduce inventory to net realizable value.
Goodwill and Indefinite Lived Intangibles
As a result of the Merger on May 20, 2005, the Company recorded goodwill of $49.7 million. Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired. SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, requires goodwill and other intangibles that have indefinite lives to not be amortized but to be reviewed for impairment at least annually or more frequently if impairment indicators arise. In the fiscal quarter ended February 28, 2006, in accordance with SFAS No. 142, the Company tested the carrying value of goodwill for impairment. This led to a goodwill impairment of $35.1 million being recorded in the statement of operations for the fiscal year ended February 28, 2006.
- 26 -
All of the goodwill was assigned to the Wireless Application Division (WAD) reporting unit. We determined the carrying value of the WAD division on the basis of specifically identifiable assets and liabilities and given the stand alone nature of the division, we determined that it was not appropriate to allocate any corporate assets or liabilities from the health and beauty care division to WAD. To determine fair value of the WAD division at February 28, 2006, we utilized the income approach and market approach valuation models. The income approach used the discounted cash flow method applied to the divisions forecasted cash flow. A 25% discount rate was determined to be appropriate to reflect the level of risk associated with a reporting unit in the early stage of development and the level of uncertainty with achieving the forecasted sales and cash flows. This produced an indication of value of $23.4 million. The market approach produced an indication of value of $23.0 million. Based on above, we used $23.0 million as the fair value of the reporting unit at February 28, 2006. We used this fair value in arriving at an estimated fair value of goodwill of $14.6 million. We compared this to the existing recorded value of goodwill of $57.7 million and recorded the difference of $35.1 million as an impairment charge in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006.
The cash flows and the indication of fair value with respect to the market approach were based upon forecasted sales of $2.3 million, $5.5 million and $10.3 million, respectively for the fiscal years 2007 through 2009. The sales forecast was based primarily on the anticipated development of enhanced software technology and WADs ability to further develop key partnerships and customer relationships to expand the distribution of its wireless technology software. If WAD does not achieve these sales forecasts the related estimated cash flows will not occur and a further material impairment in goodwill could occur.
Management has assessed the possible causes for the impairment in goodwill resulting from our analysis under SFAS 142. There were no significant changes in actual or estimated sales for the WAD division during this period, nor did the division lose any of major customers or market momentum. We also did not experience any loss of key personnel or change in management strategies that would have contributed materially to an impairment. Further, there were no changes to the competitive environment in which the WAD division operates, nor were there any adverse changes to the legal climate in which it operates. We have therefore concluded that the primary contributing factor leading to this impairment charge was the use of market price to establish the Merger date value of WAD, compared to the income and market valuation approaches used to calculate impairment under SFAS 142.
As a result of the purchase of assets from Playtex on November 16, 2005 (see Note 3), the Company made an allocation of the purchase price to the estimated fair value of the assets acquired, which resulted in $16,924,477 being allocated to intangible assets (brand names and product formulas), initially estimated to have indefinite lives. SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, requires other intangibles that have indefinite lives to not be amortized but to be reviewed at least annually for impairment or more frequently if impairment indicators arise. In the quarter ended February 28, 2007, in accordance with SFAS No. 142, the Company will test the carrying value of goodwill for impairment.
Amortizable Intangible Assets
SFAS No. 142 also requires that intangible assets with finite useful lives be amortized over their respective estimated useful lives and reviewed for impairment. As a result of the merger on May 20, 2005, the Company recorded intangible assets of $8,000,000, related to acquired software technology, with an estimated useful life of five years. Amortization expense for the acquired software technology was $1,249,315 for the year ended February 28, 2006. There was no amortization expense on these intangible assets in prior years.
- 27 -
For the Playtex asset acquisition on November 16, 2005, an allocation of the purchase price resulted in $30,393,673 being allocated to customer relationships. The estimated useful lives are 10 years, to be amortized on a straight-line basis. The amortization expense recorded for the year ended February 28, 2006 was $866,012.
Managements review of amortizable intangible assets concluded that there is no impairment at February 28, 2006.
Property, Plant and Equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. The costs of major additions and improvements are capitalized and maintenance and repairs that do not improve or extend the life of the respective assets are charged to operations as incurred. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets ranging from three to twenty-five years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the term of the lease or their estimated useful lives. If the Company determines that a change is required in the useful life of an asset, future depreciation/amortization is adjusted accordingly.
Income Taxes
The Company records a valuation allowance to reduce the amount of our deferred tax assets to the amount that management estimates is more likely than not to be realized. While we have considered future taxable income and ongoing tax planning strategies in assessing the need for the valuation allowance, in the event that we determine that we would be able to realize our deferred tax assets in the future in excess of the net recorded amount, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would increase income in the period such determination was made. Likewise, if it was determined that we would not be able to realize all or part of the net deferred tax asset in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax asset would be charged to income in the period such determination was made.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes-An interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (FIN 48), which clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in tax positions. This guidance seeks to reduce the diversity in practice associated with certain aspects of the recognition and measurement related to accounting for income taxes. The provisions of FIN 48 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006, with the cumulative effect of the change in accounting principal, if any, recorded as an adjustment to opening retained earnings. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting FIN 48 on its financial statements.
In May 2005, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, or SFAS No. 154, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections, which changes the requirements for the accounting for and reporting of a change in accounting principle. SFAS No. 154 replaces Accounting Principles Board, or APB, Opinion No. 20, Accounting Changes, and SFAS No. 3, Reporting Accounting Changes in Interim Financial Statement. It requires retrospective application to prior periods financial statements of a voluntary change in accounting principle unless it is impracticable. In addition, under SFAS No. 154, if an entity changes its method of depreciation, amortization, or depletion for long-lived, non-financial assets, the change must be accounted for as a change in accounting estimate affected by a change in accounting principle. SFAS No. 154 applies to accounting changes and error corrections made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 154 will have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations and financial condition.
In March 2005, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 47, Accounting for Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations. Interpretation No. 47 clarifies that an entity must record a liability for a conditional asset retirement obligation if the fair value of the obligation can be reasonably estimated. Interpretation No. 47 also clarifies when an entity would have sufficient information to reasonably estimate the fair value of an asset retirement obligation. Interpretation No. 47 is effective no later than the end of the fiscal year ending after December 15, 2005. The adoption of Interpretation No. 47 did not have a material impact on our consolidated results of operations or financial condition.
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In March 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, issued Staff Accounting Bulletin, or SAB, No. 107, which provides guidance on the implementation of SFAS No. 123(R), Share-Based Payment. In particular, SAB No. 107 provides key guidance related to valuation methods (including assumptions such as expected volatility and expected term), the accounting for income tax effects of share-based payment arrangements upon adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), the modification of employee share options prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R), the classification of compensation expense, capitalization of compensation cost related to share-based payment arrangements, first-time adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) in an interim period, and disclosures in Managements Discussion and Analysis subsequent to the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R). SAB No. 107 became effective on March 29, 2005.
In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123(R), which replaces SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees. Under SFAS No. 123(R), companies are required to measure the compensation costs of share-based compensation arrangements based on the grant-date fair value and recognize the costs in the financial statements over the period during which employees are required to provide services. Share-based compensation arrangements include stock options, restricted share plans, performance-based awards, share appreciation rights and employee share purchase plans. In April 2005, the SEC postponed the implementation date to the fiscal year beginning after June 15, 2005. We will adopt SFAS No. 123(R) in the first quarter of fiscal 2007. We do not believe that the adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) will have a material impact on our results of operations, however since these are non-cash charges they will have no impact on our cash position. The precise impact of adoption of SFAS No. 123(R) cannot be predicted at this time because it will depend on levels of share-based payments granted in the future. SFAS No. 123(R) also requires the benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation cost to be reported as a financing cash flow, rather than as an operating cash flow as required under current literature. This requirement will reduce net operating cash flows and increase net financing cash flows in periods after adoption. While we cannot estimate what those amounts will be in the future (because they depend on, among other things, when employees exercise stock options), the amount of operating cash flows recognized for such excess tax deductions was zero for the year ended February 28, 2006.
In November 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards, or SFAS, No. 151 Inventory Costsan amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4. SFAS No. 151 requires all entities to allocate overhead costs to inventory based on a calculation of normal manufacturing capacity. The Statement notes that this calculation is difficult because of the variety of considerations encountered in the allocation of costs and charges. This statement is effective for the fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2005. We will adopt SFAS No. 151 beginning with the first quarter of fiscal 2007. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this statement will have on our consolidated financial statements.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The Company markets its products throughout the United States and internationally. As a result, the Company could be adversely affected by such factors as rising commodity costs and weak global economic conditions. Forecasted material purchases (including freight) during the next year are approximately $80 million. An average two percent price increase related to oil and related raw materials could cost the Company approximately $1.6 million.
The Company has also evaluated its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates. A principal balance of $80.0 million plus accrued interest is currently outstanding under the Bridge Loan, with an extended maturity date of August 31, 2006. An increase of one percent in the interest rates would increase interest expense by approximately $800,000 per year. The interest rate risk from the Companys other interest-related accounts such as its post-retirement obligations are deemed to not be significant.
