-----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, B8mnGfglT7oD2DUSRpEqPnNc3TZ5JvJ1XiWacjPmtoTTllmXJG9jYBRXGAUihyE/ CtRxiAlWOWBIt18j3FAntg== 0000921895-96-000567.txt : 19961120 0000921895-96-000567.hdr.sgml : 19961120 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000921895-96-000567 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-Q PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 3 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 19960930 FILED AS OF DATE: 19961118 SROS: NASD FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: HEALTHCARE SERVICES GROUP INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000731012 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: SERVICES-TO DWELLINGS & OTHER BUILDINGS [7340] IRS NUMBER: 232018365 STATE OF INCORPORATION: PA FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-Q SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-12015 FILM NUMBER: 96668579 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2643 HUNTINGDON PIKE CITY: HUNTINGDON VALLEY STATE: PA ZIP: 19006 BUSINESS PHONE: 2159381661 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2643 HUNTINGDON PIKEE CITY: HUNTINGDON VALLEY STATE: PA ZIP: 19006 10-Q 1 FORM 10-Q SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D. C. 20549 FORM 10-Q QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For Quarter Ended September 30, 1996 Commission File Number 0-12015 HEALTHCARE SERVICES GROUP, INC. ------------------------------- (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Pennsylvania 23-2018365 - ------------------------------------- -------------------------------- (State or other jurisdiction of (IRS Employer Identification incorporation or organization) number) 2643 Huntingdon Pike, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania 19006 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (Address of principal executive office) (Zip code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code: 215-938-1661 ------------ Indicate 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 past 90 days. YES /X / NO / / Number of shares of common stock, issued and outstanding as of November 14, 1996 is 8,089,363 shares. Total of 14 Pages INDEX PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION PAGE NO. Balance Sheets as of September 30, 1996 and December 31, 1995 2 Statements of Income for the Three Months ended September 30, 1996 and 1995 3 Statements of Income for the Nine Months ended September 30, 1996 and 1995 4 Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months ended September 30, 1996 and 1995 5 Notes to Financial Statements 6 to 7 Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 8 to 10 PART II. OTHER INFORMATION 11 to 12 SIGNATURES 13 -1- HEALTHCARE SERVICES GROUP, INC Balance Sheets
September 30, December 31, 1996 1995 (Unaudited) (Audited) --------------- ------------------ ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS: Cash and cash equivalents 21,750,048 16,335,886 Accounts and notes receivable, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $4,162,000 in 1996 and $4,468,000 in 1995 34,028,298 32,463,288 Prepaid income taxes 1,466,184 Inventories and supplies 7,345,356 7,200,033 Deferred income taxes 862,096 1,104,350 Prepaid expenses and other 2,311,089 2,090,409 ----------- ----------- Total current assets 66,296,887 60,660,150 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT: Laundry and linen equipment 11,131,944 12,135,849 Housekeeping equipment and office furniture 7,276,483 6,216,950 Autos and trucks 178,006 178,006 ----------- ----------- 18,586,433 18,530,805 Less accumulated depreciation 12,338,996 12,347,675 ----------- ----------- 6,247,437 6,183,130 COST IN EXCESS OF FAIR VALUE OF NET ASSETS ACQUIRED less accumulated amortization of $1,178,131 in 1996 and $1,117,413 in 1995 2,177,346 2,258,064 DEFERRED INCOME TAXES 1,786,468 1,449,236 OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS 11,074,505 9,739,191 ----------- ----------- $87,582,643 $80,289,771 =========== =========== LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Accounts payable $3,027,380 $3,480,499 Accrued payroll, accrued and withheld payroll taxes 4,699,746 2,312,907 Other accrued expenses 1,887,859 2,843,890 Income taxes payable 454,173 Accrued insurance claims 875,224 954,881 ----------- ----------- Total current liabilities 10,944,382 9,592,177 ACCRUED INSURANCE CLAIMS 3,292,511 2,228,054 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Notes 2 and 3) STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: Common stock, $.01 par value; 15,000,000 shares authorized, 8,089,063 shares issued in 1996 and 8,143,063 in 1995 80,891 81,431 Additional paid in capital 34,586,758 35,023,468 Retained earnings 38,678,101 33,364,641 ----------- ----------- Total stockholders' equity 73,345,750 68,469,540 ----------- ----------- $87,582,643 $80,289,771 =========== ===========
