<PAGE> 1
FORM 10-Q
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the Quarter Ended April 30, 1998
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number 1-9135
ALFIN, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
New York 13-3032734
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification Number)
720 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10019
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code (212) 333-7700
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was
required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing
requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [ ]
APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS: Indicate the number of shares outstanding
of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable
date: 12,018,866 shares of common stock, $.01 par value per share, at June 10,
1998.
<PAGE> 2
ALFIN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
INDEX
Page
----
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets -
April 30, 1998 and July 31, 1997 2-3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of
Operations for the three and nine months
ended April 30, 1998 and 1997 4
Condensed Consolidated Statements of
Cash Flows for the nine months ended
April 30, 1998 and 1997 5
Notes to Condensed Consolidated
Financial Statements 6-11
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results
of Operations 12-17
Signatures 18
1
<PAGE> 3
ALFIN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ASSETS April 30, July 31,
------ 1998 1997
(unaudited)
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash & cash equivalents $ 192,985 $ 658,378
Accounts receivable, net of allowances for
doubtful accounts and chargebacks of
$1,073,039 and $891,532 at April 30, 1998
and July 31, 1997, respectively and sales
allowances of $68,957 and $256,264
at April 30, 1998 and July 31, 1997, respectively 808,162 167,021
Inventories 1,822,719 2,227,549
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 330,808 880,938
----------- -----------
Total current assets 3,154,674 3,933,886
----------- -----------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT 2,434,283 2,333,028
Less-accumulated depreciation and
amortization (2,026,771) (1,740,341)
----------- -----------
Property and equipment, net 407,512 592,687
----------- -----------
OTHER ASSETS:
Other 2,875,406 83,938
----------- -----------
Total other assets 2,875,406 83,938
----------- -----------
Total assets $ 6,437,592 $ 4,610,511
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these condensed consolidated balance sheets.
2
<PAGE> 4
ALFIN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY April 30, July 31,
1998 1997
(unaudited)
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Due to related parties $ 60,417 0
Accounts payable 1,800,591 1,365,767
Accrued expenses-other 787,745 1,313,971
------------ ------------
Total current liabilities 2,648,753 2,679,738
NOTES PAYABLE TO RELATED PARTIES 187,500 0
------------ ------------
Total liabilities 2,836,253 2,679,738
------------ ------------
REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK 750,000 750,000
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common stock, $.01 par value,
17,000,000 shares authorized;
12,018,866 and 11,787,983 shares
issued and outstanding at April 30,
1998 and July 31, 1997 respectively 120,188 117,879
Additional paid-in capital 16,134,012 12,953,123
Accumulated deficit (13,402,861) (11,890,229)
------------ ------------
Total shareholders' equity 2,851,339 1,180,773
------------ ------------
Total liabilities and share-
holders' equity $ 6,437,592 $ 4,610,511
============ ============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these condensed consolidated balance sheets.
3
<PAGE> 5
ALFIN, INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
April 30, April 30,
1998 1997 1998 1997
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net Sales $ 1,471,572 $ 3,130,544 $ 5,247,635 $ 22,953,823
Cost of goods sold 282,155 790,908 1,436,254 7,743,036
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Gross profit on sales 1,189,417 2,339,636 3,811,381 15,210,787
Selling, general and
administrative expenses 1,092,134 3,901,138 5,940,762 14,871,988
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Operating Profit(Loss) 97,283 (1,561,502) (2,129,381) 338,799
Other income (expense)
Interest (expense) income (10,210) 1,494 51,541 (37,944)
Non cash financing charge (326,042) 0 (326,042) 0
Other income 1,000,000 0 1,000,000 0
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Total other income (expense) 663,748 1,494 725,499 (37,944)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Income (Loss) before
Provision for income taxes 761,031 (1,560,008) (1,403,882) 300,855
(Benefit) Provision for
Income Taxes 0 (433,873) 0 135,127
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
NET INCOME (LOSS) $ 761,031 $ (1,126,135) $ (1,403,882) $ 165,728
============ ============ ============ ============
Weighted average number
of common and common
equivalent shares 12,057,758 11,868,628 12,018,866 12,061,755
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
INCOME (LOSS)PER COMMON
AND COMMON
EQUIVALENT SHARES $ 0.06 $ (0.10) $ (0.12) $ 0.02
============ ============ ============ ============
INCOME (LOSS)PER SHARE
AVAILABLE TO
COMMON SHAREHOLDERS $ 0.06 $ (0.11) $ (0.13) $ 0.01
============ ============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of
these condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
<PAGE> 6
ALFIN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Nine Months Ended
April 30,
1998 1997
----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net (Loss) income $(1,403,882) $ 165,728
