NOVITRON INTERNATIONAL INC
10-Q, 1999-11-12
LABORATORY ANALYTICAL INSTRUMENTS
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FORM 10-Q

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D. C. 20549

 

(X) QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 1999

or

( ) TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to

 

For Quarter Ended                                                                                           Commission File Number
September 30, 1999                                                                                                  0-12716

Novitron International, Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

 

Delaware                                                                                                               04-2573920
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)                                                                      (IRS Employer Identification No.)

One Gateway Center, Suite 411, Newton, MA                                                        02458
(Address of principal executive offices)                                                                                                                          (Zip Code)

Registrant's Telephone number, including area code: (617) 527-9933

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or 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 __

The number of shares of common stock outstanding, as of November 5, 1999, is 1,439,925.

 

 

Novitron International, Inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES

FORM 10-Q

Index

            Page

Part I:     FINANCIAL INFORMATION

    Item 1:    Consolidated Financial Statements

Consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 1999 and March 31, 1999                     3

Unaudited consolidated statements of operations for the three and
six months ended September 30, 1999 and 1998                                                      5

Consolidated statements of stockholders’ investment for the years
ended March 31, 1999 and 1998 and the six months ended
September 30, 1999 (unaudited)                                                                             6

Unaudited consolidated statements of cash flows for the six months
ended September 30, 1999 and 1998                                                                     7

Notes to unaudited consolidated financial statements                                                       9

    Item 2:    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
                    Results of Operations                                                                                               
13

    Item 3:    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk                              15

 

Part II:     OTHER INFORMATION                                                                                       15

SIGNATURE                                                                                                                                16

 

Novitron International, Inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

ASSETS

 

September 30, 1999
(unaudited)

March 31, 1999

CURRENT ASSETS:    

Cash and cash equivalents

$ 139,650

$ 1,287,073

Accounts receivable, lessreserves of $74,000 and $79,000 at September 30 and March 31, 1999, respectively

2,933,302

2,883,384

Inventories

2,754,777

3,018,573

Prepaid expenses

379,103

408,479

Other current assets

183,209

163,275

Total current assets

6,390,041

7,760,784

     
EQUIPMENT, at cost:    

Manufacturing and computer equipment

2,519,258 2,440,124

Furniture and fixtures

360,645

388,471

Leasehold improvements

372,582

338,380

Vehicles

64,885

63,503

3,317,370 3,230,478
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization

2,376,671

2,262,255

   

940,699

968,223

      
OTHER ASSETS, net

815,951

929,803

 

$ 8,146,691

$ 9,658,810

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

Novitron International, Inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT

(Continued)

 

September 30, 1999
(unaudited)

March 31, 1999

CURRENT LIABILITIES:    

Short-term notes payable and current
portion of long-term debt

$ 63,250

$ 3,735

Accounts payable

1,839,536

2,842,104

Accrued expenses

1,863,247

2,205,531

Customer advances

-

114,913

Accrued income taxes

25,964

-

Total current liabilities

3,791,997

5,166,283

LONG-TERM DEBT, net of current portion

20,553

23,272

MINORITY INTEREST

11,690

-

DEFERRED TAXES

152,403

169,000

           
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:    
         

STOCKHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT:

   
Preferred stock, $.01 par value,
  Authorized: 1,000,000 shares
  Issued and outstanding: none
Common stock, $.01 par value,
  Authorized: 6,000,000 shares
  Issued and outstanding: 1,454,425
at September 30, and March 31, 1999

14,544

14,544

Capital in excess of par value

4,881,066

4,881,066

Cumulative translation adjustment

(160,663)

(147,736)

Retained deficit

(543,045)

(437,442)

Treasury stock, 14,500 and 5,500 shares, at cost,
at September 30, and March 31, 1999, respectively

(21,854)

(10,177)

Total stockholders’ investment

4,170,048

4,300,255

      

$ 8,146,691

$ 9,658,810

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

Novitron International, Inc.   AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