The Company has not historically and is not currently using derivative instruments to manage the above risks.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The financial statements and supplementary data required by this report are included, commencing on page F-1.
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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
NONE
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
(a) |
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures |
Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-14 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as of the last day of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of such date our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective in ensuring that all information required to be disclosed in our reports under the Exchange Act, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commissions rules and forms, and such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
The above conclusion regarding the inadequacy of the Companys internal controls as of February 28, 2006 relates to control deficiencies in the application of purchase accounting for acquisitions completed during the year and in the subsequent evaluation of goodwill for impairment which occurred in the fourth quarter. These control deficiencies resulted in the restatement of the Companys first, second and third quarter financial statements, resulting from a reallocation of purchase price in accounting for the Merger, and a material audit adjustment to the goodwill impairment charge recorded in the fourth quarter. These control deficiencies could result in a misstatement of the aforementioned accounts and disclosures that would result in a material misstatement to the Companys annual or interim consolidated financial statements that would not be prevented or detected. Accordingly, management has determined that these control deficiencies constitute material weaknesses in our internal controls and resulted in our disclosure controls being ineffective as of February 28, 2006.
A material weakness is a control deficiency, or a combination of control deficiencies, that results in more than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected.
Management attributes the above noted material weaknesses substantially to lack of sufficient and appropriate internal expertise to evaluate the value attributable to the Merger with Cenuco, Inc. and the input provided to us from outside valuation experts used in our purchase accounting and in our goodwill impairment testing. Since February 28, 2006 we have made changes to our internal financial reporting group, which we believe will provide an effective remediation to the material weaknesses that existed as of February 28, 2006. We will continue to monitor the effectiveness of these control modifications, and other financial reporting control areas that may require enhancement, and implement improvements as and when necessary.
(b) |
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting |
There has not been any change made in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended February 28, 2006 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
The Companys Board of Directors has set September 28, 2006 as the date for its 2006 Annual Meeting of Stockholders for stockholders of record as of August 31, 2006. The Company advises stockholders of the following deadlines in connection with the Annual Meeting. In order for a stockholder proposal to be considered for inclusion in the Companys proxy statement for this years Annual Meeting, the proposal must be received by the Company at its principal executive offices on or before September 7, 2006. In addition, in order for a stockholder proposal to be considered at this years Annual Meeting but not included in the Companys proxy statement, such proposal must be received by the Company at its principal executive offices on or before September 7, 2006 to be considered timely under applicable SEC rules. Proposals should be directed to the attention of The Secretary, Ascendia Brands, Inc., 100 American Metro Boulevard, Suite 108, Hamilton, New Jersey 08619.
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PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF REGISTRANT
Directors
It was a condition of the completion of the Merger that Steven Bettinger, Andrew Lockwood and Jack Phelan resign from of our Board of Directors on the closing date under the Merger Agreement. Since the Merger, our Board of Directors has been comprised of the following persons:
Joseph A. Falsetti, 49 - Chairman of the Board. For a biography of Mr. Falsetti, see below Executive Officers.
Edward J. Doyle, 62 - Independent Director; Chairman, Audit Committee. Mr. Doyle has served as the sole proprietor of Zephyr Ventures LLC since 2003 and managing director of The Hermes Group LLC since 2002. From 1999 to 2002, Mr. Doyle served as managing principal of Hamilton Capital Group LLC. From 1981 until 1996, he served as Divisional Vice President of Mars Incorporated.
Kenneth D. Taylor, 72 - Independent Director. Mr. Taylor has served as Chairman of Taylor & Ryan, Inc. since 1991. Prior to joining Taylor & Ryan, Inc., Mr. Taylor served as a diplomat in the Canadian Foreign Service and resigned from that post in 1984. Mr. Taylor presently also serves as a director of Hydro One, Devine Entertainment Corp. and SkyLink Aviations, Ltd., all of which are located in Toronto, Canada.
Robert Picow, 50 - Director. Robert Picow was Chairman of the Board of Directors of Cenuco, Inc. prior to its merger with Lander. In 1982, Mr. Picow founded Allied Distributors, a small electronics distributorship based in Philadelphia. In 1986, Allied Communications was formed and the company focused on cellular telephones and related products. Mr. Picow served as CEO of Allied Communications until its merger in 1996 with Brightpoint, a publicly-traded communications company. Mr. Picow served as Vice Chairman and a director of Brightpoint until 1997. Mr. Picow served as a director of S.B.A. Communications for a two-year term and is now a director of Streicher Mobile Fueling and Fundamental Management Corporation, a private fund management company. Mr. Picow also serves on the Board of Trustees of the Childrens Place at Home Safe, a Palm Beach based charity.
Francis Ziegler, 65 - Independent Director; Chairman, Compensation Committee. Mr. Ziegler retired in April 2004 from his position as President and Chief Executive Officer of Claneil Enterprises, Inc., a privately-owned holding company that was a prior owner of Lander. He joined Claneil in 1993 after thirty years as an operations and marketing executive with Johnson & Johnson. During his career with Johnson & Johnson, he served as President of five subsidiary companies. Mr. Ziegler presently also serves as a director of S&H Green Points, Inc. and Rinaldi Enterprises.
Compensation Committee
During the year ended February 28, 2006, the members of the Compensation Committee were Mr. Ziegler, who served as Chair of the Compensation Committee, Mr. Doyle and Mr. Taylor. Our Compensation Committee has authority in matters relating to administration of our compensation plans and to set the salary and incentive compensation, including stock option grants, for our Chief Executive Officer and senior staff members.
The Compensation Committee operates under a formal charter adopted by our board of directors that governs its duties and standards of performance. Copies of the Compensation Committee Charter can be obtained free of charge from our website, www.ascendiabrands.com.
Our board of directors has determined that the members of the Compensation Committee meet the independence standard set forth by The American Stock Exchange. Further, each member of the Compensation Committee is a Non-Employee Director as defined in Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and an outside director as defined for purposes of 162(m) of the Code.
The Compensation Committee reviewed and agreed on specific compensation for executive officers, including the employment contracts for the current and former Chief Executive Officers. The compensation awarded is comparable to the overall market for executive officers.
- 31 -
Audit Committee
The members of the Audit Committee are Mr. Doyle, who serves as Chair of the Audit Committee, Mr. Taylor and Mr. Ziegler. Our Audit Committee is responsible for assuring the integrity of our financial control, audit and reporting functions and reviews with our management and our independent auditors the effectiveness of our financial controls and accounting and reporting practices and procedures. In addition, the Audit Committee reviews the qualifications of our independent registered public accountants, is responsible for their appointment, compensation, retention and oversight and reviews the scope, fees and results of activities related to audit and non-audit services.
Our board of directors has determined that all of the members of the Audit Committee are financially literate and meet the independence standard set forth by The American Stock Exchange and applicable SEC rules. Our board of directors has further determined that Mr. Doyle qualifies as an Audit Committee financial expert, as defined in applicable SEC rules.
SECTION 16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, requires our executive officers and directors and persons who own more than ten percent of our common stock to file reports of beneficial ownership and changes in beneficial ownership of our common stock and any other equity securities with the SEC. Executive officers, directors, and persons who own more than ten percent of our common stock are required by SEC regulations to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.
Based solely on our review of the copies of Forms 3, 4, and 5 furnished to us, or written representations from certain reporting persons that no Forms 3, 4, or 5 were required to be filed by such persons, we believe that all of our executive officers, directors, and persons who own more than ten percent of our common stock complied with all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to them during the year ended February 28, 2006.
Code of Ethics
We have adopted a Code of Ethics applicable to all employees, including all of our officers. Violations of the Code of Ethics may be reported to Andrew W. Sheldrick, our Chief Counsel, at Ascendia Brands, Inc. at 100 American Metro Boulevard, Suite 108, Hamilton, New Jersey 08619. Copies of this Code of Ethics can be obtained free of charge from our website, www.ascendiabrands.com. With respect to any amendments or waivers of this Code of Ethics (to the extent applicable to the Companys chief executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, or persons performing similar functions) the Company intends to either post such amendments or waivers on its website, www.ascendiabrands.com, or disclose such amendments or waivers pursuant to a Current Report on Form 8-K.
Executive Officers
The following persons are the principal members of our management team:
Joseph A. Falsetti, 49 - President & Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Falsetti has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ascendia since June 13, 2003. Mr. Falsetti has an extensive entrepreneurial background, having established several consumer product companies. He was the founder and former Chairman and CEO of RomTech, a NASDAQ-listed consumer product entertainment company, which grew to become the highest volume distributor/publisher of value software in mass merchant retail, initiating value branding within the category. He also founded and was President and CEO of Galaxy Software, where he developed several leading brands including Picture It, which was sold to Microsoft Corporation and remains Microsofts leading consumer application within the category. Prior to founding these companies, Mr. Falsetti worked for Unisys Corporation, rising to the position of Director of Desktop PCs, responsible for operations of the personal computing hardware, peripherals and related software applications with $200 million in annual sales. He received his BSME and BSEE degrees from The College Of New Jersey.