----------- -----------
Adjustments to Reconcile Net (Loss)income to Net Cash
Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities:
Depreciation & Amortization 286,430 426,898
Non cash financing cost 326,042 0
(Increase) decrease in Accounts Receivable (641,141) 350,988
Decrease in Inventory 404,830 417,928
Decrease (Increase) in Prepaid Expenses & Other Assets 4,985 (562,616)
Decrease Accounts Payable & Accrued Expenses (91,402) (707,395)
----------- -----------
Total Adjustments 289,744 (74,197)
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by
Operating Activities (1,114,138) 91,531
----------- -----------
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
Capital Expenditures (101,255) (201,015)
----------- -----------
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities (101,255) (201,015)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
Payment of Lines of Credit 0 (1,600,000)
Payment of Debt Obligations 0 (225,000)
Proceeds from Debt Obligations 500,000 0
Proceeds from (Payments to) Related Parties 250,000 (4,826)
Proceeds from Sales of Stock 0 58,333
----------- -----------
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities 750,000 (1,771,493)
Net Decrease in Cash and cash equivalents (465,393) (1,880,977)
Cash and cash equivalents at Beginning of Period 658,378 2,210,972
----------- -----------
Cash and cash equivalents at End of Period $ 192,985 $ 329,995
=========== ===========
Cash Paid during the quarter ended
Interest $ 0 $ 90,066
Income Taxes 732 95,969
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of
these condensed consolidated statements
5
<PAGE> 7
ALFIN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
APRIL 30, 1998
(Unaudited)
(1) Summary of significant accounting policies:
In the opinion of management, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial
statements contain all of the adjustments necessary to present fairly the
Company's financial position at April 30, 1998 (unaudited) and July 31, 1997,
the results of its operations for the three and nine months ended April 30, 1998
(unaudited) and 1997 and the cash flows for the three and nine months ended
April 30, 1998 and 1997 (unaudited). All adjustments are of a normal recurring
nature. The condensed consolidated balance sheet at July 31, 1997 was taken from
audited consolidated financial statements previously filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on the Company's Form 10K.
All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in
consolidation. Interim period results are not necessarily indicative of the
results of operations for a full year.
These quarterly financial statements should be read in conjunction with the
Company's audited financial statements contained in the Annual Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 1997, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
Going Concern
During fiscal year 1997 and during the nine months ended April 30, 1998, losses
from operations and cash used in operations were incurred as a result of the
discontinuance of appearances on The Home Shopping Network ("HSN") stemming from
the Company's dispute with Adrienne Newman. The Company has been significantly
dependent on HSN during the fiscal years ended 1995, 1996 and for the six months
ended January 31, 1997.
On February 9, 1998, the Company's board of directors approved an agreement with
an investment group headed by Barry W. Blank (the "Blank Group"), which includes
Janet M. Portelly, the wife of Barry Feiner, a current director. Under the
agreement the Blank Group advanced the Company working capital of $500,000. The
initial $500,000 investment was in the form of a 12% five year note convertible
into the Company's common stock, commencing on August 1, 1998 at the rate of
$0.25 per share. The board of directors also elected Mr. Blank as President of
the Company and accepted the resignation of Elisabeth Fayer, the Company's
former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, who owns a majority of the
Company's common stock through an affiliated company, Fine Fragrances
Distribution, Inc., ("FFD"). Mr. Blank is an investment banker who is employed
as the manager of the Phoenix office of J. Robbins Securities LLC and personally
owns seats on the New York and American Stock Exchanges. Under the agreement,
FFD also issued an option to the investment group to acquire all of its shares
of the Company's common stock and has granted Mr. Blank a proxy to vote these
shares. FFD owns approximately 7.1 million shares of the Company's common stock
which represents approximately 60% of the currently outstanding shares of such
stock. The option is exercisable for 12 months commencing on August 1, 1998 at
$0.25 per share.
On March 13, 1998, Barry Blank acting as sole director appointed Mr. Feiner,
Joseph Giamanco and John McConnaughy, Jr. as additional directors of the
Company. On May 5, 1998, Charles Hoover Esq., an attorney practicing law in
Phoenix, Arizona, was also appointed as a director.
6
<PAGE> 8
ALFIN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
APRIL 30, 1998
(Unaudited)
On March 27, 1998, the Company's board of directors approved an additional
$250,000 advance to the Company by a group, (the "Interim Loan Group") which
includes Mr. Blank, Mr. McConnaughy and Ms. Portelly, in order to provide
assistance with respect to settling certain trade payables, which were due to
key inventory suppliers. These funds were received by the Company on April 20,
1998. In connection therewith, after July 31, 1998, the members of this group
will also receive one share of the Company's Common Stock for each dollar
loaned. This loan will be repaid from the proceeds of the Company's currently
ongoing equity offering.