                                                                                                     

 

For the Three Months Ended September 30,

For the Six Months
Ended September 30

  1999 1998 1999 1998

REVENUES

$ 3,556,031 $ 3,662,125 $ 6,612,967 $ 7,150,542
         

COST OF REVENUES

2,306,813 2,740,856 4,389,411 5,322,839

Gross profit

1,249,218 921,269 2,223,556 1,827,703

OPERATING EXPENSES:

       

Sales and marketing

163,112 263,681 336,919 499,055

Research and development

512,062 452,761 1,028,582 909,617

General and administrative

543,884 324,158 928,965 755,206

Restructuring

38,059 - 76,411 -
  1,257,117 1,040,600 2,370,877 2,163,878

Loss from operations

(7,899) (119,331) (147,321) (336,175)

Interest expense

(2,782) (14,230) (4,115) (29,055)

Interest income

3,223 6,521 5,773 9,147

Other income (expense)

23,068 (38,345) 51,340 (29,084)
  15,610 (165,385) (94,323) (385,167)

Provision for (Benefit from)
income taxes

10,023 (76,366) 6,914 (124,229)
  5,587 (89,019) (101,237) (260,938)

Minority interest

(3,678)

-

(4,366)

-

Net income (loss)

$ 1,909 $ (89,019) $ (105,603) $ (260,938)

Basic net income (loss) per share

$ 0.00 $ (0.06) $ (0.07) $ (0.18)
Diluted net income (loss) per share $ 0.00 $ (0.06) $ (0.07) $ (0.18)

Basic Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding

1,444,403 1,454,423 1,442,220 1,454,423

Diluted Weighted AverageCommon Shares Outstanding

1,534,237 1,454,423 1,442,220 1,454,423

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ INVESTMENT FOR THE YEARS
ENDED MARCH 31, 1998, AND 1999 AND FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1999

 

 

Common Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of Shares

Par Value

Capital in
Excess of
Par Value

Treasury
Stock

Retained Earnings
(Deficit)

Accumulated
Other Comprehensive
Income (Loss)

Comprehensive
Loss

BALANCE at March 31, 1997

1,322,005

$ 13,220

$ 4,882,390

$                 -

$ (71,238)

$148,696

 
Issuance of common stock inconnection with a 10% stockdividend of March 27, 1998

132,206

1,322

(1,322)

-

-

-

-

Translation adjustment          

(436,080)

(436,080)

Net income

-

-

-

-

103,950

 

103,950

Total comprehensive loss            

$ (332,130)

BALANCE at March 31, 1998

1,454,211

14,542

4,881,068

-

32,712

(287,384)

 
Further issuance of common stockin connection with a 10% stockdividend of March 27, 1998

214

2

(2)

-

-

-

-

Purchase of treasury stock

-

-

-

(10,177)

-

-

-

Translation adjustment

-

-

-

-

-

139,648

139,648

Net loss

-

-

-

-

(470,154)

 

(470,154)

Total comprehensive loss            

$ (330,506)

BALANCE at March 31, 1999

1,454,425

14,544

4,881,066

(10,177)

(437,442)

(147,736)

 
Purchase of treasury stock

-

-

-

(11,677)

-

-

 
Translation adjustment

-

-

-

-

-

(12,927)

(12,927)

Net loss

-

-

-

-

(105,603)

-

(105,603)

Total comprehensive loss            

$ (118,530)

BALANCE at September 30, 1999

1,454,425

$ 14,544

$4,881,066

$ (21,854)

$(543,045)

$(160,663)

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

Novitron International, Inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,

  1999 1998

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

   

Net loss

$ (105,603)

$ (260,938)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities-

   

  Depreciation and amortization

199,437

227,282

  Minority interest

11,607

-

  Capitalization of research costs

-

(32,401)

  Deferred income taxes

(15,231)

49,643

  Loss on disposal of fixed assets

18,848

-

  Changes in Current Assets and Liabilities-

   

