HIGH COUNTRY VENTURES INC
10-Q, 1996-12-11
PATENT OWNERS & LESSORS
Previous: LOEWEN GROUP INC, SC 14D9/A, 1996-12-11
Next: DEFINED ASSET FUNDS MUNICIPAL INVT TR FD MULTISTATE SER 6E, 485BPOS, 1996-12-11



<PAGE>
 

                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C. 20549

                                   Form 10-Q

                  Quarterly Report Under Section 13 or 15(d)
                    of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934


For the Quarter Ended                                    Commission File Number
  October 31, 1996                                               33-26692

                          HIGH COUNTRY VENTURES, INC
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

             Minnesota                                       41-0825298
- ------------------------------------                 ---------------------------
  (State or other jurisdiction of                         (I.R.S. Employer
   incorporation or organization)                        Identification No.)

       8120 Penn Avenue South, Suite 446, Bloomington, MN            55431
       --------------------------------------------------            -----
            (Address of principal executive offices)               (Zip Code)

Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code:  (612) 888 6555

                                      N/A
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        (Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed
                              since last report)

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 twelve 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 ninety days.

                              Yes [X]     No [ ]

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of
Common Stock, as of the latest practicable date.

           Class                                Outstanding at October 31, 1996
- ---------------------------                     -------------------------------
Common shares, no par value                            5,425,920 shares
<PAGE>
 



                          HIGH COUNTRY VENTURES, INC.

                  UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

         For the Three and Six Months Ended October 31, 1996 and 1995
<PAGE>
 
                          HIGH COUNTRY VENTURES, INC

                                     INDEX
                                     -----



                                                                        Page

PART I    FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 Item 1 - Financial Statements

             Consolidated Balance Sheet                                   1

             Consolidated Statement of Operations                         2-3

             Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity               4

             Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows                         5-6

             Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                   7

             Selected Information                                         8-9

 Item 2 - Management Discussion and Analysis                             10-11

PART II   OTHER INFORMATION     

 Item 6 - Exhibits                                                       12

             Exhibit 11 - Per Share Calculation                          13
<PAGE>
 
                          HIGH COUNTRY VENTURES, INC.

                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

                                  (UNAUDITED)

                               October 31, 1996

                                            October 31,    April 30,
                                               1996          1996
    ASSETS                                 -----------    -----------
Current assets:
  Cash                                     $   213,589    $    23,079
  Inventory                                     10,337         15,201
  Prepaid expenses                              52,535         35,825
                                           -----------    -----------

        Total current assets                   276,461         74,105

Property and equipment - net                    60,767         68,624
Notes receivable - related parties              57,826         57,826
Note receivable                                 15,270         17,110
                                           -----------    -----------

        Total assets                       $   410,324    $   217,665
                                           ===========    ===========

    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Note payable - Related Party                 792,031        421,309
  Accounts payable                             473,547        609,487
  Accounts payable - Related Party              44,110         82,151
  Accrued payroll and payroll taxes             28,744         95,921
  Accrued interest - related parties           164,949        164,949
  Current portion of long-term debt             14,058         14,058
  Deferred revenue                             207,200        173,060
  Current portion of obligations
    under capital lease                          4,650          4,650
                                           -----------    -----------

        Total current liabilities            1,729,289      1,565,585

Long-term debt - net of current portion         24,651         24,651
Obligations under capital leases                12,320         12,320
                                           -----------    -----------

        Total liabilities                    1,766,260      1,602,556
                                           -----------    -----------

Shareholders' equity (deficit):
  Common stock (no par value; 50,000,000
    shares authorized; 5,425,920 shares
    issued and outstanding)                    437,415        437,415
  Preferred stock (no par value;
    5,000,000 shares authorized
    no shares issued and outstanding)
  Accumulated deficit                       (1,793,351)    (1,822,306)
                                           -----------    -----------

        Total shareholders'
          equity (deficit)                  (1,355,936)    (1,384,891)
                                           -----------    -----------

        Total liabilities and
          shareholders' equity (deficit)   $   410,324    $   217,665
                                           ===========    ===========

             The accompanying selected information is an integral
                part of the consolidated financial statements.

                                      -1-
<PAGE>
 
                          HIGH COUNTRY VENTURES, INC.

