SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-KSB
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period ____________ to ______________
Commission file number: 0-21679
Hertz Technology Group, Inc.
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(NAME OF SMALL BUSINESS ISSUER IN ITS CHARTER)
Delaware 13-3896069
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(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (I.R.S. EMPLOYER
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION IDENTIFICATION NO.)
75 Varick Street. 11th Floor. New York, NY 10013
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(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES) (ZIP CODE)
Issuer's telephone number, including area code: (212) 634-4000
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act: None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act:
Common Stock, par value $.001 per share
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(Title of Class)
Warrants
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(Title of Class)
Check whether the issuer (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. Yes |X| No |_|
Check if there is no disclosure of delinquent filers in response to Item
405 of Regulation S-B contained in this form, and no disclosure will be
contained, to the best of the Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or
information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-KSB
or any amendment to this Form 10-KSB. |X|
The Registrant's net sales for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998 were
$ 9,403,000.
The aggregate market value of the Common Stock of the registrant held by
non-affiliates of the registrant, based on the average of the high and low
prices on November 20, 1998 was $ 861,495.
As of November 10, 1998 the registrant had a total of 1,065,117 shares of
Common Stock outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCES
Portions of the Annual Proxy Statement for the year ended August 31, 1998
are incorporated by reference in Part III.
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PART I
Certain statements in the Letter of the Chairman President and Chief
Executive Officer included in the annual report to stockholders, in the
"Management's Discussion and Analysis" and elsewhere in this Form 10-KSB
constitute "forward-looking statements' within the meaning of Section 21E of the
Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 See "Forward Looking Statements".
ITEM 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
General
Hertz Technology Group Inc. (the "Company") was incorporated in the state
of Delaware on June 18, 1996 for the purpose of acquiring all the outstanding
stock of Hertz Computer Corporation ("Hertz Computer") and Hergo Ergonomic
Support System, Inc. ("Hergo"), two New York corporations formed in 1982 and
1992 respectively, which are now wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company. The
Company's Hergo division designs, manufactures and sells ergonomically
engineered modular technical office furniture, enclosures, and racking systems
for computer, electronics and communications equipment under the "Hergo" name.
The Company's Hertz Computer division custom designs, assembles, integrates and
sells PCs and related technology and provides technical and consulting services
under the "Hertz" name.
In December 1997, the Company acquired the assets of Landau Metal Products
Corp., a 65-year-old company, which it now operates as LAN Metal Products ("LAN
Metal"). LAN Metal provides custom specialty metal manufacturing and
fabrication, and manufactures the line of Hergo products. In June 1998, the
Company acquired Edutec Computer Education Institute, Inc., which offers
state-of-the-art computerized training facilities at its New York City offices
that can be used for software, sales, education or management training.
Products and Services
Hergo Modular Systems -- The Company's Hergo division designs,
manufactures and sells a line of functional, ergonomic, and modular products
which are instrumental in achieving efficient work environments. The product
line includes technical office furniture, racking systems, data and
communications enclosures, personal workstations, training desks and other
ergonomic, space-saving products. The market for these modular systems has been
created in large part by the migration from mainframe computers to multiple PCs
and they are typically in demand for LAN environments, ISPNs, communications
control centers, trading floors, manufacturing plants, testing laboratories,
training rooms, and video and broadcast centers, as well as other technical
environments. The Company was one of the first to provide a cohesive, functional
and architecturally attractive racking system that mounts vertically and
supports multiple computers, servers and related peripherals, such as printers,
monitors, scanners and modems, used together with each other, or in relation to
each other and interconnected for networking functions. Because the Company has
been in the PC business since its inception and understands the technology needs
of its customers, it is able to design and manufacture functional, efficient
technical furniture and racking products to better meet those needs.
The Company offers basic modular components in a variety of standard and
custom colors made primarily of a strong, heavy gauge steel. The interchangeable
components can be used individually, or integrated to create limitless
configurations of mounting and support structures.
New Hergo Products
The Hergo division has in the past year developed prototypes or introduced
to the market the following new or improved products, as well as custom OEM
products:
o a new line of welded-steel communication and data "enclosure cabinets"
o a line of height adjustable assembly "workstations" that feature an
electric or manual hydraulic mechanism, enabling the operator to quietly
and quickly raise or lower the work surface and shelving system for better
access, greater comfort and improved production
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o a computer desk specifically designed for the small office/home office
("SOHO") and the education markets - the "Edudesk"
Hertz Computers and Related Services -- The Company's Computer Division
configures and sells customized PCs and peripherals, and provides a range of
related services, including system integration, network consulting and
implementation, installation, as well as technical and customer support. The PCs
are assembled, according to customer specifications, in a number of different
configurations, using standard component parts. Customization enables the
Company to accommodate specific customer requirements with respect to cost,
storage capacity, speed, applications, size, and a range of other
considerations.
Most of the PCs sold by the Company are for use in a network configuration
or special applications. The Company also provides its customers with ongoing
support and assistance in the maintenance and operation of products purchased
from the Company. The fierce price competition in this market caused Hertz
Computer to cut back on it sales and marketing of PC's to market segments where
price is the primary consideration for purchase.
LAN Metal manufacturing -- The Company, through LAN Metal, provides
custom, contract manufacturing and fabrication of specialty metal products for
use in a variety of industries. In addition, LAN Metal manufactures the line of
Hergo modular technical office furniture, enclosures, and racking systems.
Edutec training facilities -- The Company, through Edutec, provides
customers with access to spacious, comfortable training rooms equipped with the
latest PC workstations and related audio-visual technology for an optimum
learning environment. Rooms located at the Company's offices at 75 Varick Street
accommodate up to 25 trainees, each with its own PC and Internet access through
a T-1 connection. The rooms are available for rental by the day, week, month or
by other special long-term arrangement, for use in software, sales, education or
management training. Customers often find that training is much more effective
when conducted off-site, away from the routine office distractions at their own
facilities.
Manufacturing and Assembly
Computers are manufactured at the Company's manufacturing facilities in
New York City. The Hergo modular systems and the LAN Metal custom products are
manufactured at the Company's Long Island City facility. The Company's Woodside,
Queens facility handles warehousing and shipping operations for the Hergo line.
The Company offers limited warranty coverage for its products for varying
time periods depending on a variety of factors.
Suppliers
The Company stocks most of the component parts used both in the
manufacture of its computers and in the manufacture of its Hergo modular
systems. The cost of some components used in the computers, such as central
processing units ("CPU's"), hard disks, and memory, can fluctuate from day to
day, and for this reason, the Company stocks these items in limited quantities.
To-date, the Company has not experienced any difficulty in obtaining the
required items in a short timeframe. Most of the component parts purchased by
the Company for its computers are obtained from a number of different vendors
with whom the Company maintains relationships. The Company believes that it is
not dependent on any single source, as these alternative sources are always
available. Hergo makes most of the heavy-duty steel components used in its
modular systems. The Company acquires its raw materials for these components
from a number of different vendors and believes that adequate alternative raw
material sources are available if required.
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Marketing and Sales
As part of the Company's short and long-term growth plans, two Marketing and
Sales executives joined the Hertz Technology Group senior management team
charged with the responsibility to better coordinate and expand the scope of the
Company's marketing and sales efforts.
Hergo Modular Systems -- The Company constructed and sold Hergo modular
systems to approximately 1,100 customers in the 1998 fiscal year. These
customers included 25 to 30 of the largest and best known corporations in the
U.S. Companies of the size and stature of AT&T, Bloomberg Financial, Citibank,
N.A., General Electric, Goldman Sachs, Hewlett Packard, IBM, Kodak, Novartis
Pharmaceuticals and the U.S. Postal Service all purchased Hergo structural
support units in 1998. No single customer accounted for more than 10% of total
Hergo sales in 1998. Sales are generated in large part through regional/national
advertising and exhibits at trade shows tailored to a variety of industries.