During May 1998, the Company commenced a private placement offering (the
"Offering") designed to raise equity financing. The Offering consists of the
issuance of up to 60 units (the "Units"), each in the amount of $50,000. Each
unit offered consists of 50,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock, 50,000
Class A Warrants and 50,000 Class B Warrants. Each Class A Warrant entitles the
holder to purchase one share of the Company's Common Stock at $2.00 per share
and one Class B Warrant. Two Class B Warrants entitle the holder to purchase one
share of Common Stock at $4.00 per share. The Class A Warrants are exercisable
at any time upon issuance until May 31, 2001 and the Class B Warrants are
exercisable at any time commencing upon issuance until May 31, 2003. If all of
the units are sold, the Company will receive gross proceeds of approximately $3
million less the expenses of the Offering which management estimates will be
approximately $430,000.
On June 11, 1998 the Company received an initial $1,044,000 of proceeds from the
Offering. The Company continues to seek subscribers under the Offering and
anticipates that additional funds will be forthcoming. There can be no assurance
that all or any additional units under the Offering will be sold.
The Company has implemented a restructuring plan designed to move its operations
towards profitability and minimize the effect of the departure of Adrienne
Newman and the related discontinuance of the Company's appearances on HSN. This
plan includes significant operating expense reductions. In addition to the
expense reduction program the Company is attempting to increase revenues. For a
detailed discussion of management's plans see Liquidity and Capital Resources.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of
credit risk consist principally of trade receivables. The Company's major
customers are department stores and, through January 1997, a television shopping
network. Concentration of credit risk with respect to trade receivables is
significant due to the dependence of certain customers on the Company's customer
base.
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.
Cash & Cash Equivalents
During fiscal 1997, the Company maintained money market accounts with maturities
of three months or less which are reflected as cash equivalents.
7
<PAGE> 9
ALFIN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
APRIL 30, 1998
(Unaudited)
Advertising Expenses
The Company advertises through cooperative advertising programs and catalogs.
Advertising costs as a percentage of consolidated retail store sales was 11.7%
and 12.0% for the fiscal year ended July 31, 1997 and the nine months ended
April 30. 1998 respectively. The Company expenses all advertising costs in the
period in which the cost is incurred.
Concentration of Revenues
The Company recognizes revenue at the time orders are shipped to customers. For
the nine months ended April 30, 1998 approximately 77.4% of department store
sales were derived from merchandise, 7.3% from services and 15.3 from seasonal,
promotional items. As is common in the cosmetic industry, the Company provides
its customers with the limited right to return merchandise in order to balance
inventory and stock levels. The rate of return experienced by the Company varied
from between 4.7% and 2.3% for the fiscal year ended July 31, 1997, and nine
months ended April 30, 1998 respectively.
(2) Inventory:
Inventory at April 30, 1998 and July 31, 1997 was comprised of finished goods
amounting to $904,247 and $790,079 respectively and components of $918,472 and
$1,437,470, respectively.
(3) Prepaid and other current assets:
During December 1996 the Company made a deposit of $1 million towards the
purchase of fragrance products from Laboratories Selecta in France ("Selecta").
This transaction was designed to provide additional product sales for the
Company in markets other than those then handled by the Company's retail
cosmetic operations. During May 1997 the Company and Selecta agreed to cancel
this purchase. Under the agreement to cancel Selecta refunded the Company
$260,125, $266,833, $271,281 and $277,990 on May 21, August 7, October 7, 1997,
and December 31, 1997 respectively. Interest on the repayment was charged at
10.5%.
On April 23, 1998, the Company and Ms. Newman reached a settlement agreement
related to their litigation which was initiated by Ms. Newman on October 28,
1996. Under the settlement agreement, Ms. Newman is paying the Company $1
million dollars, as follows: $150,000 was received upon execution of the
settlement and $25,000 per month until the Company obtains additional financing.
Upon obtaining additional financing of no less than $2 million, Ms. Newman has
agreed to pay an additional $150,000 and installments will be increased to
$50,000 per month until the balance is paid in full. Upon obtaining additional
financing, monthly payments will bear interest at the prime rate. The Company
recorded the gross settlement of $1 million during the three and nine months
ended April 30, 1998. This settlement is reflected as "Other Income" on the
Company's statement of operations. The remaining amount due is reflected as part
of Prepaid and other current assets. Both parties exchanged general releases.
8
<PAGE> 10
ALFIN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
APRIL 30, 1998
(Unaudited)
(4) Debt:
On February 10, 1998 the Company received $500,000 in financing, pursuant to an
agreement with the Blank Group. The financing is in the form of a 12% five year
note which is convertible into the Company's Common Stock, commencing on August
1, 1998 at the rate of $0.25 per share.