See accompanying notes. -2- HEALTHCARE SERVICES GROUP, INC. Statements of Income (Unaudited)
For Three Months Ended September 30, --------------------------------- 1996 1995 ---- ---- Revenues $41,342,483 $38,208,527 Operating costs and expenses: Cost of services provided 35,631,791 32,800,523 Selling, general and administrative 3,137,780 3,103,320 Recovery of contingent losses on promissory notes sold (100,000) Other income: Interest income 265,865 187,311 ----------- ----------- Income before income taxes 2,838,777 2,591,995 Income taxes 1,163,000 1,063,000 ----------- ----------- Net Income $ 1,675,777 $ 1,528,995 =========== =========== Earnings per common share $ 0.21 $ 0.19 ---========== -========== Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 8,108,189 8,215,348 =========== ===========
See accompanying notes. -3- HEALTHCARE SERVICES GROUP, INC. Statements of Income (Unaudited)
For Nine Months Ended September 30, --------------------------------- 1996 1995 ---- ---- Revenues 121,589,907 111,219,213 Operating costs and expenses: Cost of services provided 103,766,687 94,417,799 Selling, general and administrative 9,478,957 9,357,390 Recovery of contingent losses on promissory notes sold (300,000) Other income (expense): Provision for estimated cost related to SEC (2,400,000) Inquiry and Other Matters (Note 3) Interest income 662,197 621,103 ----------- ----------- Income before income taxes 9,006,460 5,965,127 Income taxes 3,693,000 2,610,000 ----------- ---------- Net Income $ 5,313,460 $3,355,127 =========== ========== Earnings per common share $ 0.65 $ 0.41 ---========== ========== Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 8,130,861 8,243,414 =========== ==========
See accompanying notes. -4- HEALTHCARE SERVICES GROUP, INC. Statements of Cash Flow (Unaudited)
For the Nine Months Ended September 30, -------------------------------------- 1996 1995 ---- ---- Cash flows from operating activities: Net Income $ 5,313,460 $ 3,355,127 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 1,598,856 1,936,984 Bad debt provision 1,725,000 398,303 Recovery of contingent losses on promissory notes sold (300,000) Deferred income taxes (benefits) (94,978) 726,365 Tax benefit of stock option transactions 62,000 Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable (3,290,009) (1,749,197) Prepaid income taxes 1,466,184 (1,109,665) Inventories and supplies (145,323) (767,822) Changes to long term trade notes receivable (1,090,186) (1,680,609) Accounts payable and other accrued expenses (1,409,151) (1,055,771) Accrued payroll, accrued and withheld payroll taxes 2,386,839 1,769,200 Accrued insurance claims 984,799 (532,069) Reserve for estimated cost related to SEC inquiry and other matters (Note 3) 1,542,673 Income taxes payable 454,174 (727,741) Prepaid expenses and other assets (465,808) 1,680,814 ----------- ----------- Net cash provided by operating activities 7,433,857) 3,549,192 ----------- ----------- Cash flows from investing activities: Disposals of fixed assets 294,620 Additions to property and equipment (1,877,065) (2,061,350) Cash provided by release of certificates of deposit pledged for loan guarantees 1,500,000 ----------- ----------- Net cash used in investing activities (1,582,445) (561,350) ----------- ----------- Cash flows from financing activities: Purchase of treasury stock (528,975) (51,875) Proceeds from the exercise of stock options 91,725 434,159 ----------- ----------- Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (437,250) 382,284 ----------- ----------- Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 5,414,162 3,370,126 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year 16,335,886 11,230,118 Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year $21,750,048 $14,600,244
See accompanying notes. -5- NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited) Note 1 - Basis of Reporting The accompanying financial statements are unaudited and do not include certain information and note disclosures required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. The balance sheet shown in this report as of September 30, 1996 has been derived from, and does not include, all the disclosures contained in the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 1995. These statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1995. However, in the opinion of the Company, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 1996 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full fiscal year. Note 2 - Other Contingencies The Company has a $13,000,000 bank line of credit on which it may draw to meet short-term liquidity requirements or for other purposes. This line expires on June 30, 1997. Amounts drawn