Increasing corporate efforts are underway to expand the Company's sales by
establishing multiple channels of distribution. A program to increase the number
of resellers who act as intermediaries for the end user was launched in an
effort to attract reselling companies located in principal U.S. cities. Hergo
products are listed on the Federal Government's General Services Administration
("GSA") and New York State Offices of General Services (" OGS") schedules, and
sold to the Federal government and various local and State governments. Hergo
sales in 1998 increased by $191,000 or 5% over Hergo 1997 sales. Hergo's profit
margins are considerably higher than the margins realized by the Hertz Computer
division, and as a result the Hergo profit margins partially offset the losses
resulting in part from the low profit margins of the Computer Division.
The Company maintains a marketing and advertising budget for its "Hergo"
Modular Systems, which is used primarily for an advertising program in trade and
business publications, for public relations and marketing communications
efforts, and in the preparation and distribution of promotional
brochures/materials. The Company currently maintains a staff of 12 Hergo sales
and marketing personnel.
Hertz Computers and Related Services -- Sales to commercial customers are
generally made through a combination of face-to-face sales calls and by
telephone. Company sales personnel are trained to work closely with customers to
elicit the company's computer needs and work out the specifications of a
computer system which best satisfies its needs. In cases where a large potential
sale is involved or where a sale is regarded as a significant entree into a new
market or in other special situations, senior management often plays an active
role in sales negotiations and visits to the customer's place of business.
Government sales are secured through competitive bidding in response to
published specifications, invitations to bid or requests for proposals. The
Company is an approved provider to OGS and to GSA which monitors all U.S.
government procurement of computers and equipment.
Computer sales and servicing revenues in the 1998 fiscal year were
$4,445,000, down from $6,860,000 in the prior year. Competition continued to be
fierce and was exacerbated by the Asian economic problems. With a huge dumping
of cheap product in the United States, prices were being forced down with
increasingly higher competition and lower profit margins. Another contributing
loss in revenue was accounted for by the closing of the Company's Israel
facility in 1997 because its operations there had ceased to be profitable.
Consequently, the Company's total sales of computers to Israel in 1998 were
reduced by the $643,000 in sales from the prior year. In the previous year there
was a reduction in sales by two key customers that each had accounted for over
10% of computer sales.
In October of 1997, the Company opened its New Albany office in order to provide
quicker service and sales support to Government Entities in the Albany area.
Computer sales grew substantially in Albany from the previous year by generating
76% of computer sales as opposed to the 19 % of the previous year and 36% of
total sales compared to 12% in 1997. Included in the sales for fiscal 1998 was a
one time sale to a Government Entity that accounted for 15% of total Company
sales.
The Company's principal sales focus remains on the commercial market and
particularly on the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) market where the
gross margins are generally higher.
The Company has exhibited its computers at trade shows and has, from time
to time, circulated brochures and articles containing excerpts from favorable
trade press reviews of one or more of its computers. Much of its computer
business is repeat business, and the source of new customers has been largely by
word of mouth and responses from favorable media product reviews. The Company's
small sales staff is primarily occupied with taking and filling orders by
telephone. The Company expects its traditional PC sales in Fiscal 1999 to be
substantially lower than those in Fiscal 1998.
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Edutec Training Facilities -- In order to capitalize on the rapidly
growing business of computerized training, Edutec with expanded capabilities at
its state-of-the-art training center is now available for rent on a daily,
weekly or monthly basis or by special long-term arrangement. The facility offers
modern classrooms, which can be individually networked and configured with the
latest Hertz PC's and Hergo Training Desks to optimize student productivity. A
student lounge and other amenities are available and can be tailored to each
user's specific requirements. Additional types of training to include sales
seminars, education, management training sessions present additional new
business opportunities. Edutec targets New York metropolitan area customers
primarily through focused niche-market advertising, direct mail, fax
broadcasting, and Internet marketing.
LAN Metal Products Corporation -- In addition to manufacturing the Hergo
line of technical furniture, enclosures and racking systems, LAN Metal has over
six decades of specialty sheet metal fabricating expertise. LAN Metal markets
and sells directly a number of products/services as follows: point-of-purchase
display components, customized computer and electronic enclosures and panels,
unique stamping application products, instrument cases, etc., to a wide spectrum
of customers. Plans are being formulated to expand the LAN Metal sales and
marketing support programs consistent with corporate growth and profitability
objectives.
Competition
There are many companies selling computers that may be regarded as
competitors of the Hertz Computer Division. Computers are sold directly to
commercial and government entities by manufacturers such as Dell, IBM, Hewlett
Packard and Compaq, by large retail outlets such as Comp USA and Staples, by
mail order houses, electronic equipment catalogues and by assemblers and
entities like the Company selling computers under their own names. Many of these
companies have substantially greater financial, sales, marketing, technical and
other competitive resources then those of the Company. As a result, these
competitors may be able to devote greater resources than the Company to the sale
and service of microcomputer products. Some of these companies, by themselves,
have the economic power to better control cost and the technical expertise to
develop and bring to market, improved versions of existing products long before
they become available to the Company. As an indication of the price competition
that exists in the retail market, first-tier companies have begun selling
computers for below $700.
The Company has closed down its low margin business in Israel and will
attempt to pursue sale of higher margin business both in computers and in the
expansion of its Hergo product line.
The Company's senior management tries to keep abreast of changes in the
computer technology market with respect to the claims and limitations of new
component parts and accessories. In many cases they are able to combine this
information with their intimate knowledge of their customers needs to fine tune
their selection of component parts to produce computers which better suit the
specific needs of their customers. The Company believes that many advantages the
company and its products have been offering are being diminished by the fierce
competition that emphasizes low cost first.
The business of providing functional, architecturally attractive Modular
Systems specifically designed to mount, support and allow easy access to
microcomputers and related equipment is a relatively new business. There are a
number of companies in the business which are considerably larger and better
established than the Company. Moreover, because of the attractive profit margins
in the business and the absence of any serious barriers to entry, it is likely
that a plethora of additional companies might soon enter the field.
Strategic Growth Plan
A number of strategic business plans are underway to further strengthen
the Company. A plan to expand Hergo's direct selling efforts in the New York
metro area through the addition of outside sales personnel to concentrate on
medium to large customers is underway. Also, it is contemplated that resident
territory sales reps will be hired for selected U.S. cities to penetrate
mid-sized and large accounts, and to establish reselling channels within their
territories. Smaller, low-end sales will be achieved by advertising
pre-configured racking systems on the Web, and through selling by non-
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commissioned customer service personnel. Plans to develop a series of specific
vertical market advertisements and promotional efforts should further stimulate
Hergo's sales performance in these new industry sectors.
On the Hertz Computer side of the business, a menu of "value-added"
services approach is under consideration to include offering integration,
networking, software, PC's, etc. as synergistic to Hergo's data and
communications enclosures, hopefully providing increasingly higher Gross Profit
Margins. Additionally, the companies past successes with Original Equipment
Manufacturers (OEM's) will continue to be actively pursued where the Gross
Margins are typically higher and the business solicited less price sensitive.
The Company will continue to implement cutting-edge technologies as part
of its growth plan, investing in new marketing and management tools to improve
sales results and overall productivity. The Company will be stepping-up
corporate efforts to actively promote the synergy which exists among Hergo
Ergonomic Support Systems, Hertz Computer Corporation, Edutec and LAN Metal.
Toward this end, the Company has expanded a market specific advertising, PR and
promotional plan to promote the Hertz Technology Group and subsidiaries with the
goal of heightened awareness, increased brand recognition and increased sales in
the principal markets in which the Company operates.
Intellectual Property Rights
The Company seeks to protect its proprietary rights by obtaining non
disclosure and confidentiality agreements from its employees and consultants.
The Company has trademark registrations for "Hergo" and "Hergonized." It has
applied for registration of the Hertz Computer name, but such registration has
not been issued pending the outcome of a proceeding before the Trademark Trial
and Appeal Board . Neither of the two principal products of the Company enjoys
patent protection.