Non Cash Financing Charges:
The Company is accounting for the issuance of convertible debt securities that
have a beneficial conversion feature in accordance with "Emerging Issues Task
Force Topic No. D-60. This topic addresses the issuance of convertible debt
securities that have a beneficial conversion feature. The beneficial conversion
feature is recognized and measured by allocating a portion of the proceeds equal
to the intrinsic value of that feature to paid-in capital. The amount is
calculated as the difference between the conversion price and the fair market
value of the Company's Common Stock at the date of the loan. Any discount
resulting from the allocation of proceeds to the beneficial conversion feature
increases the effective inters rate of the security and is reflected as a charge
to interest expense.
As it relates to the $500,000 in financing, received from the Blank Group, the
Company has allocated $625,000 to the beneficial conversion feature, which will
be amortized for the period from February 9, 1998, through August 1, 1998, the
date debt first becomes exercisable. For the three and nine months ended April
30, 1998, the Company recorded $312,500 of non cash financing charges. The
Related Party Note is stated net of $312,500 of deferred interest expense.
The Company has recorded $2,246,323 of deferred financing charges related to
the Blank Groups option to purchase 7,188,235 shares of common stock from FED at
$0.25 per share commencing August 1, 1998. This amount is to be amortized as
"Non Cash Financing Charges" over a period of five years, for the portion which
is allocated to the $500,000 Related Party Note and will be an offset to
Additional Paid in Capital, for the portion based on equity (based on a
proposed equity raise up) and is calculated as the difference between the
conversion price and the fair market value of the Company's Common Stock at the
date the Blank Group received the option to purchase the FED shares. This
amount is reflected as part of Other Assets and Additional Paid in Capital on
the Company's Balance Sheet.
Related Party Loans:
During April 1998 the Interim Loan Group advanced the Company an additional
$250,000. In Connection therewith, after July 31, 1998, the group will also
receive one share of Common Stock for each dollar loaned constituting an
aggregate of 250,000 shares. This loan will be repaid from the proceeds of the
Company's Offering. The issuance of the 250,000 shares is deemed to be an
additional cost of financing which is valued at the fair market value of the
Company's Common Stock at the date of the loan. This amount will be amortized
over the life of the loan, approximately one year. The Related Party Loan
Payable is stated net of $189,583 of deferred interest expense at April 30,
1998.
(5) Computation of net income (loss) per common
and common equivalent share:
During fiscal year 1997, the Company adopted SFAS No. 128 "Earnings Per Share".
This statement establishes standards for computing and presenting earnings per
share ("EPS"). The statement requires the dual presentation of both Basic EPS
and Diluted EPS on the face of the statement of operations. Basic EPS is
computed based on weighted average shares outstanding and excludes any potential
dilution. Diluted EPS reflects potential dilution from the exercise or
conversion of securities into common stock or from other contracts to issue
common stock.
9
<PAGE> 11
ALFIN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
APRIL 30, 1998
(Unaudited)
(6) Income Taxes:
As of July 31, 1997, the Company had approximately $5.4 million of Federal
operating loss carry forwards with expiration dates from 2005 to 2009. However,
the use of pre-acquisition loss carry forwards is limited by the Internal
Revenue Code. The transaction with the Blank Group will further limit the
Company's operating loss carry forwards. As such, the Company has not reflected
a tax provision in its condensed consolidated statement of operations for the
quarter ended April 30, 1998.
(7) Other:
The Company does not currently satisfy the guidelines for the continued listing
of its securities on the American Stock Exchange ("ASE"). There can be no
assurance that the ASE will retain the Company's listing.
On October 28, 1996, the Company received notice from Adrienne Newman purporting
to terminate her April 4, 1990 Employment Agreement with the Company (such
agreement as subsequently amended is the "Employment Agreement"), based on an
alleged breach of the Employment Agreement by the Company. Ms. Newman served as
the President of the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, (Adrien Arpel, Inc.
("ARPEL")) and had been selling host, under the name of Adrienne Arpel in its
sales program on the Home Shopping Network, Inc. ("HSN"). The Employment
Agreement provided for salary, fringe benefits and commission payments based
upon 33% of the revenues, net of direct expenses, attributable to television
shopping sales. Ms. Newman also had vested rights in 625,000 warrants, 500,000
of which were scheduled to expire in November 1998 and the remaining 125,000 of
which were scheduled to expires on July 31, 2001.
On November 8, 1996, the Company and Adrienne Newman reached an agreement (the
"Interim Agreement") whereby Ms. Newman agreed to appear as the selling host for
ARPEL on HSN shows scheduled for November and December 1996 and January 1997
(the "HSN Selling Period"). During the HSN Selling Period, Ms. Newman acted as
an independent contractor and not as an employee of the Company. The Company and
Ms. Newman also agreed to refrain from initiating legal action against the other
in connection with their dispute over Ms. Newman's termination of the Employment
Agreement until after the expiration of the HSN Selling Period.