- 32 -
William C. Acheson, 56 - Senior Vice President, Global Sales. Mr. Acheson has served as Vice President, Global Sales of Ascendia since June 13, 2003. Prior to joining Ascendia, Mr. Acheson was Vice President of Business Development for eGames, joining the company in January 1997. Previous to joining eGames he served as Senior Vice President, Mass Cosmetics Division at Revlon, Inc. where he was responsible for the development and effectiveness of all Revlon and Almay marketing programs, leading to achievement of an annual sales volume plan in excess of $700 million. Mr. Acheson joined Revlon in 1982 as a National Account Manager and he distinguished himself by achieving increasing positions of responsibility during his tenure at Revlon. From 1976 to 1982, Mr. Acheson served as a Key Account Manager for McNeil Consumer Products Company. From 1973 to 1976, Mr. Acheson held sales management positions at Cash Register Service Company and Proctor and Gamble. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Indiana with a major in political science and completed an Overseas Study Program in Cambridge, England.
Brian J. Geiger, 62 - Executive Vice President,Finance & Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Geiger has served as Executive Vice President, Finance, and Chief Financial Officer since March 1, 2005. He has thirty-five years broad-based financial and general business experience with major divisions of an $80.0 billion global diversified healthcare corporation and an $800 million private equity corporation. He has had Board-level responsibility with multiple consumer and pharmaceutical divisions with operating budgets ranging from $2.1 million to $12.5 million. Mr. Geiger has a proven record of accomplishments ranging from start-up operations, key supplier negotiations, company divestitures and product acquisitions and provides Ascendia strong leadership, communication and financial skills with ability to interact at all levels to achieve aggressive business goals. Mr. Geiger currently serves on the board of directors of Immunicon Corporation, a publicly traded medical diagnostics company, and Opinion Research Corporation, a publicly traded market research company. He holds a B.A. in Economics from Rutgers University, and an MBA in Finance from Seton Hall University, and is a Certified Management Accountant.
R. Elizabeth Houlihan, 47 - Vice President, Marketing & Product Development. Ms. Houlihan has served as Vice President, Marketing and Product Development of Ascendia since December 5, 2005. Her experience includes marketing, general management and sales work on more than 30 brands in over three dozen categories in the personal and skin care, household products, over-the-counter medicines, veterinary pharmaceuticals, industrial chemicals, agricultural products and e-business segments. Ms. Houlihan has over 15 years of experience in the personal products sector. Ms. Houlihan previously held senior marketing positions in Church & Dwight, which included responsibility for New Product Development, and in a privately owned $800 million global direct marketing company concentrating in nutritional supplements, laundry and household, and personal care products. Prior to beginning her marketing career, Ms. Houlihan spent seven years in agricultural sales management roles with increasing responsibility with Monsanto, Stauffer Chemical, and Molecular Genetics. Ms. Houlihan holds a Master of Brand Management from the University of Georgias Terry School of Business.
Franco S. Pettinato, 40 - Senior Vice President, Operations. Mr. Pettinato has served as Senior Vice President of Operations for Ascendia since June 13, 2003. He has been a Senior Executive, consultant and entrepreneur in diverse industries for over 18 years and brings to Ascendia wide experience in management, information technology, operations and business process. Previously, he served as Vice President of Delivery at Vis.align LLC, leading operations for the $60 million, northeast based IT consulting company that provides application development, infrastructure and outsourced managed services. He was co-founder and President of The Standing Stone Group L.L.C., an Internet engineering company that Vis.align acquired in October 2000. Prior to starting Standing Stone, Mr. Pettinato served as an associate partner and regional director at the Internet consulting company March First (formally USweb). Mr. Pettinato has held various management, sales and engineering roles throughout his career. He led the sales effort at GE Information Services, responsible for growing revenue from the commercial use of GEs private international EDI data network. He held several sales and management roles at Lucent Technologies and at AT&T, including research and development positions at the AT&T Bell Laboratories and manufacturing management positions at AT&T Microelectronics, manufacturing AT&T products. He holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Temple University and an MBA in International Business from Saint Josephs University.
Andrew W. Sheldrick, 51 - Vice President and General Counsel. Mr. Sheldrick served as external counsel to the Company prior to his recent appointment as General Counsel. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Sheldrick spent more than 25 years in private practice, specializing primarily in corporate transactional and tax law, and representing public and private-sector companies in a diverse range of business sectors. Mr. Sheldrick is a graduate of Cambridge University, England and holds a Masters in Comparative Law from the George Washington University, Washington DC. He is admitted to practice in New York and in England and Wales.
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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The following table sets forth information concerning the compensation during the fiscal years ended February 28, 2006, February 28, 2005 and February 28, 2004 of the Companys current and former Chief Executive Officers and each of the four other persons serving as executive officers of the Company at the end of fiscal 2006 who received the highest annual salary and bonus during fiscal 2006 for services rendered in all capacities to the Company and its subsidiaries:
Name & Title |
Fiscal Year Ended 2/28 |
Annual Compensation |
Long Term Compensation | |||||
Salary ($) |
Bonus ($) |
Other ($) |
Restricted Securities |
|
| |||
Stock Awards ($) |
Underlying Options/SARs (#) |
LTIP Payouts ($) |
All Other Comp. ($) | |||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Joseph A. Falsetti, President & Chief Executive Officer |
2006 |
381,250 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
2005 |
175,000 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- | |
2004 |
124,519 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Brian J. Geiger, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer |
2006 |
231,250 |
5,000 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
2005 |
141,346 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- | |
2004 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Franco S. Pettinato, Senior Vice President, Operations |
2006 |
190,000 |
5,000 |
14,400 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
2005 |
190,000 |
8,021 |
14,400 |
- |
- |
- |
- | |
2004 |
124,519 |
- |
13,200 |
- |
- |
- |
- | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
William B. Acheson, Executive Vice President, Global Sales |
2006 |
225,000 |
- |
6,000 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
2005 |
225,000 |
2,986 |
6,000 |
- |
- |
- |
- | |
2004 |
160,096 |
29,327 |
6,000 |
- |
- |
- |
- | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
R. Elizabeth Houlihan, Vice President, Marketing |
2006 |
51,923 |
- |
10,000 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
2005 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- | |
2004 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- | |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Steven Bettinger, Former Chief Executive Officer of Cenuco, Inc.(1) |
2006 |
187,500 |
- |
8,100 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
2005 |
242,692 |
71,000(2) |
- |
97,000(4) |
100,000 |
- |
- | |
2004 |
250,000 |
82,000(3) |
- |
42,000(5) |
100,000 |
- |
- | |
|
|
|
|
|
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Other compensation includes car allowances and relocation bonus.
|
(1) |
Amounts for 2005 and 2004 based on Ascendias prior June 30 fiscal year end. |
|
(2) |
Represents the issuance of 100,000 shares of Ascendia common stock at a fair market value of $0.71 on date of issuance. |
|
(3) |
Represents the issuance of 100,000 shares of Ascendia common stock at a fair market value of $0.82 on the date of issuance. |
|
(4) |
Represents value of 100,000 stock options granted at a fair market value on date of grant of $0.97. |
|
(5) |
Represents value of 100,000 stock options granted at a fair market value on date of grant of $0.42. |
At February 28, 2006, Steven Bettinger (former CEO) has issued and outstanding options of 100,000. These options were also issued and outstanding as of the date of the Merger on May 20, 2005. The options become fully exercisable as a result of the Merger. Prior to date of Merger the successor company (HACI) did not have any options issued or outstanding.