Employees
The Company employs 70 persons. In addition to seven executives, six
persons are employed in administration and 12 in sales. Six persons are employed
in production by the computer division, and 39 in production and warehouse by
Hergo.
ITEM 2. DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY
The Company currently occupies loft space on 75 Varick Street, consisting
of 21,000 square feet for a six year period which began on September 1, 1996, at
an annual rental of $161,871 a year. These facilities are used by the Company
for its executive administrative and sales offices, Edutec classrooms, and for
manufacturing computers. The Company also leases an office in Albany for $14,225
a year under a lease expiring in June 1998, with an option exercisable by the
Company to renew for an additional two years. The Company has not yet elected to
renew this lease and is currently occupying the premises as a month to month
tenant The Company leases 34,000 square ft in Long Island City for it's Hergo
and Lan Metal manufacturing facility. The lease runs through July 31, 2002 with
an annual rent of $109,000 .The Company leases an additional 16,000 square feet
in Woodside, Queens, New York for Hergo's warehouse and distribution. The lease
for this space, which ends on February 28, 2000, provides for an annual rent of
approximately $100,000.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
Not applicable.
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ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
Not applicable.
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PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
a) Market Information
The Company's Common Stock is listed and trades on the Nasdaq Small Cap
Market (Symbol: HERZ). The following table set forth, on a per share
basis, the high and low prices for the Company's Common Stock for the
first quarter of the Company's fiscal year after the initial public
offering of the Company's Common Stock on November 12, 1996, and for each
succeeding quarter through and including the quarter ending on August 31,
1998. The prices set forth below have been adjusted to reflect the one for
three reverse stock split effective November 2, 1998.
Common Stock
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High Low
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November 12, 1996 to November 30, 1996 $26.25 $22.00
December 1, 1996 to February 28, 1997 $19.14 $12.75
March 1, 1997 to May 31, 1997 $25.15 $12.75
June 1, 1997 to August 31, 1997 $15.75 $ 3.93
September 1, 1997 to November 30, 1997 $ 7.31 $ 2.94
December 1, 1997 to February 28, 1997 $ 4.97 $ 3.19
March 1, 1998 to May 31, 1998 $ 4.22 $ 3.28
June 1, 1998 to August 31, 1998 $ 3.84 $ 1.78
On November 20, 1998 the closing sale price for the Common Stock on NASDAQ
was $1.78.
Effective July 27, 1998 the Company's Board of Directors authorized the
Company to make open market purchases of its Common Stock of up to 83,333
shares during the following six months. As of the close of business on
November 20, 1998 52,866 shares were repurchased.
b) Holders
The approximate number of record holders of the Company's Common Stock, as
of November 20, 1998 was 20.
c) Dividends
The holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive such dividends as may
be declared by the Company's Board of Directors. The Company has not paid
and does not expect to declare or pay any dividends in the foreseeable
future.
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d) Use of Proceeds
The Company registered Common Stock and Warrants in an initial public
offering on Form SB-2 which became effective on November 12, 1996. After
deducting $1,488,778 in expenses incurred in connection with the offering,
an aggregate of $5,468,721 of net proceeds was realized by the Company.
The use of these net proceeds was reported on Forms SR filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on February 11, 1997 and on August 18,
1997 in the Company's annual report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended
August 31, 1997, and in its quarterly reports on Form 10-QSB for the
quarters ended February 28, 1998 and May 31, 1998. Updating these reports,
as of November 1, 1998 the disposition of the proceeds was as follows:
Construction of plant building and facilities $ 360,140
Purchases and installation of machinery and equipment $ 642,933
(a) Acquisition of Landau Metal Products $ 624,190
(b) Improvement to physical facilities $ 52,199
(c) Equipment purchases $ 60,281
(d) Edutec $ 152,000
Repayment of Indebtedness $1,315,058
S Corporation Distribution $ 688,034
Marketing Plan $ 186,920
To be used to fund marketing plan, acquire equipment,
product development and working capital $1,386,966
Grand Total: $5,468,721
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ITEM 6. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OR PLAN OF OPERATION
General
The Company sells ergonomically engineered modular support structures and
technical furniture for microcomputers and electronic devices under the "Hergo"
name through its Hergo subsidiary. The Company, through its LAN Metal
subsidiary, provides custom specialty metal manufacturing and fabrication
services and manufactures the line of Hergo products. The Company custom designs
and assembles PC's and related products and provides technical services and
support under the "Hertz" name through its Hertz Computer subsidiary. Through
it's Edutec subsidiary, the Company offers state-of-the-art computerizes
training facilities at it's New York City offices that can be used for software,
sales, education, or management training.
Year Ended August 31, 1998 compared to Year Ended August 31, 1997.
Revenues
Company sales for the year ended August 31, 1998, were $9.40 million, compared
to $10.51 million for the year ended August 31, 1997, an 11% decrease. A
substantial portion of the decline in sales was attributed to the decline in
computer sales. Computer sales for the year ended August 31, 1998 were
$4,445,000 compared to $6,860,000 for the previous year.
Hertz Computer sales were impacted by several factors including the closing of
Hertz's Israel division in February 1997, the reduction in sales to several
customers who had made substantial purchases for the comparable year ended
August 31, 1998 and by increasingly intense competition in the PC market, which
is continuing. Offsetting some of the decline in sales was increased computer
sales activity in the governmental area, generated in part, by the Company
office in Albany. Additionally, a single customer purchase that totaled $1.4
million or 31% of Hertz Computer sales generated a large part of the Hertz
Computer sales volume for the 1998 fiscal year. Although it is likely that the
customer will continue purchasing from Hertz Computer, it is not expected to
purchase any substantial volume in the foreseeable future. Generally speaking,
the Company expects its traditional PC sales in Fiscal 1999 to be substantially
lower than those in Fiscal 1998.
Hergo sales, on the other hand, increased by $191,000 for the year ended August
31, 1998 a 5% increase over last year. During this period Hergo concentrated on
expanding its manufacturing and warehousing capacity, increasing efficiency and
product diversity. Towards this end on December 5, 1997 Hertz Technology Group
purchased substantially all the assets of a 65 year old machine shop known as
Landau Metal Products Corp. for $1,040,000 and established a new division called
LAN Metal Products Corp. The purchase resulted in the acquisition of additional
machinery needed for expansion, additional manufacturing space, and the
potential for increased sales from the new division market segment which consist
principally of custom fabrication and contract manufacturing. Management from
the previous company was retained, adding additional depth in engineering,
production and sales. Sales of the LAN division for the year ended August 31,
1998 was $1,094,000.
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Gross Profit
Gross profit was $2,943,000 (31% of net sales) and $3,828,000 (36% of net sales)
for the year ended August 31, 1998 compared to the year ended August 31,1997, a
decrease of $885,000.
The computer industry experienced an extremely volatile shift in the cost of
technology related products made in the Far East. This extreme and shift caused
computer inventories to either become obsolete or depreciate in value in a very
short time. To reflect current values of its inventory, Hertz Computer lowered
its inventory cost during the year ended August 31, 1998. The total reduction in
inventory value for this period was $251,000. Because of this reduction, gross
profit, for Hertz Computer Corp. for the year ended August 31, 1998 was $350,000
or 7.8% of net computer sales.
Computer division's gross profit for the year as calculated prior to the
inventory write down, was $601,000 (14% of net computer sales) compared to the
prior year of $1,599,000 (23% of net computer sales). This decrease is
attributable to the need of meeting competition terms and the cost of large
contract orders.
Hergo invested in efficiency and long term growth during the year ended August
31, 1998. Extensive costs were incurred in the second quarter and to a lesser
extent in the third and fourth quarters to ramp-up the LAN Metal Products
division and merge production of both LAN and Hergo products. For the current
year ended August 31, 1998 compared to the year ended August 31, 1997, gross
profit for Hergo was $2,234,000 (58% of Hergo sales) and $2,229,000 (61% of
Hergo sales) respectively.
Gross profit from the LAN division for the year ended August 31, 1998 was
$333,000 (30% of sales).
