10-Q 1 d10q.htm FORM 10-Q Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

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 quarterly period ended September 27, 2008

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 33 - 70572

 

 

EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

TEXAS   74-2337775

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

11103 WEST AVENUE

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS 78213

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(210) 340-3531

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has (1) 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  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer”, accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer   ¨    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   x    Smaller reporting company   ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

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 November 10, 2008

Common Stock, $.01 par value    10,000 shares

 

 

 


Table of Contents

EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.

INDEX

 

     Page
Number

Part I - Financial Information

  

Item 1. Financial Statements

  

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 29, 2007 (Unaudited) and September 27, 2008 (Unaudited)

   2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Thirteen Weeks Ended September  29, 2007 (Unaudited) and September 27, 2008 (Unaudited) and for the Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 29, 2007 (Unaudited) and September 27, 2008 (Unaudited)

   3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September  29, 2007 (Unaudited) and for the Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 27, 2008 (Unaudited)

   4

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

   5-15

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

   16-27

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   27

Item 4T. Controls and Procedures

   28

Part II - Other Information

  

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

   28

Item 1A. Risk Factors

   28

Item 6. Exhibits

   29


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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(dollars in thousands)

 

     December 29,
2007
   September 27,
2008
     (Unaudited)    (Unaudited)

ASSETS

     

CURRENT ASSETS:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 5,637    $ 39,505

Accounts and notes receivable, net

     10,323      13,610

Inventory, net

     32,933      32,502

Deferred income taxes, net

     1,606      1,668

Prepaid expenses and other

     9,089      3,791
             

Total current assets

     59,588      91,076

PROPERTY & EQUIPMENT, net

     62,466      69,851

GOODWILL

     523,377      523,377

OTHER ASSETS

     7,876      7,604

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES, net

     16,255      16,255
             

Total assets

   $ 669,562    $ 708,163
             

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY

     

CURRENT LIABILITIES:

     

Accounts payable

   $ 21,142    $ 22,906

Current maturities of long-term debt

     2,255      2,094

Deferred revenue

     3,655      3,776

Accrued taxes

     10,496      21,709

Accrued payroll expense

     10,847      9,407

Accrued interest

     6,700      2,205

Other accrued expenses

     6,126      7,735
             

Total current liabilities

     61,221      69,832

LONG TERM DEBT, less current maturities

     255,950      254,610

OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

     5,835      8,450
             

Total liabilities

     323,006      332,892
             

SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY:

     

Common stock

     —        —  

Additional paid-in capital

     317,152      317,152

Retained earnings

     29,404      58,119
             

Total shareholder’s equity

     346,556      375,271
             
   $ 669,562    $ 708,163
             

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(dollars in thousands)

 

     Thirteen Weeks Ended    Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
     September 29,
2007
   September 27,
2008
   September 29,
2007
   September 27,
2008
     (Unaudited)    (Unaudited)    (Unaudited)    (Unaudited)

NET REVENUES:

           

Optical sales

   $ 122,181    $ 133,658    $ 367,465    $ 407,196

Management fee

     742      725      2,288      2,283
                           

Total net revenues

     122,923      134,383      369,753      409,479

OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES:

           

Cost of goods sold

     41,640      46,726      122,027      139,381

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     64,224      68,286      187,984      204,601
                           

Total operating costs and expenses

     105,864      115,012      310,011      343,982
                           

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS

     17,059      19,371      59,742      65,497

INTEREST EXPENSE, NET

     6,361      5,561      19,697      16,913
                           

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

     10,698      13,810      40,045      48,584

INCOME TAX EXPENSE

     4,810      5,601      16,559      19,869
                           

NET INCOME

   $ 5,888    $ 8,209    $ 23,486    $ 28,715
                           

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(dollars in thousands)

 

     Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended  
     September 29,
2007
    September 27,
2008
 
     (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

    

Net income

   $ 23,486     $ 28,715  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     13,338       14,100  

Amortization of debt issue costs

     271       223  

Deferred liabilities and other

     4,144       2,736  

Increase in operating assets and liabilities

     2,012       11,136  
                

Net cash provided by operating activities

     43,251       56,910  
                

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

    

Acquisition of property and equipment, net

     (17,665 )     (21,369 )
                

Net cash used in investing activities

     (17,665 )     (21,369 )
                

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

    

Payments on debt and capital leases

     (30,134 )     (1,673 )
                

Net cash used in in financing activities

     (30,134 )     (1,673 )
                

NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH

     (4,548 )     33,868  

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period

     13,860       5,637  
                

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period

   $ 9,312     $ 39,505  
                

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

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EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Basis of Presentation

The Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of Eye Care Centers of America, Inc. which is referred to as the “Company,” “we,” “our” and “us” herein, include all of our accounts, our wholly owned subsidiaries’ accounts and the accounts of certain private optometrists’ for whom we perform management services (the “ODs”). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The fiscal year-end balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The information reflects all normal and recurring adjustments which in the opinion of the Company’s management are necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position of the Company and its results of operations for the interim periods set forth herein.

Operating results for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended September 27, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending January 3, 2009 (“fiscal 2008”). For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Eye Care Centers of America, Inc.’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2007 (“fiscal 2007”).

2. Critical Accounting Policies

Critical accounting policies are those that require us to make assumptions that are difficult or complex about matters that are uncertain and may change in subsequent periods, resulting in changes to reported results.

The majority of our accounting policies do not require us to make difficult, subjective or complex judgments or estimates or the variability of the estimates is not material. However, the following policies could be deemed critical. We have discussed these critical accounting policies with the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

   

Accounts receivable are primarily from third party payors related to the sale of eyewear and include receivables from insurance reimbursements, optometrist management fees, credit card companies, merchandise, rent and license fee receivables. Our allowance for doubtful accounts requires significant estimation and primarily consists of amounts owed to us by third party insurance payors. This estimate is based on the historical ratio of collections to billings. Our allowance for doubtful accounts was $2.2 million at December 29, 2007 and $2.1 million at September 27, 2008.

 

   

Inventory consists principally of eyeglass frames, ophthalmic lenses and contact lenses and is stated at the lower of cost or market value. Cost is determined using the weighted average method which approximates the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method. Our inventory reserves require significant estimation and are based on product with low turnover or deemed by us to be unsaleable. Our inventory reserve was $2.0 million at December 29, 2007 and $2.2 million at September 27, 2008.

 

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Goodwill represents approximately 74% of our assets and consists of the amount by which the purchase price exceeds the market value of acquired net assets. Goodwill must be tested for impairment at least annually using a “two-step” approach that involves the identification of reporting units and the estimation of fair values. This fair value estimation requires significant judgment by us.

 

   

Valuation allowances for deferred tax assets reduce deferred tax assets when it is deemed more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will expire before realization of the benefit or that future deductibility is not probable due to taxable losses. Although realization is not assured due to historical taxable income and the probability of future taxable income, we believe it is more likely than not that all of the deferred tax asset will be realized.

