form10q.htm
 
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 30, 2010
OR

[   ]
Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the transition period from _____________ to _____________

Commission file number: 1-14128

EVI Logo
 
EMERGING VISION, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

NEW YORK
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

11-3096941
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

520 Eighth Avenue, 23rd Floor
New York, NY 10018
(Address and zip code of principal executive offices)


Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (646) 737-1500

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days:
Yes X
No  _

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files):
Yes__
No __

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, 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 __
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company X
 
 

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

As of November 15, 2010, there were 125,292,806 outstanding shares of the Issuer’s Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share.





 
 
 
 
 
 


TABLE OF CONTENTS
   
   
 
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35-36
 
 
37


 
 
 


PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements

EMERGING VISION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(In Thousands, Except Share Data)
 
   
September 30,
   
December 31,
 
  ASSETS  
2010
   
2009
 
   
(unaudited)
       
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 1,246     $ 1,576  
Franchise receivables, net of allowance of $129 and $188, respectively
    1,718       1,665  
Optical purchasing group receivables, net of allowance of $186 and $155, respectively
    5,952       4,594  
Other receivables, net of allowance of $44 and $15, respectively
    259       237  
Current portion of franchise notes receivable, net of allowance of $30 and $42, respectively
    256       221  
Inventories, net
    353       309  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    466       447  
Deferred tax assets
    171       276  
Total current assets
    10,421       9,325  
                 
Property and equipment, net
    754       872  
Franchise notes receivable
    326       290  
Deferred tax asset, net of current portion
    614       534  
Goodwill
    3,651       3,651  
Intangible assets, net
    2,704       2,839  
Other assets
    257       238  
Total assets
  $ 18,727     $ 17,749  

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
           
             
Current liabilities:
           
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
  $ 4,347     $ 4,564  
Optical purchasing group payables
    5,407       4,336  
Put option liability – related party
    700       700  
Short-term debt
    3,721       1,116  
Related party obligations
    336       334  
Total current liabilities
    14,511       11,050  
                 
Long-term debt
    24       3,792  
Related party borrowings, net of current portion
    -       83  
Franchise deposits and other liabilities
    299       262  
Total liabilities
    14,834       15,187  
                 
Commitments and contingencies
               
                 
Shareholders' equity:
               
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value per share; 5,000,000 shares authorized:  Senior Convertible Preferred Stock, $100,000 liquidation preference per share; 0.74 shares issued and outstanding
      74         74  
Common stock, $0.01 par value per share; 150,000,000 shares authorized; 125,475,143 and 128,992,938 shares issued, respectively, and 125,292,806 and 128,810,601 shares outstanding, respectively
      1,254         1,289  
Additional paid-in capital
    128,059       128,024  
Accumulated comprehensive loss
    (292 )     (150 )
Accumulated deficit
    (124,998 )     (126,471 )
Treasury stock, at cost, 182,337 shares
    (204 )     (204 )
Total shareholders' equity
    3,893       2,562  
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
  $ 18,727     $ 17,749  

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


 
 
 
EMERGING VISION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(Unaudited) (In Thousands, Except Per Share Data)
 
   
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
   
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
Revenues:
                       
Optical purchasing group sales
  $ 14,247     $ 13,657     $ 42,259     $ 39,022  
Franchise royalties
    1,358       1,350       4,229       4,250  
Membership fees – VisionCare of California
    915       893       2,696       2,640  
Retail sales – Company-owned stores
    644       551       2,277       1,581  
Franchise related fees and other revenues
    42       67       283       210  
Total revenues
    17,206       16,518       51,744       47,703  
                                 
Costs and operating expenses:
                               
Cost of optical purchasing group sales
    13,631       13,104       40,343       37,358  
Cost of retail sales – Company-owned stores
    198       162       609       421  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    2,971       3,838       9,277       10,289  
Total costs and operating expenses
    16,800       17,104       50,229       48,068  
                                 
Operating income (loss)
    406       (586 )     1,515       (365 )
                                 
Other (expense) income:
                               
Interest on franchise notes receivable
    10       7       25       20  
Other income, net
    16       8       182       67  
Interest expense, net
    (53 )     (55 )     (157 )     (170 )
Total other (expense) income
    (27 )     (40 )     50       (83 )
                                 
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes
    379       (626 )     1,565       (448 )
Provision for income taxes
    12       11       92       22  
Net income (loss)
    367       (637 )     1,473       (470 )
                                 
Comprehensive income (loss):
                               
Foreign currency translation adjustments
    36       74       (142 )     127  
Comprehensive income (loss)
  $ 403     $ (563 )   $ 1,331     $ (343 )
                                 
Net income (loss) per share:
                               
Basic and diluted
  $ 0.00     $ (0.00 )   $ 0.01     $ (0.00 )
                                 
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding:
                               
Basic
    125,293       128,816       127,577       126,480  
Diluted
    125,293       128,816       127,663       126,480  


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

 
 
 
EMERGING VISION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited) (Dollars in Thousands)
 
 
   
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income (loss)
  $ 1,473     $ (470 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    409       483  
Provision for doubtful accounts
    89       216  
Deferred tax assets
    25       -  
Loss on the sale of property and equipment
    28       68  
Disposal of property and equipment
    -       14  
Non-cash compensation charges related to put option liability
    -       700  
        Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Franchise and other receivables
    (97 )     (290 )
Optical purchasing group receivables
    (1,395 )     (1,532 )
Notes receivable
    (101 )     (2 )
Inventories
    (44 )     (1 )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    (19 )     (49 )
Other assets
    (4 )     (35 )
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
    (217 )     (78 )
Optical purchasing group payables
    1,071       1,425  
Franchise deposits and other liabilities
    37       (189 )
Net cash provided by operating activities
    1,255       260  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Settlement on accounts payable related to enhancing trademark value
    -       102  
Proceeds from sale of Company-owned store
    50       -  
Costs associated with enhancing trademark value
    -       (101 )
Purchases of property and equipment
    (189 )     (27 )
Net cash used in investing activities
    (139 )     (26 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Costs associated with extending credit facility
    (60 )     -  
Borrowings under credit facility
    -       150  
Payments under credit facility
    (1,150 )     (500 )
Payments on related party obligations and other debt
    (94 )     (338 )
Net cash used in financing activities
    (1,304 )     (688 )
Net decrease in cash before effect of foreign exchange rate changes
    (188 )     (454 )
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes
    (142 )     127  
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
    (330 )     (327 )
Cash and cash equivalents – beginning of period
    1,576       2,090  
Cash and cash equivalents – end of period
  $ 1,246     $ 1,763  
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
               
Cash paid during the period for:
               
Interest
  $ 148     $ 150  
Income taxes
  $ 26     $ 27  
                 
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
               
Notes receivable in connection with the sale of Company-owned stores (inclusive of all inventory and property and equipment)
  $ -     $ 44  
Notes receivable in connection with franchisee settlement (inclusive of all franchise related receivables)
  $ 143     $ 95  

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

 
 
 


EMERGING VISION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

NOTE 1 – ORGANIZATION:

Business

Emerging Vision, Inc. and subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company” or “EVI”) operates one of the largest chains of retail optical stores and one of the largest franchise optical chains in the United States, based upon management’s beliefs, domestic sales and the number of locations of Company-owned and franchised stores (collectively “Sterling Stores”).  The Company also targets retail optical stores within the United States and within Canada to become members of its two optical purchasing groups, Combine Buying Group, Inc. (“Combine”) and The Optical Group (“TOG”).  Additionally, the Company operates VisionCare of California, Inc. (“VCC”), a wholly owned subsidiary that is a specialized health care maintenance organization licensed by the State of California, Department of Managed Health Care.  VCC employs licensed optometrists who render services in offices located immediately adjacent to, or within, most Sterling Stores located in California.

As of September 30, 2010, there were 131 Sterling Stores in operation, consisting of seven Company-owned stores (inclusive of one store operated by a third party pursuant to a management agreement) and 124 franchised stores, 660 Combine members that made one or more purchases in September 2010, and 549 TOG members that made one or more purchases in September 2010.

Principles of Consolidation

The Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements include the accounts of Emerging Vision, Inc. and its operating and non-operating subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted for interim financial statement presentation and in accordance with Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”) for complete financial statement presentation.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments for a fair statement of the results of operations and financial position for the interim periods presented have been included.  All such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature.  This financial information should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009.

As of September 30, 2010, the Company had a working capital deficit of approximately $4,090,000 and an accumulated deficit of approximately $124,998,000.  The Company's working capital is not sufficient for the Company to conduct its short and long-term business operations.  These factors indicate that the Company may be unable to continue as a going concern if it is unsuccessful in extending its revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company (“M&T”), or if the Company is unable to find alternative means of financing.  If the Company is unable to extend the Credit Facility, the Company will have to seek additional debt or equity financing to fund its operations.  The Company is currently seeking new business opportunities that might, if successful, mitigate these factors.  The Company’s plans include the following: (1) obtaining additional capital from the sale of certain of the Company’s assets; (2) obtaining financing from various financial institutions, where possible; and (3) negotiating a long-term extension with M&T on the Company’s Credit Facility.    The Company has no current commitments or arrangements with respect to, or immediate sources of funding.  Further, there can be no assurances that funding is available or available to the Company on acceptable terms.  The Company’s inability to obtain funding could have a material adverse affect on the Company’s plan of operation and will continue to diminish the Company’s efforts and burden operating cash flow.