Selling, General and Administrative
Selling, general, and administrative expenses increased by $1.34 million for the
year ended August 31, 1998 compared to the year ended August 31, 1997. Selling
general and administrative expenses were impacted by the purchase of the LAN
Metal division with it's associated expenses, establishment of a shipping and
warehousing facility for the Hergo line, as well as increases in selling
expenses both in Hergo and in Hertz Computer. Selling Expense increases included
increased expenses in operating the new Albany sales office, increased
advertising, and sales salaries as well as increased marketing costs.
Administrative expense increases included increased costs associated with being
a public entity including the year-end annual report and issuance of stock to an
employee. During this period, additional reserves were established for
resolution of an IRS audit, payment of final income taxes in reference to the
Hertz Israel entity, and reserve for bad debts. A partial offset to these
expenses was the benefit derived from the comparative decline in expenses due to
the closing of Hertz Israel.
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Provision for closing costs of Hertz-Israel
During the year ended August 31, 1997, the company recorded a provision of
$201,000 for the closing costs of Hertz-Israel. This reflects a reduction of
SG&A expenses for the year.
Other Income (Expense):
Other Income (net)
Other Income consisting of investment gains and losses as well as miscellaneous
income increased by $130,000 for the year ended August 31, 1998 compared to the
previous year. The increase in Other Income is due primarily to an investment
loss incurred during fiscal 1997.
Interest, net
Net interest income for the year ended August 31, 1998 increased by $99,000 from
the preceding year. The increase in interest income was primarily due to the
elimination of interest expense incurred in the previous year prior to the
completion of the Company's IPO after the first three months of that year.
Provision for Income Taxes
The tax benefit for the twelve months ended August 31, 1998 was $176,000. The
tax provision of $ 233,000 for the twelve months ended August 31,1997 was
calculated with Hertz Computer as a "C" corporation and Hergo as a subchapter
"S" corporation, For the period of 9/1/96 to 11/12/96. From September 1, 1996
through November 12,1996 Hergo was classified as a subchapter "S" corporation
and incurred no federal corporation tax. The tax provision from November 13,
1996 through August 31, 1997 was calculated at a blended rate between Hertz
Computer as a "C" corporation for the full period and Hergo as a "C" corporation
from November 13, 1996 through August 31, 1997.
Net Income and Earnings Per Share
Operations for the twelve months ended August 31,1998 resulted in a loss of
approximately $810,000 or ($.76) per share compared to net income of $573,000 or
$.59 per share for the twelve months ended August 31,1997.
A significant decline in corporate computer sales due to decreased orders from a
few large customers offset the benefits obtained from increased government sales
and the beginning of sales by the newly acquired LAN Metal Products Corp.
subsidiary. Gross Profit declined due to reduced computer sales, reduction in
the value of the inventory of Hertz Computer, the costs incurred by the start up
of LAN, the move of much of the Hergo production facilities to the LAN facility
and the increase in depreciation expense as a result of the acquisition of
additional equipment.
-12-
<PAGE>
Liquidity and Capital Resources
For the year ended August 31, 1998, the Company had a deficit cash flow from
operations of $608,000, as compared to the generation of a positive cash flow of
$713,000, for the previous year. The 1998 operating loss accounts for the
principal reason for the decrease. Non cash transactions including depreciation
and issued shares comprised a substantial portion of the loss and thus did not
impact on cash flow. Accounts receivable increased $881,000 for the year ended
August 31, 1998 from the previous year. The increase was primarily attributable
to high levels of computer sales at year-end on a large contract, as well as
several large shipments to universities, in preparation of the beginning of the
school year. Since these sales occurred in August, payment was not received
until subsequent to year-end.
Net purchases of fixed assets for the year ended August 31, 1998, were $677,000
as compared to $499,000 for the previous year. Included in the purchases during
the current year were equipment for Hergo and Lan Metal production in the amount
of $312,000 and improvements to the new LAN facility of $126,000. Also included
was the purchase of assets from Edutec and the expansion and building of
additional classrooms in the amount of $124,000.
On December 5, 1997 the Company purchased substantially all of the assets of
Landau Metal Products Corp and established LAN Metal Products Corp. The cost of
additional equipment purchases that were included in the initial LAN purchase
($476,000) are included in the cash paid for the assets ($624,000).
During the current year, the Company sold $1,811,000 in marketable securities.
The proceeds from these sales were used to purchase fixed assets during the
year, acquire the LAN Metal division with its machinery and equipment, and to
provide the Company with temporary cash flow while it had unusually high
receivables at year-end. Subsequent to year-end (early October 1998) the Company
purchased marketable securities in the amount of $300,000.
During the twelve months ended August 31, 1998, the Company purchased on the
open market a total of 35,434 shares of it's stock (as adjusted for the one for
three reverse stock split), for a total of $108,000.
Working capital for the year ended August 31, 1998 was $4,017,000 compared to
$5,929,000 for the year ended August 31, 1997, a $1,912,000 decline. The
purchase of the Landau Metal Products assets, the loss for the period, as well
as the purchases of additional production machinery accounted for the majority
of the decline.
The Company as of August 31, 1998 had $1,900,000 in cash and marketable
securities, which are available to fund Company operations and acquisitions.
-13-
<PAGE>
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements under the caption "Management's Discussion and
Analysis" and elsewhere in this Form 10-K and in the letter of the Chairman,
President and Chief Executive Officer in the Company's Annual Report to
Stockholders, constitute "forward looking statements" within the meaning of
Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. Words "believe",
"expect" "future" "intend" "plan" and similar expressions as they relate to the
Company or the Company's management identify forward - looking statements. Such
forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and
other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of
the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or
achievements expressed or implied by such forward looking statements. Such
factors include, among others, the following: general economic and business
conditions, competition, success of new product development, effect of
advertising and promotional efforts, brand awareness, the existence of or
adherence to development schedules, continued patronage by existing customers,
the ability to attract qualified managerial personnel, the existence or absence
of adverse publicity, changes in business strategy or development plans, quality
of management and terms and deployment of capital, business abilities and
judgment of personnel and success in acquiring businesses.
Year 2000 Compliance
The Company is on schedule with a project that addresses the Year 2000 (Y2K)
issue of computer systems and other equipment with embedded chips or processors
not being able to properly recognize and process date-sensitive information
after December 31, 1999. Many systems use only two digits rather than four to
define the year and these systems will not be able to distinguish between the
year 1900 and the year 2000. This may lead to disruptions in the operations of
business and governmental entities resulting from miscalculations or system
failures. The project is designed to ensure the compliance of all of the
Company's applications, operating systems and hardware platforms, and to address
the compliance of key business partners. Key business partners are those
customers and vendors that have a material impact on the Company's operations.
All phases of the project should be completed by mid 1999 thus minimizing the
impact of the Y2K problem on the Company's operations.
The total estimated cost of the required modifications to become Y2K compliant
should not be material to the Company's financial position.
Failure to make all internal business systems Y2K compliant could result in an
interruption in, or a failure of, some of the Company's business activities or
operations. Y2K disruptions in the operations of key vendors could impact the
Company's ability to obtain components necessary for the manufacture of products
and fulfillment of contractual obligations. If one or more of these situations
occur, the Company's results of operations, liquidity and financial condition
could be materially and adversely affected. The Company is unable to determine
the readiness of its key business partners at this time and is therefore unable
to determine whether the consequences of Y2K failures will have a material
impact on the Company's results of operations, liquidity or
-14-
<PAGE>
financial condition. The Y2K project is expected to significantly reduce the
Company's level of uncertainty about the Y2K problem and reduce the possibility
of significant interruptions of normal business operations.
New Accounting Standards
In June 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 131, "Disclosure about segments of an
Enterprise and Related Information," which changes the way public companies
report information about operating segments. SFAS No. 131, which is based on the
management approach to segment reporting, establishes requirements to report
selected segment information quarterly and to report entity-wide disclosures
about products and services, major customers, and the material countries in
which the entity holds assets and reports revenue. The Company will adopt SFAS
No. 131 in Fiscal 1999.