 

   

We maintain our own self-insurance group health plan. The plan provides medical benefits for participating employees. We have an employers’ stop loss insurance policy to cover individual claims in excess of $200,000 per employee. The amount charged to health insurance expense is based on estimates obtained from actuaries with our ultimate parent organization, Highmark Inc. (“Highmark”). We believe the accrued liability of approximately $1.0 million and $0.9 million, which is included in other accrued expenses as of December 29, 2007 and September 27, 2008, respectively, is adequate to cover future benefit payments for claims that occurred prior to the period end.

3. Related Party Transactions

Highmark. On August 1, 2006, ECCA Holdings Corporation (“ECCA Holdings”) was merged with a wholly-owned subsidiary of HVHC Inc. (“HVHC”), a subsidiary of Highmark, with ECCA Holdings being the surviving corporation and becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of HVHC (the “Highmark Acquisition”). The Company is owned by ECCA Holdings and as a result of the merger became an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Highmark. In June 2007, we began contracting the administration of the Company’s self-insured employees’ health insurance through Highmark. We paid Highmark and its affiliates $0.6 million for management fees during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007 and September 27, 2008, respectively, and the Company incurred $2.4 million and $8.4 million in employee health claims during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007 and September 27, 2008, respectively, that were administered and paid for by Highmark. In addition we paid Highmark $3.0 million and $6.2 million for state and federal taxes during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007 and September 27, 2008, respectively, and $2.3 million for administrative and other expenses during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007 and September 27, 2008, respectively.

HVHC also owns Davis Vision, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, “Davis”), a national vision managed care and optical retail company, and Viva Optique, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, “Viva”), an international designer and distributor of eyewear and sunwear. During the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007 and September 27, 2008, we recorded revenue of $10.4 million and $12.8 million, respectively, related to managed care reimbursements due from Davis and had a $0.9 million and a $2.1 million receivable related to these revenues at September 29, 2007 and September 27, 2008, respectively. We purchased $7.5 million and $7.4 million in frame product from Viva during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007 and September 27, 2008, respectively. We recorded cost of goods sold related to products purchased from Viva that were sold to our customers of $5.1 million and $7.3 million during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007 and September 27, 2008, respectively.

 

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4. Income Taxes

We record income taxes under SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes” (issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”)) using the liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. Income tax expense increased to $19.9 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2008 from $16.6 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007 and the effective tax rate increased to 30% from 28%, respectively. This increase is mainly due to the increase in income before taxes in fiscal 2008.

In determining our quarterly provision for income taxes, we use an estimated annual effective tax rate, which is based on our expected annual income, statutory tax rates and tax planning opportunities available to us in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. This includes recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax returns to the extent pervasive evidence exists that they will be realized in future periods. The deferred tax balances are adjusted to reflect tax rates by tax jurisdiction, based on currently enacted tax laws, which are expected to be in effect in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. In accordance with our income tax policy, significant or unusual items are separately recognized in the quarter in which they occur.

The Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”) on December 31, 2006. At September 27, 2008, the Company had approximately $3.3 million of gross liabilities related to unrecognized tax benefits (composed of $2.5 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits and accrued interest and penalties of $0.8 million) which would affect our effective tax rate if recognized. The Company does not expect that there will be any positions for which it is reasonably possible that the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease within the next twelve months. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):

 

Balance at December 29, 2007

   $ 2,793  

Additions based on tax provisions related to the prior year

     375  

Additions based on tax provisions related to the current year

     466  

Release based on tax provisions related to the prior year

     (288 )
        

Balance at September 27, 2008

   $ 3,346  
        

5. Accounting Standards and Disclosures

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”), which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. For financial assets and liabilities, this statement is effective for fiscal periods beginning after November 15, 2007 and does not require any new fair value measurements. In February 2008, FASB Staff Positions No.

 

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157-1 and No. 157-2 were issued, delaying the effective date of FASB Statement No. 157 to fiscal years ending after November 15, 2008 for nonfinancial assets and liabilities, except for items that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). Our adoption of SFAS No. 157 on December 30, 2007 did not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities — including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115.” This statement permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. This statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, including interim periods within that fiscal year. The Company did not elect the fair value option for any of its existing financial instruments as of September 27, 2008, and the Company has not determined whether it will elect this option for financial instruments it may acquire in the future.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of ARB No. 51” (“SFAS No. 160”). SFAS No. 160 requires that a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary be reported as equity and the amount of consolidated net income specifically attributable to the noncontrolling interest be identified in the consolidated financial statements. It also requires consistency in the manner of reporting changes in the parent’s ownership interest and requires fair value measurement of any noncontrolling equity investment retained in a deconsolidation. The Company will apply the provisions of this statement prospectively, as required, beginning on January 4, 2009 and does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 160 to have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS No. 141(R)”). SFAS No. 141(R) retains the fundamental requirements in Statement 141 that the acquisition method of accounting (which Statement 141 called the purchase method) be used for all business combinations and for an acquirer to be identified for each business combination. In general, the statement: 1) broadens the guidance of SFAS No. 141, extending its applicability to all events where one entity obtains control over one or more other businesses; 2) broadens the use of fair value measurements used to recognize the assets acquired and liabilities assumed; 3) changes the accounting for acquisition related fees and restructuring costs incurred in connection with an acquisition; and 4) increases required disclosures. The Company will apply the provisions of this statement prospectively to business combinations for which the acquisition date is on or after January 4, 2009 and does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 141 to have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, “Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, an amendment of FASB Statement No. 133” (“SFAS No. 161”). SFAS No. 161 amends and expands the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 133 with the intent to provide users of financial statements with an enhanced understanding of: 1) how and why an entity uses derivative instruments; 2) how derivative instruments and related hedged items are accounted for under SFAS No. 133 and its related interpretations; and 3) how derivative instruments and related hedged items affect an entity’s financial position, financial performance and cash flows. This statement is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early application encouraged. We adopted SFAS No. 161 and it did not have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements as we have no derivatives or hedging activity.

 

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6. Subsequent Event

On October 3, 2008, we entered into a Third Amendment and Consent to our Credit Facility (as defined below) (the “2008 Amendment”). The 2008 Amendment provides for an increase in the annual capital expenditures limit under the Credit Facility from $22 million to $28 million in consideration for (i) a $20 million prepayment of principal due under the loan terms made under the Credit Facility and (ii) an amendment fee of 10 basis points. The 2008 Amendment further provides that all capital contributions made to us by HVHC or its affiliates for the purposes of funding capital expenditures shall be excluded from the annual capital expenditure limit set forth in the Credit Facility. The prepayment of $20.0 million in principal of the loans made under the Credit Facility was made on October 3, 2008. On October 9, 2008, HVHC provided us with a $5.0 million capital contribution to be utilized to fund improvements to our lab equipment and infrastructure.

7. Condensed Consolidating Information

On February 4, 2005, we issued $152.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 10  3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes (the “Initial Notes”) due 2015. The Company filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to an offer to exchange the Initial Notes for notes which have terms substantially identical in all material respects to the Initial Notes, except such exchanged notes are freely transferable by the holders thereof and are issued without any covenant regarding registration (the “Notes”). The registration statement was declared effective on September 26, 2005. The exchange period ended October 31, 2005. The Notes are the only notes of the Company which are currently outstanding.