NOTE 2 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

Revenue Recognition

Revenues are recorded when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the Company’s prices to buyers are fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured.

The Company derives its revenues from the following five principal sources:

Optical purchasing group sales – Represents revenues generated by the sale of products and services, at discounted pricing, to optical purchasing group members;

Franchise royalties – Represents continuing franchise royalty fees based upon a percentage of the gross revenues generated by each franchised location.  To the extent that collectability of royalties is not reasonably assured, the Company recognizes such revenue when royalty payments are received;

Retail sales – Company-owned stores – Represents sales from eye-care products and related services generated at Company-owned stores;

Membership fees – VisionCare of California – Represents membership fees generated by VCC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, for optometric services provided to individual patients (members).

Franchise related fees and other revenues – Represents certain franchise fees collected by the Company under the terms of franchise agreements (including, but not limited to, initial franchise, transfer, renewal and conversion fees).  Initial franchise fees, which are non-refundable, are recognized when the related franchise agreement is signed.  For the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company recognized $30,000 and $55,000, respectively, of such franchise related fees.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company recognized $160,000 and $195,000, respectively, of such franchise related fees.

Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income is defined as the change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances other than those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners.  The Company’s only comprehensive income item is the cumulative translation adjustment arising from the translation of foreign currency denominated financial statements.

Foreign Currency Translation

The financial position and results of operations of TOG were measured using TOG’s local currency (Canadian Dollars) as the functional currency.  Balance sheet accounts are translated from the foreign currency into U.S. Dollars at the period-end rate of exchange.  Income and expenses are translated at the weighted average rates of exchange for the period.  The resulting $36,000 and $74,000 translation gain from the conversion of Canadian Dollars to U.S. Dollars is included as a component of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and the resulting $142,000 translation loss and $127,000 translation gain from the conversion of Canadian Dollars to U.S. Dollars is included as a component of Comprehensive Income for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.  Each of the translation adjustments are recorded directly to accumulated comprehensive loss within the Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes under the liability method as required by GAAP.  Under the liability method the income tax effect of transactions are recorded in the same year that the transactions occur to determine net income, regardless of when the transactions are recognized for tax purposes.  Deferred taxes are provided to reflect the income tax effects of amounts included in the Company’s financial statements in different periods than for tax purposes, based on the differences between the financial statement and income tax basis of assets and liabilities.

GAAP requires that, in applying the liability method, the financial statement effects of an uncertain tax position be recognized based on the outcome that is more likely than not to occur.  Under this criterion the most likely resolution of an uncertain tax position should be analyzed based on technical merits and on the outcome that will likely be sustained under examination.  There were no adjustments related to uncertain tax positions recognized during the nine months September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

The Company operates in multiple tax jurisdictions within the United States of America and Canada.  Although management does not believe that the Company is currently under examination in any major tax jurisdiction in which it operates, the Company remains subject to examination in all of those tax jurisdictions until the applicable statutes of limitation expire.  As of September 30, 2010, a summary of the tax years that remains subject to examination in the Company’s major tax jurisdictions are:  United States – Federal and State – 2006 and forward; and Canada – Federal and Provincial – 2005 and forward.  The Company does not expect to have a material change to unrecognized tax positions within the next twelve months.

The provision for income taxes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 reflects the Company’s estimated utilization of net operating loss carryforwards resulting in an effective tax rate that is lower than the federal and state statutory income tax rate.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the dates of such financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.  Significant estimates made by management include, but are not limited to, allowances on franchise, notes and other receivables, allowances on optical purchasing group receivables, costs of current and potential litigation, impairment of long-lived assets, and the allowance on deferred tax assets

Reclassification

Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year’s consolidated condensed financial statements to conform to the current year presentation.


NOTE 3 – PER SHARE INFORMATION:

Basic earnings per share of common stock (“Basic EPS”) is computed by dividing the net income by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding.  Diluted earnings per share of common stock (“Diluted EPS”) is computed by dividing the net income by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock, and dilutive common stock equivalents and convertible securities then outstanding.  GAAP requires the presentation of both Basic EPS and Diluted EPS on the face of the Company’s Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.  Common stock equivalents totaling 18,510,519 and 11,693,377 were excluded from the computation of Diluted EPS for the three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, and 18,110,519 and 11,693,377 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively, as their effect on the computation of Diluted EPS would have been anti-dilutive.

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted per share information (in thousands except net income per share):

   
For the Three Months Ended September 30,
   
For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Numerator:
                       
Net income (loss):
  $ 367     $ (637 )   $ 1,473     $ (470 )
                                 
Denominator:
                               
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding
    125,293       128,816       127,577       126,480  
Dilutive effect of stock options
    -       -       86       -  
Weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding, assuming dilution
    125,293       128,816       127,663       126,480  
                                 
Net income (loss) per share:
                               
Basic and diluted
  $ 0.00     $ (0.00 )   $ 0.01     $ (0.00 )
 

NOTE 4 – CREDIT FACILITY:

On August 8, 2007, the Company entered into a Revolving Line of Credit Note and Credit Agreement with M&T, establishing a Credit Facility for aggregate borrowings of up to $6,000,000, which was subsequently amended on November 11, 2009 to $5,750,000. On March 31, 2010, the Company extended and modified the Credit Facility and entered into a Non-Revolving Line of Credit Note and Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), which is secured by substantially all of the assets of the Company. The Credit Agreement expires on April 30, 2011. The Credit Agreement includes a Letter of Credit limit of $745,067, of which the Company is utilizing the entire $745,067 to hold letters of credit in favor of two key vendors of Combine to ensure payment of any outstanding invoices not paid by Combine, as well as in favor of the landlord of the Company’s corporate office for the rent security deposit.  In October 2010, Combine obtained reductions in the total amount needed to hold for such vendors from $700,000 to $500,000.  As of the date of this filing, the Company is utilizing $545,067 of the Letter of Credit limit.  Additionally, the Company had outstanding borrowings of $3,206,854 as of September 30, 2010, which is repayable, interest only, on a monthly basis, commencing on the first day of each month during the term of the Credit Facility, calculated at the variable rate of three hundred fifty (350) basis points in excess to LIBOR with a minimum rate of 4.5%, with all unpaid principal due on April 30, 2011.

The Company also executed a $1,000,000 Libor Term Note (the “Term Note”) in favor of M&T, dated as of March 31, 2010, which provides for twelve equal, monthly principal payments of $83,333, plus interest, due on the last day of each month during the term of the Term Note, which matures on April 30, 2011. The interest is calculated at the variable rate of three hundred fifty (350) basis points in excess of LIBOR (unless converted by M&T to a base rate) with a minimum rate of 4.5%. In connection with the Term Note, the Company paid $200,000 to M&T on March 31, 2010 to reduce the outstanding borrowings and paid $500,000 during the second and third quarters of 2010 to reduce the principal balance due on the Term Note to $500,000 as of September 30, 2010.
 
 
On June 17, 2010, the Company and M&T amended the Credit Facility in which M&T released its second lien security interest in the assets of Combine until such time as Combine’s existing indebtedness to Combine Optical Management Corporation (the “COMC Indebtedness”) is satisfied or otherwise terminated.  In consideration of such release, the Company paid $150,000 towards the Line of Credit balance and agreed to make an additional payment of $150,000 to be applied towards the Line of Credit balance, which payment was made on September 3, 2010.  Pursuant to the amendment, upon satisfaction or termination of the COMC Indebtedness, Combine agreed to grant M&T a first lien security interest in all of its assets.

As of September 30, 2010, the Company had outstanding borrowings of $3,706,854 under the Credit Facility, of which the entire amount is included in Short-term Debt on the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheet. The Credit Facility also included various financial covenants as of December 31, 2010 including minimum net worth, maximum funded debt and debt service ratio requirements. In connection with the modified Credit Agreement, new financial covenants were established including to (i) maintain a minimum net worth to be met quarterly, effective March 31, 2010; (ii) have no net losses to be tested quarterly, effective March 31, 2010;  and (iii) attain a minimum earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) of $500,000 for the three month period ended June 30, 2010 and $400,000 for the three month period ended September 30, 2010.  As of September 30, 2010, the Company was in compliance with all such covenants.

The Company is no longer able to borrow additional amounts under the terms of modified Credit Agreement. As  such, the Company is currently exploring and will to continue to explore certain options available to it including refinancing such debt prior to April 2011. The Company may not be able to extend or refinance the debt, and it cannot guarantee that extending or refinancing the debt will be on terms favorable to the Company.


NOTE 5 – SEGMENT REPORTING

Business Segments

Operating segments are organized internally primarily by the type of services provided, and in accordance with GAAP.  The Company has aggregated similar operating characteristics into six reportable segments: (1) Optical Purchasing Group Business, (2) Franchise, (3) Company Store, (4) VisionCare of California, (5) Corporate Overhead and (6) Other.

(1) The Optical Purchasing Group Business segment consists of the operations of Combine and TOG.  Revenues generated by this segment represent the sale of products and services, at discounted pricing, to Combine and TOG members.  The businesses in this segment are able to use their membership count to get better discounts from vendors than a member could obtain on its own.  Expenses include direct costs for such products and services, salaries and related benefits, depreciation and amortization, interest expense on financing these acquisitions, and allocated overhead.