On January 28, 1997, after the expiration of the HSN Selling Period, the Company
was served by Ms. Newman with a summons and complaint returnable in the Supreme
Court, New York County whereby Ms. Newman asserted claims for damages against
the Company based upon alleged breaches by the Company of Ms. Newman's
Employment Agreement and the Interim Agreement. Unspecified damages were
claimed. A further claim requested a judicial determination that the Employment
Agreement was materially breached by the Company resulting in its termination.
On March 19, 1997, the Company served an Answer and Counterclaim in response to
the action commenced by Ms. Newman. The Company's Counterclaim asserted various
claims against Ms. Newman, seeking damages and injunctive relief. Among other
things, it is the position of the Company that Ms. Newman was in material breach
of her Employment Agreement when she terminated the Employment Agreement on
January 28, 1996. As a consequence, it was the Company's belief that Ms.
Newman's refusal to provide services to the Company throughout the term of her
Employment Agreement which was due to expire
10
<PAGE> 12
ALFIN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
APRIL 30, 1998
(Unaudited)
in April 1998, particularly her willful refusal and failure to appear as the
Company's selling host on HSN, would damage the Company in the sum of at least
eleven million ($11,000,000). The Company also asserted claims against Ms.
Newman for breaches of her covenant not to compete and her covenant not to
disclose trade secrets and proprietary data.
On April 23, 1998, the Company and Ms. Adrienne Newman reached the settlement
agreement related to this litigation described in Footnote 3.
On April 30, 1998, Arthur Andersen LLP (the "Former Accountants") resigned as
the Company's certifying accountants. In connection with the audits of the
Company's financial statements for the fiscal years ended July 31, 1996 and
1997, there were no disagreements with the Former Accountants on any matter of
accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing
scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of
the Former Accountants, would have caused them to make reference to the subject
matter of the disagreement in their report. The Former Accountants reports on
the Company's financial statements for the fiscal years ended July 31, 1996 and
1997 did not contain an adverse opinion or disclaimer of opinion and included an
explanatory paragraph concerning the Company's ability to continue as a going
concern.
On May 7, 1998, the Company retained Goldstein Golub Kessler & Company, P.C., as
its certifying accountants commencing for the fiscal year ending July 31, 1998.
During June 1998 the Company began selling its Arpel product line through the
internet (www.adrienarpel.com). Through the Company's web site, prospective
customers can view a large selection of the Company's top selling products.
Customers also have the option of speaking with a trained beauty advisor by
calling the Company's toll free number (888-206-2222) which is operated by the
Company's direct mail department. The Company plans to offer promotional
specials through its web site in conjunction with the holiday selling season.
On June 18, 1998, the Company announced that its Arpel product line will be
distributed through Sears Roebuck & Company ("Sears") nationwide beginning in
August 1998. The Company and Sears will initially launch in 150 locations with
plans to expand distribution to more than 400 locations during the next two
years. The Company plans to offer special promotions customized for Sears that
emphasize easy to use natural based skin care.
11
<PAGE> 13
ALFIN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
APRIL 30, 1998
Forward Looking Statements:
Certain statements in this report under the caption "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" constitute
"Forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, without limitation, statements
regarding future cash requirements. Such forward-looking statements involve
known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the
actual results, performance and achievements of the Company, or industry
results, to be materially different from any future results, performance, or
achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such
factors include, among others, general economic and business conditions;
industry capacity; industry trends, competition, litigation, material costs and
availability; the loss of any significant management personnel; the loss of any
significant customers; changes in business strategy or development plans;
quality of management; availability, terms and deployment of capital; business
abilities and judgment of personnel; availability of qualified personnel;
changes in, or the failure to comply with, government regulations; and other
factors referenced in this report.
Results of Operations:
NINE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 1998
The Company recorded a net loss of $1,403,882 for the nine months ended April
30, 1998 as compared to net income of $165,728 for the nine months ended April
30, 1997. Included in the net loss for the nine months ended April 30, 1998 is
$1,250,000 of income related to the settlement of the Company's litigation with
Adrienne Newman. The Company recorded the gross settlement of $1 million as part
"Other Income" and, additionally, reversed a liability which it was carrying on
its balance sheet related to commissions which were previously recorded as due
to Ms. Newman in the amount of $250,000. Also included in the net loss for the
nine months ended April 30, 1998 is $326,042 on non cash finance charges related
to the financing agreements with the Blank Group and the Interim Loan Group. The
issuance of 250,000 shares of stock to the Interim Loan Group and the beneficial
conversion feature pertaining to the $500,000 note payable to the Blank Group is
deemed to be an additional cost of financing. Excluding the effect of the Newman
settlement and the non cash finance charges, the Company would have recorded a
net loss of $2,327,840. The net loss per common and common equivalent shares for
the nine months ended April 30,1998 was $0.12 as compared to net income of $0.01
for the nine months ended April 30, 1997. Excluding the effect of the Newman
settlement and the non cash financing charges, the net loss per common and
common equivalent shares for the nine months ended April 30, 1998 would have
been $0.19.