  Accounts receivable

(69,295)

(345,223)

  Inventories

239,777

899,641

  Prepaid expenses

26,346

125,742

  Other current assets

(14,002)

(96,359)

  Accounts payable

(971,147)

(1,101,490)

  Accrued expenses

(323,584)

25,023

  Customer advances

(112,759)

-

  Accrued income taxes

18,734

(82,458)

      Net cash used in operating activities

$ (1,096,872)

$ (591,538)

     

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

   

Other assets

$ 42,736

$ (1,450)

Purchases of equipment

(146,643)

(83,410)

Other, including foreign exchange effects on cash

8,721

(57,118)

    Net cash used in investing activities

$ (95,186)

$ (141,978)

Continues on next page

 

Novitron International, Inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES

UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,

(Continued)

  1999 1998
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:    
Proceeds from (payments on) short-term debt

$ 58,838

$ (14,238)

Payments on long-term debt

(2,526)

(5,478)

Purchase of treasury stock

(11,677)

-

     Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

$ 44,635

$ (19,716)

     
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

$ (1,147,423)

$ (753,232)

     
BCASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS EGINNING OF YEAR

1,287,073

1,229,918

     
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT September 30, 1999 and 1998

$ 139,650

$ 476,686

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

 

Novitron International, Inc. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

September 30, 1999

(1) Operations and Accounting Policies

Novitron International, Inc. ("the Company") prepared the consolidated financial statements included herein pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information normally included in footnote disclosures in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles was condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. In management’s opinion, the consolidated financial statements and footnotes reflect all adjustments necessary to disclose adequately the Company’s financial position at September 30, 1999 and September 30, 1998. Management suggests these condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report of Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999.

 

(a) Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries: Clinical Data BV, Clinical Data (Australia), Pty. Ltd. (95% owned subsidiary – see Note 3), NovaChem BV, Spectronetics NV, and Vital Scientific NV. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

(b) Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents are stated at cost, which approximates market, and consist of cash and marketable financial instruments with original maturities of 90 days or less.

(c) Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market, include material, labor and manufacturing overhead, and consist of the following at September 30, and March 31, 1999:

 

September 30, 1999

March 31, 1999

Raw materials

$ 1,374,789

$ 1,774,146

Work-in-process

507,445

421,680

Finished goods

786,392

822,747

 

$2,668,626

$3,018,573

(d) Revenue Recognition

The Company generally recognizes revenue from the sale of products and supplies at the time of shipment.

(e) Depreciation and Amortization of Equipment and Intangibles

The Company provides for depreciation and amortization using the straight-line method by charges to operations in amounts that allocate the cost of equipment and intangibles over their estimated useful lives. The estimated useful lives, by asset classification, are as follows:

Asset Classification

Useful Lives

Manufacturing and computer equipment

3-7 years

Furniture and fixtures

3-7 years

Leasehold improvements

Life of lease

Vehicles

3-5 years

Goodwill

20 years

 

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

September 30, 1999

(Continued)

(1) Operations and Accounting Policies (continued)

(e) Depreciation and Amortization of Equipment and Intangibles (continued)

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," requires the Company to continually evaluate whether events and circumstances have occurred which indicate that the estimated remaining useful life of long-lived assets and such intangibles as goodwill may warrant revision or that the carrying value of these assets may be impaired. To compute whether assets have been impaired, the estimated gross cash flows for the estimated remaining useful life of the asset are compared to the carrying value. To the extent that the gross cash flows are less than the carrying value, the assets are written down to the estimated fair value of the asset. At September 30, 1999 and 1998, the Company’s remaining goodwill relates to its investment in Vital Scientific NV. Based on an analysis of other assets at September 30, 1999, the Company does not believe impairment exists.