Aggregated Options Exercised in Last Fiscal Year and Fiscal Year-End Option Values
The following table sets forth the information with respect to the Named Executive Officers concerning the exercise of options during fiscal year 2006 and unexercised options held as of February 28, 2006.
|
|
Shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |||
|
|
Acquired |
|
|
|
Number of Securities |
|
Value of Unexercised |
| |||||||
|
|
on |
|
|
|
Underlying Unexercised |
|
In-the-Money Options |
| |||||||
|
|
Exercise |
|
Value |
|
Options at Year-End (#) (2) |
|
a Year-End ($) (1) |
| |||||||
Name |
|
# |
|
Realized ($) |
|
Exercisable |
|
Unexercisable |
|
Exercisable |
|
Unexercisable |
| |||
Joseph A. Falsetti |
|
0 |
|
$ |
|
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Brian J. Geiger |
|
0 |
|
$ |
|
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Franco S. Pettinato |
|
0 |
|
$ |
|
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
William B. Acheson |
|
0 |
|
$ |
|
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
R. Elizabeth Houlihan |
|
0 |
|
$ |
|
|
0 |
|
0 |
|
$ |
|
|
$ |
|
|
Steven Bettinger |
|
0 |
|
$ |
|
|
100,000 |
|
0 |
|
$ |
243,333 |
|
$ |
|
|
|
(1) |
Based on closing price of the common stock as reported on the American Stock Exchange at February 28, 2006, less exercise price, multiplied by the number of shares underlying the option. |
|
(2) |
The 100,000 options are net of 100,000 options exercised in 2005. |
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
During the fiscal year 2006, each of our non-employee directors received $12,000 retainer (paid for 3 meetings for the period May 20, 2005 to February 28, 2006) in cash compensation. An additional $5,000 cash retainer was given to the Audit Committee Chairperson and an additional $3,000 annual cash retainer was given to the Compensation/Nominating/Goverance Committee Chairperson. We also paid the following fees in the fiscal year ended February 28, 2006 for meetings attended by various non-employee directors:
|
|
|
a $2,000 fee for each meeting of our board of directors attended in persons; |
|
|
|
a $1,000 fee for each meeting of our board of directors attended by telephone; |
|
|
|
a $1,500 fee for each meeting of a committee of our board of directors attended in person: and |
|
|
|
a $750 fee for each meeting of a committee of our board of directors attended by telephone; and a $750 fee if scheduled the same day of a full board meeting, either for attendance in person or via telephone. |
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
The current members of the Compensation Committee are Mr. Ziegler, Mr. Doyle and Mr. Taylor, none of whom has had any relationship requiring disclosure by the Company under Item 404 of Regulation S-K or ever served as an officer of the Company or any of its subsidiaries.
- 35 -
Employment and Indemnification Agreements
Employment Agreement with Joseph A. Falsetti
On May 20, 2005, the Company entered into an employment agreement with Joseph A. Falsetti (the Falsetti Employment Agreement) pursuant to which Mr. Falsetti was appointed as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company. The Falsetti Employment Agreement has a three-year period ending May 19, 2008 whereupon it automatically renews for an additional three-year term unless terminated by the Company or Mr. Falsetti upon 90-days prior written notice. Under the agreement, Mr. Falsetti receives an annual base salary of $450,000 and will be eligible to participate in or receive benefits under any employee benefit plans generally made available to similarly situated executives. In addition, Mr. Falsetti will be eligible to receive options to purchase shares of the Companys common stock at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The Falsetti Employment Agreement provides for payment to Mr. Falsetti of an amount equal to two times his base salary, payable in twenty four equal payments, the immediate vesting of all benefits, awards and grants and continuation for one year of all health benefit plans, programs or arrangements if the Company terminates Mr. Falsettis employment other than for Cause (as defined) or if Mr. Falsetti terminates his employment at any time within six months following a Change in Control (as defined), because of a change in his duties inconsistent with his position, reporting, responsibilities, titles or offices prior to the Change in Control, a reduction in his base salary, the failure of the Company to maintain Mr. Falsettis participation in its benefit plans, the failure to provide Mr. Falsetti with appropriate adjustments to compensation and a relocation allowance in the event he is required to relocate, or the failure of the Company to honor its obligations under the agreement. During the period that any such severance benefits are being paid, Mr. Falsetti is prohibited from engaging in any business that competes with the business of the Company and for a period of one year after such severance benefit payments cease or two years after the date of termination, whichever is later, Mr. Falsetti may not, within 75 miles of any operating location of the Company, engage in any business that is competitive with the Companys business. A copy of the Falsetti Employment Agreement was filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K/A dated May 20, 2005. The foregoing description of the Falsetti Employment Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Falsetti Employment Agreement.
Employment Agreement with Steven Bettinger
As a condition to consummating the Merger, any and all existing employment agreements (written and oral) with Steven Bettinger, the former President and Chief Executive Officer of Cenuco, Inc., were terminated. On May 20, 2005, the effective date of the Merger, the Company and Mr. Bettinger entered into an employment agreement (the Bettinger Employment Agreement) pursuant to which Mr. Bettinger was employed as Vice President of Corporate Development and Investor Relations of the Company for a three-year period ending May 19, 2008. Mr. Bettinger receives an annual base salary of $250,000 and will be eligible to participate in or receive benefits under any employee benefit plans generally made available to similarly situated executives. In addition, Mr. Bettinger will be eligible to receive options to purchase shares of the Companys common stock at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors or the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The Bettinger Employment Agreement provides for payment to Mr. Bettinger of an amount equal to the base salary that would have been paid during the remaining term of the Bettinger Employment Agreement, payable in equal monthly installments over the remaining term, and continuation for the remaining term of all health benefit plans, programs or arrangements if the Company terminates Mr. Bettingers employment other than for Cause (as defined in the Bettinger Employment Agreement) or if Mr. Bettinger terminates his employment at any time within six months following a Change in Control (as defined in the Bettinger Employment Agreement) because of a change in his duties inconsistent with his position, reporting, responsibilities, titles or offices prior to the Change in Control, a reduction in his base salary, the failure of the Company to maintain Mr. Bettingers participation in its benefit plans, the failure to provide Mr. Bettinger with appropriate adjustments to compensation and relocation allowance in the event he is required to relocate or the failure of the Company to honor its obligations under the Bettinger Employment Agreement. During the period that any such severance benefits are being paid, Mr. Bettinger is prohibited from engaging in any business that competes with the business of the Company and for a period of one year after such severance benefit payments cease or two years after the date of termination, whichever is later, Mr. Bettinger may not, within 75 miles of any operating location of the Company, engage in any business that is competitive with the Companys business. A copy of the Bettinger Employment Agreement was filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K/A dated May 20, 2005. The foregoing description of the Bettinger Employment Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Bettinger Employment Agreement.
- 36 -
Indemnification Agreements
As a condition to consummation of the Merger, the Company entered into indemnification agreements (the Indemnification Agreements) on May 20, 2005, with each of Messrs. Edward J. Doyle, Joseph A. Falsetti, Robert Picow, Kenneth D. Taylor and Francis Ziegler, who have served as directors of the Company following the Merger. The Indemnification Agreements provide, among other things, that the Company will indemnify and hold harmless each of the directors to the fullest extent not prohibited by applicable law and will advance expenses incurred by each of the directors provided that such director undertakes in writing to repay any such advances in the event that it is ultimately determined that such director is not entitled to indemnification. A copy of the form of Indemnification Agreement was filed as Exhibit 10.7 to the Companys Current Report on Form 8-K/A dated May 20, 2005. The foregoing description of the Indemnification Agreements is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the form of Indemnification Agreement.
THE BELOW TABLE ASSUMES $100 INVESTED ON FEBRUARY 28, 2001 IN OUR COMMON
STOCK AND THE NASDAQ COMPOSITE INDEX. TOTAL RETURN ASSUMES REINVESTMENT
OF DIVIDENDS, ALTHOUGH WE HAVE NEVER PAID CASH DIVIDENDS.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
The following table sets forth certain information as of February 28, 2006, with respect to the beneficial ownership of shares of the Companys common stock and Series A Preferred Stock by: (i) each person known by us to beneficially own more than 5 percent of the outstanding shares of our common stock or Series A Preferred Stock; (ii) each of our current directors; (iii) each of our named executive officers; and (iv) all of our executive officers and directors as a group.
As of February 28, 2006, there were 13,882,056 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding and 2,553.6746 shares of our Series A Preferred Stock issued and outstanding. Beneficial ownership has been calculated and presented in accordance with Rule 13d-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Unless otherwise indicated: (i) each stockholder has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares shown; and (ii) the address for the stockholder is c/o Ascendia Brands, Inc., 100 American Metro Boulevard, Suite 108, Hamilton, New Jersey 08619.