under the line are payable upon demand. At both September 30, 1996 and December 31, 1995, there were no borrowings under the line. However, the amount available under the line was reduced by approximately $8,000,000 at September 30, 1996 and $8,200,000 at December 31, 1995 as a result of outstanding irrevocable standby letters of credit, which relate primarily to contingent payment obligations under the Company's insurance program. Note 3 - Provision for Estimated Cost Related to SEC Inquiry and Other Matters The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) conducted a non-public investigation since 1990 with respect to certain matters, including the Company's financial statements, financial condition and results of operations. On March 21, 1996 the Staff of the SEC informed the Company that the SEC had accepted a settlement which had been offered by the Company and recommended by the Staff pertaining to certain allegations of violations of the Federal Securities laws by the Company and certain of its officers with respect to periods ended on or before March 31, 1992. The settlement was concluded on October 16, 1996 when a final judgment, upon consent, was entered in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania (96 Civ.6464) based on a complaint filed by the Securities and Exchange Commission against the Company, two of its executive officers and one former officer, without admission or denial of the allegations of the complaint by any parties. The action had alleged violations of certain Federal Securities laws, including anti-fraud, reporting, internal controls and books and records provisions thereof by the Company and such officers. The claims included alleged violations of Section 10b of the Exchange Act, Rule 10b-5 thereunder, Section 13a of the Exchange Act and Rules 13a-a, 13a-13 and 12b-20. The Company and such officers are permanently enjoined from violating certain provisions of the Federal Securities laws, and the Company and these individuals were required to pay civil -6- penalties aggregating approximately $850,000. The Company has agreed to indemnify the current officers with respect to their payment obligations. The estimated monetary impact of this settlement plus related legal costs have been reflected in the accompanying financial statements. In addition, on or about May 24, 1996 the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania filed a civil action against the Company. The litigation is primarily a result of and arises from (1) payments made by the Company for supplies which were allegedly furnished to clients of the Company and the actions of the Company after the payments were made and (2) payments made to certain clients of the Company in connection with the purchase of laundry installations from those clients. See Part II - Item 1.(b) Legal Proceedings, for additional information. During 1995, the Company anticipated that it would incur a significant amount of legal and related costs in connection with these matters. The Company incurred approximately $950,000 of costs in 1995 and estimated that the additional costs which may be incurred in connection with these matters would be in a range of approximately $2,150,000 to $3,500,000 and accordingly accrued as of December 31, 1995 the estimated low range of this liability. The result of this $3,100,000 provision was to reduce 1995 net income by approximately $2,321,000 or $.28 per common share. Costs incurred through September 30, 1996 aggregated approximately $2,400,000, including the civil penalties of $850,000 which was concluded on October 16, 1996. Due to the uncertainty as to the costs remaining to be incurred relating to the matters described above, the Company may incur additional legal and related costs in excess of the remaining amounts recorded ($700,000 at September 30, 1996) in the accompanying financial statements. The ultimate outcome of these matters is uncertain and the amount of any additional liability which might finally exist cannot reasonably be estimated at this time. -7- PART I. ITEM 2 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto. RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Revenues for the third quarter of 1996 increased by 8.2% over revenues in the corresponding 1995 quarter. Revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 increased by 9.3% over the same 1995 period. The following factors contributed to the increase in revenues: service agreements with new clients in existing geographic areas increased revenues by 18.6% for the third quarter and 19.4% for the nine month period; providing new services to existing clients increased revenues 1.6% for the third quarter and 1.9% for the nine month period; and cancellations and other minor changes decreased revenues 12 % in both the third quarter and nine