BOS BETTER ONLINE SOLUTIONS LTD current report, Q1 FY2012

Business Context and Reporting Period

Company: B.O.S. Better Online Solutions Ltd. (BOSC)

Filing Type: Form 6-K (Report of Foreign Issuer)

Reporting Period: Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2011 (Filed March 29, 2012)

Business Overview: The Company operates in two segments: RFID and Mobile Solutions, and Supply Chain Solutions. It is an Israeli corporation listed on NASDAQ. In 2011, the Company continued to face financial challenges, resulting in a net loss and negative operating cash flow. Management implemented an efficiency plan including workforce reduction and debt restructuring.

Key Financial Metrics (Year Ended Dec 31, 2011)

Metric 2011 (USD '000) 2010 (USD '000)
Revenues $33,434 $30,187
Gross Profit $6,510 $7,483
Gross Margin 19.5% 24.8%
Operating Loss $(973) $1,257 (Profit)
Net Loss $(3,214) $(635)
Diluted EPS $(1.14) $(0.24)
Cash and Equivalents (End of Period) $411 $703
Operating Cash Flow $(365) $1,284
Total Debt (Short & Long Term) $9,026 $8,172
Shareholders' Equity $3,598 $3,713

Material Changes vs. Prior Period

  • Revenue Growth: Revenues increased by 10.8% to $33.4 million, driven primarily by the Supply Chain Solutions segment ($21.3M vs $17.7M in 2010).
  • Profitability Decline: The Company swung from an operating profit of $1.3M in 2010 to an operating loss of $1.0M in 2011. This was largely due to a $555,000 impairment charge on goodwill and intangible assets (brand name and customer list) and increased inventory write-offs ($443k vs $36k).
  • Debt Restructuring: A significant portion of the convertible note ($2.5M principal and accrued interest) was converted into 1.68 million ordinary shares at a reduced price of $1.50/share. This resulted in a non-cash "inducement" charge of $616,000 recorded as a financing expense.
  • Liquidity: Cash and cash equivalents decreased by 41.5% to $411,000 due to negative operating cash flows and investing activities.

Guidance, Outlook, Risks, and Unusual Items

  • NASDAQ Compliance Risk: On January 17, 2012, the Company received notice from NASDAQ that it failed to maintain the minimum $1.00 bid price requirement. The Company has 180 days (until July 16, 2012) to regain compliance.
  • Bank Covenants: The Company did not meet financial covenants with Bank HaPoalim regarding profitability and ratios but obtained a written waiver for 2011. Management expects to meet bank covenants through December 31, 2012.
  • Going Concern: Due to the net loss and negative operating cash flow, the Company has implemented an efficiency plan. Management believes current cash resources are sufficient for the next 12 months.
  • Discontinued Operations: The Company's U.S. Supply Chain subsidiaries (Lynk and Summit) filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in late 2010; the case was closed in March 2011. No loss from discontinued operations was recorded in 2011.
  • Unusual Items:
    • Impairment: $555,000 charge for impairment of intangible assets.
    • Inducement Expense: $616,000 non-cash charge related to the conversion of debt to equity.
    • Investment Impairment: $156,000 other-than-temporary impairment loss on investment in New World Brands Inc. (NWB).

Investor Verification Checklist

  • NASDAQ Status: Verify if the Company has regained compliance with the $1.00 minimum bid price requirement to avoid delisting.
  • Debt Covenants: Confirm the Company's ability to meet Bank HaPoalim and Bank Leumi covenants in 2012 without further waivers.
  • Cash Burn Rate: Assess the sustainability of operations given the negative operating cash flow of $365,000 and declining cash reserves.
  • Segment Performance: Review the specific drivers of the Supply Chain segment's revenue growth versus the margin compression in the RFID segment.
  • Related Party Transactions: Review ongoing agreements with Cukierman & Co. and THCAP for potential conflicts or additional costs.