- 37 -
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner |
Shares of Series A Pref. Stock (1) |
Percentage of Series A Pref. Stock |
Shares of Common Stock |
Percentage of Common Stock |
Percentage of Voting Power(2) |
Steven M. Bettinger |
-0- |
-0- |
3,917,767(3)(4) |
28.0% |
9.8% |
Robert Picow |
-0- |
-0- |
196,049(5) |
1.4% |
0.5%* |
Hermes Acquisition |
-0- |
-0- |
7,233,369(4) |
51.7% |
18.1% |
Dana Holdings, LLC (6) |
1,021.4699 |
40% |
-0- |
-0- |
26.0% |
MarNan, LLC (9) |
1,021.4699 |
40% |
-0- |
-0- |
26.0% |
Franco S. Pettinato |
127.6837 |
5% |
-0- |
-0- |
3.2% |
Edward J. Doyle |
127.6837 |
5% |
-0- |
-0- |
3.2% |
Kenneth D. Taylor |
-0- |
-0- |
-0- |
-0- |
-0- |
Francis Ziegler |
-0- |
-0- |
-0- |
-0- |
-0- |
Joseph A. Falsetti |
-0- |
-0- |
-0-(6) |
-0- |
-0- |
Brian J. Geiger |
-0- |
-0- |
-0-(7) |
-0- |
-0- |
William B. Acheson |
-0- |
-0- |
-0- |
-0- |
-0- |
Elizabeth Houlihan |
-0- |
-0- |
-0- |
-0- |
-0- |
Frederick H. Mack |
-0- |
-0- |
723,600 |
5.2% |
1.8% |
All executive officers |
255.3674 |
10.0% |
4,113,816(3)(5) |
29.4% |
16.8% |
* |
Less than one percent |
(1) |
The percentages computed in the table are based on 2,553.6746 shares of Series A Preferred Stock outstanding as of February 28, 2006. |
(2) |
This column reflects the relative voting power of the holders of the Companys capital stock with respect to matters voted upon by the holders of the Companys common stock and Series A Preferred Stock as a single class. Each share of Series A Preferred Stock is entitled to 10,095.87 votes on all matters, except proposals relating to the Merger, submitted to a vote of holders of common stock. |
(3) |
Includes options to purchase 100,000 shares of common stock. |
- 38 -
(4) |
Mr. Bettinger and certain other stockholders have agreed to vote their shares in favor of the proposals relating to the Merger. As a result of such agreements, Hermes may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of 7,233,369 shares of common stock. The voting agreement terminates following the meeting of the stockholders to consider proposals relating to the Merger. |
(5) |
Includes options to purchase 8,334 shares of common stock. |
(6) |
Joseph A. Falsetti, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, owns a 12.109 percent interest in, and is the sole manager and sole executive officer of, Dana Holdings, LLC. Mr. Falsetti disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares of common stock that are beneficially owned by Dana Holdings LLC. |
(7) |
Brian J. Geiger, the Chief Financial Officer of the Company, owns a 3.125 percent interest in Dana Holdings, LLC and a 3.125 percent interest in MarNan, LLC. Mr. Geiger disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares of common stock that are beneficially owned by Dana Holdings, LLC and MarNan, LLC. |
(8) |
Hermes Acquisition I LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. |
(9) |
Mark I. Massad is the sole manager and sole executive officer of MarNan, LLC. Mr. Massad disclaims beneficial ownership of the shares of common stock that are beneficially owned by MarNan, LLC. |
Equity Compensation Plan
The Compensation Committee has deferred the approval of the issuance of additional securities regarding equity (option and warrants) compensation until the next fiscal year ended February 28, 2007.
Options
As a result of the Merger on May 20, 2005, all previously issued options that were unvested on that date became automatically vested. Since the date of the Merger, none of the 556,668 exercisable options have been exercised.
The following information applies to options outstanding at February 28, 2006:
|
|
Options Outstanding |
|
Options Exercisable |
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted- |
|
|
|
|
|
Average |
|
|
|
|
|
Exercise |
|
Range of Prices |
|
Shares |
|
Price |
|
$0.42 |
|
73,332 |
|
0.42 |
|
$0.55 |
|
40,000 |
|
0.55 |
|
$1.15 |
|
218,335 |
|
1.15 |
|
$1.55 |
|
35,001 |
|
1.55 |
|
$2.00 |
|
130,000 |
|
2.00 |
|
$3.71 |
|
40,000 |
|
3.71 |
|
$4.00 |
|
20,000 |
|
4.00 |
|
|
|
556,668 |
|
|
|
- 39 -
Warrants
From the date of the Merger to February 28, 2006, 131,500 warrants, were exercised at an exercise price of $1 per share.
The following information applies to all warrants outstanding at February 28, 2006:
|
|
Warrants Outstanding |
|
Warrants Exercisable |
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted - |
|
|
|
|
|
Average |
|
|
|
|
|
Exercise |
|
Range of Prices |
|
Shares |
|
Price |
|
$1.00 |
|
150,000 |
|
1.00 |
|
$4.00 |
|
105,784 |
|
4.00 |
|
$4.50 |
|
1,387,760 |
|
4.50 |
|
$5.00 to $6.50 |
|
350,000 |
|
5.21 |
|
$6.00 |
|
500,000 |
|
6.00 |
|
|
|
2,493,544 |
|
|
|
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The Hermes Group LLP (THGLLP), a certified public accounting firm, provided professional services and (until June 2005) leased office facilities to the Company. THGLLP also paid certain expenses on behalf of the Company. THGLLP invoiced the Company a total of $411,143 and $523,933 for professional fees, facility usage and reimbursable expenses for the years ended February 28, 2006 and 2005, respectively. At February 28, 2006 and February 28, 2005, the Company owed THGLLP $35,595 and $28,341, respectively. Mark I. Massad is a founding Partner and is currently a non-active partner in THGLLP. Mr. Massad and/or members of his immediate family own beneficially 96.875 percent of the ownership interests in MarNan, LLC (MarNan), a New Jersey limited liability company. MarNan owns 40 percent of the Companys Series A Preferred Stock.
Zephyr Ventures LLC (ZVLLC) provided consulting services to the Company. Edward J. Doyle, a member of the Board of Directors of the Company since May 20, 2005, is a Managing Member of ZVLLC. For the years ended February 28, 2006 and 2005, ZVLLC invoiced the Company $19,078 and $28,485, respectively, for consulting services. Effective May 20, 2005, the date of the Merger, ZVLLC ceased providing consulting services to the Company. The balance due ZVLLC at February 28, 2006 and February 28, 2005 was $0.
Kenneth D. Taylor, a member of the Board of Directors of the Company since May 20, 2005, provided consulting services to the Company. For the year ended February 28, 2006, Mr. Taylor invoiced the Company $5,000 for consulting services. For the year ended February 28, 2005, Mr. Taylor did not provide any services to the Company. Effective May 20, 2005, the date of the Merger, Mr. Taylor ceased providing consulting services to the Company. The balance due Mr. Taylor at February 28, 2006 was $0.
- 40 -
The Hermes Group LLC (THGLLC), a limited liability company, provides investment banking, acquisition and corporate advisory services to the Company. For year ended February 28, 2006, THGLLC invoiced Lander, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, $429,313 for business advisory services. Mark I. Massad is a member of THGLLC and a member of MarNan LLC, which is a 40% shareholder of the Series A Preferred Stock of the Company. As of February 28, 2006, there was a balance due to THGLLC of $6,900.
In addition, during the year ended February 28, 2006 the Company paid a fee of $1,000,000 (capitalized by the Company as part of purchase price of the Playtex asset acquisition - see Note 3) to THGLLC as compensation for advisory, diligence and other services rendered to the Company in connection with the Companys acquisition of certain brands and related assets from Playtex in November 2005.
Joseph A. Falsetti (who is a Director and the Chief Executive Officer of the Company) and/or members of his immediate family own beneficially 96.875 percent of the ownership interests in Dana Holdings, LLC (Dana Holdings), a New Jersey limited liability company. Dana Holdings owns 40 percent of the Companys Series A Preferred Stock. During the year ended February 28, 2006 the Company paid guarantee fees of $400,000 each to Dana Holdings and MarNan in connection with the short-term Bridge Loan described in Note 3 to the 2006 consolidated financial statements. These guarantee fees were capitalized as deferred debt costs in connection with the Bridge Loan. Payment of such fees was approved by the unanimous vote of the Board of Directors.
The Companys management believes the charges for the related party services listed above are consistent with the amounts that would be paid to independent third parties.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
Audit Fees
The aggregate fees billed or expected to be billed to the Company by BDO Seidman, LLP for professional services rendered in connection with the audits of the Companys annual consolidated financial statements for fiscal 2006 and 2005 and the reviews of the consolidated financial statements included in the Companys Forms 10-Q for fiscal 2006 and 2005, were approximately $323,000 and $318,000, respectively.
Audit-related fees
For fiscal 2006 and 2005, the aggregate fees billed or expected to be billed to the Company by BDO Seidman, LLP for audit related services in connection with the reverse merger with Cenuco, Inc., the acquisition of brands and brand-related assets from Playtex and SEC filings totaled approximately $55,000 and $248,600, respectively. The Companys auditors did not bill any additional fees for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Companys financial statements and are not reported under Audit Fees above.
Tax-related Fees
BDO Seidman, LLP billed the Company approximately $3,000 and $3,000, respectively for professional services for tax compliance, tax advice, and tax planning services in fiscal 2006 and 2005.
All Other Fees
The Companys auditors did not perform or bill for any other services in fiscal 2006 and 2005.
In accordance with the Audit Committees pre-approval policies and procedures, all of the above fees were reviewed and pre-approved.