                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

                                  (Unaudited)

             For the Three Months Ended October 31, 1996 and 1995


                                              1996            1995
                                           -----------     ---------- 
Revenues                                   $   851,114     $1,283,576

Cost of revenues                               296,282        490,036
                                           -----------     ----------

     Gross profit                              554,282        793,540

Selling, general and
  administrative expenses                      435,522        625,297
                                           -----------     ----------

     Income (loss) from operations             119,310        168,243

Miscellaneous and interest income                  320            390

Interest expense                               (12,814)       (10,843)
                                           -----------     ----------

     Income (loss) before income taxes     $   106,816     $  157,790

Income tax benefit                                   -              -
                                           -----------     ----------

     Net income (loss)                     $   106,816     $  157,790
                                           -----------     ----------

Net income (loss) per share                $       .02     $      .03
                                           -----------     ----------

Weighted average number of
  shares outstanding                         5,425,920      5,425,920
                                           ===========     ==========

             The accompanying selected information is an integral
                part of the consolidated financial statements.

                                      -2-
<PAGE>
 
                          HIGH COUNTRY VENTURES, INC.

                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS

                                  (Unaudited)

              For the Six Months Ended October 31, 1996 and 1995

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                              1996          1995
                                           ----------    ----------
<S>                                        <C>           <C> 
Revenues                                   $1,575,793    $2,378,369

Cost of revenues                              566,848       917,989
                                           ----------    ----------

     Gross profit                           1,008,945     1,460,380

Selling, general and
  administrative expenses                     935,795     1,221,408
                                           ----------    ----------

     Income from operations                    73,150       238,972

Miscellaneous and interest income                 660           390

Interest expense                              (44,855)      (21,954)
                                           ----------    ----------

     Income before income taxes            $   28,955    $  217,408

Income tax benefit                                  -             -
                                           ----------    ----------

     Net income                            $   28,955    $  217,408
                                           ----------    ----------

Net income per share                       $      .01    $      .04
                                           ----------    ----------

Weighted average number of
  shares outstanding                        5,425,920     5,425,920
                                           ==========    ==========
</TABLE> 

             The accompanying selected information is an integral
                part of the consolidated financial statements.

                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
                          HIGH COUNTRY VENTURES, INC.

                CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

                                  (UNAUDITED)

                   FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 31, 1996


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                               Common Stock
                         -------------------------                        Shareholders'
                         Number of                       (Accumulated)       Equity
                          Shares           Amount          Deficit)         (Deficit)
                         ---------       ---------       -------------    -------------
<S>                      <C>             <C>             <C>              <C> 
Balances at
April 30, 1996           5,425,920       $ 437,415       $(1,822,306)     $(1,384,891)

Net income for
the six months
ended October 31,            
1996                         -               -                28,955           28,955
                        ----------       ---------       -----------      -----------
                         5,425,920       $ 437,415       $(1,793,351)     $(1,355,936)
                        ==========       =========       ===========      ===========
</TABLE>



             The accompanying selected information in an integral
                part of the consolidated financial statements.


                                      -4-
<PAGE>
 
                          HIGH COUNTRY VENTURES, INC.

                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

                                 (Unaudited)

              For the Three Months Ended October 31, 1996 and 1995

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                1996          1995
                                              --------      ---------
<S>                                           <C>           <C> 
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income                                  $106,816      $ 157,790
  Adjustments to reconcile net income
    to net cash provided
    by operating activities:
      Depreciation and amortization              4,800          5,251
    Decrease (increase) in assets:
      Inventory                                  3,425        (11,596)
      Prepaid expenses                          10,915         19,320

Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
      Account payable                           11,542         30,495
      Accrued expenses                         (67,463)        30,338
      Deferred revenue                           6,500       (137,699)
                                              --------      ---------
         Net cash provided by
           operating activities                 76,535         98,899
                                              --------      ---------
Cash flows from investing activities
  Purchase of property and equipment                 -              -
  Note receivable - related party                  680          1,109
                                              --------      ---------
         Net cash provided (used for)
           investing activities                    680          1,109
                                              --------      ---------
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Increase (decrease) notes payable
           related parties                     (46,334)      (107,879)
                                              --------      ---------
         Net cash provided by (used for)
           financing activities                (46,334)      (107,879)
                                              --------      ---------

         Increase (decrease) in cash            30,881         (7,871)

Cash - beginning of period                     182,708         67,796
                                              --------      ---------

Cash - end of period                          $213,589      $  59,925
                                              ========      =========
Supplemental disclosures of cash
flow information:
  Cash paid for interest                      $ 12,814      $  10,843
                                              ========      =========
</TABLE> 

             The accompanying selected information is an integral
                part of the consolidated financial statements.

