HIGH COUNTRY VENTURES INC
10-Q, 1997-03-11
PATENT OWNERS & LESSORS
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<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
       January 31, 1997                                   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 prinicipal 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 January 31, 1997
- ---------------------------                     -------------------------------
Common shares, no par value                            5,425,920 Shares

<PAGE>
 
                           HIGH COUNTRY VENTURES, INC.

                   UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

           For the Three and Nine Months Ended January 31, 1997 and 1996
<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

       Signature Page                                                 13

                     Exhibit 11 - Per Share Calculation               14

<PAGE>
 
                           HIGH COUNTRY VENTURES, INC.

                            CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

                                   (UNAUDITED)

                                January 31, 1997

                                               January 31,     April 30,
          ASSETS                                  1997           1996   
                                               -----------    ----------
     Current assets:
       Cash                                     $  83,229     $   23,079
       Inventory                                   12,736         15,201
       Prepaid expenses                            37,100         35,825
                                                ---------     ----------
              Total current assets                133,065         74,105

     Property and equipment - net                  55,967         68,624
     Notes receivable - related parties            57,826         57,826
     Note receivable                               16,304         17,110
                                                ---------     ----------
              Total assets                      $ 263,162     $  217,665
                                                =========     ==========
          LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
     Current liabilities:
       Note payable - Related Party               732,804        421,309
       Accounts payable                           504,589        609,487
       Accounts Payable - Related Party            35,420         82,151
       Accrued payroll and payroll taxes           65,031         95,921
       Accrued interest - related parties         164,949        164,949
       Current portion of long-term debt           14,058         14,058
       Deferred revenue                           158,150        173,060
       Current portion of obligations
          under capital lease                       4,650          4,650
                                                ---------     ----------
              Total current liabilities         1,679,651      1,565,585

     Long-term debt - net of current portion       24,651         24,651
     Obligations under capital leases              12,320         12,320
                                                ---------     ----------
              Total liabilities                 1,716,622      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                     (1,890,875)    (1,822,306)
                                               ----------     ----------
              Total shareholders'
                equity (deficit)               (1,453,460)    (1,384,891)
                                               ----------     ----------
              Total liabilities and
                shareholders' equity (deficit) $  263,162     $  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 January 31, 1997 and 1996


                                                     1997         1996  
                                                 -----------  ----------
     Revenues                                    $  536,138   $  603,148

     Cost of revenues                               302,538      269,328
                                                 ----------   ----------
          Gross profit                              233,600      333,820

     Selling, general and
       administrative expenses                      314,553      363,070
                                                 ----------   ----------
          Income from operations                    (80,953)     (29,250)

     Miscellaneous and interest income                  320          370

     Interest expense                               (16,891)      (9,991)
                                                 ----------   ----------
          Income before income taxes                (97,524)     (38,871) 

     Income tax benefit                                   -            -
                                                 ----------   ----------
          Net income                             $  (97,524)  $  (38,871)
                                                 ----------   ----------
     Net income per share                        $     (.02)  $     (.01)
                                                 ==========   ==========
     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 Nine Months Ended January 31, 1997 and 1996


                                                     1997         1996   
                                                 ----------   ----------
     Revenues                                    $2,111,931   $2,981,517

     Cost of revenues                               869,386    1,187,317
                                                 ----------   ----------
          Gross profit                            1,242,545    1,794,200

     Selling, general and
       administrative expenses                    1,250,348    1,584,478
                                                 ----------   ----------
          Income from operations                     (7,803)     209,722

     Miscellaneous and interest income                  980          760
     Interest expense                               (61,746)     (31,945)
                                                 ----------   ----------
          Income before income taxes                (68,569)     178,537 

     Income tax benefit                                   -            -
                                                 ----------   ----------
          Net income                             $  (68,569)  $  178,537
                                                 ----------   ----------
     Net income per share                        $     (.01)  $      .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.
                                     
                                      -3-
<PAGE>
 
                           HIGH COUNTRY VENTURES, INC.

                  CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

                                   (Unaudited)


                    For the Nine Months Ended January 31, 1997







                         Common Stock
                     --------------------                   Shareholders'
                     Number of                (Accumulated)     Equity
                      Shares       Amount       Deficit)      (Deficit)
                     ---------    --------    -------------  -----------

     Balances at
     April 30, 1996  5,425,920   $  437,415   $(1,822,306)  $(1,384,891)

     Net income for
     the nine months
     ended January 31,
     1997                -            -           (68,569)      (68,569)
                     ---------   ----------   ------------  ------------
                     5,425,920   $  437,415   $(1,890,875)  $(1,453,460)
                     =========   ==========   ============  ===========

               The accompanying selected information is 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 January 31, 1997 and 1996


                                                   1997         1996   
                                                -----------  -----------
     Cash flows from operating activities:
       Net income                               $  (97,524)  $  (38,871)
       Adjustments to reconcile net income
         to net cash provided
         by operating activities:
           Depreciation and amortization             4,800        5,250
         Decrease (increase) in assets:
           Inventory                                (2,399)     (13,374) 
           Prepaid expenses                         15,435       26,460

     Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
           Accounts payable                         22,352       23,193
           Accrued expenses                         36,287        6,288
           Deferred revenue                        (49,050)     (83,751)
              Net cash provided by              ----------   ----------
                operating activities               (70,099)     (74,805)
                                                ----------   ----------
     Cash flows from investing activities
       Purchase of property and equipment                -            -
       Note receivable - related party              (1,034)         130
                                                ----------   ----------
              Net cash provided (used for)
                investing activities                (1,034)         130 
                                                ----------   ----------
     Cash flows from financing activities:
       Increase (decrease) notes payable
                related parties                    (59,227)      71,734
                                                ----------   ----------
              Net cash provided by (used for)
                financing activities               (59,227)      71,734
                                                ----------   ----------
              Increase (decrease) in cash         (130,360)      (2,941)