Net sales for the nine months ended April 30, 1998 decreased to $5,247,635 from
$22,953,823 for the nine months ended April 30, 1997, a decrease of $17,706,188
or 77.1%. The decrease in sales is primarily attributable to an end of the
Company's relationship with the Home Shopping Network ("HSN") combined with a
decrease in sales to department stores. The Company's relationship with HSN
ended during January 1997 due to the Company's contract dispute with Ms. Newman.
Sales to HSN for the nine months ended April 30, 1997 were $12,182,949. For a
detailed discussion of the Company's dispute with Ms. Newman see Footnote 7,
"Other in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements."
12
<PAGE> 14
ALFIN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
APRIL 30, 1998
Net sales to department stores for the nine months ended April 30, 1998
decreased to $4,995,857 from $10,770,874 for the nine months ended April 30,
1997, a decrease of $5,775,017 or 53.6%. The Company was distributing its
products to 124 department store locations as of April 30, 1998 as compared to
271 locations as of April 30, 1997. The Company recorded $251,778 from mail
order sales for the nine months ended April 30, 1998. The Company started
filling mail order requests for products during June 1997 by implementing a toll
free number where customers could speak to trained beauty advisors.
During December 1997 the Company entered into an agreement with Spiegel, Inc.
("Spiegel"). Under the terms of the agreement, the Company is participating in
Spiegel's Specialty Catalogue Reverse Syndication Program ("Spiegel Program").
The Spiegel Program involves mailing the Company's product catalogue featuring a
selection of Adrien Arpel's top performing cosmetics and skin care products
priced between $18.50 and $69.95. The initial mailing took place during January
1998, to approximately 100,000 of Spiegel's customers. The Company is
responsible for all promotional expenses, including but no limited to printing
and production costs related to mailing and Spiegel is responsible for mailing
costs. The Company and Spiegel plan a second mailing to approximately 700,000
customers on June 22, 1998. The Company and Spiegel plan to concentrate in
markets where Arpel products are currently not available through department
stores.
Cost of goods sold as a percentage of net sales was 27.4% for the nine months
ended April 30, 1998 as compared to 33.7% for the nine months ended April 30,
1997. The decrease is primarily related to product mix since products sold to
HSN have had higher cost of goods rate and consisted of 53.1% of total sales for
the nine months ended April 30, 1997.
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to $5,940,762 for the
nine months ended April 30, 1998 from $14,871,988 for the nine months ended
April 30, 1997, a decrease of $8,931,226 or 60.1%. This decrease is primarily
attributable to the decreased cost of operating the Company's current downsized
department store business combined with a decrease of $2,300,339 in compensation
payments to Ms. Newman which were attributable to her appearances on HSN during
the six months ended January 31, 1997. Additionally the Company reversed a
liability during the quarter, in the amount of $250,000, which was reflected as
commissions which were previously recorded as due to Ms. Newman.
The Company has committed to significantly reducing its operating expenses and
continues to seek further expense reductions beyond those reflected in its
financial results for the nine months ended April 30, 1998. For a discussion of
the Company's current restructuring plans, see "Liquidity and Capital
Resources."
The Company recorded other income in the amount of $1 million during the nine
months ended April 30, 1998 as a result of the settlement of its litigation with
Ms. Newman. During the nine months ended April 30, 1998 the Company recorded net
interest income of $51,542 as compared to net interest expense of $37,944 for
the nine months ended April 30, 1997. The Company earned interest income on the
payments it received from Selecta. During the nine months ended April 30, 1997
the Company was still paying interest under its loan facility with PNC Bank. The
Company recorded non cash finance charges of $326,042 during the nine months
ended April 30, 1997 related to its financing agreements with The Blank Group
and the Interim Loan Group.
13
<PAGE> 15
ALFIN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
APRIL 30, 1998
THREE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 1998
The Company recorded net income of $761,031 for the three months ended April 30,
1998 as compared to a net loss of $1,126,135 for the three months ended April
30, 1997. The net income per common and common equivalent shares for the three
months ended April 30, 1998 was $0.06 as compared to a net loss of $0.10 for the
three months ended April 30, 1997. The Company recorded $1 million of income
related to the settlement of its litigation with Ms. Newman. In addition, the
Company reversed a liability of $250,000 which it was carrying on its balance
sheet related to commissions which were previously recorded as due to Ms.