month period. Cost of services provided as a percentage of revenues increased to 86.2% for the third quarter of 1996 from 85.9% in the corresponding 1995 quarter. In addition, cost of services provided as a percentage of revenue increased to 85.3% for the nine month period ending September 30, 1996 from 84.9% in the same 1995 period. The primary factors affecting the variations in the 1996 third quarter and nine month periods' cost of services provided as a percentage of revenue and their effects on the respective periods' .3% and .4% increases are as follows: in the third quarter, an increase of 1.4% in workers' compensation, general liability and other insurance costs; and offsetting this increase was an .8% decrease in costs associated with service agreements canceled ( see Note 1- Intangible Assets in Notes to Financial Statements at December 31, 1995); in the nine month period an increase of .8% in workers' compensation, general liability and other insurance costs: and a .6% increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts and other reserves; and offsetting these increases was a decrease in costs associated with service agreements canceled of .9%; and a .6% decrease in labor costs. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue decreased to 7.6% in the third quarter of 1996 as compared to 8.1% in the corresponding 1995 three month period. The nine month period ending September 30, 1996 also recognized a decrease in SG &A expenses to 7.8% as a percentage of revenue as compared to 8.4% in the corresponding 1995 period. The three and nine month decreases are primarily attributable to the Company's ability to control certain selling, general and administrative expenses while also comparing them to a greater revenue base. The Company presently anticipates that it will incur a significant amount of additional legal and related costs in connection with the pending governmental civil lawsuit and related investigations and accordingly has established a provision for this purpose ( see Note 3 Provision for Estimated Cost Related to SEC Inquiry and Other Matters ). -8- Liquidity and Capital Resources At September 30, 1996 the Company had working capital of $55,352,505 which represents an 8% increase over December 31, 1995 working capital of $51,067,973. Working capital continues to grow primarily as a result of higher accounts receivable attributable to the Company's 9.3% increase in revenues for the nine months ending September 30, 1996. The Company's current ratio at September 30, 1996 decreased slightly to 6.1 to 1 compared to 6.3 to 1 at December 31, 1995. The net cash provided by the Company's operating activities was $7,433,857 for the nine month period ended September 30, 1996. The components of working capital that required the largest amount of cash were: a $3,290,009 increase in accounts receivable and a $1,409,151 decrease in accounts payable and other accrued expenses. The increase in accounts receivable resulted primarily from the growth in the Company's revenues. The increased use of cash associated with accounts payable and other accrued expenses resulted primarily from the timing of payments to vendors. The Company expends considerable effort to collect the amounts due for its services on the terms agreed upon with its clients. Many of the Company's clients participate in programs funded by federal and state governmental agencies which historically have encountered delays in making payments to its program participants. Whenever possible, when a client falls behind in making agreed-upon payments, the Company converts the unpaid accounts receivable to interest bearing promissory notes receivable. The promissory notes receivable provide a definitive repayment plan and therefore may enhance the ultimate collectibility of the amounts due. In some instances the Company obtains a security interest in certain of the debtors' assets. In the event that a promissory note receivable is impaired, it is accounted for in accordance with FAS 114 and FAS 118; that is, they are valued at the present value of expected cash flows or the market value of related collateral. The Company evaluates it accounts receivable and notes receivable for impairment quarterly and on an individual client basis. Receivables considered impaired are generally attributable to clients that are either in bankruptcy, have been turned over to collection attorneys and or those of slow payers that are experiencing severe financial difficulties. At September 30, 1996 long term note receivables, aggregating approximately $300,000, from three clients were deemed to be impaired and at December 31, 1995 long term notes receivable included obligations representing a total of approximately $1,300,000 from two clients that met this category. Since 1986, the Company has followed an income