                                      -5-
<PAGE>
 
                          HIGH COUNTRY VENTURES, INC.

                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

                                 (Unaudited)

              For the Six Months Ended October 31, 1996 and 1995

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                1996          1995
                                              --------      ---------
<S>                                          <C>           <C> 
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income                                  $ 28,955      $ 217,408
  Adjustments to reconcile net income
    to net cash provided
    by operating activities:
      Depreciation and amortization              9,600         10,500
    Decrease (increase) in assets:
      Inventory                                  4,864         (3,597)
      Prepaid expenses                         (16,710)        14,559

Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
      Account payable                         (173,981)       (13,921)
      Accrued expenses                         (67,177)        73,171
      Deferred revenue                          34,140        (92,899)
                                              --------      ---------
         Net cash provided by
           operating activities               (180,309)       205,221
                                              --------      ---------
Cash flows from investing activities
  Purchase of property and equipment            (1,743)        (2,330)
  Note receivable - related party                1,840          1,610
                                              --------      ---------
         Net cash provided (used for)
           investing activities                     97           (720)
                                              --------      ---------
Cash flows from financing activities:
  Increase (decrease) notes payable
           related parties                     370,722       (253,781)
                                              --------      ---------
         Net cash provided by (used for)
           financing activities                370,722       (253,781)
                                              --------      ---------

         Increase (decrease) in cash           190,510        (49,280)

Cash - beginning of period                      23,079        109,205
                                              --------      ---------

Cash - end of period                          $213,589      $  59,925
                                              ========      =========
Supplemental disclosures of cash
flow information:
  Cash paid for interest                      $ 44,855      $  21,954
                                              ========      =========
</TABLE> 

             The accompanying selected information is an integral
                part of the consolidated financial statements.

                                      -6-
<PAGE>
 
                          HIGH COUNTRY VENTURES, INC.

                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                                  (Unaudited)

              For the Six Months Ended October 31, 1996 and 1995

Note 1:   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

          Nature of Organization:

             High Country Ventures, Inc. ("the Company") assists individuals in
             opening retail clothing, accessories, and shoe stores. Customers
             will contract with the Company to receive this assistance and at
             the same time make an initial payment and agree to pay the balance
             due at a future time. The initial payment approves a certain market
             area and type of store as well as fixing the negotiated contract
             price. The balance due will typically include initial inventory
             purchases, introduction to suppliers of inventory, store fixtures
             and accessories, supplies, training and assistance in coordinating
             the store's grand opening. Once the space is opened, the customer
             runs the store independently and the Company has no further rights
             or obligations under the contract.

             The Company was incorporated on February 11, 1959, under the laws
             of the State of Minnesota, under the name of Rogers Hardware and
             Lumber Company. In 1969, the Company changed its name to Component
             Systems, Inc. The Company was formerly engaged in the building of
             prefabricated rafters for the construction industry but had been
             inactive since 1980. In May, 1987, the shareholders restated its
             articles of incorporation and approved a name change to Prestine,
             Inc. On April 1, 1988, concurrent with a business combination with
             High Country Fashions, Inc., the Company name was changed to High
             Country Ventures, Inc.

          Principles of Consolidation:

             The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the
             operations of High Country Ventures, Inc. and its wholly owned
             subsidiary High Country Fashions, Inc. All intercompany
             transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

                                      -7-
<PAGE>
 
                          HIGH COUNTRY VENTURES, INC.

                             SELECTED INFORMATION

                                  (Unaudited)

              For the Six Months Ended October 31, 1996 and 1995

 
Note 1:   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
       
          Basis of Presentation:

             The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements
             reflect all adjustments which, in the opinion of management, are
             necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operation,
             financial position and changes in cash flows. All such adjustments
             are of a normal recurring nature. The results of operations for the
             interm period are not necessarily indicative of the results for the
             full year.