The Notes were issued by us and are guaranteed by all of our subsidiaries (the “Guarantor Subsidiaries”), but are not guaranteed by the ODs. The Guarantor Subsidiaries are wholly owned by us and the guarantees are full, unconditional and joint and several.

Presented on the following pages are condensed consolidating financial statements for the Company (the issuer of the Notes), the Guarantor Subsidiaries and the non-guarantor subsidiaries as of and for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2008. The equity method has been used with respect to the Company’s investments in its subsidiaries.

As of September 27, 2008, the Guarantor Subsidiaries include Enclave Advancement Group, Inc., ECCA Managed Vision Care, Inc., Visionworks, Inc. Visionary Retail Management, Inc., Visionary Properties, Inc., Vision World, Inc., Stein Optical, Inc., Eye DRx Retail Management, Inc., Visionary Lab Services, Ltd., EyeMasters of Texas, Ltd., EyeMasters, Inc., ECCA Management Services, Ltd., ECCA Distribution Services, Ltd., ECCA Enterprises, Inc., ECCA Management Investments, Inc., ECCA Management, Inc., EyeMasters of Texas Investments, Inc., EyeMasters of Texas Management, Inc., ECCA Distribution Investments, Inc., ECCA Distribution Management, Inc., Visionary Lab Investments, Inc., Visionary Lab Management, Inc., Visionworks Holdings, Inc., Metropolitan Vision Services, Inc., Hour Eyes, Inc., and Eye Care Holdings, Inc.

The following condensed consolidating financial information presents: (i) our financial position, results of operations and cash flows, as parent, as if we accounted for our subsidiaries using the equity method; (ii) the Guarantor Subsidiaries; and (iii) the ODs. There were no transactions between the subsidiaries during any of the periods presented. Separate financial statements of the subsidiaries are not presented herein as we do not believe that such statements would be material to investors.

 

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Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

December 29, 2007

(in thousands)

 

     Parent     Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    ODs     Eliminations     Consolidated
Company

ASSETS

          

Current assets:

          

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ (53 )   $ 5,211     $ 479     $ —       $ 5,637

Accounts and notes receivable

     130,634       8,299       2,437       (131,047 )     10,323

Inventory

     —         31,053       1,880       —         32,933

Deferred income taxes, net

     1,606       —         —         —         1,606

Prepaid expenses and other

     (190 )     9,231       48       —         9,089
                                      

Total current assets

     131,997       53,794       4,844       (131,047 )     59,588

Property and equipment

     —         62,466       —         —         62,466

Goodwill

     416,095       107,195       87       —         523,377

Other assets

     7,544       329       3       —         7,876

Deferred income taxes, net

     16,255       —         —         —         16,255

Investment in subsidiaries

     96,085       —         —         (96,085 )     —  
                                      

Total Assets

   $ 667,976     $ 223,784     $ 4,934     $ (227,132 )   $ 669,562
                                      

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY (DEFICIT)

          

Current liabilities:

          

Accounts payable

   $ 43,412     $ 106,817     $ 1,960     $ (131,047 )   $ 21,142

Current portion of long-term debt

     1,650       605       —         —         2,255

Deferred revenue

     —         2,567       1,088       —         3,655

Accrued taxes

     11,248       (1,791 )     1,039       —         10,496

Accrued payroll expense

     —         9,898       949       —         10,847

Accrued interest

     6,700       —         —         —         6,700

Other accrued expenses

     361       5,453       312       —         6,126
                                      

Total current liabilities

     63,371       123,549       5,348       (131,047 )     61,221

Long-term debt, less current maturities

     255,588       362       —         —         255,950

Other long-term liabilities

     2,461       3,340       34       —         5,835
                                      

Total liabilities

     321,420       127,251       5,382       (131,047 )     323,006
                                      

Shareholders equity (deficit):

          

Common stock

     —         —         —         —         —  

Additional paid-in capital

     317,152       —         —         —         317,152

Retained earnings

     29,404       96,533       (448 )     (96,085 )     29,404
                                      

Total shareholder’s equity (deficit)

     346,556       96,533       (448 )     (96,085 )     346,556
                                      
   $ 667,976     $ 223,784     $ 4,934     $ (227,132 )   $ 669,562
                                      

 

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Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

For the Thirteen Weeks Ended September 29, 2007

 

     Parent    Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    ODs    Eliminations     Consolidated
Company

Revenues:

            

Optical sales

   $ —      $ 96,764     $ 25,417      $ 122,181

Management fees

     —        7,057          (6,315 )     742

Equity earnings in subsidiaries

     17,710           (17,710 )     —  
                                    

Total net revenues

     17,710      103,821       25,417      (24,025 )     122,923

Operating costs and expenses:

            

Cost of goods sold

     —        32,066       9,574        41,640

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     631      55,535       14,373      (6,315 )     64,224
                                    

Total operating costs and expenses

     631      87,601       23,947      (6,315 )     105,864
                                    

Income from operations

     17,079      16,220       1,470      (17,710 )     17,059

Interest expense (income), net

     6,381      (22 )     2      —         6,361

Income tax expense (benefit)

     4,810      (625 )     625      —         4,810
                                    

Net income

   $ 5,888    $ 16,867     $ 843    $ (17,710 )   $ 5,888
                                    

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

For the Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 29, 2007

 

     Parent    Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    ODs    Eliminations     Consolidated
Company

Revenues:

            

Optical sales

   $ —      $ 289,784     $ 77,681    $ —       $ 367,465

Management fees

     —        22,776          (20,488 )     2,288

Equity earnings in subsidiaries

     62,030           (62,030 )     —  
                                    

Total net revenues

     62,030      312,560       77,681      (82,518 )     369,753

Operating costs and expenses:

            

Cost of goods sold

     —        93,611       28,416      —         122,027

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     1,989      162,504       43,979      (20,488 )     187,984
                                    

Total operating costs and expenses

     1,989      256,115       72,395      (20,488 )     310,011
                                    

Income from operations

     60,041      56,445       5,286      (62,030 )     59,742

Interest expense (income), net

     19,996      (301 )     2      —         19,697

Income tax expense (benefit)

     16,559      (2,172 )     2,172      —         16,559
                                    

Net income

   $ 23,486    $ 58,918     $ 3,112    $ (62,030 )   $ 23,486
                                    

 

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Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

For the Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 29, 2007

 

     Parent     Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    ODs     Eliminations     Consolidated
Company
 

Cash flows from operating activities:

          

Net income

   $ 23,486     $ 58,918     $ 3,112     $ (62,030 )   $ 23,486  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net

          

Cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

          

Depreciation and amortization

     357       12,981       —         —         13,338  

Amortization of debt issue costs

     271       —         —         —         271  

Deferred liabilities and other

     —         3,658       486       —         4,144  

Equity earnings in subsidiaries

     (62,030 )     —         —         62,030       —    

Increase/(decrease) in operating assets and liabilities

     67,397       (61,447 )     (3,938 )     —         2,012  
                                        

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

     29,481       14,110       (340 )     —         43,251  
                                        

Cash flows from investing activities:

          

Acquisition of property and equipment

     —         (17,665 )     —         —         (17,665 )
                                        

Net cash used in investing activities

     —         (17,665 )     —         —         (17,665 )
                                        

Cash flows from financing activities:

          

Payments on debt and capital leases

     (29,825 )     (309 )     —         —         (30,134 )
                                        

Net cash used in financing activities

     (29,825 )     (309 )     —         —         (30,134 )
                                        

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (344 )     (3,864 )     (340 )     —         (4,548 )

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     279       12,994       587       —         13,860  
                                        

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ (65 )   $ 9,130     $ 247     $ —       $ 9,312  
                                        

 

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Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

September 27, 2008

 

     Parent     Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    ODs     Eliminations     Consolidated
Company

ASSETS

          

Current assets:

          

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ (56 )   $ 38,709     $ 852     $ —       $ 39,505

Accounts and notes receivable

     99,394       22,733       1,117       (109,634 )     13,610

Inventory

     1       30,308       2,193       —         32,502

Deferred income taxes

     1,668       —         —         —         1,668

Prepaid expenses and other

     291       3,455       45       —         3,791
                                      

Total current assets

     101,298       95,205       4,207       (109,634 )     91,076

Property and equipment

     —         69,851       —         —         69,851

Goodwill

     416,095       107,195       87       —         523,377

Other assets

     7,296       310       (2 )     —         7,604

Deferred income taxes

     16,255       —         —         —         16,255

Investment in subsidiaries

     164,725       —         —         (164,725 )     —  
                                      

Total assets

   $ 705,669     $ 272,561     $ 4,292     $ (274,359 )   $ 708,163
                                      

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER’S EQUITY (DEFICIT)

          

Current liabilities:

          

Accounts payable

   $ 45,056     $ 85,289     $ 2,195     $ (109,634 )   $ 22,906

Current portion of long-term debt

     1,650       444       —           2,094

Deferred revenue

     —         2,678       1,098         3,776

Accrued taxes

     25,253       (4,267 )     723         21,709

Accrued payroll expense

     —         8,603       804         9,407

Accrued interest

     1,459       746       —           2,205

Other accrued expenses

     284       7,172       279         7,735
                                      

Total current liabilities

     73,702       100,665       5,099       (109,634 )     69,832

Long-term debt, less current maturities

     254,523       87       —         —         254,610

Other long-term liabilities

     2,173       6,230       47       —         8,450
                                      

Total liabilities

     330,398       106,982       5,146       (109,634 )     332,892

Shareholder’s equity (deficit)

          

Common stock

     —         —         —         —         —  

Additional paid-in capital

     317,152       —             317,152

Retained earnings

     58,119       165,579       (852 )     (164,727 )     58,119
                                      

Total shareholders’ equity (deficit)

     375,271       165,579       (852 )     (164,727 )     375,271
                                      
   $ 705,669     $ 272,561     $ 4,294     $ (274,361 )   $ 708,163
                                      

 

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Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

For the Thirteen Weeks Ended September 27, 2008

 

     Parent     Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    ODs     Eliminations     Consolidated
Company

Revenues:

          

Optical sales

   $ (200 )   $ 106,718     $ 27,140     $ —       $ 133,658

Management fees

     —         9,321       —         (8,596 )     725

Equity earnings in subsidiaries

     20,782       —         —         (20,782 )     —  
                                      

Total net revenues

     20,582       116,039       27,140       (29,378 )     134,383

Operating costs and expenses:

          

Cost of goods sold

     —         36,721       10,005         46,726

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     1,163       58,177       17,542       (8,596 )     68,286
                                      

Total operating costs and expenses

     1,163       94,898       27,547       (8,596 )     115,012
                                      

Income (loss) from operations

     19,419       21,141       (407 )     (20,782 )     19,371

Interest expense (income), net

     5,609       (48 )     —         —         5,561

Income tax expense

     5,601             5,601
                                      

Net income (loss)

   $ 8,209     $ 21,189     $ (407 )   $ (20,782 )   $ 8,209
                                      

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

For the Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 27, 2008

 

     Parent     Guarantor
Subsidiaries
   ODs     Eliminations     Consolidated
Company

Revenues:

           

Optical sales

   $ (200 )   $ 323,407    $ 83,989     $ —       $ 407,196

Management fees

     —         29,691        (27,408 )     2,283

Equity earnings in subsidiaries

     68,640            (68,640 )     —  
                                     

Total net revenues

     68,440       353,098      83,989       (96,048 )     409,479

Operating costs and expenses:

           

Cost of goods sold

     —         108,504      30,877       —         139,381

Selling, general and administrative expenses

     3,582       174,908      53,519       (27,408 )     204,601
                                     

Total operating costs and expenses

     3,582       283,412      84,396       (27,408 )     343,982
                                     

Income (loss) from operations

     64,858       69,686      (407 )     (68,640 )     65,497

Interest expense, net

     16,274       639      —         —         16,913

Income tax expense

     19,869              19,869
                                     

Net income (loss)

   $ 28,715     $ 69,047    $ (407 )   $ (68,640 )   $ 28,715
                                     

 

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Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

For the Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 27, 2008

 

     Parent     Guarantor
Subsidiaries
    ODs     Eliminations     Consolidated
Company
 

Cash flows from operating activities:

          

Net income (loss)

   $ 28,715     $ 69,045     $ (407 )   $ (68,638 )     28,715  

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net

          

Cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

          

Depreciation and amortization

     206       13,894       —         —         14,100  

Amortization of debt issue costs

     214       9       —         —         223  

Deferred liabilities and other

     (288 )     3,001       23       —         2,736  

Equity earnings in subsidiaries

     (68,641 )     —         —         68,641       —    

Increase/(decrease) in operating assets and liabilities

     41,028       (30,646 )     757       (3 )     11,136  
                                        

Net cash provided by operating activities

     1,234       55,303       373       —         56,910  
                                        

Cash flows from investing activities:

          

Acquisition of property and equipment

     —         (21,369 )     —           (21,369 )
                                        

Net cash used in investing activities

     —         (21,369 )     —         —         (21,369 )
                                        

Cash flows from financing activities:

          

Payments on debt and capital leases

     (1,237 )     (436 )     —           (1,673 )
                                        

Net cash used in financing activities

     (1,237 )     (436 )     —         —         (1,673 )
                                        

Net (increase) decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (3 )     33,498       373       —         33,868  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     (53 )     5,211       479         5,637  
                                        

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ (56 )   $ 38,709     $ 852     $ —       $ 39,505  
                                        

 

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Table of Contents
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained herein constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this report regarding our financial position, business strategy, budgets and plans and objectives of management for future operations are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements may relate to, among other things, our future performance generally, business development activities, strategy, projected synergies, future capital expenditures, financing sources and availability and the effects of regulation and competition. When used in this report, the words “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,” “estimate,” “may,” “will” or “should” or, in each case, their negative and similar expressions are generally intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words.