(2) The Franchise segment consists of 124 franchise locations as of September 30, 2010 and 131 locations as of September 30, 2009.  Revenues generated by this segment represent royalties on the total sales of the franchise locations, other franchise related fees such as initial franchise, transfer, renewal and conversion fees, additional royalties in connection with franchise store audits, and interest charged on franchise financing.  Expenses include the salaries and related benefits/expenses of the Company’s franchise field support team, corporate office salaries and related benefits, convention and trade show expenses, consulting fees, and allocated overhead.

(3) The Company Store segment consists of seven Company-owned retail optical stores as of September 30, 2010 (inclusive of one store operated by a third party pursuant to a management agreement) and five stores as of September 30, 2009.  Revenues generated by these stores are from sales of eye care products and services including prescription and non-prescription eyeglasses, eyeglass frames, ophthalmic lenses, contact lenses, sunglasses and a broad range of ancillary items.  Expenses include the direct costs for the eye care products, doctor and store staff salaries and related benefits, rent, advertising, and allocated overhead.

(4) The VisionCare of California segment consists of optometric services provided to patients (members) of those franchise retail optical stores located in the state of California.  Revenues consist of membership fees generated for optometric services provided to individual patients (members).  Expenses include salaries and related benefits for the doctors that render such optometric services, and allocated overhead.

(5) The Corporate Overhead segment consists of expenses not allocated to one of the other segments.  There are no revenues generated by this segment.  Expenses include costs associated with being a publicly traded company (including salaries and related benefits, professional fees, regulatory compliance, board of director fees, and director and officer insurance), other salaries and related benefits, rent, other professional fees, and depreciation and amortization.

(6) The Other segment includes revenues and expenses from other business activities that do not fall within one of the other reportable segments.  Revenues generated by this segment consist of the sales of contact lenses from a retail, limited access facility the Company operates, which is located within a non-affiliated retail optical center.  Revenues generated by this segment also include the sales of eye care products and services, as described in the Company Store segment above, within transitional locations.  Transitional locations could include a Company-owned location that is being sold to a Franchisee or a Franchise-owned location that is being taken back by the Company.  These locations are in a transition period where operations are being wound down or built up and therefore would be improperly compared to stores in the other reportable segments.  Expenses include the direct costs for such eye care products, doctor and store staff salaries and related benefits, rent, advertising, and allocated overhead.

 
 
 
Certain business segment information is as follows (in thousands):

   
As of
September 30,
2010
   
As of December 31, 2009
 
   
(unaudited)
       
Total Assets:
           
     Optical Purchasing Group Business
  $ 11,980     $ 11,161  
     Franchise
    5,093       4,915  
     Company Store
    801       655  
     VisionCare of California
    556       630  
     Corporate Overhead
    289       386  
     Other
    8       2  
Total assets
  $ 18,727     $ 17,749  

Total Goodwill:
           
     Optical Purchasing Group Business
  $ 2,385     $ 2,385  
     Franchise
    1,266       1,266  
     Company Store
    -       -  
     VisionCare of California
    -       -  
     Corporate Overhead
    -       -  
     Other
    -       -  
Total goodwill
  $ 3,651     $ 3,651  

Total Intangible Assets:
           
     Optical Purchasing Group Business
  $ 1,750     $ 1,885  
     Franchise
    954       954  
     Company Store
    -       -  
     VisionCare of California
    -       -  
     Corporate Overhead
    -       -  
     Other
    -       -  
Total intangible assets
  $ 2,704     $ 2,839  

 
 
 
 


   
For the Three Months
Ended September 30,
   
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
 
 
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Net Revenues:
                       
     Optical Purchasing Group Business
  $ 14,247     $ 13,657     $ 42,259     $ 39,022  
     Franchise
    1,388       1,405       4,389       4,445  
     VisionCare of California
    915       893       2,696       2,640  
     Company Store
    644       551       2,277       1,581  
     Corporate Overhead
    -       -       -       -  
     Other
    12       12       123       15  
Net revenues
  $ 17,206     $ 16,518     $ 51,744     $ 47,703  
 
Income (loss) before Provision for Income Taxes:
                               
     Optical Purchasing Group Business
  $ 213     $ (535 )   $ 827     $ (157 )
     Franchise
    982       623       2,961       1,812  
     VisionCare of California
    22       12       34       41  
     Company Store
    (109 )     (273 )     (137 )     (505 )
     Corporate Overhead
    (709 )     (451 )     (2,051 )     (1,640 )
     Other
    (20 )     (2 )     (69 )     1  
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes
  $ 379     $ (626 )   $ 1,565     $ (448 )
                                 
Depreciation and Amortization:
                               
     Optical Purchasing Group Business
  $ 70     $ 77     $ 213     $ 230  
     Franchise
    13       71       46       191  
     VisionCare of California
    4       5       15       16  
     Company Store
    17       13       47       46  
     Corporate Overhead
    29       -       78       -  
     Other
    1       -       10       -  
Total depreciation and amortization
  $ 134     $ 166     $ 409     $ 483  
                                 
Interest Expense, Net:
                               
     Optical Purchasing Group Business
  $ 43     $ 44     $ 125     $ 133  
     Franchise
    3       11       11       37  
     VisionCare of California
    -       -       -       -  
     Company Store
    -       -       -       -  
     Corporate Overhead
    7       -       21       -  
     Other
    -       -       -       -  
Total interest expense, net
  $ 53     $ 55     $ 157     $ 170  

                         
Capital Expenditures:
                       
     Optical Purchasing Group Business
  $ 25     $ -     $ 33     $ -  
     Franchise
    3       5       7       13  
     VisionCare of California
    1       -       1       -  
     Company Store
    18       -       56       3  
     Corporate Overhead
    9       4       92       11  
     Other
    -       -       -       -  
Total capital expenditures
  $ 56     $ 9     $ 189     $ 27  

 
 
 


Geographic Information

The Company also operates in two separate geographic areas; the United States and Canada.  Certain geographic information is as follows (in thousands):

   
For the Three Months
Ended September 30,
   
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Net Revenues:
                       
     United States
  $ 6,200     $ 6,269     $ 19,772     $ 19,667  
     Canada
    11,006       10,249       31,972       28,036  
Net revenues
  $ 17,206     $ 16,518     $ 51,744     $ 47,703  
                                 
Income (Loss) before Provision for Income Taxes:
                               
     United States
  $ 168     $ (843 )   $ 782     $ (1,147 )
     Canada
    211       217       783       699  
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes
  $ 379     $ (626 )   $ 1,565     $ (448 )

The geographic information on Canada consists of TOG’s business activities.

Additional geographic information is summarized as follows as of September 30, 2010 (in thousands):

   
As of
September 30,
2010
   
As of December 31, 2009
 
   
(unaudited)
       
Total Assets:
           
     United States
  $ 14,139     $ 14,195  
     Canada
    4,588       3,554  
Total assets
  $ 18,727     $ 17,749  


Total Goodwill:
           
     United States
  $ 3,651     $ 3,651  
     Canada
    -       -  
Total goodwill
  $ 3,651     $ 3,651  


Total Intangible Assets, net:
           
     United States
  $ 2,704     $ 2,839  
     Canada
    -       -  
Total intangible assets, net
  $ 2,704     $ 2,839  



 
 
 
 


Additional geographic information is summarized as follows for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 (in thousands):

   
For the Three Months
Ended September 30,
   
For the Nine Months
Ended September 30,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Depreciation and Amortization:
                       
     United States
  $ 123     $ 164     $ 398     $ 475  
     Canada
    11       2       11       8  
Total depreciation and amortization
  $ 134     $ 166     $ 409     $ 483  
                                 
Interest Expense, net:
                               
     United States
  $ 53     $ 55     $ 157     $ 170  
     Canada
    -       -       -       -  
Interest expense, net
  $ 53     $ 55     $ 157     $ 170  
                                 
                                 
Capital Expenditures:
                               
     United States
  $ 56     $ 9     $ 189     $ 27  
     Canada
    -       -       -       -  
Capital expenditures
  $ 56     $ 9     $ 189     $ 27  



NOTE 6 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

Litigation

In March 2010, Shoppes at Isla Verde, Ltd. commenced an action against the Company and its subsidiary Sterling Vision of Royal Palm Beach, Inc., in the Circuit Court of the State of Florida, Palm Beach County, alleging, among other things, that the Company had breached its obligations under its lease for the former Sterling Optical store located in Wellington, Florida.  The Company believes that it has a meritorious defense to such action.  As of the date hereof, these proceedings were in the discovery stage.  The Company has recorded an accrual for probable losses in the event that the Company shall be held liable in respect of plaintiff’s claims, and the Company does not believe that it is reasonably possible that such loss would exceed the amount accrued.