-15-
<PAGE>
ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Hertz Technology Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Hertz Technology
Group, Inc. (a New York corporation) and Subsidiaries as of August 31, 1998 and
1997, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in
stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the two years in the period
ended August 31,1998. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. 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 audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, based on our audits, the financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Hertz
Technology Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of August 31, 1998 and 1997, and the
results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the
period ended August 31, 1998, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
New York, New York
November 2, 1998
-16-
<PAGE>
PART I
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
HERTZ TECHNOLOGY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AUGUST 31,
1998 1997
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash $ 140,254 $ 326,121
Marketable securities 1,759,994 3,570,799
Accounts receivable, less allowance for
doubtful accounts of $130,829 and $151,818 respectively 2,362,030 1,185,258
Inventories, net 709,228 997,766
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 205,229 192,219
--------------------------
Total current assets 5,176,735 6,272,163
--------------------------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, net 1,543,277 617,501
--------------------------
GOODWILL, net of accumulated amortization of $27,002 in 1998 237,881 --
--------------------------
DEFERRED TAXES 209,963 --
OTHER ASSETS 148,490 100,387
--------------------------
Total assets $ 7,316,346 $ 6,990,051
==========================
<CAPTION>
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
AUGUST 31,
1998 1997
---- ----
<S> <C> <C>
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable $ 616,035 $ 179,289
Notes payable 126,667 --
Accrued expenses - other current payables 416,954 163,389
--------------------------
Total current liabilities 1,159,656 342,678
--------------------------
NONCURRENT LIABILITIES:
Notes payable to related party 260,473 12,573
--------------------------
Total noncurrent liabilities 260,473 12,573
--------------------------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 6)
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common stock, $.001 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; 1,128,450
and 1,055,000 shares issued, and 1,093,016 and 1,055,000 shares issued
and outstanding as of August 31, 1998 and 1997 1,128 1,055
Additional paid-in capital 5,773,318 5,593,666
Retained earnings 229,799 1,040,079
Less: Treasury Stock, 35,434 shares held at cost (108,028) --
--------------------------
Total stockholders' equity 5,896,217 6,634,800
--------------------------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 7,316,346 $ 6,990,051
==========================
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements
-17-
<PAGE>
HERTZ TECHNOLOGY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1998 AND 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AUGUST 31,
----------
1998 1997
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
NET SALES $ 9,403,053 $ 10,508,193
COST OF GOODS SOLD 6,460,027 6,680,139
------------ ------------
Gross Profit 2,943,026 3,828,054
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES: 4,127,160 2,790,025
Provision for closing costs of Hertz Israel 201,774
------------ ------------
4,127,160 2,991,799
------------ ------------
Operating (loss) income (1,184,134) 836,255
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE):
Other income (expense), net 31,799 (98,307)
Interest, net of interest expense of $41,936 for 1998 and
$122,069 for 1997 166,156 67,443
------------ ------------
(Loss) Income before benefit / provision for income taxes (986,179) 805,391
(BENEFIT) PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES (175,899) 232,692
------------ ------------
Net (loss) income $ (810,280) $ 572,699
============ ============
NET (LOSS) INCOME PER SHARE
Basic $ (0.76) $ 0.59
============ ============
Diluted $ (0.76) $ 0.59
============ ============
HISTORICAL INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES $ 805,391
UNAUDITED PRO FORMA PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES 316,031
------------
PRO FORMA NET INCOME $ 489,360
============
PRO FORMA NET INCOME PER SHARE $ 0.50
============
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES
OUTSTANDING
Basic 1,066,975 973,137
============ ============
Diluted 1,066,975 973,137
============ ============
SUPPLEMENTARY NET INCOME PER SHARE $ 0.51
============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements
-18-
<PAGE>
HERTZ TECHNOLOGY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
FOR YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1997 AND AUGUST 31, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Additional
Common Paid-in Treasury Retained
Stock Capital Stock Earnings Total
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE, August 31,1996 $ 633 $ 125,367 $ -- $ 764,768 $ 890,768
Net income -- -- -- 572,699 572,699
Issuance of common stock and warrants in connection
with initial public offering, net of
expenses of $1,488,778 422 5,468,299 -- -- 5,468,721
S corporation Distributions to
stockholders -- -- -- (297,388) (297,388)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
BALANCE, August 31,1997 1,055 5,593,666 -- 1,040,079 6,634,800
Net Loss -- -- -- (810,280) (810,280)
Issuance of stock to employees 25 79,700 -- -- 79,725
Issuance of shares to related party in
connection with purchase of Edutec 48 99,952 100,000
Repurchase of Treasury stock -- -- (108,028) -- (108,028)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
BALANCE, August 31, 1998 $ 1,128 $ 5,773,318 $ (108,028) $ 229,799 $ 5,896,217
=========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements
-19-
<PAGE>
HERTZ TECHNOLOGY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1998 AND 1997
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEAR ENDED
----------
AUGUST 31,
----------
1998 1997
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income $ (810,280) $ 572,699
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by activities-
Depreciation and amortization 258,838 152,604
Allowance for doubtful accounts (20,989) 27,949
Stock issued as compensation 79,725 --
Changes in operating assets and liabilities-
Accounts receivable (880,689) 543,247
Inventories 399,564 1,507
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (13,010) 290,221
Deferred Taxes (209,963) --
Other assets (48,102) (71,775)
Accounts payable and accrued expenses 642,265 (550,893)
Income taxes payable -- (247,327)
Other liabilities (5,433) (5,389)
----------- -----------
Net cash provided by operating activities (608,074) 712,843
----------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Expenditures for property and equipment (677,152) (499,079)
Sale/(Purchase) of Marketable Securities 1,810,805 (3,570,799)
Acquisition of Lan Metal net of cash received (624,190) --
Acquisition of Edutec, net of cash received 20,772
----------- -----------
Net cash used in investment activities 530,235 (4,069,878)
----------- -----------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of treasury stock (108,028) --
Repayment of credit line to a bank -- (1,126,372)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock and
Warrants, net of underwriting expense -- 5,468,721
Net (repayments) under note payable to stockholder -- (246,686)
Sub S distribution to stockholder -- (688,036)
----------- -----------
Net cash provided by financing activities (108,028) 3,407,627
----------- -----------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents (185,867) 50,592
CASH and cash equivalents, beginning of period 326,121 275,529
----------- -----------
CASH and cash equivalents, end of period $ 140,254 $ 326,121
=========== ===========
<CAPTION>
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Details of LAN Acquisition Details of Edutec Acquisition
- -------------------------- -----------------------------
Fair Value of Assets Acquired 1,050,595 Fair Value of Assets Acquired 137,450
Liability Assumed (390,595) Liabilities Assumed (37,450)
---------
Cash Paid 660,000 Stock issued (100,000)
-----------
Less: Cash Acquired (35,810) Cash Paid --
---------
Less: Cash Acquired 20,772
-----------
Net Cash paid for Acquisition 624,190 Net Cash paid for Acquisition (20,772)
--------- -----------
Issuance of stock to Employees $ 79,725 --
Interest paid $ 34,235 $ 21,683
Income taxes paid $ 116,857 $ 523,650
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements
-20-
<PAGE>
HERTZ TECHNOLOGY GROUP, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
AUGUST 31, 1998
1. COMPANY BACKGROUND AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Nature of Business
The Hertz Technology Group, Inc. (the "Company" or "Hertz Technology") was
formed on June 18, 1996. Effective November 12, 1996, on the date of the initial
public offering ("IPO") (Note 11), Hertz Computer Corporation ("Hertz Computer")
and Hergo Ergonomic Support Systems, Inc. ("Hergo"), two entities under common
control, were acquired by the Company (which is owned by the same shareholders)
and became wholly owned subsidiaries. In December 1997, the Company acquired
substantially all the assets of Landau Metal Products Corp. and started to do
business under the new company Lan Metal Products Corp.("Lan"). In July 1998,
the Company acquired Edutec Computer Education Institute, Inc. ("Edutec").