(f) Net Income (Loss) Per Share

The Company applies the provisions of SFAS No. 128, "Earnings per Share," for computing and presenting earnings per share. Basic net income (loss) per share is determined by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average shares of common stock outstanding during the year. Except for the three months ended September 30, 1999, diluted net loss per share has been calculated on the same basis as basic earnings per share because the Company’s potentially dilutive securities, stock options, are antidilutive. For the six-month period ended September 30, 1999, there were 89,834 weighted average common equivalent shares and at September 30, 1998, there were 96,617 weighted average common equivalent shares which were not included in the diluted weighted average shares outstanding, as they were antidilutive. For the three months ended September 30, 1999, the 89,834 weighted average common equivalent shares are included in the computation of diluted net income per share.

(g) Foreign Currency Translation

The Company accounts for foreign currency transaction and translation gains and losses in accordance with SFAS No. 52, "Foreign Currency Translation." The functional currency of Clinical Data BV, Vital Scientific NV and Spectronetics NV is the Dutch Guilder. The functional currency of Clinical Data Australia is the Australian dollar and NovaChem BV uses the United States dollar as its functional currency. Gains and losses from translating assets and liabilities that are denominated in currencies other than the respective functional currency are included in other income in the consolidated statements of operations. The translation adjustment required to report those subsidiaries whose functional currency is other than the United States dollar into U.S. dollars is credited or charged to cumulative translation adjustment, included as a separate component of stockholders’ investment in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are included in other expense in the consolidated statements of operations.

(h) Management’s 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 amounts 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.

 

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

September 30, 1999

(Continued)

(1) Operations and Accounting Policies (continued)

(i) Software Development Costs

In connection with the development of software included as a significant component of a new analysis product, the Company has applied the provisions of SFAS No. 86, "Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software to be Sold, Leased or Otherwise Marketed." SFAS No. 86 requires the Company to capitalize those costs incurred for the development of computer software that will be sold, leased or otherwise marketed once technological feasibility has been established up to the time at which the product is available for sale to the customer. These capitalized costs are subject to an ongoing assessment of the recoverability based on anticipated future revenues and changes in hardware and software technologies.

During the year ended March 31, 1999, the Company capitalized approximately $32,000, under SFAS No. 86, which is included as a component of other assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. There were no capitalized software development costs during the first six months of fiscal year 2000.

Amortization of the capitalized software development costs begins when the product is available for general release. Amortization is provided on a product-by-product basis on either the straight-line method over periods not exceeding five years or the sales ratio method. Unamortized capitalized software development costs determined to be in excess of net realizable value of the product are expensed immediately. The Company began to amortize the software costs capitalized during fiscal years 1998 and 1997 over the sales ratio method during the year ended March 31, 1998. During fiscal year 1999, the Company began to amortize the software costs capitalized during 1999 over three years using the straight-line method. Total amortization recorded during the six months ended September 30, 1999 and 1998 was approximately $34,700 and $70,600, respectively, which is included in cost of revenues in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

(j) Comprehensive Income

Effective April 1, 1998, the Company adopted SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income." SFAS No. 130 requires disclosure of all components of comprehensive income on an annual and interim basis. Comprehensive income is defined as the change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources.

(k) Segment Information

Effective for the year ended March 31, 1999, the Company adopted SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information." The requirements of this standard are presented in Note 4 of the Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

(2) Restructuring

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 1999, the Company began implementation of a restructuring plan at its Vital Scientific subsidiary. As of September 30, 1999, the Company had notified all affected employees about termination under the restructuring. At September 30, 1999, a total of $76,000 has been charged and is comprised entirely of severance related costs.

(3) Investment in Clinical Data (Australia) Pty. Ltd.

The Company, as part of an incentive program, entered into a restricted stock purchase agreement whereby a Company officer may purchase up to 7.5% (16,575 shares of common stock) of the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Clinical Data Australia. The sale of such shares is at par value. On May 19, 1999, the officer purchased 7.5% of Clinical Data Australia, of which 5% vested on such date. The minority interest as shown in the financial statements reflects such vested equity.