recognition policy on all notes receivable that does not recognize interest income until cash payments are received. This policy was established for conservative reasons, recognizing the environment of the long-term care industry, and not because the notes are impaired. The differences between income recognition on a full accrual basis and cash basis, for notes that are not considered impaired, is not material . For impaired loans, interest income is recognized on a cost recovery basis only. -9- The Company has a $13,000,000 bank line of credit on which it may draw to meet short-term liquidity requirements or for other purposes. This line expires on June 30, 1997. Amounts drawn under the line are payable on demand. At September 30, 1996 there were no borrowings under the line. However, at such date, the amount available under the line was reduced by approximately $8,000,000 as a result of outstanding irrevocable standby letters of credit, which primarily relate to contingent payment obligations under the Company's insurance program. At September 30, 1996, the Company had $21,750,048 of cash and cash equivalents, which it views as its principal measure of liquidity. The level of capital expenditures by the Company is generally dependent on the number of new nursing home clients obtained. Such capital expenditures primarily consist of housekeeping equipment and laundry equipment installations. Although the Company has no specific material commitments for capital expenditures through the end of calendar year 1996, it anticipates that it will incur capital expenditures of approximately $700,000 during this period in connection with housekeeping equipment and laundry equipment installations in its clients' facilities, as well as hardware and software expenditures relating to the implementation of a new computerized financial reporting system. The Company believes that its cash from operations, existing balances and available credit line will be adequate for the foreseeable future to satisfy the needs of its operations and to fund its continued growth. However, if the need arose, the Company would seek to obtain capital from such sources as long-term debt or equity financing. Forward Looking Statements/Risk Factors Certain matters discussed in this report may include forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, risks arising from the Company providing its services exclusively to the healthcare industry, credit and collection risks associated with this industry and risks arising from pending civil and criminal investigations referred to in Note 3 of the Notes to Financial Statements, including the possibility of increased legal and other costs and other possible remedies which may be sought. -10- PART II. Other Information Item 1. Legal Proceedings. (a) On or about October 16, 1996 the investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission previously reported was concluded and settled. Accordingly on such date a final judgment, upon consent, was entered in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania (96 Civ. 6464) based on a complaint filed by the Securities and Exchange Commission against the Registrant, two of its executive officers and one former officer, without admission or denial of the allegations of the complaint by any parties. The action had alleged violations of the certain Federal Securities laws, including anti-fraud, reporting, internal controls and books and records provisions thereof by the Registrant and such officers. The claims included alleged violations of Section 10b of the Exchange Act, Rule 10b-5 thereunder, Section 13a of the Exchange Act and Rules 13a-1, 13a-13 and 12b-20. The Company and such officers were permanently enjoined from violating certain provisions of the Federal securities laws and are required to pay civil penalties aggregating $850,000. Reference is made to Note 3 of the Notes to Financial Statements. (b) As previously reported on the Form 8-K dated May 24, 1996 and in the Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1996, the Company, two of its current Officers and Directors and a former Officer are among the Defendants in a civil action pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The action is captioned United States of America v. Healthcare Services Group, Inc., et al., No. 96-CV-3940. The litigation is primarily a result of and arises from (1) payments made by the Company for supplies which were allegedly furnished to clients of the Company and the actions of the Company after the payments were made and (2) payments made to certain clients of the Company in connection with the purchase of laundry installations from those clients. A copy of the Complaint is attached hereto as Exhibit 99(a) and incorporated herein by reference. The Company has been advised that a former