Newman. Also included in the results for the three months ended April 30, 1998
is $326,042 of non cash finance charges related to the financing agreements with
the Blank Group and the Interim Loan Group. Excluding the effect the Newman
settlement and the non cash finance charges the Company recorded a loss from
operations of $162,927 for the three months ended April 30, 1998 as compared to
a loss from operations of $1,560,008 for the three months ended April 30, 1997,
a decrease of $1,397,081 or 89.6%.
Net sales for the three months ended April 30, 1998 decreased to $1,471,572 from
$3,130,544 recorded in the three months ended April 30, 1997, a decrease of
$1,658,972 or 53.0%. The decrease in sales is due primarily to a decrease in
sales to certain department stores through which the Company was distributing
its products. The Company, as part of its reorganization plan, is seeking to
reposition its product line within department stores which have proven to be a
better market for the Company's products. The Company has undertaken a program
to close non performing and unprofitable locations and concentrate in markets
and department stores where its products are profitable. The Company recorded
$107,691 from mail order sales for the three months ended April 30, 1998.
Cost of goods sold as a percentage of net sales was 19.2% for the three months
ended April 30, 1998 as compared to 25.3% for the three months ended April 30,
1997.
Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months ended April
30, 1998 decreased to $1,092,134 from $3,901,138 for the three months ended
April 30, 1997, a decrease of $2,809,004, or 72.0%. This decrease is primarily
attributable to the Company's program designed to reduce operating expenses in
an effort to reduce losses combined with the inherent expense reduction related
to operating the Company's reduced department store business. Contributing to
the decease in Selling, general and administrative expenses for the three months
ended April 30, 1998 was the reversal of a previously recorded liability in the
amount of $250,000. This liability was related to commissions which the Company
had recorded as due to Ms. Newman but will not pay.
The Company recorded other income in the amount of $1 million during the three
months ended April 30, 1998 as a result of the settlement of its litigation with
Ms. Newman. During the three months ended April 30, 1998 the Company recorded
net interest expense of $10,210 as compared to net interest income of $1,494 for
the three months ended April 30, 1997. The interest expense is related to the
advances made by the Blank Group and the Interim Loan Group during the quarter
ended April 30, 1998. The Company also recorded non cash finance charges of
$326,042 during the nine months ended April 30, 1997 related to its financing
agreements with The Blank Group and the Interim Loan Group.
14
<PAGE> 16
ALFIN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
APRIL 30, 1998
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company had positive working capital of $505,921 at April 30, 1998, a
decrease of $748,227 from positive working capital of $1,254,148 at July 31,
1997.
During fiscal year 1997 and during the six months ended January 31, 1998,
significant losses from operations and cash used in operations were incurred as
a result of the discontinuance of appearances on HSN resulting from the
Company's dispute with Ms. Newman. The Company had been significantly dependent
on HSN during the fiscal years ended 1995, 1996 and for the six months ended
January 31, 1997. The Company has been dependent upon cash generated from
operations and as a result of the above factors the Company's independent public
accountants issued a going concern audit opinion for the year ended July 31,
1997.
On February 9, 1998, the Company's Board of Directors approved an agreement with
an investment group headed by Barry W. Blank which includes Janet M. Portelly,
the wife of Barry Feiner, a current director. Under the agreement the group
advanced the Company working capital of $500,000 and intends to raise an
additional $2 million in equity. The initial $500,000 investment was in the form
of a 12% five year note convertible into the Company's Common Stock, commencing
August 1, 1998, at the rate of $0.25 per share. On February 9, 1998, the
Company's Board of Directors elected Mr. Blank as President of the Company and
accepted the resignation of Elisabeth Fayer, the Company's former Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer, who owned a majority of the Company's common stock
through an affiliated company, Fine Fragrances Distribution, Inc., ("FFD"). Mr.
Blank is an investment banker who is employed as the manager of the Phoenix
office of J. Robbins Securities LLC and personally owns seats on the New York
and American Stock Exchanges. Under the agreement, FFD also issued an option to
the investment group to acquire all of its shares of the Company's Common Stock
and has granted Mr. Blank a proxy to vote these shares. FFD owned approximately
7.1 million shares of the Company's Common Stock that represented approximately
60% of the currently outstanding shares of such stock. The option is exercisable
for 12 months commencing on August 1, 1998 at $0.25 per share.
The Company's former directors, Jacques Desjardins, Steven Korda and Suzanne
Langlois resigned their respective positions in conjunction with the above
agreement. Mr. Barry Feiner, an attorney who practices law in New York City,
Joseph Giamenco, who is the principal owner of GHM, Inc., an American Stock
Exchange specialist firm, and Mr. John McConnaughy, Jr., a private investor have
been installed in their places. On May 5, 1998, Charles Hoover Esq., an attorney
practicing law in Phoenix, Arizona, was also appointed a director.