 

 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

September 30, 1999

(Continued)

(4) Segment Data

Effective for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999, the Company has adopted SFAS No. 131, "Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information." SFAS No. 131 establishes standards for reporting information regarding operating segments in annual financial statements and requires selected information for those segments to be presented in interim financial reports issued to stockholders. SFAS No. 131 also establishes standards for related disclosures about products and services and geographic areas. Operating segments are identified as components of an enterprise about which separate discrete financial information is available for evaluation by the chief operating decision maker, or decision making group, in making decisions how to allocate resources and assess performance. The Company’s chief decision-maker, as defined under SFAS No. 131, is the Chief Executive Officer. To date, the Company has viewed its operations and manages its business as principally three operating segments: the manufacture and sale of scientific instrumentation (Vital Scientific), the design and marketing of process monitoring instrumentation (NovaChem) and the sale of instruments and consumables in Australia (Clinical Data Australia). The Company evaluates the performance of its operating segments based on income before income taxes, accounting changes, and nonrecurring items. Intersegment sales and transfers are not significant. The "All Other" column includes corporate related items, results of insignificant operations and, as it relates to segment profit (loss), income and expense not allocated to reportable segments.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. The Company evaluates performance based on the sales, operating costs, net income and total assets. Revenues are attributed to the subsidiary from which derived. Segment information for the six months ended September 30, 1999 and 1998 is as follows:

 

Instrument
Manufacture

Sales
Distribution

Process
Monitoring

All
Other

Consolidated
Sales          
September 30, 1999 $5,420,972 $ 1,117,577 $ 74,418 $                      - $ 6,612,967
September 30, 1998 6,272,453 664,597 213,492 - 7,150,542
           
Operating Costs          
September 30, 1999 $5,621,426 $ 984,804 $ 84,549 $ 69,509 $ 6,760,288
September 30, 1998 6,588,742 627,684 201,209 69,081 7,486,716
           
Net Income (Loss)          
September 30, 1999 $ (147,264) $ 121,810 $ (89,896) $ 9,747 $ (105,603)
September 30, 1998 (222,966) 4,924 64,648 (107,544) (260,938)
           
Total Assets          
September 30, 1999 $7,028,625 $ 828,045 $ 64,288 $225,734 $ 8,146,692
September 30, 1998 7,828,619 536,157 270,108 316,373 8,951,257

 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (Section 21E), may be made throughout this Discussion and Analysis. For this purpose, any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, such words as, "anticipates," "plans," "expects, "believes", "estimates," and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Such statements involve risk and uncertainties, including but not limited to competitive, governmental, economic, and technological factors that may affect the Company's operations, products, markets, and services. Actual results could differ materially from those expressed in such statements and readers are referred to the Company’s other SEC reports and filings.

Financial Condition and Liquidity

The Company used approximately $1,097,000 of cash in operations during the first six months of fiscal year 2000. The decrease in funds comes from the decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses offset by a decrease in accounts receivable and inventory levels. During the six months, the Company used $95,000 in investing activities, chiefly for the purchase of equipment. Approximately $45,000 was generated by financing activities which came primarily from an increase in short-term debt.

In April 1999, the Company entered a new relationship with a major Dutch bank, which provides for a 4,000,000 Dutch Guilder (approximately $1,933,000) line of credit. Interest on this facility is set at 1.25% above the base rate as reported by the Netherlands Central Bank, 3.75% at September 30, 1999. Trade receivables and inventory of Vital Scientific are provided as security for this facility. The line continues as long as certain capital covenants are met. As of September 30, 1999, the Company is in full compliance with all capital covenants of the credit line and no amounts are outstanding.

In May 1999, Clinical Data Australia entered into an agreement for a 450,000 Australian dollar (approximately $293,000) line of credit with an Australian bank. Interest on this facility is set at prime plus 3%; the prime rate is presently 8.5%. Trade receivables and inventory of Clinical Data Australia are provided as security for this facility; the line also requires the maintenance of certain covenants. As of September 30, 1999, the Company is in full compliance with all capital covenants of the credit line.