Officer (named as a Defendant in the Civil Action) has appeared before the Grand Jury which is investigating the transactions described in the Complaint and that such former officer also has agreed to plead guilty to obstruction of agency proceedings in connection with the investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission reported in Item 1(a) above. On September 30, 1996, the Company and the two Officers and Directors filed a Joint Motion to Dismiss, Joint Motion for a More Definite Statement and Joint Motion to Strike. A response to the Joint Motions was due November 15, 1996. -11- The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) have informed the Company that they presently intend to institute criminal proceedings and further civil actions and seek other possible remedies against the Company and certain of its Executive Officers and/or Directors with respect to the making of the payments described in the Complaint. They continue to investigate the transactions described in the Complaint to determine if they believe that there were additional criminal violations and additional civil violations which are not covered by the Complaint. The Company is engaged in discussions with the U.S. Attorney and HHS and is attempting to resolve these issues before any additional actions are taken by the government. Item 2. Changes in Securities. None. Item 3. Defaults under Senior Securities. None. Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders. None. Item 5. Other Information. None. Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K. a) Exhibit - 99(a) Civil Complaint captioned United States of America v. Healthcare Services Group, Inc., et al. in United States District Court for Eastern District of Pennsylvania (96 Civ. 3940). b) Reports on Form 8-K - None. -12 SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant had duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized. HEALTHCARE SERVICES GROUP, INC. November 18, 1996 /s/ Daniel P. McCartney Date ----------------------- DANIEL P. McCARTNEY, Chief Executive Officer November 18, 1996 /s/ Thomas A. Cook Date ------------------ THOMAS A. COOK, President and Chief Operating Officer November 18, 1996 /s/ James L. DiStefano Date ---------------------- JAMES L. DiSTEFANO, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer November 18, 1996 /s/ Richard W. Hudson Date --------------------- RICHARD W. HUDSON, Vice President-Finance, Secretary and Chief Accounting Officer -13- EX-99.(A) 2 CIVIL COMPLAINT IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF PENNSYLVANIA UNITED STATES OF AMERICA : Plaintiff : v. : CIVIL ACTION NO. 96-CV-3940 HEALTHCARE SERVICES GROUP, INC., : THOMAS COOK, NICHOLAS SCHWARTZ, JIMMY LEFKOWITZ, ALEX LOWINGER, : MEL MASON, HOWARD SUKOFF, JEFFREY SCHWARTZ, MORRIS WEISEL, : DANIEL MCCARTNEY, CEDAR OAKS CARE CENTER, INC., : AND EDISON ESTATES, INC. : Defendants COMPLAINT This is an action under the False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. 3729 et seq., the Anti-Kickback statute, 41 U.S.C. 52 et seq., and the Money Laundering Statute, 18 U.S.C. 1956 and 1957, against the named defendants. This complaint charges that certain defendants received kickbacks from HealthCare Services Group, Inc. ("HealthCare") in order to induce two nursing homes they controlled or influenced, Cedar Oaks ("Cedar Oaks") and Edison Estates ("Edison Estates") to use or to continue to use, HealthCare as a laundry and services contractor. Plaintiff seeks triple damages and penalties under the False Claims Act for the Cost Reports submitted by each Nursing Home to the Medicare and Medicaid programs which include the amounts of illegal kickbacks. Plaintiff seeks damages in an amount equal to twice the amount of kickbacks paid, together with statutory penalties, under the Anti-Kickback Act, 41 U.S.C. 52, et seq. Plaintiff seeks civil penalties in an amount equal to the value of the funds involved in each such kickback transaction, under the Money Laundering Statute, 18 U.S.C. 1956 and 1957. THE PARTIES 1. Plaintiff is the United States of America, acting through the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. 2 . Defendant Nicholas Schwartz ("Nicholas Schwartz") is a resident of the District of New Jersey at New Jersey at 20 Greenbrier Road, Oakhurst. 3. Defendant Jimmy (a/k/a Imre) Lefkowitz ("Lefkowitz") is a resident of the District of New Jersey, at 30 S. Adelaide Road, Highland. 4. Defendant Alex Lowinger ("Lowinger") is a resident of the District of New Jersey, at 787 Ocean Avenue, Apt. 610 in Long Branch. 5. Defendant Cedar Oaks Care Center, Inc. ("Cedar Oaks") is a corporation owning a nursing home located at 1311 Durham Avenue, Plainfield, New Jersey . 6. Defendant Edison Estates, Inc . ("Edison Estates") is a corporation owning a nursing home located at 465 Plainfield Avenue, Edison, New Jersey. 