You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect our management’s view and various assumptions only as of the date of this report. Because these forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements, including our assumptions, plans, objectives, expectations and intentions with respect to the following:

 

   

our competitive environment;

 

   

the cost and effect of legal, tax or regulatory proceedings;

 

   

changes in general economic conditions;

 

   

changes to our regulatory environment;

 

   

our ability to maintain our relationships with optometrists;

 

   

franchise claims by optometrists;

 

   

our ability to build and maintain relationships with managed vision care plans;

 

   

reduction of third-party reimbursement;

 

   

technological advances in vision care;

 

   

conflicts of interest between our shareholder and noteholders;

 

   

failure to realize anticipated cost savings;

 

   

exposure to liability claims if we are unable to obtain adequate insurance;

 

   

changes in general industry and market conditions and growth rates;

 

   

loss of key management personnel;

 

   

changes in accounting policies applicable to our business;

 

   

the impact of unusual items resulting from the implementation of new business strategies, acquisitions and divestitures or future restructuring activities;

 

   

our substantial indebtedness;

 

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restrictions imposed on our business by the terms of our indebtedness;

 

   

our ability to fund our capital requirements;

 

   

long-term impact of laser surgery on the optical industry;

 

   

our ability to open new stores and the financial impact derived from those openings; and

 

   

our ability to implement and maintain our merchandising and marketing business strategy.

In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking statements and events discussed in this report might not occur. You should assume the information appearing in this report is accurate only as of the date on the front cover of this report, as our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date. Unless required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

Some of these risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors can be found in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the factors discussed under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2007 (“2007 Form 10-K”) and any update thereto in our Forms 10-Q.

Introduction

The following management’s discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) section is intended to help the reader better understand our results of operations and financial condition. This section is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, our condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes thereto contained elsewhere in this report and our MD&A section, financial statements and accompanying notes to financial statements in our 2007 Form 10-K.

We are the third largest operator of optical retail stores in the United States as measured by revenue. We currently operate 424 stores in 36 states, including 354 directly-owned stores and 70 stores owned by an optometrist’s professional entity (an “OD PC”), which we manage under long-term management agreements. Our consolidated financial information includes the results of our 354 directly-owned stores, as well as the results of 57 of the 70 stores operated by an OD PC. The remaining 13 stores operated by an OD PC are not consolidated and we recognize as management fee revenue only the cash flows we earn pursuant to the terms of management agreements for those 13 OD PC-operated stores.

Our net revenues are comprised of optical sales, net of discounts and promotions, from our 411 consolidated stores as well as management fees from the 13 stores owned by OD PCs that are not consolidated in our results. Optical sales include sales of frames, lenses (including lens treatments), contact lenses and eyeglass warranties at all of our 411 consolidated stores, as well as the professional fees of the optometrists at 216 of the stores. These 216 stores include 113 stores where the optometrist is our employee or an independent contractor, the 57 stores operated by an OD PC that are consolidated in our results and the 46 stores with independent optometrists for whom we provide management services. The management fees from the 13 unconsolidated OD PC-operated stores are based on the performance of the stores.

Our operating costs and expenses are comprised of costs of goods sold and selling, general and administrative expenses. Cost of goods sold primarily includes the cost of eyeglass frames, ophthalmic lenses, contact lenses, lab manufacturing costs and buying, warehousing, distribution, shipping and delivery costs and doctor payroll. Selling, general and administrative expenses primarily include retail

 

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payroll, occupancy, overhead, advertising and depreciation. Occupancy, overhead and depreciation are less variable relative to sales levels than other components of selling, general and administrative expenses.

In this MD&A section we use the terms “gross profit,” “gross margin,” “comparable store sales,” “comparable transaction volume” and “average ticket price” to compare our period-over-period performance. Gross profit is defined as optical sales less cost of goods sold in a period. Gross margin is defined as gross profit as a percentage of optical sales in a period. Comparable store sales is calculated by comparing net revenues for a period to net revenues of the equivalent prior period for all stores open at least twelve months during such prior period. Comparable transaction volume is based on the number of comparable store sales in a period. Average ticket price is calculated by dividing comparable net revenues by comparable transaction volume in a period.

We believe that the key driver of our performance is our ability to grow revenue without increasing costs at the same rate by: (i) increasing comparable transaction volume by offering value and convenience; (ii) actively managing our store base in targeted markets; and (iii) pursuing fee-for-service funded managed vision care relationships. Our performance is also affected by general economic conditions and consumer confidence.

We primarily grow optical sales by offering value and convenience to our customers. Since the fiscal year ended December 29, 2001, we have focused on our value strategy, which includes a promotion of two complete pairs of single vision eyewear for $99. We believe our value strategy results in increased comparable transaction volume and also believe it encourages customers to purchase higher margin lenses, lens treatments and accessories, which increases average ticket price.

We also grow optical sales and leverage costs through selective store base expansion by opening new stores in targeted markets. Until a new store matures, its operating costs as a percentage of optical sales are generally higher than that of an established store. Accordingly, the expense related to opening new stores adversely affects our results in that period. Over the longer term, opening a new store in an existing market allows us to leverage existing advertising, field management and overhead to mitigate margin pressure. When entering a new market, we seek to achieve sufficient market penetration to generate brand awareness and economies of scale in advertising, field management and overhead. Consistent with our strategic objectives, we have opened 19 new stores in the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2008, and we believe the opportunity exists to open approximately 4 additional new stores in fiscal 2008 in existing and new markets. We also manage costs by closing stores that do not meet our performance expectations. Store openings and store closures affect period over period comparisons.

We have made a strategic decision to pursue participation in fee-for-service funded managed vision care plans. Fee-for-service funded managed vision care plans consist of insurance relationships where we receive set fees for services provided to participants of a plan as opposed to capitated funded managed vision care plans where we receive a set fee per plan participant to provide any and all services requested by participants of such plan. Under a fee-for-service funded managed vision care plan we benefit from participants’ utilization of the plan, whereas under a capitated funded managed vision care plan we bear risk related to the level at which participants utilize such plan. Substantially all of our current funded managed vision care plan participation is in fee-for-service funded managed vision care plans. Our participation in managed vision care plans also includes discount managed vision care plans where participants receive a set discount on eye care products. We believe that participation in managed vision care plans will continue to benefit us and other large optical retail chains with strong local market shares, broad geographic coverage and sophisticated management information and billing systems. We expect that optical revenues derived from managed vision care plans will continue to account for approximately 30% of our net revenues, but that the percentage attributable to fee-for-service funded managed vision care plans will increase as revenues from discount managed vision care plans decline.

 

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While the average ticket price on products purchased under managed vision care plans is typically slightly lower than a non-managed vision care sale, managed vision care plan transactions generally earn comparable operating profit margins as they require less promotional spending and advertising support. We believe that the increased volume resulting from managed vision care plans also compensates for the lower average ticket price.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth the percentage relationship to net revenues of certain income statement data. The period-to-period comparison of financial results is not necessarily indicative of future results.