The Company’s sources of cash include cash balances and the aforementioned lines of credit from Dutch and Australian banks. The Company believes that available funds will provide it with sufficient working capital through fiscal year 2000.

The effect of foreign currency transaction exchange on the result of operations is included in other income and expense and is not material to the financial statements. Any impact on the Company’s liquidity is largely dependent on the exchange rates in effect at the time the predominant foreign functional currency, Dutch Guilders, is translated into U.S. dollars. Approximately $103,000 of the September 30, 1999 balance of $140,000 of cash and cash equivalents is denominated in U.S. dollars. The effect of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations upon translation into U.S. dollars is included in cumulative translation adjustment which is a separate component of stockholders’ investment in the balance sheet. The effects of currency exchange rates on future quarterly or fiscal periods on the results of operations are difficult to estimate.

There are no formal hedging procedures employed by the Company. The primary risk is to the monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar. Approximately $8.09 million of $8.15 million of current assets reside in the Company’s foreign subsidiaries.

Results of Operations

Second Quarter ended September 30, 1999 compared to the Second Quarter ended September 30, 1998

Consolidated revenues decreased 3.0% for the second quarter and 7.5% for the year-to-date when compared to the respective periods in the prior fiscal year. During this quarter, Revenues were lower by 1.7% at Vital Scientific when expressed in the Company’s primary functional currency, the Dutch Guilder, due to lower unit sales to certain distributors offset by an increase in sales of 86.8% at Clinical Data Australia, as expressed in Australian Dollars. The decrease in turnover was impacted by a 5.6% and 4.4% weakening of the Dutch Guilder against the U.S. dollar for the three and six month periods ending September 30, 1999, respectively.

The gross margin increased from 25.1% to 35.1% for the three-month periods ended September 30, 1998 and 1999, respectively, and from 25.6% to 33.6% for the six months then ended. This reflects both improved product pricing and a reduction in product costs and a research and development contract compensated by a third party.

Sales and marketing expenses decreased 38.1% for the quarterly comparatives and 32.5% for the year-to-date. The reduction is attributable to a cost containment program.

Research and development expenses for the three- and six-month periods ending September 30, 1999 were 13.1% higher when compared to the same periods in the prior fiscal year. The increase resulted from product development compensated by a third party.

General and administrative expenses have increased 67.8% for the quarter and 23.0% for the year-to-date versus the same periods last year. For the quarter, expenses increased at Vital Scientific as a result of increased deprecation and the successful implementation of a management information system, the expense of which was capitalized in fiscal 1999. For the quarter and year to date, general and administrative expenses at Clinical Data Australia increased in order to support additional sales.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 1999, the Company began implementation of a restructuring plan at its Vital Scientific subsidiary. As of September 30, 1999, the Company had notified all affected employees about termination under the restructuring.

For the second quarter and year-to-date comparatives, interest expense has decreased $11,000 and $25,000, respectively, when compared to the same period last year. The reduction reflects the decreased reliance on borrowed funds. Interest income has decreased during the same periods due to fewer funds for investment. Other income and expense is predominantly composed of foreign currency transaction gains and losses on the results of operations.

The minority interest as shown on the September 30, 1999 financial statements is the 5% of Clinical Data Australia sold to an officer of the Company on May 19, 1999.

Year 2000

The Company has completed the process of evaluating its product lines and information technology infrastructure to assess its exposure to the "Year 2000 compliance" issue. "Year 2000 compliance" means that the date-based performance and functionality of the product or system so identified will be the same for dates prior to, during, and after the year 2000, including the recognition of the year 2000 as a leap year.

The Company believes that based on its evaluation, no critical software or hardware systems will be impacted by the compliance issue. To date the costs associated with its "Year 2000 compliance" have been under $50,000. The Company does not anticipate any significant future costs to be incurred with respect to "Year 2000 compliance".