In June 2010, the Company and its subsidiary, Combine (collectively referred to as the “Company”), filed an action in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida against Neil Glachman (former President of Combine, referred to as “Glachman”), Combine Optical Management Corporation (owned by Glachman, referred to as “COMC”), James Lashenick (former bookkeeper of Combine) and various entities which Glachman purportedly owns and/or operates (collectively referred to as the “Defendants”).  The Company claims, amongst other things, that (i) Glachman and COMC breached the terms of the Asset Purchase Agreement with the Company (“APA”); (ii) Glachman breached his Employment Agreement and his common law fiduciary duty of loyalty; and (iii) the various Glachman entities, COMC and Mr. Lashenick aided such breach of fiduciary duty.  The Defendants, in their Answer, asserted defenses to the Company’s claims, and Glachman and COMC asserted counterclaims against the Company, including, amongst others, that the Company (i) breached the Security Agreement executed in connection with the APA; (ii) anticipatorily breached  the APA; and (iii) breached the Employment Agreement with Glachman by terminating him.  The Defendants seek injunctive relief, as well as monetary damages, assurances of the Company’s obligation of payment on Glachman’s $700,000 Put Option, assurances of the Company’s obligation of payment under the terms of the $225,000 promissory note that was due October 1, 2010, and costs and attorney fees.  The Company has not recorded an accrual for a loss in this action, as the Company does not believe it is probable that the Company will be held liable in respect of Defendant’s counterclaims, however, the Company has accrued for the $700,000 Put Option and $225,000 promissory note payment, both of which are included in the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2010.  The Company believes that it has a meritorious defense to such counterclaims.  As of the date hereof, these proceedings were in the discovery stage.

In addition to the foregoing, in the ordinary course of business, the Company is a defendant in certain lawsuits alleging various claims incurred, certain of which claims are covered by various insurance policies, subject to certain deductible amounts and maximum policy limits.  In the opinion of management, the resolution of these claims should not have a material adverse effect, individually or in the aggregate, upon the Company’s business or financial condition.

Although the Company believes that it has a meritorious defense to the claims asserted against it (and its affiliates), given the uncertain outcomes generally associated with litigation, there can be no assurance that the Company’s (and its affiliates’) defense of such claims will always be successful.

Guarantees

As of September 30, 2010, the Company was a guarantor of certain leases of retail optical stores franchised and subleased to its franchisees.  Such guarantees generally expire one year from the month the rent was last paid.  In the event that all of such franchisees defaulted on their respective subleases, the Company would be obligated for aggregate lease obligations of approximately $2,402,000.  The Company continually evaluates the credit-worthiness of its franchisees in order to determine their ability to continue to perform under their respective subleases.  Additionally, in the event that a franchisee defaults under its sublease, the Company has the right to take over operation of the respective location.

Employment Agreements

The Company entered into an Employment Agreement (the “Spina Employment Agreement”) with Glenn Spina, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and President, which began on December 1, 2009 and extends through December 31, 2012.  The Spina Employment Agreement provides for an annual salary of $250,000 and certain other benefits.  Additionally, Mr. Spina will also be eligible for annual bonus compensation of 5% of our EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciations and amortization) of greater than $2,000,000 during the associated fiscal year.

In the event the Spina Employment Agreement is terminated by the Company for certain reasons provided for in the Spina Employment Agreement, Mr. Spina shall be entitled to (i) a prorated share of his annual base compensation of $250,000 for the lesser of (x) 6 months or (y) the number of months until the end of the term and (ii) the Performance Bonus (as defined in the Spina Employment Agreement), if any, prorated for the year in which such termination occurs.

Additionally, in connection with the acquisition of Combine, the Company entered into a five-year Employment Agreement (the “Glachman Employment Agreement”) with Neil Glachman.  The Glachman Employment Agreement provides for the payment of an annual salary of $210,000, certain other benefits, and an annual bonus based upon certain financial targets of Combine.  On June 10, 2010, the Company terminated Mr. Glachman’s employment with the Company for “Cause” as defined in the Glachman Employment Agreement.  On June 14, 2010, Mr. Glachman notified the Company that the reasons for his termination were contested.  The Company is currently continuing to pay Mr. Glachman’s salary in accordance with the Glachman Employment Agreement.


NOTE 7 – EQUITY TRANSACTIONS:

Registration Statement

On July 29, 2010, the Company filed a registration statement on Form S-8, as required under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, to register an additional 7,208,220 shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $.01 per share, issuable to Christopher G. Payan, the former CEO of the Company, pursuant to his Option Agreement under the Sterling Vision, Inc. 1995 Stock Incentive Plan.

Glachman Put Option

On September 29, 2010, Neil Glachman sent notice informing the Company that he was exercising his Put Right pursuant to his Option Agreement and demanding the associated payment of $700,000, which the Company has recorded as a liability as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009.  Due to the pending litigation with Mr. Glachman as described in Note 6, the Company has not recognized the exercise.

NOTE 8 – SUBSEQUENT EVENTS:

The Company has evaluated subsequent events from the balance sheet date through the date the accompanying financial statements became available to be issued.  The following are material subsequent events.

Letter of Credits

On October 8, 2010, Combine extended the two letters of credit with M&T Bank in favor of two of Combine’s key vendors.  The letters of credit were extended for one-year terms and will expire in September 2011 and November 2011, respectively.  The letters of credit were also reduced by $200,000 and now total $500,000.  They are both still secured by the Credit Facility with M&T Bank.

Glachman Note Demand

On October 6, 2010, the Company received a letter from attorneys representing Neil Glachman and Combine Optical Management Corporation (“COMC”) demanding the acceleration and immediate payment of the promissory notes due to COMC in connection with the Company’s acquisition of COMC in August 2006.  Due to the pending litigation with Mr. Glachman, as described in Note 6, the Company has not made any such payments.

There were no other significant subsequent events requiring disclosure.

 
 


 
 
 
 

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

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (the “Report”) contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the federal securities laws.  The events described in forward-looking statements contained in this Report may not occur.  Generally, these statements relate to our business plans or strategies, projected or anticipated benefits or other consequences of our plans or strategies, financing plans, projected or anticipated benefits from acquisitions that we may make, or projections involving anticipated revenues, earnings or other aspects of our operating results or financial position, and the outcome of any contingencies.  Any such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections of management.  We intend for these forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe-harbor provisions for forward-looking statements.  Words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “project,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” and “continue,” and their opposites and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  We caution you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and are subject to a number of uncertainties, risks and other influences, many of which are beyond the Company’s control, which may influence the accuracy of the statements and the projections upon which the statements are based.  Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those set forth or implied by any forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, economic conditions, the implication of “penny stock rules,” prospective conflicts of interest, reliance on franchisees and other outside parties, market competition, regulatory issues, reliance on computer systems, our potential inability to service debt obligations, foreign currency risks and those certain risk factors detailed in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, as well as other risks and uncertainties discussed in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Copies of these filings are available at www.sec.gov.

Any one or more of these uncertainties, risks and other influences could materially affect our results of operations and whether forward-looking statements made by us ultimately prove to be accurate.  Our actual results, performance and achievements could differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements.  We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether from new information, future events or otherwise.

Segment results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009

Consolidated Segment Results

Our total revenue increased approximately $688,000, or 4.2%, to $17,206,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to $16,518,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2009, and increased approximately $4,041,000, or 8.5%, to $51,744,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to $47,703,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  These increases were mainly a result of the increase in Optical Purchasing Group revenues during the comparable periods due to the addition of two new suppliers in Canada during 2010 that generated approximately $1.4 million of revenues, and the currency fluctuation between the U.S. and Canadian dollars which improved by approximately 14%.  Additionally, we experienced an increase in the average number of Company-owned stores in operation from five for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to six for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, which resulted in increased revenues for the Company stores.  Same store sales for the comparable Company stores increased 23.6%.

Our total costs and operating expenses decreased approximately $304,000, or 1.8%, to $16,800,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to $17,104,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2009, and increased approximately $2,161,000, or 4.5%, to $50,229,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to $48,068,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  The decrease during the three month comparable period was mainly due to the charge to share-based compensation expense of $700,000 in September 2009 due to the recognition of 2,187,500 options that the President of Combine can put back to us at a price per share of $0.32.  The increase for the nine months was mainly a result of the increases in certain revenues as described above, offset, in part, by various personnel and the related overhead reductions, changes to the product mix and advertising initiatives within the Company-owned locations and decreased costs related to our decision not to exhibit at the two Vision Expo Trade Shows and not to hold an Annual Franchise convention.

We have provided a more substantive analysis on the period fluctuations within each of the following segment tables and the related disclosures.
 

 
Optical Purchasing Group Business Segment
 
   
For the Nine Months Ended September 30 (in thousands):
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Net Revenues:
                       
Optical purchasing group sales
  $ 14,247     $ 13,657     $ 590       4.3 %
Cost of optical purchasing group sales
    13,631       13,104       527       4.0 %
Gross margin
    616       553       63       11.4 %
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses:
                               
Salaries and related benefits
    89       109       (20 )     (18.3 %)
Depreciation and amortization
    70       77       (7 )     (9.1 %)
Rent and related overhead
    70       57       13       22.8 %
Credit card and bank fees
    44       38       6       15.8 %
Professional fees      
    19       64       (45     (70.3 %)
Relocation expenses
    38       -       38       n/a  
Bad debt
    30       24       6       25.0 %
Compensation expense
    -       700       (700 )     (100.0 %)
Other general and administrative costs
    6       8       (2 )     (25.0 %)
Total selling, general and administrative expenses
    366       1,077       (711 )     (66.0 %)
Operating Income (Loss)
    250       (524 )     774       147.7 %

Other Income (Expense):
                       
Other income
    6       33       (27 )     (81.8 %)
Interest expense, net
    (43 )     (44 )     1       2.3 %
Total other expense
    (37 )     (11 )     (26 )     (236.4 %)
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes
  $ 213     $ (535 )   $ 748       139.8 %


   
For the Nine Months Ended September 30 (in thousands):
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Net Revenues:
                       