 

     Thirteen Weeks Ended     Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended  
     September 29,
2007
    September 27,
2008
    September 29,
2007
    September 27,
2008
 
        

Statement of Income Data:

        

NET REVENUES:

        

Optical sales

   99.4 %   99.5 %   99.4 %   99.4 %

Management fee

   0.6     0.5     0.6     0.6  
                        

Total net revenues

   100.0     100.0     100.0     100.0  

OPERATING COSTS AND EXPENSES:

        

Cost of goods sold

   34.1  *   35.0  *   33.2  *   34.2  *

Selling, general and administrative expenses

   52.6  *   51.1  *   51.2  *   50.2  *

Total operating costs and expenses

   86.1     85.6     83.8     84.0  
                        

INCOME FROM OPERATIONS

   13.9     14.4     16.2     16.0  

INTEREST EXPENSE, NET

   5.2     4.1     5.3     4.1  

INCOME TAX EXPENSE

   3.9     4.2     4.5     4.9  
                        

NET INCOME

   4.8 %   6.1 %   6.4 %   7.0 %
                        

 

* Percentages based on optical sales only

The Thirteen Weeks Ended September 27, 2008 Compared to the Thirteen Weeks Ended September 29, 2007.

Net Revenues. Net revenues increased to $134.4 million for the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2008 from $122.9 million for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2007. The increase in revenues was primarily driven by a 7.9% increase in comparable store sales and new store openings. Net revenues for the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2008 attributable to new stores that opened since the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2007 were $4.5 million. Comparable transactions increased by 7.6% and average ticket increased by 0.3% compared to the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2007. The increase in transactions was driven by the continued increase in the sale of premium lenses, strong acceptance of our value offering and the addition of a second value offering related to multifocal lenses. Total managed vision care sales increased by 14.8%, or $5.4 million. Severe hurricane activity caused us to have two hundred and seventeen more store closure days than in the third quarter of fiscal 2007. In addition, we opened 7 new stores in the third quarter of fiscal 2008.

 

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Gross Profit. Gross profit on optical sales increased to $86.9 million for the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2008 from $80.5 million for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2007. Gross profit as a percentage of optical sales decreased to 65.0% for the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2008 from 65.9% for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2007. The decrease in gross profit as a percentage of optical sales was largely the result of the increase in the sale of lower margin specialty lenses and the increase in doctor payroll expenses.

Selling General & Administrative Expenses (SG&A). SG&A increased to $68.3 million for the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2008 from $64.2 million for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2007. SG&A, as a percentage of optical sales, decreased to 51.1% for the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2008 from 52.6% for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2007. This percentage decrease was largely due to the leveraging of advertising costs as compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2007. These decreases were partially related to our entry into the Chicago market in 2007 and the non-recurring expenses needed to enter a new market.

Net Interest Expense. Net interest expense decreased to $5.6 million for the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2008 from $6.4 million for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2007. This decrease was primarily due to lower interest rates on the portion of our debt that has variable interest rates.

Income Tax Expense. Income tax expense increased to $5.6 million for the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2008 from $4.8 million for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2007, primarily due to a $3.1 million increase in income before taxes.

Net Income. Net income increased to $8.2 million for the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2008 compared to $5.9 million for the thirteen weeks ended September 29, 2007.

The Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 27, 2008 Compared to the Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 29, 2007.

Net Revenues. Net revenues increased to $409.5 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2008 from $369.8 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007. The increase in revenues was primarily driven by a 6.8% increase in comparable store sales and new store openings. Net revenues for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2008 attributable to new stores that opened since the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007 were $8.7 million. Comparable transactions increased by 5.8% and average ticket increased by 1.0% compared to the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2007. The increase in transactions was driven by the continued increase in the sale of premium lenses, acceptance of our value offering and the addition of a second value offering related to multifocal lenses. Total managed vision care sales increased by 13.8%, or $15.2 million. In addition, we opened 19 new stores in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2008.

Gross Profit. Gross profit on optical sales increased to $267.8 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2008 from $245.4 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007. Gross profit as a percentage of optical sales decreased to 65.8% for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2008 from 66.8% for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007. The decrease in gross profit as a percentage of optical sales was largely the result of the increase in the sale of lower margin specialty lenses and the increase in lab expenditures related to the increased transaction volume of specialty lenses and the increase in doctor payroll expenses. These increased expenses were partially offset by the continued increase in the sales mix of high margin private label and value frames.

 

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Selling General & Administrative Expenses (SG&A). SG&A increased to $204.6 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2008 from $188.0 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007. SG&A, as a percentage of optical sales, decreased to 50.2% for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2008 from 51.2% for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007. This percentage decrease was largely due to the leveraging of depreciation, occupancy and advertising costs as compared to the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007 and a decrease in pre-opening costs. These decreases were partially related to our entry into the Chicago market in 2007 and the non-recurring expenses for training and occupancy needed to enter a new market.

Net Interest Expense. Net interest expense decreased to $16.9 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2008 from $19.7 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007. This decrease was primarily due to lower outstanding debt balances.

Income Tax Expense. Income tax expense increased to $19.9 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2008 from $16.6 million for thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007, primarily due to the $8.5 million increase in income before taxes.

Net Income. Net income increased to $28.7 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2008 compared to $23.5 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our capital requirements are driven principally by our obligations to service debt and to fund the following costs:

 

   

Construction of new stores;

 

   

Repositioning of existing stores;

 

   

New lab and distribution facilities;

 

   

Purchasing inventory and equipment; and

 

   

Leasehold improvements.

The amount of capital available to us will affect our ability to service our debt obligations and to continue to grow our business through expanding the number of stores and increasing comparable store sales.

Sources of Capital

Our short-term and long-term liquidity needs arise primarily from: (i) interest payments primarily related to our Credit Facility (as defined below) and the Notes; (ii) capital expenditures, including those for opening new stores; and (iii) working capital requirements as may be needed to support our business. We intend to fund our operations, interest payments, capital expenditures and working capital requirements principally from cash from operations and HVHC capital contributions. We are a holding company with no direct operations. Our principal assets are the equity interests we hold in our subsidiaries. As a result, we are dependent upon dividends and other payments from our subsidiaries to generate the cash necessary to fund our operations, interest payments, capital expenditures and working capital requirements. There are currently no restrictions on the ability of our subsidiaries to transfer funds to us.

 

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Cash flows from operating activities provided net cash of $56.9 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2008 and $43.3 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007. Our other sources of working capital are cash on hand and funding from the revolving portion of our Credit Facility (as defined below). As of September 27, 2008, we had $39.5 million of cash available to meet our obligations. We had $25.0 million of borrowings available under the $25.0 million Revolver (as defined below) revolving portion of our Credit Facility, excluding $2.6 million letters of credit outstanding.

Payment on debt has been our principal financing activity. Cash flows used in financing activities were $1.7 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2008 and $30.1 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007, and related solely to the payment of debt.

Our working capital primarily consists of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, inventory, accounts payable and accrued expenses and was $21.2 million as of September 27, 2008. Our working capital was a deficit of $1.6 million as of December 29, 2007. The increase in working capital is primarily due to accumulation of cash as we have made no voluntary prepayments of our Credit Facility during the first three quarters of fiscal 2008. See further discussion of October Credit Amendment prepayment related to the 2008 Amendment in the Long-Term Debt section of the MD&A below.