     Cash - beginning of period                    213,589       59,925
                                                ----------   ----------
     Cash - end of period                       $   83,229   $   56,984
                                                ==========   ==========
     Supplemental disclosures of cash
     flow information:
       Cash paid for interest                   $   16,891   $    9,991
                                                ==========   ==========

               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 Nine Months Ended January 31, 1997 and 1996


                                                     1997         1996   
                                                ----------   ----------
     Cash flows from operating activities:
       Net income                               $  (68,569)  $  178,537  
       Adjustments to reconcile net income
         to net cash provided
         by operating activities:
           Depreciation and amortization            14,400       15,750
         Decrease (increase) in assets:
           Inventory                                 2,465      (16,971) 
           Prepaid expenses                         (1,275)      41,019

     Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
           Accounts payable                       (151,629)       9,272
           Accrued expenses                        (30,890)      79,459
           Deferred revenue                        (14,910)    (176,650)
              Net cash provided by              ----------    --------- 
                operating activities              (250,408)     130,416
                                                ----------    --------- 
     Cash flows from investing activities
       Purchase of property and equipment           (1,743)      (2,330)
       Note receivable - related party                 806        1,740
                                                ----------    --------- 
              Net cash provided (used for)
                investing activities                  (937)        (590)
                                                ----------    --------- 

     Cash flows from financing activities:
       Increase (decrease) notes payable
                related parties                    311,495     (182,047)
                                                ----------   ---------- 
              Net cash provided by (used for)
                financing activities               311,495     (182,047) 
                                                ----------   ---------- 
              Increase (decrease) in cash           60,150      (52,221)

     Cash - beginning of period                     23,079      109,205
                                                ----------   ---------- 
     Cash - end of period                       $   83,229   $   56,984
                                                ==========   ==========      
     Supplemental disclosures of cash
     flow information:
       Cash paid for interest                   $   61,746   $   31,945
                                                ==========   ==========

               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 Nine Months Ended January 31, 1997 and 1996


     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 Nine Months Ended January 31, 1997 and 1996


     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 interim 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 Nine Months Ended January 31, 1997 and 1996


     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 January 31, 1997 the balance due to the Company under 
                 the terms of the uncompleted contracts underlying the 
                 recorded deferred revenue aggregated $2,506,000.

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

     During the quarter ended January 31, 1997, consolidated revenues are 
     down $67,010 from the $603,148 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 $314,553 for the quarter ended January 31, 
     1997 from $363,070 for the quarter ended January 31, 1996.  This 
     decrease of $48,517 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 the 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 authoritative 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 make 
     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 $158,150 
     as of January 31, 1997.  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 $22,831,484 as of January,31 

     1997 of which $2,506,000 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 January 31, 1997, the Company had 
     cash of $83,229 down by $130,360 from the prior quarter balance. 
     Working capital was a negative income of $(1,546,586), caused by the 
     effects of the Company's current year net income and as a result of the 
     initial contract payments received amounting to $158,000 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 January 31, 
     1997, the Company used net cash of $130,360 through its operations, 
     financing activities and investing activities.  During this quarter 
     operations accounted for net cash used for $70,099.  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 January 31, 1997, 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: __________________, 1997

                                       
                                        HIGH COUNTRY VENTURES,INC.
                                               Registrant



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















                                     -13-

<PAGE>
 
                                                              Exhibit 11

                         HIGH COUNTRY VENTURES, INC.
                       Net Income Per Share Calculation



                                    3 months            9 months
                                Ending 1/31/1997    Ending 1/31/1997
                                ----------------    ----------------
     Net Income (Loss)             $   (97,524)        $   (68,569)
                                   ============        ===========       


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

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

                                     -14-

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<PAGE>

<ARTICLE> 5
       
<S>                             <C>                      <C> 
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS                    9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                         APR-30-1997              APR-30-1996
<PERIOD-START>                            MAY-01-1996              MAY-01-1995
<PERIOD-END>                              JAN-31-1997              JAN-31-1996
<CASH>                                         83,229                   56,984
<SECURITIES>                                        0                        0
<RECEIVABLES>                                       0                        0
<ALLOWANCES>                                        0                        0
<INVENTORY>                                    12,736                   34,392
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                              133,065                  117,416
<PP&E>                                         37,100                   24,040
<DEPRECIATION>                                 14,400                   15,750
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                263,162                  264,031
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                       1,679,651                1,278,074
<BONDS>                                             0                        0  
<COMMON>                                      437,415                  437,415
                               0                        0
                                         0                        0
<OTHER-SE>                                          0                        0
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                  263,162                  264,031
<SALES>                                     2,111,931                2,981,517
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                            2,111,931                2,981,517
<CGS>                                         869,386                1,187,317
<TOTAL-COSTS>                               1,250,348                1,584,478
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                (980)                    (760)
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                    0                        0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                             61,746                   31,945
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                     0                        0
<INCOME-TAX>                                        0                        0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                 0                        0
<DISCONTINUED>                                      0                        0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                     0                        0
<CHANGES>                                           0                        0
<NET-INCOME>                                 (68,569)                  178,537
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                       0                        0 
<EPS-DILUTED>                                       0                        0
        

</TABLE>


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