Optical purchasing group sales
  $ 42,259     $ 39,022     $ 3,237       8.3 %
Cost of optical purchasing group sales
    40,343       37,358       2,985       8.0 %
Gross margin
    1,916       1,664       252       15.1 %
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses:
                               
Salaries and related benefits
    325       340       (15 )     (4.4 %)
Depreciation and amortization
    213       230       (17 )     (7.4 %)
Rent and related overhead
    194       172       22       12.8 %
Professional fees
    107       137       (30 )     (21.9 %)
Credit card and bank fees
    106       84       22       26.2 %
Relocation expenses
    55       -       55       n/a  
Bad debt
    14       115       (101 )     (87.8 %)
Compensation expense
    -       700       (700 )     (100.0 %)
Other general and administrative costs
    23       25       (2 )     (8.0 %)
Total selling, general and administrative expenses
    1,037       1,803       (766 )     (42.5 %)
Operating Income (Loss)
    879       (139 )     1,018       732.4 %

Other Income (Expense):
                       
Other income
    73       115       (42 )     (36.5 %)
Interest expense
    (125 )     (133 )     8       6.0 %
Total other expense
    (52 )     (18 )     (34 )     (188.9 %)
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes
  $ 827     $ (157 )   $ 984       626.8 %
 
 
Optical Purchasing Group revenues increased approximately $590,000, or 4.3%, to $14,247,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to $13,657,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2009, and increased approximately $3,237,000 or 8.3%, to $42,259,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to $39,022,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  These increases were due to stronger sales generated at The Optical Group (“TOG”) due to increased membership as well as new vendors programs initiated in the first nine months 2010.  As of September 30, 2010, there were 549 members that made one or more purchases in September 2010, as compared to 539 members that made one or more purchases in September 2009.  Additionally, we benefited from a favorable fluctuation of the foreign currency exchange rate between the Canadian and U.S. Dollar.  The rate averaged $0.97 USD for every Canadian Dollar during the first nine months of 2010, as compared to $0.85 USD for every Canadian Dollar during the first nine months of 2009.  Individually, TOG revenues increased approximately $757,000, or 7.4%, to $11,006,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to $10,249,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2009, and increased approximately $3,936,000, or 14.0%, to $31,972,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to $28,036,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  Individually, Combine’s revenues decreased approximately $274,000, or 8.2%, to $3,048,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to $3,322,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2009, and decreased approximately $697,000, or 6.6%, to $9,839,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to $10,536,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  These decreases were due to a decrease in membership.  As of September 30, 2010, there were 660 members that made one or more purchases in September 2010, as compared to 824 members that made one or more purchases in September 2009.

Costs of Optical Purchasing Group sales increased approximately $527,000, or 4.0%, to $13,631,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to $13,104,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2009, and increased approximately $2,985,000, or 8.0%, to $40,343,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to $37,358,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  Individually, TOG’s cost of sales increases approximately $721,000, or 7.3%, to $10,645,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to $9,925,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2009, and increased approximately $3,803,000, or 14.1%, to $30,851,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to $27,048,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  Individually, Combine’s cost of sales decreased approximately $290,000, or 9.3%, to $2,824,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to $3,114,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2009, and decreased approximately $743,000, or 7.5%, to $9,134,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to $9,877,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  Both of these decreases were a direct result of, and proportionate to, the revenue fluctuations described above.

Selling, general and administrative expenses of the Optical Purchasing Group segment decreased approximately $711,000, or 66.0%, to $366,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to $1,077,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2009, and decreased approximately $766,000, or 42.5%, to $1,037,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to $1,803,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  These decreases were mainly a result of recognizing $700,000 in compensation expense related to the put-option for Neil Glachman in 2009, and a $30,000 decrease in professional fees due to no longer utilizing the Combine bookkeeper and diminished use of the Combine collection services in 2010.  Additionally, there was a $20,000 decrease in salaries and related benefits due to terminating the staff and President of Combine in June 2010 due to relocating the billing system to the New York corporate office.  These decreases were offset, in part, by an increase in relocation expenses due to sending corporate personnel down to Florida to run the day-to-day business of Combine while beginning the process to relocate Combine’s billing system in mid-July.  Additionally, TOG incurred certain one-time expenses related to the relocation of TOG’s offices at the end of December 2009, and TOG’s total expenses increased due to the exchange rate fluctuations described above.

Other income includes interest on past due invoices (finance charges) for TOG and Combine members who have not paid for their respective purchases in a timely manner.  Interest expense relates to payments made under our Credit Facility with M&T, and payments on our related party debt (the debt associated with the purchase financing with the previous owner and former President of Combine).


 
 
 
Franchise Segment

   
For the Three Months Ended September 30 (in thousands):
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Net Revenues:
                       
Royalties
  $ 1,358     $ 1,350     $ 8       0.6 %
Franchise and other related fees
    30       55       (25 )     (45.5 %)
Net revenues
    1,388       1,405       (17 )     (1.2 %)
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses:
                               
Salaries and related benefits
    171       343       (172 )     (50.1 %)
Professional fees
    86       127       (41 )     (32.3 %)
Rent and related overhead
    54       92       (38 )     (41.3 %)
POS system installation costs
    34       18       16       88.9 %
Bad debt
    29       -       29       n/a  
Convention and trade show expenses
    14       35       (21 )     (60.0 %)
Depreciation
    13       71       (58 )     (81.7 %)
Other general and administrative costs
    21       62       (41 )     (66.1 %)
Total selling, general and administrative expenses
    422       748       (326 )     (43.6 %)
Operating Income
    966       657       309       47.0 %

Other Income (Expense):
                       
Interest on franchise notes receivable
    10       7       3       42.9 %
Other income (expense), net
    9       (30 )     39       130.0 %
Interest expense, net
    (3 )     (11 )     8       72.7 %
Total other income (expense)
    16       (34 )     50       147.1 %
Income before provision for income taxes
  $ 982     $ 623     $ 359       57.6 %


   
For the Nine Months Ended September 30 (in thousands):
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Net Revenues:
                       
Royalties
  $ 4,229     $ 4,250     $ (21 )     (0.5 %)
Franchise and other related fees
    160       195       (35 )     (17.9 %)
Net revenues
    4,389       4,445       (56 )     (1.3 %)
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses:
                               
Salaries and related benefits
    665       1,054       (389 )     (36.9 %)
Professional fees
    421       409       12       2.9 %
Rent and related overhead
    195       366       (171 )     (46.7 %)
POS system installation costs
    77       42       35       83.3 %
Bad debt
    47       66       (19 )     (28.8 %)
Depreciation
    46       191       (145 )     (75.9 %)
Convention and trade show expenses
    38       211       (173 )     (82.0 %)
Other general and administrative costs
    59       212       (153 )     (72.2 %)
Total selling, general and administrative expenses
    1,548       2,551       (1,003 )     (39.3 %)
Operating Income
    2,841       1,894       947       50.0 %

Other Income (Expense):
                       
Interest on franchise notes receivable
    25       20       5       25.0 %
Other income (expense), net
    106       (65 )     171       263.1 %
Interest expense, net
    (11 )     (37 )     26       70.3 %
Total other income (expense)
    120       (82 )     202       246.3 %
Income before provision for income taxes
  $ 2,961     $ 1,812     $ 1,149       63.4 %


Franchise royalties increased approximately $8,000, or 0.6%, to $1,358,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to $1,350,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2009, and decreased approximately $21,000, or 0.5%, to $4,229,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to $4,250,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  Franchise sales decreased approximately $262,000, or 1.4%, for the three months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2009, and decreased approximately $1,483,000, or 2.6%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2009, both of which led to a decrease in royalties.  On average, there were six fewer stores in operation during the nine months ended September 30, 2010.  On average, based on historical performance, those six stores would have generated approximately $216,000 of royalties.  As of September 30, 2010 and 2009, there were 123 and 131 franchised stores in operation, respectively.

Franchise and other related fees (which includes initial franchise fees, renewal fees, conversion fees and store transfer fees) decreased approximately $25,000, or 45.5%, to $30,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to $55,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2009, and decreased approximately $35,000, or 17.9%, to $160,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to $195,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  These fluctuations were primarily attributable to 9 franchise agreement renewals ($100,000) and 4 new franchise agreements ($60,000) during the first nine months of 2010, as compared to 9 franchise agreement renewals ($91,000), 1 independent store conversions ($10,000), and 6 new franchise agreements ($94,000) during the first nine months of 2009.  In the future, franchise fees are likely to fluctuate depending on the timing of franchise agreement expirations, new store openings, franchise store transfers, and the approval of the Franchise Disclosure Document, which is renewed annually in April.

Selling, general and administrative expenses of the franchise segment decreased approximately $326,000, or 43.6%, to $422,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to $748,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2009, and decreased approximately $1,003,000, or 39.3%, to $1,548,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to $2,551,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  These decreases were partially a result of decreases in salaries and related benefits of $172,000 and $389,000 due to the reductions and restructuring of personnel as our new CEO reassigned certain job functions to improve the efficiency of our operations in 2010.  Some of these job functions included assigning our franchise field support team to manage individual company stores, which reallocated their salaries and related benefits to such stores, and the elimination of the Company’s franchise business development department.  We also experienced a cost reduction on the related travel expenses of such personnel.  We did not exhibit at the Vision Expo East trade show in March 2010 and the Vision Expo West trade show in September 2010, and we did not hold an annual franchise meeting in 2010, expenses that were included in the $35,000 and $211,000 convention and trade show expenses incurred during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009, respectively.  Additionally, we settled litigation with a franchisee whose receivables were previously written off, thus creating a bad debt recovery of approximately $35,000 in the first quarter of 2010.  These decreases were offset, in part, by an increase in professional fees of $13,000 during the nine comparable months mainly due to legal expenses related to the litigation described above as well as increased management services paid to consultants who oversee the growth and development of the Company’s Site for Sore Eyes trade name.  There were also an increase in POS system installation costs of $16,000 and $35,000 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010, respectively, as we continue to install our POS system in each of the franchise locations.