- 41 -
PART IV
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
|
(a) |
Exhibits included in prior SEC filing are not attached, but are included by reference to prior SEC filing. |
Exhibit No. |
Description
|
2.1 |
Merger Agreement, dated as of March 16, 2005, by and among the Registrant, Hermes Holding Company, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Registrant, and Hermes Acquisition Company I LLC, a Delaware limited liability company - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 17, 2005.
|
2.2 |
Amendment No. 1, dated May 10, 2005, among the Registrant, Hermes Holding Company, Inc. and Hermes Acquisition Company I LLC - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 10, 2005.
|
2.3 |
Asset Purchase Agreement, dated November 15, 2005, by and among Playtex Products, Inc., Playtex Manufacturing, Inc., Personal Care Group, Inc., the Registrant, Lander Co. and Lander Intangibles Corporation - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 21, 2005.
|
3.1 |
Restated Certificate of Incorporation incorporated by reference to the Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 26, 2005.
|
3.2 |
Amended and Restated Bylaws incorporated by reference to the Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 30, 2006.
|
4.1 |
Certificate of Designation Preferences and Rights of Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 26, 2005.
|
10.1 |
2000 Performance Equity Plan - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrants Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the Registrants fiscal year ended June 30, 2000. *
|
10.2 |
Purchase and Sale Agreement between the Registrant and Barrington University dated September 30, 2004 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 5, 2004.
|
10.3 |
Employment Agreement, dated May 20, 2005, between Joseph Falsetti and the Registrant - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 26, 2005. *
|
- 42 -
10.4 |
Employment Agreement, dated May 20, 2005, between Steve Bettinger and the Registrant - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 26, 2005. *
|
10.5 |
Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Registrant and each of the members of the Board of Directors of the Registrant - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 26, 2005.
|
10.6 |
Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of October 10, 2005 between the Registrant and Prencen, LLC - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 14, 2005.
|
10.7 |
Registration Rights Agreement dated as of October 10, 2005 between the Registrant and Prencen, LLC - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 14, 2005.
|
10.8 |
Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of October 10, 2005 by and among the Registrant, Highgate House Funds, Ltd and Prencen, LLC - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 14, 2005.
|
10.9 |
Registration Rights Agreement dated as of October 10, 2005 by and among the Registrant, Highgate House Funds, Ltd and Prencen, LLC - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 14, 2005.
|
10.10 |
Standby Equity Distribution Agreement dated as of October 10, 2005 between the Registrant and Cornell Capital Partners, LP - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 14, 2005.
|
10.11 |
Registration Rights Agreement dated as of October 10, 2005 between the Registrant and Cornell Capital Partners, LP - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 14, 2005.
|
10.12 |
Bridge Loan Term Agreement, dated as of November 15, 2005, by and among the Registrant, Lander Co., Lander Intangibles Corporation, Hermes Acquisition Company I (collectively, the Borrowers), the lenders parties thereto, and Prencen Lending LLC, as agent for the lenders - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 21, 2005.
|
10.13 |
Security Agreement, dated as of November 15, 2005, by each of the Borrowers, Hermes Real Estate I LLC, Lander Co. Canada Limited, Marnan, LLC and Dana Holdings LLC (collectively, the Guarantors) in favor of Prencen Lending LLC, in its capacity as agent for the lenders to the Bridge Loan Term Agreement - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 21, 2005.
|
10.14 |
Pledge and Security Agreement, dated as of November 15, 2005, by each of the Borrowers and the Guarantors in favor of Prencen Lending LLC, in its capacity as agent for the lenders to the Bridge Loan Term Agreement - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 21, 2005.
|
- 43 -
10.15 |
Amended and Restated Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of November 16, 2005 between the Registrant and Prencen, LLC - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 21, 2005.
|
10.16 |
Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement dated as of November 16, 2005 between the Registrant and Prencen, LLC - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 21, 2005.
|
10.17 |
Amended and Restated Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of November 16, 2005 by and among the Registrant, Highgate House Funds, Ltd and Prencen, LLC - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 21, 2005.
|
10.18 |
Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement dated as of November 16, 2005 by and among the Registrant, Highgate House Funds, Ltd and Prencen, LLC - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 21, 2005.
|
10.19 |
Amendment No. 1 to Amended and restate Registration Rights Agreement made and entered into as of March 1, 2006, by and among the Registrant, Highgate House Funds, Ltd. and Prencen, LLC - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 10, 2006.
|
16 |
Letter from Salberg & Company, P.A. to the Securities and Exchange Commission - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 16.1 of the Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 12, 2005.
|
31.1 |
Certification of Chief Executive Officer
|
31.2 |
Certification of Principal Financial Officer
|
32 |
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer |
* This exhibit is a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit to this report.
|
(b) |
Financial statement schedules, commencing with F-1 |
- 44 -
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.
June 25, 2007
ASCENDIA BRANDS, INC.
|
By: |
/s/ Steven R. Scheyer |
Steven R. Scheyer
President & Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below on June 25, 2007 by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated.
|
By: |
/s/ Steven R. Scheyer |
Steven R. Scheyer
President & Chief Executive Officer
|
By: |
/s/ John D. Wille |
John D. Wille
Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
|
By: |
/s/ Edward J. Doyle |
Edward J. Doyle
Director and Chairman, Audit Committee
|
By: |
/s/ Robert Picow |
Robert Picow
Director
|
By: |
/s/ Kenneth D. Taylor |
Kenneth D. Taylor
Director
|
By: |
/s/ Francis Ziegler |
Francis Ziegler
Director
- 45 -
Financial Statements, commencing with F-1
F-1 to F-33. Ascendia Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries Audited Consolidated/ Combined Financial Statements as of and for the years ended February 28, 2006 and 2005 and for the period (inception) from April 25, 2003 to February 29, 2004.
F-34 to F-52. Lander Holdings, Inc. Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the period from March 1, 2003 to May 31, 2003.
- 46 -
TABLE OF CONTENTS
|
PAGE |
|
|
1. Financial Statements |
|
|
|
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - BDO Seidman, LLP |
F-2 |
|
|
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - BDO Seidman, LLP |
F-3 |
|
|
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm - KPMG LLP |
F-4 |
|
|
Consolidated/Combined Balance Sheets as of February 28, 2006 and February 28, 2005 |
F-5 |
|
|
Consolidated/Combined Statements of Operations for the years ended February 28, 2006 and February 28, 2005 and for the period from April 25, 2003 (inception) to February 29, 2004 |
F-6 |
|
|
Consolidated/Combined Statement of Shareholders Equity/Members Deficit for the years ended February 28, 2006 and 2005 and for the period from April 25, 2003 (inception) to February 29, 2004 |
F-7 |
|
|
Consolidated/Combined Statements of Cash Flow for the years ended February 28, 2006 and 2005 and for the period from April 25, 2003 (inception) to February 29, 2004 |
F-8 |
|
|
Notes to Consolidated/Combined Financial Statements |
F-9 |
|
|
2. Schedule |
|
|
|
II. Valuation and Qualifying Accounts for the years ended February 28, 2006 and 2005 |
S-1 |
F-1
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Board of Directors and Stockholders
Ascendia Brands, Inc.
Hamilton, New Jersey
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Ascendia Brands, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of February 28, 2006 and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders equity, and cash flows for the year then ended. We have also audited the schedule listed in the accompanying index. These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and schedule are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and schedule, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements and schedule. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Ascendia Brands, Inc. and subsidiaries at February 28, 2006, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
As described in Note 1, the Company has restated its consolidated financial statements for the year ended February 28, 2006 to reflect an increase in the purchase price attributable to Cenuco, Inc and the subsequent related goodwill impairment charge, to record a deemed dividend to the holders of Series A Preferred Stock and to reclassify amortization of core software technologies from selling general and administrative expenses to cost of goods sold.
Also, in our opinion, the schedule presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
/s/ BDO Seidman, LLP
Woodbridge, New Jersey
July 5, 2006, except for Note 6(b), which is as of August 3, 2006, and Note 1, which is as of May 31, 2007
F-2
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Board of Directors and Stockholders
Ascendia Brands, Inc.
Hamilton, New Jersey
We have audited the accompanying combined balance sheet of Ascendia Brands, Inc. and subsidiaries (formerly Cenuco, Inc. and previously Hermes Acquisition Company I LLC and subsidiaries and Hermes Real Estate I LLC) as of February 28, 2005 and the related combined statements of operations, members deficit, and cash flows for the year then ended. We have also audited the schedule listed in the accompanying index. These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and schedule are free of material misstatement. An audit includes consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements and schedule, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements and schedule. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the combined financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Ascendia Brands, Inc. and subsidiaries (formerly Cenuco, Inc. and previously Hermes Acquisition Company I LLC and subsidiaries and Hermes Real Estate I LLC) at February 28, 2005, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Also, in our opinion, the schedule presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
We also have audited the calculation of loss per share presented for the period from April 25, 2003 (inception) to February 28, 2004 (2004) described in Note 11(c), resulting from the reverse acquisition on May 20, 2005. In our opinion such amount is properly presented. We were not engaged to audit, review or apply any procedures to the 2004 consolidated financial statements of the Company other than with respect to the calculation of loss per share and, accordingly, we do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance on the 2004 consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.
/s/ BDO Seidman, LLP
Woodbridge, New Jersey
August 12, 2005, except for Note 12(b), which is as of November 16, 2005 and Note 11(c), which is as of June 19, 2007
F-3
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
The Board of Directors
Hermes Acquisition Company I LLC:
We have audited the accompanying combined statements of operations, members deficit, and cash flows, before the effects of the adjustment to retrospectively present earnings per share data and disclose the number of preferred shares used in computing the basic and diluted loss per preferred share as described in Notes 2 and 11(c), of Hermes Acquisition Company I LLC and subsidiaries and Hermes Real Estate I LLC (collectively d.b.a. Lander, the Company) for the period from April 25, 2003 (inception) to February 29, 2004. These combined financial statements are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these combined financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the combined financial statements, before the effects of the adjustment to retrospectively present earnings per share data and disclose the number of preferred shares used in computing the basic and diluted loss per preferred share as described in Notes 2 and 11(c), referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the results of operations and the cash flows of Hermes Acquisition Company I LLC and subsidiaries and Hermes Real Estate I LLC for the period from April 25, 2003 (inception) to February 29, 2004, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Philadelphia, PA
January 21, 2005
F-4
Ascendia Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated/ Combined Balance Sheets
|
|
Restated |
|
February 28, 2005 |
| ||
ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current Assets: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents |
|
$ |
1,876,294 |
|
$ |
31,763 |
|
Trade receivables, net of allowances |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
of $527,604 at February 28, 2006 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
and $547,306 at February 28, 2005 |
|
|
6,470,937 |
|
|
8,002,867 |
|
Miscellaneous receivables |
|
|
1,692,721 |
|
|
93,964 |
|
Note receivable, current portion |
|
|
94,858 |
|
|
|
|
Inventories |
|
|
16,269,374 |
|
|
8,725,952 |
|
Prepaid expenses and other |
|
|
678,896 |
|
|
470,653 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets |
|
|
27,083,080 |
|
|
17,325,199 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property, plant and equipment, net |
|
|
6,502,441 |
|
|
6,017,533 |
|
Goodwill |
|
|
14,553,680 |
|
|
|
|
Intangibles, net |
|
|
53,202,854 |
|
|
|
|
Note receivable, less current portion |
|
|
339,581 |
|
|
|
|
Other assets, net |
|
|
1,264,540 |
|
|
692,817 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets |
|
$ |
102,946,176 |
|
$ |
24,035,549 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY / |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current Liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable |
|
$ |
9,023,858 |
|
$ |
10,541,956 |
|
Accrued expenses |
|
|
2,851,928 |
|
|
2,547,521 |
|
Accrued interest |
|
|
1,202,488 |
|
|
297,964 |
|
Current portion of long-term debt |
|
|
31,749 |
|
|
8,929,540 |
|
Total current liabilities |
|
|
13,110,023 |
|
|
22,316,981 |
|
Long-term debt, less current portion |
|
|
80,000,000 |
|
|
6,875,296 |
|
Long-term pension obligation |
|
|
967,386 |
|
|
673,328 |
|
Total liabilities |
|
|
94,077,409 |
|
|
29,865,605 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stockholders equity / members (deficit): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Convertible preferred stock, par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Authorized 1,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 2,553.6746 shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
at February 28, 2006; no shares issued and outstanding at February 28, 2005 |
|
|
3 |
|
|
|
|
Common stock, par value $.001 per share; |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Authorized 25,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 13,882,056 shares |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
at February 28, 2006; no shares issued and outstanding at February 28, 2005 |
|
|
13,882 |
|
|
|
|
Additional paid in capital |
|
|
57,261,515 |
|
|
|
|
Accumulated deficit |
|
|
(47,732,837 |
) |
|
|
|
Members contributed capital |
|
|
|
|
|
2,000 |
|
Accumulated members deficit |
|
|
|
|
|
(5,707,597 |
) |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss |
|
|
(673,796 |
) |
|
(124,459 |
) |
Total stockholders equity / members (deficit) |
|
|
8,868,767 |
|
|
(5,830,056 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and stockholders equity / members (deficit) |
|
$ |
102,946,176 |
|
$ |
24,035,549 |
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-5
Ascendia Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated/ Combined Statements of Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the period |
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
From April 25, 2003 |
| |||
|
|
For the year ended |
|
(inception) to |
| |||||
|
|
February 28, 2006 |
|
February 28, 2005 |
|
February 29, 2004 |
| |||
|
|
|
Restated |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net sales |
|
$ |
79,562,219 |
|
$ |
69,860,802 |
|
$ |
55,046,015 |
|
Cost of sales |
|
|
75,507,825 |
|
|
62,369,597 |
|
|
48,243,281 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross Profit |
|
|
4,054,394 |
|
|
7,491,205 |
|
|
6,802,734 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating expenses: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selling and marketing |
|
|
4,436,647 |
|
|
3,867,105 |
|
|
3,084,479 |
|
General and administrative |
|
|
10,922,388 |
|
|
6,380,096 |
|
|
4,913,210 |
|
Goodwill impairment |
|
|
35,121,756 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from operations |
|
|
(46,426,397 |
) |
|
(2,755,996 |
) |
|
(1,194,955 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other income, net |
|
|
3,137,691 |
|
|
206,097 |
|
|
211,335 |
|
Interest expense, net |
|
|
(5,624,466 |
) |
|
(1,438,863 |
) |
|
(735,215 |
) |
Total other/interest expense |
|
|
(2,486,775 |
) |
|
(1,232,766 |
) |
|
(523,880 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss before income taxes |
|
|
(48,913,172 |
) |
|
(3,988,762 |
) |
|
(1,718,835 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income taxes |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss |
|
$ |
(48,913,172 |
) |
$ |
(3,988,762 |
) |
$ |
(1,718,835 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic and diluted loss |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
per common share |
|
$ |
(3.46 |
) |
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Basic and diluted loss per |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
preferred share - restated |
|
$ |
(718 |
) |
$ |
(1,562 |
) |
$ |
(673 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares used in computing loss per share: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Basic and diluted common |
|
|
13,795,100 |
|
|
N/A |
|
|
N/A |
|
Basic and diluted preferred - restated |
|
|
2,553.7 |
|
|
2,553.7 |
|
|
2,553.7 |
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-6
Ascendia Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated/ Combined Statements of Stockholders/ Members Equity (Deficit)
|
|
Series A |
|
Amount |
|
Common |
|
Stock |
|
Additional |
|
Accumulated |
|
Members' |
|
Accumulated |
|
Accumulated |
|
Stockholders' |
| ||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at |
|
- |
|
$ |
- |
|
- |
|
$ |
- |
|
$ |
- |
|
$ |
- |
|
$ |
- |
|
$ |
- |
|
$ |
- |
|
$ |
- |
|
Net loss |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
(1,718,835 |
) |
|
- |
|
|
(1,718,835 |
) |
Foreign currency translation |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
(98,105 |
) |
|
(98,105 |
) |
Total comprehensive loss |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
(1,816,940 |
) |
Equity contribution |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
2,000 |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
2,000 |
|
Balance at |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
2,000 |
|
|
(1,718,835 |
) |
|
(98,105 |
) |
|
(1,814,940 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
(3,988,762 |
) |
|
- |
|
|
(3,988,762 |
) |
Foreign currency translation |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
(26,354 |
) |
|
(26,354 |
) |
Total comprehensive loss |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,015,116 |
) |
Balance at |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
2,000 |
|
|
(5,707,597 |
) |
|
(124,459 |
) |
|
(5,830,056 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Foreign currency |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
(202,170 |
) |
|
(202,170 |
) |
Minimum pension liability, net of tax |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
(347,167 |
) |
|
(347,167 |
) |
Net loss to date |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
(1,833,994 |
) |
|
- |
|
|
(1,833,994 |
) |
Net loss subsequent to Merger - Restated |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
(47,079,178 |
) |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
(47,079,178 |
) |
Total comprehensive |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
(49,462,509 |
) |
Conversion from LLC to Corporation |
|
2,553.7 |
|
|
3 |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
(7,541,591 |
) |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
7,541,591 |
|
|
- |
|
|
3 |
|
Series A preferred stock - beneficial conversion feature accreted as a dividend - Restated |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
653,659 |
|
|
(653,659 |
) |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
Exercise of warrants |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
131,500 |
|
|
131 |
|
|
131,369 |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
131,500 |
|
Reverse acquisition of Cenuco, Inc. - Restated |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
13,750,556 |
|
|
13,751 |
|
|
64,018,078 |
|
|
- |
|
|
(2,000 |
) |
|
- |
|
|
- |
|
|
64,029,829 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at |
|
2,553.7 |
|
$ |
3 |
|
13,882,056 |
|
$ |
13,882 |
|
$ |
57,261,515 |
|
$ |
(47,732,837 |