Accordingly, the financial statements are presented as consolidated. Hertz
Computer owned 100% of Hertz Computers Information System (1985) Ltd.
("Hertz-Israel").
During fiscal 1997, Hertz Israel ceased operations. At August 31, 1997, all
balances were immaterial to the consolidated totals.
Hertz Computer, Edutec, Hergo, and Lan are all located in New York City. Hertz
Computer assembles and sells personal computers in the United States primarily
within the New York Metropolitan area. Edutec offers state-of-the-art
computerized training facilities that can be used for software, sales, education
or management training. Hergo manufactures and sells space saving modular racks
and technical furniture to help organize all types of computer hardware,
communication and electronic equipment. Lan provides custom, contract
manufacturing and fabrication of specialty metal products for use in a variety
of industries. In addition, Lan designs and manufactures the Hergo line of
products.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and
its wholly owned subsidiaries, Hertz Computer and Hergo, Lan, and Edutec. All
inter-company transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
-21-
<PAGE>
Marketable Securities
The Company's marketable securities are comprised of equity and debt securities,
all classified as trading securities, which are carried at their fair value
based upon quoted market prices of those investments at August 31, 1998 and
1997. Accordingly, net realized and unrealized gains and losses are included in
net earnings. For the years ended August 31, 1998 and 1997, these amounts were
immaterial.
Revenue Recognition
Sales are recognized when the products are shipped. Payments received for
products not yet shipped are recorded as a current liability. The provision for
warranties is not material as all components are warranted to the Company by the
manufacturers.
Inventories
Inventories, which consist primarily of finished goods, raw materials,
components, and work in process, are valued at the lower of cost or market on
the first-in, first-out (FIFO) basis.
Inventories as of August 31, consist of:
1998 1997
----------- -----------
Components $ 176,053 $ 424,544
Raw materials 75,780 80,453
Work in process 73,480 25,742
Finished goods 383,915 467,027
----------- -----------
$ 709,228 $ 997,766
=========== ===========
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed under the
straight-line method over estimated useful lives ranging from 5 to 10 years.
Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the lease term or the
estimated useful lives of the assets.
The Company follows the principles of Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards ("SFAS") No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of." This statement requires that
long-lived assets and identifiable intangibles be reviewed for impairment
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amounts of the
assets may not be recoverable. In evaluating recoverability, the Company
estimates the future cash flows expected to result
-22-
<PAGE>
from the asset and its eventual disposition. If the sum of future undiscounted
cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment loss is
recognized. No such loss was recognized for year ended August 31, 1998. The
Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes
in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be
recoverable.
Goodwill
Goodwill arose twice in the year in connection with the acquisitions of both
Landau Metal Products Corp and Edutec. It is amortized on a straight-line basis
over a period of 5 years. During 1997, the goodwill that was generated in
connection with the acquisition of Hertz Israel was written off in connection
with the closing of Hertz Israel.
In accordance with SFAS No. 121, the carrying value of goodwill is evaluated for
impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the
carrying amount may not be recoverable. The Company believes that no material
impairment of goodwill exists at August 31, 1998.
Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109,
"Accounting for Income Taxes," which requires accounting for deferred income
taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred income taxes are recognized
for the tax consequences of temporary differences by applying enacted statutory
tax rates applicable in future years to differences between the financial
statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of existing assets and liabilities.
Prior to the Company's IPO, Hergo, with the consent of its stockholders, elected
to be treated as an S corporation for federal and state tax purposes, which
provides that, in lieu of Hergo paying income taxes, the stockholders separately
account for their pro rata shares of Hergo's items of income, deductions,
losses, and credits. As such, prior to the IPO, Hergo did not incur federal
income tax expense, although it did incur state and local tax expense. Effective
November 12, 1996, the date of the Company's IPO, Hergo's S corporation status
was terminated and, effective November 13, 1996, Hergo became a C corporation
which is subject to federal income tax expense. Hertz Computer, Edutec, and Lan
are C corporations, which incur federal, state and local income tax expense.
Net (Loss) Income Per Share
For the period ended August 31,1998, the Company adopted SFAS No. 128, "Earnings
Per Share". In accordance with the requirements of SFAS No. 128, net earnings
per common share amounts ("basic EPS") were computed by dividing net earnings by
the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and contingently
issueable shares (which satisfy certain conditions) and excluded any potential
dilution. Net
-23-
<PAGE>
earnings per common share amounts - assuming dilution ("diluted EPS") were
computed by reflecting potential dilution from the exercise of stock options and
warrants. SFAS No. 128 requires the presentation of both basic EPS and diluted
EPS on the face of the income statement. Earnings per share amounts for the same
prior-year periods have been restated to conform with the provisions of SFAS No.
128.
A reconciliation between the numerators and denominators of the basic and
diluted EPS computations for net (loss) earnings is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Year ended Year ended
August 31, 1998 August 31, 1997
--------------- ---------------
Loss Shares Per Share Income Shares Per Share
(Numerator) (Denominator) Amounts (Numerator) (Denominator) Amounts
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net (loss)
earnings $ (810,280) $ 572,699
---------- ---------
BASIC EPS
Net (loss)
earnings
attributable to
common stock $ (810,280) 1,066,975 $ (0.76) $ 572,699 973,137 $ 0.59
---------- --------- ------- --------- ------- ------
EFFECT OF DILUTIVE
SECURITIES
Stock Options
Stock Warrants
DILUTED EPS
Net (loss)
earnings
attributable to
common stock and
option exercises $ (810,280) 1,066,975 $ (0.76) $ 572,699 973,137 $ 0.59
---------- --------- ------- --------- ------- ------
</TABLE>
Options and warrants to purchase the following shares of common stock were not
included in the computation of diluted EPS because the exercise price of those
options was greater than the average market price of the common shares and
accordingly would be antidilutive on loss/income per common share. The options
and warrants outstanding at the end of the period are as follows:
-24-
<PAGE>
August 31,
1998 1997
---- ----
Options 125,927 --
Warrants 1,253,333 1,253,333
--------- ---------
Total Options/Warrants 1,379,260 1,253,333
========= =========
Pro Forma Net Income Per Share
Pro forma net income per share is calculated as if Hergo was a C corporation for
tax filing purposes during the year ended August 31, 1997. As such, an effective
tax rate of 42% and 46% was used in calculating Hergo's pro forma net income tax
provision, for 1997.
Pro forma net income per share has been computed by dividing pro forma net
income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding
during the period as if the Company were recapitalized on September 1, 1997.
Supplementary Net Income Per Share
Supplementary net income per share is calculated for the year ended August 31,
1997. For August 31, 1997 supplementary net income per share is computed as if
$1,126,372 and $246,686 of interest-bearing debt obligations were repaid from
the net proceeds of the IPO as of September 1, 1996 and 1995, respectively, and
assuming that (i) 91,537 (after giving effect to reverse stock split discussed
in Note 11 below) of common shares were issued as of September 1, 1996 and 1995,
respectively, to repay the interest-bearing debt obligations; (ii) $27,253 and
$90,451 of interest expense, net of income tax expense, were eliminated as a
result of such payment for the twelve months ended August 31, 1997.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and disclosure of
contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and
the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.
-25-
<PAGE>
Stock Options
In August 1996, the Company adopted its 1996 Stock Option Plan ("Option Plan")
(see Note 12 for further description). The Company's policy is to account for
stock option grants in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock
Issued to Employees."
The Company does not intend to adopt the measurement requirements of SFAS No.
123, "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation" for stock option grants to
employees and, accordingly, the Company is required to disclose the pro forma
net income and per share amounts in the notes to the financial statements using
the fair value based method.
2. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment consists of the following at August 31:
1998 1997
---------- ----------
Furniture, fixtures and equipment $ 353,199 $ 237,697
Warehouse equipment 996,524 149,391
Leasehold improvements 612,169 388,818
Vehicles 74,237 74,431
---------- ----------
2,036,129 850,337
Less-Accumulated depreciation and amortization (492,852) (232,836)
---------- ----------
Property and equipment, net $1,543,277 $ 617,501
========== ==========
3. ACQUISITIONS
On December 5, 1997, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets and
business of Landau Metal Products Corp. ("Landau"), a company engaged in the of
sheet metal fabrication in Long Island City, New York. The aggregate
consideration paid to Landau was $660,000 in cash and a promissory note in the
principal amount of $380,000, payable over a three-year period. The principal
officer and sole stockholder of Landau was employed effective as of the closing
by the buyer for five years at a fixed annual salary with additional incentive
compensation if sales of the new company exceed certain prescribed targets.
Goodwill computed as the excess of cost over the net assets acquired in the
amount of $163,860 was recognized in connection with the purchase, and is being
amortized over a five year life.
On July 23, 1998 the Company purchased all of the outstanding shares of Edutec,
from Eli Hertz, the president and controlling shareholder of Hertz Technology
Group. All of the issued and outstanding shares of Edutec were issued to the
Company in exchange for 48,450 shares of the Company stock for a total purchase
price of $100,000. The Company has recorded the excess purchase price paid over
the fair value of the assets acquired as goodwill, which is being amortized over
a 5-year life.
-26-
<PAGE>
4. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
The Company has a note payable to an officer of the Lan subsidiary in the amount
of $380,000 with interest at 7% per annum. The note provides for principal
payments of $127,000, $127,000 and $126,000 payable on December 4, 1998, 1999
and 2000, respectively. Interest is calculated at 7% per annum and is paid
quarterly. Interest expense for the year ended August 31, 1998 was $21,845.
Hertz Technology Group had two notes payable at 9.25%, due on demand to two
stockholders in the amount of $211,966 and $34,720, respectively. The notes were
collateralized by the Company's assets and subordinated to the notes payable to
bank described in Note 3. During fiscal 1997, the loans were repaid in full.
Interest expense for the note for the year ended August 31, 1997 was $3,745.
The Company purchased all of the Common Stock of Edutec from Eli Hertz (see Note
3).
5. LIFE INSURANCE
Hertz Computer is the beneficiary of a life insurance policy in the amount of
$1,000,000 on the life of an officer of Hertz Computer. The policy's related
cash surrender value is included in other assets in the accompanying
consolidated balance sheets and amounted to $34,868 and $31,893 as of August 31,
1998 and 1997, respectively.
6. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Operating Leases
The Company currently occupies loft space on 75 Varick Street, consisting of
21,000 square feet, for a six-year period, which began on September 1, 1996, at
an annual rental of $161,871. These facilities are used by the Company for its
executive administrative and sales offices Edutec classrooms, and for
manufacturing computers. The Company also leases an office in Albany for $14,225
a year under a lease which expired in June 1998, that includes an option
exercisable by the Company to renew for an additional two years. The Company has
not yet elected to renew this lease and is currently occupying the premises as a
month to month tenant. The Company leases an aggregate of 16,000 square feet in
Woodside, Queens, New York for its Hergo warehousing and distribution facility.
The lease for this space, which ends on February 28, 2000, provides for an
annual rent of approximately $100,000. The Company also leases 34,000 square
feet in Long Island City, Queens, New York for manufacturing of Hergo and Lan
products. The lease for this space ends in July 2002 and provides for an annual
rent of $109,000.
The future minimum lease payments of all operating leases as of August 31, 1998
for the Company are as follows:
-27-
<PAGE>
Fiscal year:
1999 $ 391,017
2000 334,370
2001 272,904
2002 167,580
2003 0
-----------
$ 1,165,871
===========
Total rent expense related to the Company's premises for the years ended August
31, 1998 and 1997 was $346,821 and $232,338, respectively.
Litigation
In the normal course of business, the Company has entered into litigation with
an outside party. Management does not anticipate that this lawsuit will have a
material effect on the operations of the Company.
7. PROFIT SHARING PLAN
Hertz Computer has a profit sharing plan covering all eligible employees. For
the years ended August 31, 1998 and 1997, the Company did not contribute to this
plan. The Company has decided to terminate the plan and has submitted the
request to the IRS.
8. INCOME TAXES
Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences
between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting
purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. The most significant
component primarily relates to the allowances for doubtful accounts. Included in
prepaid expenses and other current assets at August 31, 1998 and 1997 are
deferred tax asset balances of $36,210 and $56,793, respectively relating to
such temporary differences.
The Company has a net operating loss carryforward of approximately $1,050,000
available to offset future regular taxable income, which expires 2018. In 1998
management determined that it has become more likely than not that the Company
will not realize all of its deferred tax asset for net operating losses and has
therefore booked a valuation allowance against it in the amount of $150,000.
Included on the balance sheet at August 31, 1998 is a net deferred tax asset
balance of $209,963 relating to net operating loss carryforwards.
-28-
<PAGE>
The components of current and deferred income taxes (benefit) expense are as
follows:
August 31,
1998 1997
--------- ---------
Current:
Federal $ 0 $ 118,688
State and local 11,582 115,997
--------- ---------
Subtotal 11,582 234,685
--------- ---------
Deferred:
Federal (185,299) (1,016)
State and local (2,182) (977)
--------- ---------
Subtotal (187,481) (1,993)
--------- ---------
Total $(175,899) $ 232,692
========= =========
A reconciliation between the statutory federal tax rate and the effective tax
rate is as follows:
August 31,
1998 1997
---- ----
Statutory federal income tax rate (34)% 34%
State and local taxes, net of federal benefit 1 10
Hertz-Israel bad debt - (10)
S Corporation (benefit) - (8)
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance 15 -
Other - 2
---- ----
Effective tax rate 18% 28%
==== ====
-29-
<PAGE>
9. SEGMENT OPERATIONS
The operating results of significant segments of the consolidated Company at
August 31, 1998 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Hertz Hertz
Technology Computer Hergo Lan Edutec Consolidated
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Sales(unaffiliated) $ -- $ 4,444,849 $ 3,838,660 $ 1,094,285 $ 25,259 $ 9,403,053
Gross profit -- 350,485 2,234,590 332,692 25,259 2,943,026
Operating (loss) income (230,000) (1,645,162) 603,291 84,554 3,183 (1,184,134)
Assets 1,889,978 2,819,958 1,273,974 1,091,992 240,444 7,316,346
</TABLE>
The operating results of significant segments of the consolidated Company at
August 31, 1997 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Hertz Hertz
Technology Computer Hertz-Israel Hergo Consolidated
----------- ----------- ------------ ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Sales (unaffiliated) $ -- $ 6,216,529 $ 643,510 $ 3,648,154 $10,508,193
Inventory transfers from/(to) -- 332,128 (335,628) 3,500 --
Gross profit -- 1,550,489 48,317 2,229,248 3,828,054
Operating income (198,793) 286,460 (169,643) 918,231 836,255
Assets 3,572,857 2,155,590 11,050 1,250,554 6,990,051
</TABLE>
10. GEOGRAPHIC AND CUSTOMER CONCENTRATION
The Company has a concentration of its sales in the New York Metropolitan area
of approximately 72% for the years ended August 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
Approximately 43% and 12% for the years ended August 31, 1998 and 1997,
respectively, of its sales were to federal, state and city agencies or
government-affiliated organizations, including hospitals and schools.
In addition, the Company had sales of approximately 15% to an individual
customer for the year ended August 31, 1998.