Company Store Segment

   
For the Three Months Ended September 30 (in thousands):
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Net Revenues:
                       
Retail sales
  $ 558     $ 474     $ 84       17.7 %
Exam fees
    86       77       9       11.7 %
Net revenues
    644       551       93       16.9 %
Cost of retail sales
    190       162       28       17.3 %
Gross margin
    454       389       65       16.7 %
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses:
                               
Salaries and related benefits
    295       332       (37 )     (11.1 %)
Rent and related overhead
    183       261       (78 )     (29.9 %)
Advertising
    38       40       (2 )     (5.0 %)
Other general and administrative costs
    47       29       18       62.1 %
Total selling, general and administrative expenses
    563       662       (99 )     (15.0 %)
Loss before provision for income taxes
  $ (109 )   $ (273 )   $ 164       60.1 %

 
   
For the Nine Months Ended September 30 (in thousands):
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Net Revenues:
                       
Retail sales
  $ 1,956     $ 1,330     $ 626       47.1 %
Exam fees
    321       251       70       27.9 %
Net revenues
    2,277       1,581       696       44.0 %
Cost of retail sales
    554       421       133       31.6 %
Gross margin
    1,723       1,160       563       48.5 %
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses:
                               
Salaries and related benefits
    958       810       148       18.3 %
Rent and related overhead
    632       654       (22 )     (3.4 %)
Advertising
    91       100       (9 )     (9.0 %)
Other general and administrative costs
    179       101       78       77.2 %
Total selling, general and administrative expenses
    1,860       1,665       195       11.7 %
Loss before provision for income taxes
  $ (137 )   $ (505 )   $ 368       72.9 %


Net revenues for our Company store segment increased approximately $93,000, or 16.9%, to $644,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to $551,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2009, and increased approximately $696,000, or 44.0%, to $2,277,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to $1,581,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  These increases were attributable to having more Company-owned store locations open during the comparable periods, as well as a 23.6% increase in same store sales for the comparable periods.  As of September 30, 2010, there were 6 Company-owned stores, as compared to 5 Company-owned stores as of September 30, 2009.  On a same store basis (for the 5 stores that operated as a Company-owned store during the entirety of both the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009), comparative net sales increased approximately $98,000, or 25.7%, to $479,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to $381,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2009 and increased approximately $330,000, or 23.6%, to $1,728,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to $1,398,000 for the nine months ended June 30, 2009.  These increases were primarily a result of the changes we instituted in January 2010.  Some of the changes included; a) shifting our field support team to include managing at least one company store, b) increased advertising, as noted in the table above, that targeted new customers under the direction of a new ad campaign, c) negotiated rent reductions (many of which occur in the 2nd quarter of 2010 and forward), d) new price points for product, which reduced the per transaction profit margin, but increased the sales volume, and e) more effective and efficient consumer tracking and store personnel training.  We believe that these changes have only started to have a positive impact on earnings and we anticipate that these changes, along with changes to our current optometrist relationships, will continue to lead to increased revenues and income.

The Company-owned store’s gross profit margin increased by 0.2%, to 66.1%, for the three months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to 65.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2009, and increased by 2.9%, to 71.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to 68.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  The nine month increase was due, in part, to some of the changes made in our Company stores as described above, as well as the improvement on gross profit margins with respect to certain vendor programs initiated during the 4th quarter of 2009 that have helped improve our lab/lens costs.  Management continues to work to improve the profit margin through increased training at the Company-store level and improved vendor partnerships, among other things, and anticipates these changes will result in the stabilization in our gross profit margin in the future.  Our gross margin may, however, fluctuate in the future depending upon the extent and timing of changes in the product mix in such stores, competitive pricing, and certain one-time sales promotions.

Selling, general and administrative expenses of the Company store segment decreased approximately $99,000, or 15.0%, to $563,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to $662,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2009, and increased approximately $195,000, or 11.7%, to $1,860,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to $1,665,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  These increases were mainly a result of having more Company-owned stores in operation during the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as described.  This was offset, in part, by vendor cooperative contributions which offset some of our advertising costs, decreases to individual store expenses as we streamlined certain store payroll coverage to reduce salaries and related benefits, and reductions in our monthly rent expense due to lease modifications negotiated during the 2nd quarter of 2010.

 
 
 
VisionCare of California Segment

   
For the Three Months Ended September 30 (in thousands):
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Net Revenues:
                       
Membership fees
  $ 915     $ 893     $ 22       2.5 %
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses:
                               
Salaries and related benefits
    798       793       5       0.6 %
Rent and related overhead
    42       42       -       0.0 %
Other general and administrative costs
    54       51       3       5.9 %
Total selling, general and administrative expenses
    894       886       8       0.9 %
Operating Income
    21       7       14       200.0 %

Other Income (Expense):
                       
Other income
    1       5       (4 )     (80.0 %)
Total other income
    1       5       (4 )     (80.0 %)
Income before provision for income taxes
  $ 22     $ 12     $ 10       83.3 %


   
For the Nine Months Ended September 30 (in thousands):
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Net Revenues:
                       
Membership fees
  $ 2,696     $ 2,640     $ 56       2.1 %
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses:
                               
Salaries and related benefits
    2,379       2,344       35       1.5 %
Rent and related overhead
    129       122       7       5.7 %
Other general and administrative costs
    157       150       7       4.7 %
Total selling, general and administrative expenses
    2,665       2,616       49       1.9 %
Operating Income
    31       24       7       29.2 %

Other Income (Expense):
                       
Other income
    3       17       (14 )     (82.4 %)
Total other income
    3       17       (14 )     (82.4 %)
Income before provision for income taxes
  $ 34     $ 41     $ (7 )     (17.1 %)


Revenues generated by our wholly-owned subsidiary, VisionCare of California, Inc. (“VCC”), a specialized health care maintenance organization licensed by the State of California Department of Managed Health Care, increased approximately $22,000, or 2.5%, to $915,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to $893,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2009, and increased approximately $56,000, or 2.1%, to $2,696,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to $2,640,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  These increases were a direct result of a new VCC office that opened in August of 2009, which, on average, generates approximately $22,000 of membership fees each month.  This was offset by a decrease in revenues generated at Site for Sore Eyes franchise locations during the first nine months of 2010 of approximately $361,000, or 2.4%, from the first nine months of 2009, which led to a decrease in membership fee revenues.

Selling, general and administrative expenses of the VCC segment increased $8,000, or 0.9%, to $894,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to $886,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2009, and increased approximately $49,000, or 1.9%, to $2,665,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to $2,616,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  Most of the individual “line item” expenses for VCC remained consistent quarter over quarter; however, each of the increases were mainly due to the new office location described above.

 
 
 
Corporate Overhead Segment

   
For the Three Months Ended September 30 (in thousands):
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses:
                       
Salaries and related benefits
  $ 356     $ 202     $ 154       76.2 %
Professional fees
    72       160       (88 )     (55.0 %)
Rent and related overhead
    65       26       39       150.0 %
Combine relocation expenses
    64       -       64       n/a  
Director fees
    39       35       4       11.4 %
Insurance
    34       28       6       21.4 %
Depreciation and amortization
    29       -       29       n/a  
Other general and administrative costs
    43       -       43       n/a  
Total selling, general and administrative expenses
    702       451       251       55.7 %
Operating Loss
    (702 )     (451 )     (251 )     (55.7 %)

Other Income (Expense):
                       
Interest expense, net
    (7 )     -       (7 )     n/a  
Total other expense
    (7 )     -       (7 )     n/a  
Loss before provision for income taxes
  $ (709 )   $ (451 )   $ (258 )     (57.2 %)


   
For the Nine Months Ended September 30 (in thousands):
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses:
                       
Salaries and related benefits
  $ 1,014     $ 922     $ 92       10.0 %
Professional fees
    370       377       (7 )     (1.9 %)
Rent and related overhead
    175       77       98       127.3 %
Directors fees
    103       104       (1 )     (0.1 %)
Insurance
    95       119       (24 )     (20.2 %)
Combine relocation
    83       -       83       n/a  
Depreciation and amortization
    78       -       78       n/a  
Other general and administrative costs
    112       41       71       173.2 %
Total selling, general and administrative expenses
    2,030       1,640       390       23.8 %
Operating Loss
    (2,030 )     (1,640 )     (390 )     (23.8 %)

Other Income (Expense):
                       
Interest expense, net
    (21 )     -       (21 )     n/a  
Total other expense
    (21 )     -       (21 )     n/a  
Loss before provision for income taxes
  $ (2,051 )   $ (1,640 )   $ (411 )     (25.1 %)


There were no revenues generated by the Corporate Overhead segment.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased approximately $251,000, or 55.7%, to $702,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to $451,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2009, and increased approximately $390,000, or 23.8%, to $2,030,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to $1,640,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009.  These increases were a result of an increase in certain professional fees due to additional services provided by our SEC counsel due to increased filing requirements including the review of our modified Credit Agreement with M&T, as well as increased services provided by a third party valuation company surrounding the valuation of our goodwill and intangible assets .  These increases offset a decrease to salaries and related benefits of $92,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 related to reductions and restructuring of personnel as our new CEO reassigned certain job functions to improve the efficiency of our operations in 2010.  Additionally, we obtained approximately $100,000 of annual premium savings on our Director and Officer’s insurance policy in May 2009.