In the first quarter of fiscal year 1999, the Company and its operating subsidiaries developed a testing and compliance program to determine whether and to what extent the Company needed to update its product lines and operations to become "Year 2000 compliant". Based on that work completed in the period ended December 31, 1998, the Company has determined that the basic functionality of all tested products, including all the products presently being sold as well as certain discontinued products, is not affected by the "Year 2000" date change. The Company’s newly introduced products have been determined to be "Year 2000 compliant". In a few instances, certain minor problems in the least significant category of the standard classification of "Year 2000" problems, which is designated as "noticeable and inconvenient", were found in certain older instruments. For these, easy "work around" instructions have been prepared and were made available to users. The Company does not intend to modify discontinued products, and does not foresee any material financial exposure arising from this decision.

The financial reporting systems currently used by the Company are "Year 2000 compliant".

The Company is accumulating information regarding the "Year 2000 compliance" status of its main customers and suppliers. Based on information to date, the Company’s major customers and suppliers will not be adversely affected by the "Year 2000" problem, which will in turn adversely effect the Company.

In order to avoid such material adverse effects, the Company will continue to seek business relationships only with those entities that are actively and successfully addressing "Year 2000" issues. In the inability of certain existing vendors or customers to successfully address "Year 2000" issues begins to present adverse business effects for the Company, management may elect to suspend such business relationships until such time that such vendors or customers become fully compliant.

Based on the foregoing, the Company presently believes that the "Year 2000" issue will not have a material impact on the Company’s business operations or financial condition. There are no assurances, however, that as yet unidentified "Year 2000" problems will not cause the Company to incur material expenses in responding to such problems or otherwise have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, operating results or financial condition.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

Foreign Exchange The accounts of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries are translated in accordance with SFAS No. 52, "Foreign Currency Translation". In translating the accounts of the foreign subsidiaries into U.S. dollars, assets and liabilities are translated at the rate of exchange in effect at September 30, 1999, while stockholders’ equity is translated at historical rates. Revenue and expense accounts are translated using the weighted average exchange rate in effect during the six months ended September 30, 1999. Gains and losses from translating assets and liabilities that are denominated in currencies other than the subsidiaries’ respective functional currency are included in other income in the consolidated statements of operations. The translation adjustment required to report those subsidiaries whose functional currency is other than the United States dollar into U.S. dollars is credited or charged to cumulative translation adjustment, included as a separate component of stockholders’ equity in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Substantially all of the Company’s sales were denominated in foreign currencies during the three- and six-month periods ended September 30, 1999 and 1998. The Company recognized a loss of approximately $161,000 related to such foreign currency transactions and translations as of September 30, 1999, which is included in cumulative translation adjustment in the accompanying consolidated statements of stockholders’ investment.

Investment Portfolio The Company does not invest in derivative financial investments that meet the high quality standards, as specified in the Company’s investment policy guidelines; the policy also limits the amount of credit exposure of any issue, issuer, and type of investment. See Note 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies – in the Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Part II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal proceedings:  None

Items 2-3.  None

Item 4.         Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders:

                    At the Annual Meeting for the fiscal year ended March 31, 1999, held on September 14, 1999, the following matters were submitted                      to a vote of the security holders:

                    (a) Directors elected as follows:

                         Israel M. Stein

                        Arthur B. Malman

                        Alexander Sherman

                    (b) Matters voted on as follows:

                           Election of directors:

Arthur B. Malman:     1,346,420 voted for;   12,203 withheld authority to vote
Alexander Sherman:  1,346,420 voted for;   12,203 withheld authority to vote
Israel M. Stein:           1,346,420 voted for:   12,203 withheld authority to vote

                          Ratification of auditors: 

                                                                                             1,349,211 voted for;   10,370 voted against;  782 abstained

 

Items 5-6.   None

 

 

Signature

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed
in its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

                                                                                                                      Novitron International, Inc.
                                                                                                                      (Registrant)

 

 

                                                                                                                       Israel M. Stein MD
Date: November 10, 1999                                                                           Israel M. Stein MD



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