          Inventory:

             The Company's inventory consists of constructed fixtures and other
             store displays. Inventory is recorded at the lower of cost 
             (determined on a first-in, first-out basis) or market.

          Property and Equipment:

             Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is computed
             using the straight-line method and is charged to expense based upon
             the estimated useful lives of the assets. Expenditures for
             additions and improvements are capitalized, while repairs and
             maintenance are expensed as incurred.

          Revenue Recognition:

             The Company records revenue when all services and conditions
             relating to the contract has been substantially performed. The
             initial, nonrefundable contract payment is deferred and recognized
             as revenue upon the earlier of the contract balance being collected
             and services performed by the Company, or when it is reasonably
             certain the customer will not complete the contract, based upon
             operating history.

                                      -8-
  

<PAGE>
 
                          HIGH COUNTRY VENTURES, INC.

                             SELECTED INFORMATION

                                  (Unaudited)

              For the Six Months Ended October 31, 1996 and 1995


Note 1:   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

             The balance due under the contract is reported as income when
             collected and the contracted services are provided. As of October
             31, 1996 the balance due to the Company under the terms of the
             uncompleted contracts underlying the recorded deferred revenue
             aggregated $3,510,000.


                                      -9-
<PAGE>
 
Item 2.   Management Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results 
          of Operations.

During the quarter ended October 31, 1996, consolidated revenues are down 
$432,462 from the $1,283,576 reported for the same period last year.

Management believes that several economic conditions continue to slow down 
business in terms of new contracts as well as the contract close rate; these 
economic conditions show signs of improving.  Given the Company's heavy reliance
on printed advertising for new business, management is continuing to control and
minimize other indirect administrative expenses, thereby improving cash flow and
allowing for more funds to be expended on advertising and other business 
generating promotions.  This has had the effect of holding selling general and 
administrative expenses at $435,522 for the quarter ended October 31, 1996 from 
$625,297 for the quarter ended October 31, 1995.  This decrease of $189,775 
related principally to a more limited and focused advertising and promotion 
effort.

The overall tightening of credit and more conservative posture taken by many 
lending institutions has slowed down the number of new prospects signed and 
corresponding initial deposits collected.  Further, the slowdown in construction
of specialty retail space, such as strip centers, which has traditionally been a
primary target location for new stores, has slowed down overall sales effort.  
Historically, management has experienced similar economic downturns with 
similar effects on volume and profitability.  Based on this experience, 
management is attempting to control and monitor all indirect operating costs in
order to minimize costs during this slow period.  The Company believes that this
economic condition is temporary and when it reverses, will create opportunities 
for significant increases in volume and profitability.

It should be noted that for financial reporting purposes the Company follows
accounting guidance established for franchisers, even though the Company
provides consulting and assistance relative to business opportunities, not
franchises. This is felt to be appropriate given the lack of authority guidance
covering the Company's situation and the conservative nature of this method.
Under this method, initial nonrefundable deposits are regarded as liabilities
when collected. These initial payments are recognized as revenue once the
customer makes their remaining payment to High Country or after 180 days from
receipt of the initial deposit, whichever occurs first. The 180 day cutoff
represents the point in time when it is unlikely, based on historical
experience, that the customer will complete the contract, and thus it is
probable that they will forfeit their deposit. It should be noted, however, that
the contracts are written in perpetuity, so it is possible for any customer to
complete their contract even after the 180 day period has elapsed. As a result
of using this method, the Company has deferred the recognition of revenue for
receipts totalling $207,200 as of October 31, 1996. Furthermore, the balance due
the Company under all uncompleted contracts has not been recorded in the
Company's financial statements in any manner. The total balance due High Country
under all uncompleted contracts aggregates $21,329,408 as of October 31, 1996 of
which $3,510,000 relates to contracts which are less than 180 days old.