 
 
Other Segment

   
For the Three Months Ended September 30 (in thousands):
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Net Revenues:
                       
Transitional store revenues
  $ 3     $ -     $ 3       n/a  
Other
    9       12       (3 )     (25.0 %)
Net revenues
    12       12       -       n/a  
Cost of sales
    8       -       8       n/a  
Gross profit
    4       12       (8 )     (66.7 %)
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses:
                               
Salaries and related benefits
    16       12       4       33.3 %
Rent and related overhead
    1       -       1       n/a  
Depreciation and amortization
    1       -       1       n/a  
Advertising
    -       -       -       0.0 %
Other general and administrative costs
    6       2       4       200.0 %
Total selling, general and administrative expenses
    24       14       10       71.4 %
Loss before provision for income taxes
  $ (20 )   $ (2 )   $ (18 )     (900.0 %)


   
For the Nine Months Ended September 30 (in thousands):
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
Net Revenues:
                       
Transitional store revenues
  $ 95     $ -     $ 95       n/a  
Other
    28       15       13       86.7 %
Net revenues
    123       15       108       720.0 %
Cost of sales
    55       -       55       n/a  
Gross Profit
    68       15       53       353.3 %
 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses:
                               
Salaries and related benefits
    85       12       73       608.3 %
Rent and related overhead
    23       -       23       n/a  
Depreciation and amortization
    10       -       10       n/a  
Advertising
    6       -       6       n/a  
Other general and administrative costs
    13       2       11       550.0 %
Total selling, general and administrative expenses
    137       14       123       878.6 %
 (Loss) income before provision for income taxes
  $ (69 )   $ 1     $ (70 )     (7,000.0 %)


Revenues generated by the Other segment consisted of the operations of Emerging Vision Contacts (“EVC”), a company that sells contact lenses in Bakersfield, California that is located within another optical company’s retail space.  We began operations of EVC in August 2009.   Also included in the Other segment was the operation of one of our Company stores, which was sold in April 2010 with an effective date of June 1, 2010.  As the operations of this store immediately changed upon such sale, we believe it is no longer was appropriate to include the operations of this store in the Company Store segment.

Selling, general and administrative expenses of the Other segment included the operations of both EVC and the transitional Company owned location inclusive of labor, and rent and related overhead expenses.

Use of Non-GAAP Performance Indicators

The following section expands on our financial performance detailing our EBITDA.  EBITDA is calculated as net earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.  We refer to EBITDA because it is a widely accepted financial indicator of a company’s ability to service or incur indebtedness.

Management has provided an EBITDA calculation to provide a greater level of understanding of our performance had it not been for certain non-cash charges, many of which were incurred as a result of the acquisitions of Combine and TOG.  These charges, such as depreciation and amortization, and interest expense, are included in selling, general and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Condensed Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income.

EBITDA does not represent cash flow from operations as defined by generally accepted accounting principles, is not necessarily indicative of cash available to fund all cash flow needs, should not be considered an alternative to net income or to cash flow from operations (as determined in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) and should not be considered an indication of our operating performance or as a measure of liquidity.  EBITDA is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures for other companies.

EBITDA Reconciliation

   
For the Three Months Ended September 30 (in thousands):
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
EBITDA Reconciliation:
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ 367     $ (637 )   $ 1,004       157.6 %
Interest
    53       55       (2 )     (3.6 %)
Taxes
    12       11       1       9.1 %
Depreciation and amortization
    134       166       (32 )     (19.3 %)
EBITDA
  $ 566     $ (405 )   $ 971       239.8 %


   
For the Nine Months Ended September 30 (in thousands):
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
$ Change
   
% Change
 
EBITDA Reconciliation:
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ 1,473     $ (470 )   $ 1,943       413.4 %
Interest
    157       170       (13 )     (7.6 %)
Taxes
    92       22       70       318.2 %
Depreciation and amortization
    409       483       (74 )     (15.3 %)
EBITDA
  $ 2,131     $ 205     $ 1,926       939.5 %



Liquidity and Capital Resources

As of September 30, 2010, we had a working capital deficit of approximately $4,090,000 and an accumulated deficit of approximately $124,998,000.  Our working capital is not sufficient for us to conduct our short and long-term business operations.  These factors indicate that we may be unable to continue as a going concern if we are unsuccessful in extending our Credit Facility or if we are unable to find alternative means of financing.  If we are unable to extend the Credit Facility, the Company will have to seek additional debt or equity financing to fund its operations.  We are currently seeking new business opportunities that might, if successful, mitigate these factors.  Our plans include the following: (1) obtaining additional capital from the sale of certain of our assets; (2) obtaining financing from various financial institutions, where possible; and (3) negotiating a long-term extension with M&T Bank on our Credit Facility.    We have no current commitments or arrangements with respect to, or immediate sources of funding.  Further, there can be no assurances that funding is available or available to us on acceptable terms.  Our inability to obtain funding could have a material adverse affect on our plan of operation and will continue to diminish our efforts and burden operating cash flow.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2010, cash flows provided by operating activities were $1,255,000.  This was principally due to net income and other non-cash expenses totaling $2,024,000 and an increase in optical purchasing group payables of $1,071,000 due to increased optical purchasing group sales during the nine months ended September 30, 2010, mainly due to the Canadian exchange rate fluctuation in our favor during the nine months ended September 30, 2010.  This was offset, in part, by an increase in optical purchasing group receivables of $1,395,000, also due to increased optical purchasing group sales, as well as an increase in franchise receivables of $97,000 due, in part, to an increase in vendor cooperative contributions to be received during 4th quarter of 2010, which will help subsidize franchise and company store advertising costs.  We hope to continue to improve our operating cash flows through the continued implementation of our Point-of-Sales (“POS”) system to improve the franchise sales reporting process, the addition of new franchise locations, future acquisitions, new vendor programs, and continued efficiencies as it relates to corporate overhead expenses.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, cash flows used in investing activities were $139,000 mainly due to the purchase of certain leaseholds improvements, equipment and office furniture related to the relocation of our corporate offices in March 2010, offset by proceeds ($50,000) received as a result of the sale of a Company-owned store in June 2010.  Management does anticipate certain capital expenditures over the next 12 months, including expenditures to continue to implement the POS system within the Franchise community, to remodel one of our Company-owned locations, and to enhance our technology infrastructure and related internal controls.  Such improvements to the IT infrastructure included the relocation of Combine’s operations from Florida to New York in July 2010 and the enhancement of our Combine website.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2010, cash used in financing activities was $1,304,000 mainly due to the payment of our related party borrowings (approximately $82,000) and payments made under our Credit Facility (approximately $1,150,000).  We entered into a new Credit Agreement with M&T, effective March 31, 2010, which agreement, provided, among other things, that all unpaid principal is due on or before April 30, 2011.  We also executed a $1,000,000 Libor Term Note in favor of M&T, dated as of March 31, 2010, which note committed us to pay twelve equal, monthly principal payments of $83,333, plus interest, by April 30, 2011.  Although we believe that we will be able to continue to make such monthly payments, we currently cannot assure that we will be able to do so, nor can we assure that we will be able to pay the remaining principal balance due under the Credit Agreement on or before April 30, 2011.  Additionally, we do not know if we will be able to extend or refinance the debt, and cannot guarantee that extending or refinancing the debt will be on terms favorable to us.

Credit Facility

On April 14, 2010, we entered into a Non-Revolving Line of Credit Note and Credit Agreement (the “Credit Facility”) with M&T, effective as of March 31, 2010, to extend, reduce, modify, convert to non-revolving and restate a Revolving Line of Credit Note and Credit Agreement entered into with M&T on August 8, 2007 (the “Original Credit Agreement”), that established a revolving credit facility for aggregate borrowings of up to $6,000,000 and that was subsequently amended on November 14, 2008, April 1, 2009 and November 11, 2009, which amendments, among other things, reduced the credit facility to $5,750,000.  The Credit Facility has been extended to April 30, 2011, and further reduced the credit facility, by the $1,000,000 being refinanced and amortized under the Term Note (as defined below), to $4,251,921, inclusive of a Letter of Credit sublimit of $745,067 and outstanding borrowings of $3,506,854, which are repayable, interest only, on a monthly basis, commencing on the first day of each month during the term of the Restated Credit Agreement, calculated at the variable rate of 350 basis points in excess of LIBOR with a minimum rate of 4.5%.  All unpaid principal is due on April 30, 2011.

On April 14, 2010, we also executed a $1,000,000 Libor Term Note (the “Term Note”) in favor of M&T, effective as of March 31, 2010, which provides for twelve equal, monthly principal payments of $83,333 plus interest due on the last day of each month during the term of the Term Note, which matures on April 30, 2011.  The interest is calculated at the variable rate of 350 basis points in excess of LIBOR (unless converted by M&T to a base rate) with a minimum rate of 4.5%.