2 7. Defendant Howard Sukoff ("Sukoff") was, at relevant times, a resident of the District of New Jersey. He was the administrator of Edison Estates. 8. Defendant Morris Weisel ("Weisel") was, at relevant times, a resident of the District of New Jersey, at 11 Fair Hill Road, Edison, New Jersey. He was the administrator of Cedar Oaks, and was the son-in-law of Imre Lefkowitz. 9. Defendant Jeffrey Schwartz ("Jeffrey Schwartz") who resides at 307 N. 8th Avenue, Edison, New Jersey is the son of Nicholas Schwartz and was administrator of Edison Estates, at certain times. 10. Defendant HealthCare Services Group, Inc. ("HealthCare") is a Pennsylvania Corporation located in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania which provides laundry and other services to nursing homes. 11. Defendant Thomas A. Cook ("Cook") is presently, and since 1993 has been, the President of HealthCare. At all relevant times he was Chief Financial Officer of HealthCare. The actions set forth in this Complaint were undertaken in furtherance of his employment, on behalf of HealthCare. 12. Defendant Daniel P. McCartney ("McCartney") is presently the Chief Executive Officer of HealthCare. At all relevant times, McCartney was the Chairman of the Board of HealthCare Services Group. Prior to 1993, he was the President of HealthCare. The actions set forth in this Complaint were 3 undertaken in furtherance of his employment, on behalf of HealthCare. 13. Defendant Mel Mason ("Mason") was at relevant times a marketing and sales executive with HealthCare. The actions set forth in this Complaint were undertaken in furtherance of his employment, on behalf of HealthCare. 14. Grancare, Inc. ("Grancare") is a nursing home chain headquartered in Los Angeles, California. In 1991, HealthCare entered into an agreement with Grancare to purchase Grancare's existing laundry equipment at a price which was in excess of the fair market value for such equipment. HealthCare's agreement with Grancare was made as an inducement to Grancare in order to cause Grancare to enter into an agreement, reimbursed in part under Medicare and/or Medicaid, to use HealthCare as a provider of laundry services. JURISDICTION AND VENUE 15. This Court has subject matter jurisdiction under 31 U.S.C. 3730 and 28 U.S.C. Section 1345. 16. This Court has jurisdiction over each named defendant pursuant to 31 U.S.C. 3732(a). 17. Venue is proper in this District pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 1391. STATEMENT OF FACTS SUPPORTING CLAIMS 18. Defendants Cedar Oaks and Edison Estates were skilled nursing facilities licensed by the State of New Jersey to provide nursing care on an in-patient basis. Both Cedar Oaks and 4 Edison Estates have entered into contracts with the Medicare program and the State of New Jersey Medicaid program to provide health services to patients covered by each such program and to receive reimbursement. 19. Under both the Medicare and Medicaid programs, the United States provides reimbursement to skilled nursing facilities for services represented as medically necessary and in compliance with program requirements. Medicare reimbursement is provided through the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) and a fiscal intermediary (Medicare contractor). Medicaid reimbursement is provided through a grant to the State of New Jersey based upon eligible populations, program commitments, and other factors. The State of New Jersey then enters directly into contracts with Cedar Oaks and Edison Estates. 20. Reimbursement under both the Medicare and Medicaid programs for skilled nursing facilities is provided on a reimbursed-cost basis, within certain limits. As a result, increases in a nursing home's costs result in increases in Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement within certain limits. 21. Cedar Oaks and Edison Estates each entered into contracts with Health Care for certain support services, including full service laundry, housekeeping services, maintenance of equipment, linens, diapers, and supplies. 22. Cedar Oaks and Edison Estates were, at relevant times, owned and controlled by defendants Lefkowitz, Nicholas Schwartz, and Lowinger. 5 23. In or about 1987, defendants HealthCare, Mason, Lefkowitz, Nicholas Schwartz, and Lowinger together with defendants Weisel and Sukoff, entered into a conspiracy to pay and to receive kickbacks from HealthCare in return for continuing HealthCare's contracts with Cedar Oaks and Edison Estates. It was the plan and object of this conspiracy to pay and to receive kickbacks from HealthCare in return for continuing to use the services of HealthCare to Edison Estates and Cedar Oaks; to arrange for payment of these kickbacks through false invoices, and billings from New York corporations to launder the kickbacks through the New York corporations (minus a 6% handling fee) to certain of the conspirators, to cause the submission of fraudulent cost reports to the Medicare and Medicaid programs which failed to disclose these kickbacks, and to represent the full cost of the contract with HealthCare as a reasonable and necessary expense of each of the nursing homes. This conspiracy continued through at least 1992. 