                                      -10-
<PAGE>
 
Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources:
- -----------------------------------------------------

Historically, the Company has used cash in its operations, due in large part to 
the heavy up-front costs associated with generating new business and the delay 
in realizing the positive cash flow from an increased level of business.  The 
trend towards lowering the percentage of contracts going to completion has 
further contributed to this usage.  These traditional operating capital usages 
have been funded by traditional outside debt such as bank term debt or through 
private placements of its common shares.  Given the nature of the current  
banking environment, however, management has been attempting to eliminate all 
outside bank debt.  On October 31, 1996, the Company had cash of $213,589 up by 
$30,881 from the prior quarter balance. Working capital was a negative income of
$<1,452,828>, caused by the effects of the Company's current year net income and
as a result of the initial contract payments received amounting to $207,000
which, as discussed above, are reflected as current liabilities on the balance
sheet although the Company has no obligation to repay these funds or provide any
additional services. During the quarter ended October 31, 1996, the Company
provided net cash of $30,881 through its operations, financing activities and
investing activities. During this quarter operations accounted for net cash
provided for $76,535. Although there is no assurance that the Company will be
able to generate positive cash flow from its operations in the future, nor
whether such cash flow, if any, will be adequate to fund future investment and
financing activities, management believes, given the level of the receivables
underlying all uncompleted contracts, that the Company's operation will be
adequate to sustain it. In the event that additional cash is needed, the Company
may turn to its officers, to traditional sources of debt financing, to factors,
to other asset-based lenders who may be interested in acquiring the receivables
underlying uncompleted contracts, or to the equity market. As of October 31,
1996, however, management does not anticipate requiring any additional infusion
of capital, beyond the funds advanced by its president, in order to maintain its
present level of operations above what is anticipated to be generated from
operations based on the results to date of management's active control and
minimization of indirect administrative costs. Accordingly, management has not
addressed which method would be employed.

Management is unaware of any material impact inflation has had on their 
business, although other economic factors, as described under "Results of 
Operations" are believed to be slowing down the Company's sales level.



                                     -11-
<PAGE>
 
                          HIGH COUNTRY VENTURES, INC.

                          PART II - OTHER INFORMATION


Item 6 - Exhibits

         Exhibit 11 - Per Share Calculation



                                  -12-      
<PAGE>
 
                                  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.

Dated:                      , 1996
       ---------------------


                                       HIGH COUNTRY VENTURES, INC.
                                              Registrant


                                       
                                       ------------------------------
                                       Stephen C. Loughlin, President
                                       (On behalf of Registrant and as its  
                                       principal financial officer)  

<PAGE>

                                                                      Exhibit 11
 
                          HIGH COUNTRY VENTURES, INC.
                       Net Income Per Share Calculation


                               3 months                6 months
                           Ending 10/31/1996       Ending 10/31/1996
                           -----------------       -----------------

Net Income                    $   106,816             $    28,955
                              ===========             ===========


Weighted Average
  Number of Shares
  Outstanding                 $ 5,425,920             $ 5,425,920
                              ===========             ===========

Net Income per share          $       .02             $       .01
                              ===========             ===========

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>
 
<ARTICLE> 5
       
<S>                             <C>                      <C> 
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS                    6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                         APR-30-1997              APR-30-1996
<PERIOD-START>                            MAY-01-1996              MAY-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                              OCT-31-1996              OCT-31-1995
<CASH>                                        213,589                   59,925
<SECURITIES>                                        0                        0
<RECEIVABLES>                                       0                        0
<ALLOWANCES>                                        0                        0
<INVENTORY>                                    10,337                   21,018
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                              276,461                  133,443
<PP&E>                                         52,535                   52,500
<DEPRECIATION>                                  9,600                   10,500
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                410,324                  285,435
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                       1,729,289                1,260,610
<BONDS>                                             0                        0
<COMMON>                                      437,415                  437,415
                               0                        0
                                         0                        0
<OTHER-SE>                                          0                        0
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                  410,324                  285,438
<SALES>                                     1,575,793                2,378,369
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                            1,575,793                2,378,369
<CGS>                                         566,848                  917,989
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                 935,795                1,221,408
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                (660)                    (390)
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                    0                        0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             44,855                   21,954 
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                     0                        0
<INCOME-TAX>                                        0                        0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                 0                        0
<DISCONTINUED>                                      0                        0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                     0                        0
<CHANGES>                                           0                        0
<NET-INCOME>                                   28,955                  217,408
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                       0                        0
<EPS-DILUTED>                                       0                        0
        

</TABLE>


© 2022 IncJournal is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission