-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, OTSvS4eO1zELKKGnb2s2Z3ZYvAJ0FTJphCRKkkL9zCKLtruHEEKe6/Ad9lDTpEBU Ff4s7s5s5nwjg5xyX1c4MA== 0000950152-00-004113.txt : 20000516 0000950152-00-004113.hdr.sgml : 20000516 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950152-00-004113 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-Q PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 3 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20000331 FILED AS OF DATE: 20000515 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: ANTHONY & SYLVAN POOLS CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0001067606 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: CONSTRUCTION SPECIAL TRADE CONTRACTORS [1700] IRS NUMBER: 311522456 STATE OF INCORPORATION: OH FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-Q SEC ACT: SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-26991 FILM NUMBER: 631808 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 3739 EASTON RD RTE 611 CITY: DOYLESTOWN STATE: PA ZIP: 18901 BUSINESS PHONE: 2162857946 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 220 PARK DRIVE CITY: CHARDON STATE: OH ZIP: 44024 10-Q 1 ANTHONY & SYLVAN POOLS CORPORATION 10-Q 1 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 Form 10-Q - --------- +--+ |X | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) OF THE +--+ SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT Of 1934 For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2000 ------------------------------- +--+ | | 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 000-26991 ----------------------------------------------- Anthony & Sylvan Pools Corporation - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Ohio 31-1522456 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 6690 Beta Drive, Mayfield Village, Ohio 44143 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code (440) 720-3301 ---------------------------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report. Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, 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 N/A ----- ----- ----- Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common shares, as of the latest practicable date. Class Outstanding at May 12, 2000 - --------------------------- ---------------------------- Common Shares, no par value 2,703,172 Shares 2 ANTHONY & SYLVAN POOLS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY FORM 10-Q FOR QUARTER ENDED MARCH 31, 2000 INDEX
Sequential Page No. -------- Part I - Financial Information Item 1. Financial Statements Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets - March 31, 2000 and December 31, 1999 .......................................... 3 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations - Three Months Ended March 31, 2000 and 1999 .................................... 4 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - Three Months Ended March 31, 2000 and 1999 5 Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements .......................... 6-8 Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ........................... 9-10 Part II - Other Information Item 1. Legal Proceedings ........................................................... 11 Item 2. Changes in Securities ....................................................... 11 Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders ................................................................. 11 Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K ............................................ 11
2 3 PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ANTHONY & SYLVAN POOLS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Dollars in thousands)
March 31, December 31, 2000 1999 ---------- --------- ASSETS (unaudited) (audited) - ------ Current Assets: Cash and cash equivalents ................................................. $ 1,079 $ 533 Contract receivable, net .................................................. 5,600 8,101 Inventories, net .......................................................... 7,625 5,282 Prepayments and other ..................................................... 1,930 1,673 Deferred income taxes ..................................................... 3,450 2,584 -------- -------- Total current assets ................................................. 19,684 18,173 Property, plant and equipment, net .............................................. 8,210 8,107 Goodwill, net ................................................................... 27,204 27,386 Other ........................................................................... 1,977 1,841 -------- -------- $ 57,075 $ 55,507 ======== ======== LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current Liabilities: Current maturities of long-term debt .................................... $ 171 $ 171 Accounts payable ........................................................ 9,322 5,782 Accrued expenses ........................................................ 14,581 11,695 Accrued income taxes .................................................... - 451 --------- ---------- Total current liabilities ............................................ 24,074 18,099 Long-term Debt .................................................................. 2,050 4,593 Other Long-term Liabilities ..................................................... 2,218 2,243 Commitments and Contingencies ................................................... - - Shareholders' Equity: Serial preferred shares no par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized, none issued .............................. - - Common shares no par value, 29,000,000 shares authorized, 3,351,836 shares issued and 2,658,589 outstanding ............................... 27,390 27,395 Treasury shares at cost, 693,110 shares ................................. (4,311) (4,581) Retained earnings ....................................................... 5,654 7,758 -------- -------- Total shareholders' equity ..................................................... 28,733 30,572 -------- -------- $ 57,075 $ 55,507 ======== ========
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements. 3 4 ANTHONY & SYLVAN POOLS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2000 AND 1999 (In thousands, except share data) Three Months Ended March 31, 2000 1999 ---- ---- (Unaudited) Net sales .............................. $ 30,391 $ 26,422 Cost of sales .......................... 23,938 20,719 -------- -------- Gross profit ......................... 6,453 5,703 Operating expenses ..................... 9,650 9,505 -------- -------- Income/(loss)from operations ......... (3,197) (3,802) Interest and other expense ............. 196 1,095 -------- -------- Income/(loss) before income taxes .... (3,393) (4,897) Provision/(benefit) for income taxes ... (1,289) (1,939) -------- -------- Net income/(loss) .................... $ (2,104) $ (2,958) ======== ======== Earnings/(loss) per share: Basic ................................ $(.80) $(.88) ======== ======== Diluted .............................. $(.80) $(.88) ======== ======== Average shares outstanding: Basic ................................ 2,620 3,357 ======== ======== Diluted .............................. 2,620 3,357 ======== ======== See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements. 4 5 ANTHONY & SYLVAN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2000 AND 1999 (Dollars in thousands)
Three Months Ended March 31, 2000 1999 -------- --------- (Unaudited) Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Net loss ........................................... $ (2,104) $ (2,958) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization ............ 685 606 Other .................................... (2) -- Changes in operating assets and liabilities net of assets acquired Contract receivables .......................... 2,501 (774) Inventories ................................... (2,343) (2,382) Prepayments and other ......................... (257) (370) Accounts payable .............................. 3,540 2,434 Accrued expenses and other .................... 1,569 7,060 -------- -------- Net cash provided by operating activities . 3,589 3,616 -------- -------- Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Additions to property, plant and equipment ................................... (609) (712) Other ......................................... (161) 9 -------- -------- Net cash used in investing activities ..... (770) (703) -------- -------- Cash Flows from Financing Activities: Net transactions with Essef Corporation ............ -- (2,144) Repayment of long term debt ........................ (2,543) (60) Proceeds from sale of treasury shares .............. 270 -- -------- -------- Net cash used in financing activities ...... (2,273) (2,204) -------- -------- Net increase in cash and cash equivalents ................ 546 709 Cash and Cash Equivalents: Beginning of period .................................... 533 -- -------- -------- End of period .......................................... $ 1,079 $ 709 ======== ======== Supplemental Cash Flow Information: Interest paid ................................. $ 187 $ 1,085 ======== ======== Income taxes paid/(refunded) .................. $ 28 $ (1,939) ======== ========
See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements. 5 6 ANTHONY & SYLVAN POOLS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARY NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (1) BASIS OF PRESENTATION Anthony & Sylvan Pools Corporation and Subsidiary (the "Company") is among the largest residential in-ground concrete pool sales and installation businesses in the United States and operates in one business segment. On August 10, 1999, a third party (the "Acquiring Party") acquired Essef Corporation ("Essef") the Company's former parent, in a merger transaction that included the Company being split-off to Essef's common shareholders through a taxable distribution of 100% of the Company's shares as part of the merger consideration. The split-off was accomplished through the distribution of 0.25 shares of common stock for every share of Essef common stock held at the time of the distribution. Immediately prior to the split-off, the Company amended its articles of incorporation to provide for the issuance of up to 1,000,000 serial preferred shares and 29,000,000 shares of common stock. The Company, Essef and Acquiring Party have entered into various agreements that provide for administrative services, tax sharing and indemnification (the "Agreements"). Among other things, these Agreements provided for the Company to pay a dividend of $17,000,000, subject to certain adjustments, to Essef with the balance of the inter-company payable being contributed to capital retroactive to the split-off date. The potential adjustments to the $17,000,000 primarily related to the net tax benefit, as defined in the Agreements, realized by Essef from the exercise of employee stock options net of the corporate tax payable from the split-off. Pursuant to the Agreements, the calculation of adjustments has been completed and the Company was not required to pay Essef any of the $17,000,000. As such all of the Company's debt to Essef, which totaled $27,241,000 at the date of the split-off, was contributed to the Company's capital increasing shareholders' equity to approximately $34,700,000 at the date of the split-off. Company management believes that for the periods presented herein in which the Company was owned by Essef that the financial statements reflect all material expenses of the Company as if it was organized as a stand-alone legal entity including specifically identifiable costs incurred by Essef on behalf of, and charged to, the Company. (2) INTERIM UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2000 and statements of operations and cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2000 and 1999 are unaudited. In the opinion of management, these interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the same basis as the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 1999 and include all adjustments, consisting of only normal and recurring adjustments, necessary for the fair presentation of the interim period. The disclosures in the notes related to these interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are also unaudited. The unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three-month period ended March 31, 2000 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. 6 7 (3) EARNINGS PER SHARE Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is based on the combine weighted average number of shares outstanding including the assumed exercise or conversion of options. The treasury stock method is used in computing diluted earnings per share. For the periods prior to the split-off from Essef earnings per share is calculated based on the number of shares that would have been outstanding assuming the split-off had occurred at the beginning of the period shown. The calculations are as follows (In thousands except per share data): THREE-MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2000 1999 --------- --------- (UNAUDITED) (UNAUDITED) Numerator: Net income/(loss) available to common shareholders $ (2,104) $ (2,958) ========= ========= Denominator: Weighted average common shares outstanding 2,620 3,357 Dilutive effect of stock options (a) -- -- --------- --------- Denominator for net Income/(loss) per diluted share 2,620 3,357 ========= ========= Earnings per share: Basic $ (.80) $ (.88) ========= ========= Diluted $ (.80) $ (.88) ========= ========= (a) Due to the net loss reported in both periods, the share base used in calculating net income/(loss) per diluted share does not include the effect of common share equivalents, as its effect would be anti-dilutive. (4) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS With the exception of certain capitalized lease obligations, prior to June 30, 1999 the Company did not have external sources of borrowings, and as such relied upon Essef as its primary source of funding. Interest was charged at an average rate of 10.6% for the three-month period ended March 31, 1999. Total interest charges on the inter-company account for the three-months ended March 31, 1999 were $1,085,000. At the date of the split-off the intercompany account was contributed to capital (see note 1). 7 8 (5) DEBT On August 10, 1999, the Company entered into a $35 million revolving credit facility ("Credit Facility") with a group of banks. The Credit Facility, secured by the assets of the Company, matures August 10, 2002 and may be extended in one-year increments with the approval of the bank group. The Company's borrowing capacity and interest rates under the Credit Facility are based on its profitability and leverage. Interest rates are charged at increments over either Prime or Libor rates. In addition a 37.5 basis points commitment fee is payable on the total amount of the unused commitment. As of March 31, 2000, the effective rate on all outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility was 7.7% and the available borrowings were $16.2 million. The Company is in compliance with all of its debt covenants under the Credit Facility. (6) LITIGATION Certain claims, suits and complaints arising in the ordinary course of business have been filed or are pending against the Company. In the opinion of management, the results of all such matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or liquidity. (7) SUBSEQUENT EVENTS On May 2, 2000, the Board of Directors authorized a 10% stock dividend to be distributed on or about May 30, 2000 to shareholders of record on May 16, 2000. The consolidated financial statements have not been restated to reflect the number of shares outstanding following the dividend. 8 9 ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2000 COMPARED WITH THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1999 Net sales of $30.4 million for the three-months ended March 31, 2000 increased 15.0% from $26.4 million for the same period in fiscal 1999. The increase was attributable to increases in production and increases in average selling prices. Gross profit increased to $6.5 million in 2000 from $5.7 million in 1999 as a result of the increase in net sales. Gross profit as a percentage of sales for the three months decreased slightly from 21.6% of net sales to 21.2%. Operating expenses consisting of selling and administrative expenses increased by $0.2 million to $9.7 million in 2000 from $9.5 million in 1999. As a percentage of sales, operating expenses decreased from 36.0% in 2000 to 31.8% in the current period. The percentage of sales decrease was primarily attributable to tighter spending controls implemented in 2000 during the seasonally slow first quarter of the year. Interest and other expense decreased $0.9 million from $1.1 million in 1999 to $0.2 million in the current period. Interest was paid on external borrowings in 2000, while the interest paid in 1999 was paid to the Company's former Parent, Essef Corporation, through an intercompany borrowing arrangement. As a result of the above items, adjusted for the impact of federal and state taxes, the net loss for the three month period decreased from $3.0 million in 1999 to $2.1 million in 2000, and the net loss per diluted share decreased $0.08 per share from $0.88 in 1999 to $0.80 in 2000. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES Cash flow from operating activities was $3.6 million in each of the three month periods ended March 31, 2000 and 1999, while cash used in investing activities increased $0.1 million to $0.8 million in 2000 compared with $0.7 million in 1999. The excess of cash from operating activities over cash used in investing activities combined with the proceeds from the sale of treasury shares was used to reduce external borrowings by $2.5 million in the three months ended March 31, 2000. On August 10, 1999, a third party acquired the Company's former Parent, Essef Corporation ("Essef"), in a merger transaction that included the Company being split-off to Essef's common shareholders as part of the merger consideration. In accordance with the terms of the merger agreement, subsequent to June 30, 1999 the Company separated its cash management activities from Essef. Therefore, the Company could no longer be advanced funds from Essef while retaining its after-tax cash flow after such date. Additionally, the Company was not required to pay Essef any of the $17,000,000 that might have been due under certain adjustment mechanisms related to the Company's split-off from Essef. As such, all of the Company's debt to Essef, which totaled $27,241,000 at the date of the split-off, was contributed to the Company's capital at the date of the split-off. On August 10, 1999, the Company entered into a $35 million revolving credit facility ("Credit Facility") with a group of banks. The Credit Facility, secured by the assets of the Company, matures August 10, 2002 and may be extended in one-year increments with the approval of the bank group. The Company's borrowing capacity and interest rates under the Credit Facility are based on its profitability and leverage. Interest rates are charged at increments over either Prime or Libor rates. In addition, a 37.5 basis points commitment fee is payable on the total amount of the unused commitment. As of March 31, 2000, the effective 9 10 rate on all outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility was 7.7% and the available borrowings were $16.2 million. The Company is in compliance with all of its debt covenants under the Credit Facility. The Company believes that existing cash and cash equivalents, internally generated funds and funds available under its line of credit will be sufficient to meet its needs. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK The Company is exposed to various market risks, including changes in pricing of equipment, materials and contract labor, and interest rates. Market risk is the potential loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices, such as commodity prices and interest rates. The Company does not enter into financial instruments to manage and reduce the impact of some of these risks. Further, the Company does not enter into derivatives or other financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. The Company is exposed to cash flow and fair value risk arising out of changes in interest rates with respect to its long-term debt. Information with respect to the Company's principal cash flows and it's weighted average interest rates on long-term debt at March 31, 2000 is included in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. YEAR 2000 MATTERS The Company did not experience any significant malfunction or errors in its operating or business systems when the date changed from 1999 to 2000. Based on operations since January 1, 2000, the Company does not expect any significant impact to its ongoing business as a result of the "Year 2000 issue." However it is possible that the full impact of the date change has not been fully recognized. In addition, the Company is not aware of any significant Year 2000 or similar problems that have arisen for its suppliers or service providers, and does not believe it would have difficulty securing alternate sources of supply in the event that any of its current suppliers or service providers do experience Year 2000 or similar problems. The Company's expenditure on Year 2000 readiness efforts was not material. These efforts included replacing or upgrading outdated, noncompliant hardware and software as well as identifying and remediating Year 2000 problems. CYCLICALITY AND SEASONALITY The Company believes that the in-ground swimming pool industry is strongly influenced by general economic conditions and tends to experience periods of decline during economic downturns. Since the majority of the Company's swimming pool installation purchases are financed, pool sales are particularly sensitive to interest rate fluctuations and the availability of credit. A sustained period of high interest rates could result in declining sales, which could have a material adverse effect on The Company's financial condition and results of operations. Historically, approximately 70% of the Company's revenues have been generated in the second and third quarters of the year, the peak season for swimming pool installation and use. Conversely, the Company typically incurs net losses during the first and fourth quarters of the year. Unseasonably cold weather or extraordinary amounts of rainfall during the peak sales season can significantly reduce pool purchases. In addition, unseasonably early or late warming trends can increase or decrease the length of the swimming pool season, significantly affecting sales and operating profit. 10 11 PART II. OTHER INFORMATION ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS No change ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES No change ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF THE SECURITY HOLDERS The annual meeting of shareholders of the Company (the "Annual Meeting") was held on May 2, 2000. Of the 2,652,539 shares of common stock outstanding and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting, 2,551,596 shares were each present in person or by proxy, each entitled to one vote on each matter to come before the meeting. The following matter was submitted to a vote of security holders of the Company at the Annual Meeting, with the results indicated: Proposal to elect 4 directors to hold office until the Annual Meeting of Shareholders in 2001 and until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified: Votes cast FOR the election of Mr. Blackwell: 2,542,921 Votes WITHHELD: 8,675 Votes cast FOR the election of Ms. Jorgenson: 2,542,921 Votes WITHHELD: 8,675 Votes cast FOR the election of Mr. Neidus: 2,542,921 Votes WITHHELD: 8,675 Votes cast FOR the election of Mr. Waldin: 2,542,788 Votes WITHHELD: 8,808 Shares held by brokers and nominees: 2,099,976 Shares held by brokers and nominees not voted: 25,795 ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K (a) Exhibits 13 Independent Accountants' Report (b) Reports on Form 8-K None 11 12 SIGNATURE Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. Anthony & Sylvan Pools Corporation (Registrant) Stuart D. Neidus ------------------------------------------- STUART D. NEIDUS Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) William J. Evanson ------------------------------------------- WILLIAM J. EVANSON Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Accounting Officer) Date: May 12, 2000 12
EX-13 2 EXHIBIT 13 1 EXHIBIT 13 INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS' REPORT To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Anthony & Sylvan Pools Corporation and Subsidiary Mayfield Village, Ohio We have reviewed the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet of Anthony & Sylvan Pools Corporation and Subsidiary (the "Company") as of March 31, 2000, and the related condensed consolidated statements of operations and cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2000 and 1999. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. We conducted our reviews in accordance with standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. A review of interim financial information consists principally of applying analytical procedures to financial data and of making inquiries of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters. It is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, the objective of which is the expression of an opinion regarding the financial statements taken as a whole. Accordingly, we do not express such an opinion. Based on our reviews, we are not aware of any material modifications that should be made to such condensed consolidated financial statements for them to be in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. We have previously audited, in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, the consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of December 31, 1999, and the related statements of operations, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for the year then ended (not presented herein) and in our report dated February 18, 2000, we expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements. In our opinion, the information set forth in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 1999 is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the balance sheet from which it has been derived. DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP Cleveland, Ohio April 21, 2000 13 EX-27 3 EXHIBIT 27
5 3-MOS DEC-31-2000 JAN-01-2000 MAR-31-2000 1,079 0 5,600 0 7,625 19,684 11,790 (3,580) 57,075 24,074 0 0 0 27,390 1,343 57,075 30,391 30,391 23,938 33,588 0 0 196 (3,393) (1,289) (2,104) 0 0 0 (2,104) $(0.80) $(0.80)
-----END PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE-----