Capital expenditures were $21.4 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2008 compared to $17.7 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 29, 2007. Capital expenditures for all of fiscal 2008 are projected to be approximately $27.5 million. Of the planned fiscal 2008 capital expenditures, approximately $12.6 million is related to commitments for new stores and approximately $14.9 million is expected to be for improvement of existing facilities and systems.

Based upon current operations, we believe that our cash flows from operations, together with borrowings that are available under the $25.0 million Revolver (as defined below) of our Credit Facility, will be adequate to meet our anticipated requirements for working capital, capital expenditures and scheduled principal and interest payments through the next twelve months with the exception of capital contributions from HVHC. Any such future contributions will be used for capital expenditures. Our ability to satisfy our financial covenants under our Credit Facility, meet our debt service obligations and reduce our debt will be dependent on our future performance, which, in turn, will be subject to general economic conditions and to financial, business, and other factors, including factors beyond our control. We believe that our ability to repay amounts outstanding under our Credit Facility and the Notes at maturity will likely require additional financing, which may not be available to us in the future on acceptable terms, if at all. A portion of our debt bears interest at floating rates; therefore, our financial condition is and will continue to be affected by changes in prevailing interest rates.

Long-Term Debt

Credit Facility

In March 2005, the Company entered into a credit agreement which provided for $165.0 million in term loans (the “Term Loan Facility”) and $25.0 million in revolving credit facilities (the “Revolver” and together with the Term Loan Facility, the “Credit Facility”). The borrowings under the Credit Facility together with the net proceeds from the offering of the Initial Notes and the equity investment of Moulin Global Eyecare Holdings Limited and Golden Gate Capital were used to: (i) pay a cash portion of the purchase price for the equity interests held by Thomas H. Lee Partners in us and sold to ECCA Holdings Corporation in March 2005, (ii) repay debt outstanding under a previous credit facility, (iii) retire old

 

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notes, (iv) pay the related tender premium and accrued interest and (v) pay the related transaction fees and expenses. The remainder of the Credit Facility is available to finance working capital requirements and general corporate purposes.

On December 21, 2006, we obtained an amendment and consent to our Credit Facility (the “2006 Amendment”). The 2006 Amendment primarily reduced the interest rate on the Credit Facility and changed several covenants. A prepayment of $25.0 million in principal was made in conjunction with the lenders’ approval of the 2006 Amendment and a prepayment of $9.0 million in principal was made in conjunction with the filing of the 2006 10-K in March, 2007, as required under the 2006 Amendment. Additional voluntary prepayments totaling $20.0 million were made throughout fiscal 2007.

On October 3, 2008, we entered into a Third Amendment and Consent to our Credit Facility (the “2008 Amendment”). The 2008 Amendment provides for an increase in the annual capital expenditures limit under the Credit Facility from $22 million to $28 million in consideration for (i) a $20 million prepayment of principal due under the loan terms made under the Credit Facility and (ii) an amendment fee of 10 basis points. The 2008 Amendment further provides that all capital contributions made to us by HVHC or its affiliates for the purposes of funding capital expenditures shall be excluded from the annual capital expenditure limit set forth in the Credit Facility. The prepayment of $20.0 million in principal was made on October 3, 2008. On October 9, 2008, HVHC provided us with a $5.0 million capital contribution to be utilized to fund improvements to our lab equipment and infrastructure. The 2008 Amendment was a subsequent event.

Amortization payments. Prior to the maturity date, funds borrowed under Revolver may be borrowed, repaid and re-borrowed, without premium or penalty. The Term Loan Facility began amortizing in the third quarter of fiscal year ended December 31, 2005 and continues through the date of maturity in fiscal 2012 according to the following schedule:

 

Year

   Amount
(in millions)
  

2008

     0.42

2009

     1.65

2010

     1.65

2011

     1.65

2012

     100.27
      
   $ 105.64
      

Interest. Our borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest at a floating rate, which can either be, at our option, a base rate or a Eurodollar rate, in each case plus an applicable margin. The base rate is defined as the higher of (i) the JPMorgan Chase Bank prime rate or (ii) the federal funds effective rate, plus one half percent (0.5%) per annum. The Eurodollar rate is defined as the rate for Eurodollar deposits for a period of one, two, three, six, nine or twelve months (as selected by us). The applicable margins are:

 

Facility

   Base Rate Margin     Eurodollar Margin  

Term Loan Facility

   1.50 %   2.50 %

Revolver

   1.75 %   2.75 %

 

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The applicable margin for borrowings under the Revolver will be determined pursuant to a pricing grid based on the attainment of certain leverage ratios. The applicable margins for borrowings under the Term Loan Facility are not subject to adjustment.

In addition to paying interest on outstanding principal under the Credit Facility, we are required to pay a commitment fee to the lenders under the Revolver in respect of the unutilized commitments thereunder at a rate equal to 0.50%. We will also pay customary letter of credit fees.

Security and guarantees. The Credit Facility is secured by a valid first-priority perfected lien or pledge on; (i) 100% of the capital stock of each of our present and future direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries; (ii) 65% of the capital stock of each of our future first-tier foreign subsidiaries; (iii) 100% of the capital stock of Eye Care Centers of America, Inc.; and (iv) substantially all our present and future property and assets and those of each guarantor, subject to certain exceptions. Our obligations under the Credit Facility are guaranteed by each of our existing and future direct and indirect domestic subsidiaries and ECCA Holdings.

Covenants. The Credit Facility documentation contains customary affirmative and negative covenants and financial covenants. During the term of the Credit Facility, the negative covenants restrict our ability to do certain things, including but not limited to:

 

   

incur additional indebtedness, including guarantees;

 

   

create, incur, assume or permit to exist liens on property and assets;

 

   

make loans and investments and enter into acquisitions and joint ventures;

 

   

engage in sales, transfers and other dispositions of our property or assets;

 

   

prepay, redeem or repurchase our debt (including the Notes), or amend or modify the terms of certain material debt (including the Notes) or certain other agreements;

 

   

declare or pay dividends to, make distributions to, or make redemptions and repurchases from, equity holders; and

 

   

agree to restrictions on the ability of our subsidiaries to pay dividends and make distributions.

The following financial covenants are included:

 

   

maximum consolidated leverage ratio;

 

   

maximum capital expenditures; and

 

   

minimum rent-adjusted interest coverage ratio.

As of September 27, 2008 we were in compliance with all of our financial covenants.

 

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Mandatory prepayment. Our mandatory prepayment for fiscal year 2006 was waived by the 2006 Amendment which required a $25 million prepayment at the time of the amendment, as well as a $9.0 million prepayment in March 2007. We also made voluntary prepayments of $10.0 million in both March and June 2007 and a voluntary prepayment of $20.0 million in October, 2008 in conjunction with the 2008 Amendment. We are required to make a mandatory annual prepayment of the Term Loan Facility in an amount equal to 75% of excess cash flows as defined in the Credit Facility, which percentage we expect to be reduced upon our achieving certain consolidated leverage ratios. In addition, we are required to make a mandatory prepayment of the Term Loan Facility with:

 

   

100% of the net cash proceeds of any property or asset sale or casualty, subject to certain exceptions and reinvestment rights;

 

   

100% of the net cash proceeds of certain debt issuances, subject to certain exceptions; and

 

   

50% of the net cash proceeds from the issuance of additional equity interests, subject to certain exceptions.