-30-
<PAGE>
11. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Initial Public Offering
On November 12, 1996, the Company registered 1,100,000 units (366,667 after
giving effect to the reverse stock split described below), each unit consisting
of one share of common stock, $.001 par value per share and two Class A warrants
at an IPO price of $5.50 ($16.50 after giving effect to the reverse stock
split). The warrants are exercisable one year from the effective date of the IPO
and each warrant is convertible into one share of common stock at a price of
$5.50 ($16.50 after giving effect to the reverse stock split). Shortly
thereafter, in November 1996, the underwriter of the IPO exercised its
over-allotment option to purchase 165,000 units (55,000 post reverse stock
split) from the Company (165,000 shares and 330,000 warrants - pre reverse stock
split and 55,000 shares and 110,000 warrants post reverse stock split,
respectively) at $5.50 per unit ($16.50 after giving effect to the reverse stock
split). The Company realized proceeds from the sale of common stock and warrants
of $5,468,721 net of commissions and offering expenses of $1,488,778. To date no
warrants have been exercised.
In November 1996, the Company utilized the proceeds from the IPO to pay
approximately $245,000 of notes payable to the current stockholders and the
entire balance of $895,000 of the current revolving credit line with the bank as
of that date.
Treasury Stock
During fiscal 1998, the Company began repurchasing shares of its common stock
traded in the open market. As of August 31, 1998, the Company had repurchased
35,434 shares of the Company's stock at an average price per share of $3.05 per
share for an aggregate of $108,028.
Reverse Stock Split
At a special meeting held on September 4, 1998, the Board of Directors of the
Company approved a one-for-three reverse split of the both the Company's common
stock and Class A Warrants. On November 2, 1998, the holders of a majority of
the common stock of the Company approved that resolution which became effective
on November 2, 1998. All share and per share data included in this report have
been retroactively restated to reflect this reverse stock split as required.
-31-
<PAGE>
12. STOCK OPTION PLAN
On August 7, 1996, in order to attract and retain persons necessary for the
success of the Company, the Company adopted its 1996 Stock Option Plan ("Option
Plan") covering up to 250,000 of its shares of its common stock ("Shares"),
pursuant to which officers, directors and key employees of the Company and
consultants to the Company are eligible to receive incentive and/or nonincentive
stock options. The Option Plan, which expires on August 6, 2006, will be
administered by the Company's Board of Directors or a committee designated by
such group. The selection of participants, allotment of shares, determination of
price and other conditions relating to the purchase of options will be
determined by the Board of Directors, or a committee thereof, in its sole
discretion. Incentive stock options granted under the Option Plan are
exercisable for a period of up to 10 years from the date of grant at an exercise
price which is not less than the fair market value of the Shares on the date of
the grant, except that the term of an incentive stock option granted under the
Option Plan to a shareholder owning more than 10% of the outstanding Shares may
not exceed five years and its exercise price may not be less than 110% of the
fair market value of the Shares on the date of the grant.
The Company accounts for all plans under APB Opinion No. 25, under which no
compensation cost has been recognized as all options granted during 1998 have
been granted at the fair market value of the Company's common stock. Had
compensation cost for these plans been determined in accordance with SFAS No.
123, the Company's net income and EPS would have been reduced as follows:
August 31, 1998
---------------
Net loss: As reported $(810,280)
Pro forma $(986,158)
Loss per Shares:
Basic: As reported $ (0.76)
Pro forma $ (0.92)
Diluted: As reported $ (0.76)
Pro forma $ (0.92)
Under SFAS No. 123, the fair value of each option is estimated on the date of
grant using the Black Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted
average assumptions used for grants in 1998: (1) expected life of option of
three years; (2) dividend yield of 0%; (3) expected volatility of 207%; and (4)
risk-free interest rate of 4.45%. Transactions under the Plan during 1998 (there
were no options granted during fiscal 1997) were as follows:
-32-
<PAGE>
August 31, 1998
---------------
Weighted Average
Shares Exercise Price
------ --------------
Outstanding at beginning of year -- --
Granted 130,927 $4.50
Cancelled (5,000) $4.50
Terminated -- --
Exercised -- --
--------------------------------------
Outstanding at end of year 125,927 $4.50
======================================
Options excercisable at end of year --
==================
Weighted average fair value of
options granted $4.19
==============
13. DISCRETIONARY SHARE BONUS AWARDS
The Company has reserved 33,333 shares for issuance to employees as a reward for
past performance or as an incentive for future performance. The determination of
the persons to receive Share Bonus Awards, the amount of shares for each
recipient and the time of vesting shall be determined by the Board of Directors
or by a committee to be designated by the Board of Directors. Shares may be
awarded with immediate vesting or with deferred vesting. During the year ended
August 31, 1998 there were 25,000 shares issued under the plan to an officer of
the Company at the then fair market value.
ITEM 8. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING FINANCIAL
DISCLOSURE
None
-33-
<PAGE>
PART III
Item 9 through 12 inclusive are omitted per General Instruction E. The
information required by Part III shall be incorporated by reference from the
Registrant's definitive proxy statement pursuant to Regulation 14A for the
fiscal year ended August 31, 1998.
ITEM 13. EXHIBITS, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8K
Unless otherwise indicated, the following exhibits are incorporated by
reference from the Company's Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (SEC File
Number 333-9783 referencing the exhibit number used in such Registration
Statement).
3.1A Certificate of Incorporation of the Company
3.1B Certificate of Amendment of Certificate of Incorporation of the
Company
3.2 By-Laws of the Company
4.1 Specimen Stock Certificate
4.2 Form of Redeemable Warrant
4.3 Underwriter's Purchase Option
4.4 Warrant Agreement
10.1 1996 Stock Option Plan
10.2 Form of Employment Agreement between the Company and Eli E. Hertz
10.3 Form of Employment Agreement between the Company and I. Marilyn
Hertz
10.7 Agreement of Lease between Simon Trakinski and William Trakinski and
Hergo Ergonomic Support Systems, Inc. For 26-58 Borough Place,
Woodside, NY 11377.
10.8 Agreement of Lease between Simon Trakinski and William Trakinski and
Hergo Ergonomic Support Systems, Inc. For 60-01 27th Avenue,
Woodside, NY.
10.9 Agreement of Lease between The Rector, Church-Wardens and Vestrymen
of Trinity Church in the City of New York and Hertz Computer
Corporation for 75 Varick Street.
21 Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
27.1 Financial Data Schedule*
*Filed herewith
(b) No Reports on Form 8-K have been filed during the last quarter covered by
this Report.
-34-
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the "Exchange Act" the Registrant has duly caused this
Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
Hertz Technology Group Inc.
By: /s/ Eli E. Hertz
-----------------------------------------------
Eli E. Hertz
Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer
Date: November 25, 1998
In accordance with the Exchange Act, this report has been signed below by the
following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the
dates indicated.
Signature Date Title
- --------- ---- -----
/s/ Eli E. Hertz 11/25/98 Chairman, President and
- ---------------- Chief Executive Officer
Eli E. Hertz
/s/ I.Marilyn Hertz 11/25/98 Vice Chairperson and
- ------------------- Director
I.Marilyn Hertz
/s/ Barry J. Goldsammler 11/25/98 Senior Vice President
- ------------------------ Chief Financial and Accounting
Barry J. Goldsammler Officer and Director
/s/ Beryl Ackerman 11/25/98 Director
- ------------------
Beryl Ackerman
/s/ Bruce Borner 11/25/98 Director
- ----------------
Bruce Borner
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> AUG-31-1998
<PERIOD-END> AUG-31-1998
<CASH> 140,254
<SECURITIES> 1,759,994
<RECEIVABLES> 2,492,859
<ALLOWANCES> 130,829
<INVENTORY> 709,228
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 5,176,735
<PP&E> 2,036,129
<DEPRECIATION> 492,852
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 7,316,346
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 1,159,656
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 1,128
<OTHER-SE> 5,895,089
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 7,316,346
<SALES> 9,403,053
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 9,403,053
<CGS> 6,460,027
<TOTAL-COSTS> 6,460,027
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 0
<LOSS-PROVISION> 159,435
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 41,936
<INCOME-PRETAX> (986,179)
<INCOME-TAX> (175,899)
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (810,280)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (810,280)
<EPS-PRIMARY> (.76)
<EPS-DILUTED> (.76)
</TABLE>