) |
$ |
- |
|
$ |
- |
|
$ |
(673,796 |
) |
$ |
8,868,767 |
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-7
Ascendia Brands, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated/ Combined Statements of Cash Flows
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the period |
| |||
|
|
|
|
|
|
From April 25, 2003 |
| |||
|
|
For the year ended |
|
(inception) to |
| |||||
|
|
February 28, 2006 |
|
February 28, 2005 |
|
February 29,2004 |
| |||
Cash flows from operating activities: |
|
|
Restated |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net loss |
|
$ |
(48,913,172 |
) |
$ |
(3,988,762 |
) |
$ |
(1,718,835 |
) |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) provided |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization |
|
|
3,076,956 |
|
|
983,807 |
|
|
652,942 |
|
Goodwill impairment |
|
|
35,121,756 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Provision for bad debts |
|
|
244,295 |
|
|
252,470 |
|
|
438,000 |
|
Amortization of deferred financing costs |
|
|
1,950,507 |
|
|
166,246 |
|
|
93,825 |
|
Gain on settlement of Sellers Note |
|
|
(2,500,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trade receivables |
|
|
1,350,987 |
|
|
231,980 |
|
|
(2,967,982 |
) |
Inventories |
|
|
(7,521,783 |
) |
|
(158,372 |
) |
|
1,503,944 |
|
Prepaid expenses and other |
|
|
(1,604,056 |
) |
|
409,097 |
|
|
(403,194 |
) |
Other assets |
|
|
71,058 |
|
|
(431,837 |
) |
|
|
|
Accounts payable |
|
|
(1,571,781 |
) |
|
2,782,720 |
|
|
3,069,223 |
|
Accrued expenses |
|
|
958,316 |
|
|
812,652 |
|
|
(1,065,972 |
) |
Long-term pension obligations |
|
|
(53,109 |
) |
|
300 |
|
|
(53,698 |
) |
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities |
|
|
(19,390,026 |
) |
|
1,060,301 |
|
|
(451,747 |
) |
Cash flows from investing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase in cash from reverse acquisition of Cenuco |
|
|
6,002,887 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from note receivable |
|
|
93,285 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(11,091,456 |
) |
Purchase of property, plant and equipment |
|
|
(1,361,252 |
) |
|
(481,157 |
) |
|
(4,103,373 |
) |
Disposal of fixed assets |
|
|
26,097 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase of intellectual property |
|
|
(47,270,343 |
) |
|
(422,837 |
) |
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities |
|
|
(42,509,326 |
) |
|
(903,994 |
) |
|
(15,194,829 |
) |
Cash flows from financing activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Bridge loan proceeds |
|
|
80,000,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net (repayments) borrowings of short-term debt/ revolver |
|
|
(5,698,935 |
) |
|
729,158 |
|
|
7,469,777 |
|
Proceeds from machinery and equipment term loans |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,467,000 |
|
Proceeds from real estate term loans |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,450,000 |
|
Proceeds from subordinated note |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,500,000 |
|
Financing costs |
|
|
(2,912,360 |
) |
|
(93,750 |
) |
|
|
|
Repayments of long-term debt |
|
|
(7,520,743 |
) |
|
(676,853 |
) |
|
(240,374 |
) |
Repayments of capital lease |
|
|
(53,409 |
) |
|
(58,572 |
) |
|
|
|
Equity contribution |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,000 |
|
Proceeds from exercise of warrants |
|
|
131,500 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
|
|
63,946,053 |
|
|
(100,017 |
) |
|
15,648,403 |
|
Effect of exchange rates on cash |
|
|
(202,170 |
) |
|
(26,354 |
) |
|
|
|
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents |
|
|
1,844,531 |
|
|
29,936 |
|
|
1,827 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of period |
|
|
31,763 |
|
|
1,827 |
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of period |
|
$ |
1,876,294 |
|
$ |
31,763 |
|
$ |
1,827 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash paid for interest |
|
$ |
2,816,311 |
|
$ |
984,973 |
|
$ |
661,927 |
|
Assets acquired under capital leases |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
144,860 |
|
Reverse acquisition, excluding cash acquired (Note 1): |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fair value of tangible assets acquired |
|
|
1,199,715 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill and identifiable intangible assets acquired |
|
|
57,675,436 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities assumed |
|
|
(473,590 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net assets acquired |
|
$ |
58,401,561 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-8
Ascendia Brands, Inc. (formerly Cenuco, Inc.) and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated/ Combined Financial Statements February 28, 2006
NOTE 1 -- DESCRIPTON OF BUSINESS AND REORGANIZATION - Restated
Introduction
Ascendia Brands, Inc. (Ascendia, or the Company, the Registrant, we or us) manufactures and markets a portfolio of nationally and internationally known branded products in the health and beauty care categories. The brand portfolio includes Baby Magic, Binaca, Mr. Bubble, Lander, Lander essentials, Ogilvie, Tek, Dorothy Gray and Tussy, competing in the Bath Products, Baby Toiletries, Deodorant/Antiperspirant, Home Permanent Treatment, Mouthwash, Portable Breath Sprays and Drops, Manual Toothbrush, and Skin Care segments within the personal care products category. Ascendia sells its brands through a variety of channels, concentrating primarily on the mass merchandiser, drug, grocery and dollar store outlets. The Company also develops and markets wireless data applications, with a focus on live video streaming to cellular devices across any carrier or handset platform.
Corporate Structure
On May 9, 2006 the Company (previously known as Cenuco, Inc.) changed its name to Ascendia Brands, Inc. The chart below depicts the current structure of the Ascendia group and the discussion that follows summarizes the functions and role of each company in the group.
Ascendia Brands, Inc. (Ascendia, the Company or the Registrant). The Company is a holding company, organized under Delaware law, with its principal office in Hamilton, New Jersey. It owns directly the stock of Hermes Acquisition Company I LLC and Cenuco, Inc.
Hermes Acquisition Company I LLC (HACI). Hermes is a Delaware limited liability company that acts as the holding company for the Companys health and beauty care division.
F-9
Ascendia Brands Co., Inc. (Ascendia Brands). Ascendia Brands is a New Jersey corporation with its executive offices in Hamilton, New Jersey. As of May 1, 2006, Ascendia Brands assumed the manufacturing and distribution operations formerly conducted through Lander Co., Inc. As the successor to Lander Co., Inc., Ascendia Brands manufactures and sells branded health and beauty care products in the value and premium value categories, through mass market retailers (such as Wal-Mart and K-Mart), dollar stores, supermarkets and pharmacies. Ascendias brands include Baby Magic, Binaca, Mr. Bubble, Lander, Lander essentials, Ogilvie, Tek, Dentax, Dorothy Gray and Tussy. Ascendia Brands operates a manufacturing plant in Binghamton, New York, which is leased from a related party, Ascendia Real Estate LLC.
Lander Co., Inc. (Lander). Lander is a Delaware corporation with its executive offices in Wilmington, Delaware. During the period ended February 28, 2006, Lander was the principal operating company in Ascendias health and beauty care division. Following the transition of manufacturing and distribution activities to Ascendia Brands, Lander acts as an intellectual property holding company for trademarks and other intellectual property associated with the Lander brands.
Lander Co. Canada Ltd (Lander Canada). Lander Canada, a Canadian limited company, is the Canadian manufacturing and distribution arm of Ascendia. Lander Canada operates a manufacturing facility in Toronto, Ontario, which it leases from a third party.
Ascendia Real Estate LLC (f/k/a Hermes Real Estate I LLC) (Ascendia Real Estate). Ascendia Real Estate, a New York limited liability company, is a real estate holding company. Its sole asset is the Binghamton plant, which it leases to Ascendia Brands.
Lander Intangibles Corporation (Lander Intangibles). Lander Intangibles is a Delaware corporation with its executive offices in Wilmington, Delaware. Lander Intangibles is as an intellectual property holding company that was formed to acquire and hold certain of the intellectual property that the Company purchased from Playtex Products Inc. and its affiliates (Playtex) on November 16, 2005.
Cenuco, Inc. (Cenuco Wireless). Cenuco Wireless is a Florida corporation that is wholly-owned by the Company. Cenuco Wireless develops and markets wireless data applications, with a focus on live video streaming to cellular devices across any carrier or handset platform.
THE MERGER
On May 20, 2005, Hermes Holding Company, Inc., a newly formed wholly owned subsidiary of Cenuco, Inc., a public company, ICU) merged (the Merger) with HACI.
The Merger was completed through the issuance of 2,553.7 shares of Cenuco, Inc.s Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (representing 65 percent of the aggregate outstanding voting power of Cenuco capital stock) in exchange for all the outstanding membership units of HACI. As a consequence of the Merger, HACI, together with its wholly owned subsidiaries Lander, Ascendia Real Estate, and Lander Canada, became wholly owned subsidiaries of Cenuco.
F-10
For financial reporting purposes, the Merger was treated as a recapitalization of HACI followed by the reverse acquisition of Cenuco by HACI for a purchase price equivalent to the total market value of Cenuco stock outstanding at the date of announcement and agreement (March 16, 2005), plus the fair value of the options that automatically vested on the date of the Merger (approximately $64.4 million). The average closing stock price for the few days before, after and including March 16, 2005 was $4.58, for a total value of $63.0 million. The fair value of the options was $1.0 million. The capitalized transaction fees were $0.4 million. Consistent with the accounting and presentation for reverse acquisitions, the historical financial statements of Cenuco prior to the date of the Merger reflect the financial positio