The Company does not currently satisfy the guidelines for the continued listing
of its securities on the American Stock Exchange ("ASE"). There can be no
assurance that the ASE will continue the Company's listing.
During May 1998, the Company commenced a private placement offering (the
"Offering") designed to raise equity financing. The Offering consists of the
issuance of up to 60 units (the "Units"), each in the amount of $50,000. Each
unit offered consists of 50,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock, 50,000
Class A Warrants and 50,000 Class B Warrants Each Class A Warrant entitles the
holder to purchase one share of the Company's Common Stock at $2.00 per share
and two Class B Warrants entitle the holder to purchase one share of Common
Stock at $4.00 per share. If all of the units are
15
<PAGE> 17
ALFIN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
APRIL 30, 1998
sold, the Company will receive gross proceeds of approximately $3 million less
the expenses of the Offering which management estimates will be approximately
$430,000.
On June 11, 1998 the Company received an initial $1,044,000 of proceeds from the
Offering.
The Company continues to seek subscribers under the Offering and anticipates
that additional funds will be forthcoming. There can be no assurance that all or
any additional units under the Offering will be sold.
The Company plans to use these proceeds to significantly reduce past due
accounts payable and invest in inventory production in order to fill customer
orders as received. The Company has committed to significantly reducing its
operating expenses which is reflected, in part, in the Company's results for the
three months ended April 30, 1998. For the three months ended April 30, 1998 the
Company was able to reduce its operating losses, excluding the effect of the
Newman settlement, to $162,927 as compared to an operating loss of $1,430,758
for the three months ended January 30, 1998. The Company plans additional
expense reductions beyond this point. In addition to operating expenses
reductions the Company's plans are focused in the following areas:
- Continued realignment of the Company's U.S. department store
operations by concentrating on profitable department store
groups and markets. The Company has undertaken a program to
close non performing and unprofitable locations and
concentrate in markets and department stores where its
products are more profitable. The Company will commence
shipment to Sears beginning in August 1998. The initial launch
will include 150 Sears locations with plans to expand
distribution to more than 400 locations during the next two
years.
- Development of other avenues of distribution. The Company will
commence distribution to the U.S. military through the
military's catalogue mailings. Separate mailings are currently
scheduled to take place during September, October and November
and will reach a worldwide audience of 1.5 million military
personnel.
- Introduction of the Company's product line and salon services
with retailers and/or distributors located outside of the
Company's current United States and Canadian markets. The
Company is currently in negotiations with a sales agent for
the distribution of its products in Korea. There can be no
assurance that an agreement will be reached or if these sales
will provide significant income to the Company.
- Expansion of the Company's relationship with Spiegel. The
Company and Spiegel are finalizing a second insert mailing to
approximately 700,000 Spiegel customers. This mailing is
planned for June 22, 1998.
- The Company is currently finalizing its second professionally
designed catalogue. This new edition will be mailed during the
spring season to approximately 100,000 Arpel customers. The
Company has also expanded the hours and upgraded its toll free
hotline designed to fill mail order requests for Adrien Arpel
products. Trained beauty advisors are available to discuss the
Company's products and offer professional skin care advice.
16
<PAGE> 18
ALFIN, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
APRIL 30, 1998
- The Company is currently offering its products through it
Internet site an the World Wide Web (www.adrienarpel.com). The
Company is utilizing NETVENTURES, INC'S., SHOPBUILDER(TM)
technology to maintain its online store.
Management believes that these initiatives combined with the financing under the
agreement with the Blank group and the Offering should improve the Company's
operating and financial condition. There can be no assurance that the Company
will be successful in implementing these initiatives.
17
<PAGE> 19
ALFIN, INC AND SUBSIDIARIES
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
ALFIN, INC.
(Registrant)
/s/ Barry W. Blank
---------------------------
Barry. W. Blank
President
Dated: June 22, 1998 /s/ Michael D. Ficke
---------------------------
Michael D. Ficke
Chief Financial Officer
18
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM ALFIN, INC.,
AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AND STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR
THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 1998 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY
BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FORM 10-Q.
</LEGEND>
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<CURRENCY> U.S. DOLLARS
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> JUL-31-1998
<PERIOD-START> AUG-01-1997
<PERIOD-END> APR-30-1998
<EXCHANGE-RATE> 1
<CASH> 192,985
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 808,162
<ALLOWANCES> 1,141,996
<INVENTORY> 1,822,719
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<PP&E> 2,434,283
<DEPRECIATION> 2,026,771
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 6,437,592
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 2,648,753
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750,000
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<COMMON> 120,188
<OTHER-SE> 2,851,339
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 6,437,592
<SALES> 5,247,635
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 5,247,635
<CGS> 1,436,254
<TOTAL-COSTS> 5,940,762
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 1,000,000
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 274,501
<INCOME-PRETAX> (1,403,882)
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