In connection with the Term Note, we paid $200,000 to M&T on March 31, 2010 to reduce the outstanding borrowings.  As of September 30, 2010, we had outstanding borrowings of $3,706,854 under the Credit Facility, of which the entire amount was included in Short-Term Debt on the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheet.

In connection with the Credit Facility, M&T waived non-compliance of our financial covenants contained in the Original Credit Agreement, as amended, with respect to affirmative covenants for the fourth quarter of 2009, and replaced them with the new financial covenants set forth in the Credit Facility, including minimum net worth to be tested quarterly, commencing March 31, 2010, and annually at December 31, 2010, minimum EBITDA to be tested quarterly, commencing June 30, 2010, and annually at December 31, 2010 and no net losses to be tested quarterly, commencing March 31, 2010.  As of September 30, 2010, we were in compliance with all such covenants.

In order to secure repayment of our aggregate borrowings made under the Restated Credit Agreement and the Term Note, (1) we and certain of our subsidiaries, Combine Buying Group, Inc. (“Combine”), OG Acquisition, Inc. (“OG Acquisition”) and 1725758 Ontario Inc. d/b/a The Optical Group (“Ontario”), (a) reaffirmed the respective Security Agreements with M&T in connection with the Original Credit Agreement, pursuant to which the Company, Combine, OG Acquisition and Ontario granted M&T a security interest in substantially all of our respective assets and (b) reaffirmed our respective Guarantees in connection with the Original Credit Agreement, pursuant to which Combine, OG Acquisition and Ontario guaranteed the performance of our obligations to M&T; (2) the Company and OG Acquisition reaffirmed our respective Assignment Agreements in connection with the Original Credit Agreement, pursuant to which the Company and OG Acquisition (a) assigned to M&T all of our right, title and interest to our respective franchisee documents and proceeds due under such documents, (b) assigned to M&T all of our respective rents and subleases, (c) granted to M&T a security interest in all of our respective trademarks and (d) granted M&T a security interest in substantially all of our respective assets; (3) VCC executed a Continuing Guaranty, pursuant to which VCC guaranteed the performance of our obligations to M&T with respect to the Restated Credit Agreement; (4) all of our subsidiaries, except for Combine, OG Acquisition, Ontario and VCC, executed a Continuing Guaranty, pursuant to which each such subsidiary guaranteed the performance of our obligations to M&T with respect to the Credit Facility; (5) VCC executed a General Security Agreement, pursuant to which VCC granted M&T a security interest in substantially all of its assets; (6) the Company, Ontario and M&T executed a United States Trademark Collateral Assignment and Security Agreement, pursuant to which the Company and Ontario granted M&T a security interest in all of our respective trademarks; and (7) we entered into with M&T (a) an Absolute Assignment of Franchisee Notes and Proceeds Due, pursuant to which we assigned to M&T all of our right, title and interest to the franchisee documents and proceeds due under such documents, and (b) an Assignment of Rents and Subleases, pursuant to which we assigned to M&T all of our rents and subleases.

On June 17, 2010, we amended our Credit Facility with M&T in which M&T released its second lien security interest in the assets of Combine until such time as Combine’s existing indebtedness to Combine Optical Management Corporation (the “COMC Indebtedness”) is satisfied or otherwise terminated.  In consideration of such release, we paid a total of $300,000 towards the Line of Credit balance.  Pursuant to the amendment, Combine agreed to grant M&T a first lien security interest in all of its assets upon satisfaction or termination of the COMC Indebtedness.

On October 8, 2010, Combine extended the two letters of credit with M&T Bank in favor of two of Combine’s key vendors.  The letters of credit were extended for one-year terms and will expire in September 2011 and November 2011, respectively.  The letters of credit were also reduced by $200,000 and now total $500,000.  They are both still secured by the Credit Facility with M&T Bank.

We are no longer able to borrow additional amounts under the terms of modified Credit Agreement.  As such, we are currently exploring and willing to continue to explore certain options available to us including refinancing such debt prior to April 2011.  We may not be able to extend or refinance the debt, and we cannot guarantee that extending or refinancing the debt will be on terms favorable to us.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet financing or unconsolidated variable interest entities, with the exception of certain guarantees on leases.  We refer the reader to the Notes to the Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements included in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report for information regarding our lease guarantees.

Management’s Discussion of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

High-quality financial statements require the rigorous application of appropriate or relevant accounting standards.  Management believes that its policies related to revenue recognition, deferred tax assets, legal contingencies, impairment on goodwill and intangible assets, and allowances on franchise, notes and other receivables are critical to an understanding of our Consolidated Financial Statements because their application places the most significant demands on management’s judgment, with financial reporting results relying on estimation about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain.

Management’s estimate of the allowances on receivables is based on historical sales, historical loss levels, and an analysis of the collectability of individual accounts. 

Management’s estimate of the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets is based on whether it is more likely than not that our net operating loss carry-forwards will be utilized.  Factors that could impact estimated utilization of our net operating loss carry-forwards are the success of its stores and franchisees, and the optical purchasing groups, our operating efficiencies and the effects of Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, based on certain changes in ownership that have occurred, or could occur in the future. 

Revenues are recorded when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, our price to the buyer is fixed or determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured.  To the extent that collectability of royalties and/or interest on franchise notes is not reasonably assured, we recognize such revenues when the cash is received.

Management’s performs an annual impairment analysis to determine the fair value of goodwill and certain intangible assets.  In determining the fair value of such assets, management uses a variety of methods and assumptions including a discounted cash flow analysis along with various qualitative tests.


 
 
Item 3.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Not applicable to smaller reporting companies.

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act of reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

As required by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(b), as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures.  Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 30, 2010.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting, identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Rule 13a-15 of the Exchange Act, that occurred during our most recently completed fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 
 
 


PART II - OTHER INFORMATION


Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

In June 2010, we and our subsidiary, Combine Buying Group, Inc. (“Combine”) filed an action in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida against Neil Glachman (former President of Combine, referred to as “Glachman”), Combine Optical Management Corporation (owned by Glachman, referred to as “COMC”), James Lashenick (former bookkeeper of Combine) and various entities in which Glachman purportedly owns and/or operates (collectively referred to as the “Defendants”).  We claim, amongst other things, that (i) Glachman and COMC breached the Asset Purchase Agreement (“APA”); (ii) Glachman breached his Employment Agreement and his common law fiduciary duty of loyalty; and (iii) the various Glachman entities, COMC and Mr. Lashenick aided such breach of fiduciary duty.  The Defendants, in their Answer, asserted defenses to our claims, and Glachman and COMC asserted counterclaims against us, including, amongst others, that we (i) breached the Security Agreement executed in connection with the APA; (ii) anticipatorily breached  the APA; and (iii) breached the Employment Agreement with Glachman by terminating him.  The Defendants seek injunctive relief, as well as monetary damages, assurances of our obligation of payment on Glachman’s $700,000 Put Option, assurances of our obligation of payment under the terms of the $225,000 promissory note due October 1, 2010, and costs and attorney fees.  We have not recorded an accrual for a loss in this action, as we do not believe it is probable that we will be held liable in respect of Defendant’s counterclaims, however, we have accrued for the $700,000 Put Option and $225,000 promissory note payment, both of which are included in the accompanying Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2010.  We believe that we have a meritorious defense to such counterclaims, however, due to the uncertainties inherent in litigation, we cannot predict the outcome.  As of the date hereof, these proceedings were in the discovery stage.

Item 1a. Risk Factors

Not applicable.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

None.

Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. (Removed and Reserved)

Item 5. Other Information

None

Item 6. Exhibits

3.1
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Sterling Vision, Inc., filed on December 20, 1995 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 1995)

3.2
Amended and Restated By-Laws of Sterling Vision, Inc., dated December 18, 1995 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 1995)

3.3
Certification of Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation of Sterling Vision, Inc., filed on January 26, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002, SEC File Number 001-14128, Film Number 03630359)

3.4
Certification of Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation of Sterling Vision, Inc., filed on February 8, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.94 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated February 8, 2000, SEC File Number 001-14128, Film Number 549404)

3.5
Certification of Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation of Sterling Vision, Inc., filed on February 10, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.96 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated February 8, 2000, SEC File Number 001-14128, Film Number 549404)

3.6
Certification of Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation of Sterling Vision, Inc., filed on April 17, 2000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.6 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002, SEC File Number 001-14128, Film Number 03630359)

3.7
Certification of Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation of Emerging Vision, Inc., filed on July 15, 2002 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.7 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002, SEC File Number 001-14128, Film Number 03630359)

3.8
First Amendment to Amended and Restated By-Laws of Emerging Vision, Inc., dated November 13, 2003 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.8 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated December 31, 2003, SEC File Number 001-14128, Film Number 04610079)

3.9
Second Amendment to Amended and Restated By-Laws of Emerging Vision, Inc., dated May 24, 2004 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.9 to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated May 24, 2004, SEC File Number 001-14128, Film Number 04866428)

4.1
Specimen of Common Stock Certificate (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement No. 33-98368)

4.2
Form of Warrant Certificate and Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003, SEC File Number 001-14128, Film Number 04717075)




 
 
 
 


SIGNATURES


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.


EMERGING VISION, INC.
(Registrant)



BY:
/s/Glenn Spina
Glenn Spina
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)


BY:
/s/Brian P. Alessi
Brian P. Alessi
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)




Dated: November 15, 2010