Mandatory prepayments will be applied to the Term Loan Facility, first to the scheduled installments of the Term Loan Facility occurring within the next 12 months in direct order of maturity, and second, ratably to the remaining installments of the Term Loan Facility. We may voluntarily repay outstanding loans under the Credit Facility at any time without premium or penalty, other than customary “breakage” costs (as defined in the Credit Facility) with respect to Eurodollar loans.

Notes

On February 4, 2005, we issued $152.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 10  3/4% Senior Subordinated Notes (the “Initial Notes”) due 2015. The Company filed a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission with respect to an offer to exchange the Initial Notes for notes which have terms substantially identical in all material respects to the Initial Notes, except such notes are freely transferable by the holders thereof and are issued without any covenant regarding registration (the “Notes”). The registration statement was declared effective on September 26, 2005. The exchange period ended October 31, 2005. The Notes are the only notes of the Company which are currently outstanding.

The Notes:

 

   

are general unsecured, senior subordinated obligations of the Company;

 

   

are limited to an aggregate principal amount of $152.0 million, subject to our ability to issue additional notes;

 

   

mature on February 15, 2015;

 

   

are subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future Senior Indebtedness (as defined in that certain Indenture between the Company and the Bank of New York as Trustee, dated February 4, 2005 (the “Indenture)) of the Company, including the Credit Facility;

 

   

rank equally in right of payment to any future Senior Subordinated Indebtedness (as defined in the Indenture) of the Company;

 

   

are unconditionally guaranteed on a senior subordinated basis by each existing Subsidiary (as defined in the Indenture) of the Company and any future Restricted Subsidiary (as defined in the Indenture) of the Company that is not a Foreign Subsidiary (as defined in the Indenture);

 

   

are effectively subordinated to any future Indebtedness (as defined in the Indenture) and other liabilities of Subsidiaries (as defined in the Indenture) of the Company that are not guaranteeing the notes;

 

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may default in the event there is a failure to make an interest or principal payment under the Credit Facility.

Interest. Interest on the Notes compounds semi-annually and:

 

   

accrues at the rate of 10.75% per annum;

 

   

accrues from the date of original issuance or, if interest has already been paid, from the most recent interest payment date;

 

   

is payable in cash semi-annually in arrears on February 15 and August 15;

 

   

is payable to the holders of record on the February 1 and August 1 immediately preceding the related interest payment dates; and

 

   

is computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months.

Optional redemption. At any time prior to February 15, 2010, the Company may redeem all or part of the Notes upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ prior notice at a redemption price equal to the sum of (i) 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus (ii) the Applicable Premium (as defined in the Indenture) as of the date of redemption, plus (iii) accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes, if any, to the date of redemption (subject to the right of holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date).

On and after February 15, 2010, the Company may redeem all or, from time to time, a part of the Notes upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice, at the following redemption prices (expressed as a percentage of principal amount) plus accrued and unpaid interest on the Notes, if any, to the applicable redemption date (subject to the right of holders of record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest payment date), if redeemed during the twelve-month period beginning on February 15 of the years indicated below:

 

YEAR

   REDEMPTION PRICE  

2010

   105.375 %

2011

   103.583 %

2012

   101.792 %

2013 and thereafter

   100.000 %

Covenants. The Notes contain customary affirmative and negative covenants including but not limited to:

 

   

payment of securities

 

   

limitation on indebtedness;

 

   

limitation on restricted payments;

 

   

limitation on liens;

 

   

initial and future subsidiary guarantors; and

 

   

change of control.

 

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In connection with the borrowings made under the Initial Notes, we incurred approximately $10.3 million in debt issuance costs. In conjunction with the Highmark Acquisition, the unamortized amount of debt issuance costs was included in goodwill and thus is no longer being amortized.

Off-balance sheet arrangements. As of September 27, 2008, our only off-balance sheet arrangements were letters of credit, in the amount of $2.6 million, issued under our Credit Facility primarily to insurance companies.

Future Capital Resources. Based upon current operations, anticipated cost savings and future growth, we believe that our cash flow from operations, together with borrowings currently available under the Revolver, are adequate to meet our anticipated requirements for working capital, capital expenditures and scheduled principal and interest payments through the next 12 months. Our ability to satisfy our financial covenants under the Credit Facility to meet our debt service obligations and to reduce our debt will depend on our future performance, which in turn, will be subject to general economic conditions and to financial, business, and other factors, including factors beyond our control. In the event we do not satisfy our financial covenants set forth in the Credit Facility, we may attempt to renegotiate the terms of the Credit Facility with our lenders for further amendments to, or waivers of, the financial covenants of the Credit Facility. We believe that our ability to repay the Credit Facility at maturity will likely require additional financing. We cannot assume that additional financing will be available to us. A portion of our debt bears interest at floating rates; therefore, our financial condition is and will continue to be affected by changes in prevailing interest rates.

Seasonality and Quarterly Results

Our sales fluctuate seasonally. Historically, our highest sales and earnings occur in the first and third fiscal quarters; therefore, quarterly results are not necessarily indicative of results for the entire year, and the opening of new stores may affect seasonal fluctuations.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We are exposed to various market risks. Market risk is the potential risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market prices and rates. We do not enter into derivative or other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. There has been no material changes in our market risk during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2008. For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2007 (“2007 Form 10-K”).

Our primary market risk exposure is interest rate risk. As of September 27, 2008, approximately $105.6 million of our long-term debt bore interest at variable rates. Accordingly, our net income is affected by changes in interest rates. For every one hundred basis point change in the average interest rate under our $105.6 million in long-term borrowings, our annual interest expense would change by approximately $1.1 million.

In the event of an adverse change in interest rates, we could take actions to mitigate our exposure. However, due to the uncertainty of the actions that would be taken and their possible effects, this analysis assumes no such actions.

 

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ITEM 4T. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13(a)-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon such evaluation, such officers have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of the end of such period.

There has been no change in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2008 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are a party to routine litigation in the ordinary course of our business. There are no such pending matters, individually or in the aggregate that we believe to be material to our business or our financial condition that have arisen during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2008. For further discussion, please refer to our 2007 Form 10-K.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the risk factors discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” in our 2007 Form 10-K, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 28, 2008. The risks described in our 2007 Form 10-K are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and operating results. In our judgment, there were no material changes in the risk factors as previously disclosed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors.”

 

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

(a) The following documents are filed as part of this report.

 

31.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2    Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

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SIGNATURE

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.

 

EYE CARE CENTERS OF AMERICA, INC.
Date: November 10, 2008

by: /s/ Jennifer L. Taylor

Jennifer L. Taylor
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

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