24. In furtherance of the conspiracy described above, defendant Nicholas Schwartz had meetings with Mel Mason. Nicholas Schwartz asserted that a corporation located in Brooklyn, New York was interested in obtaining the contract for services held by HealthCare at Edison Estates and Cedar Oaks. He suggested to Mason a kickback amount of $50,000 per year, and it could be arranged that a nursing home could make straw purchases of its own supplies, and direct that the bills be sent to HealthCare. It was the plan and intent of the conspirators that 6 these "purchases" of "supplies" would in fact be kickback payments for the benefit of Nicholas Schwartz and the other conspirators. Defendants McCartney and Cook permitted Mason to arrange that the kickback payments should be paid by HealthCare to Schwartz and the other conspirators. 25. In furtherance of the conspiracy, defendant Lefkowitz next approached a resident of New York at a charity function. Lefkowitz explained that he had access to certain checks and asked if the New York resident would be willing to exchange the checks for cash. The New York resident agreed that he would do this through his businesses located in the Borough of Manhattan, but that he expected to be paid a percentage of the face value of the checks in return for laundering the funds. Lefkowitz and the New York resident agreed on a laundering fee of 6%. 26. In furtherance of the conspiracy, payments totaling as follows were made by Health Care to the New York corporation on behalf of the conspirators described in paragraph 17: 1988: $84,000 1989: $54,000 1990: $110,000 1991: $127,000 1992: $34,000 These amounts are approximate. 7 27. In furtherance of the conspiracy, defendant Nicholas Schwartz arranged for delivery of checks payable to the corporation owned by the New York resident to his home or other location designated by him. At certain times, he would then deliver the checks to defendant Lefkowitz for delivery to the New York resident. At other times, he would accompany Lefkowitz on visits to the New YorK resident to obtain the cash. In still other times, defendant Nicholas Schwartz came by himself. On at least one other occasion, upon information and belief, defendant Lowinger accompanied Lefkowitz to obtain cash in return for the check. McCartney was made aware of the fact that the checks were being mailed to Schwartz's residence and that no invoices existed to substantiate the straw purchases of supplies by Cedar Oaks and Edison Estates. 28. It was the intent and object of each participant in the conspiracy described in paragraph 23 that HealthCare would be induced to believe that HealthCare would receive favorable treatment in subcontracts for contracts between Edison Estates and Cedar Oaks because of payments made by HealthCare to Nicholas Schwartz, Lefkowitz, and Lowinger through defendant Nicholas Schwartz. 29. In furtherance of the conspiracy, defendant Lefkowitz requested of the New York resident and obtained blank invoices from his corporation, in order to submit phony invoices to HealthCare in order to justify the kickback payment. At all 8 relevant times, all parties to the transactions involving the invoices knew that they were false and fictitious. 30. In 1992, auditors for HealthCare raised concerns about the transactions which were used to disguise the kickbacks. Defendant Lefkowitz agreed, on behalf of the conspirators, to pay $7,500 in cash for the New York resident to retain an attorney to address issues arising out of the kickbacks. Plaintiff believes and avers that these funds were used to retain counsel for the New York resident. 31. As a result of the concerns raised by the auditors of HealthCare regarding the transactions used to disguise the kickbacks, HealthCare and defendant Cook conspired with defendants Lefkowitz, Nicholas Schwartz, and Lowinger to engage in a plan to disguise and cover up the transactions in HealthCare's financial records. It was the plan and object of this conspiracy to disguise and conceal all HealthCare's records relating to the false and fictitious kickback payments, and to present repayment of the kickbacks as the resolution of a legitimate commercial dispute. Plaintiff believes and avers that certain counsel for HealthCare were aware of the payment of kickbacks to defendants Lefkowitz, Nicholas Schwartz, Lowinger, and of HealthCare's interest in presenting repayment of the kickbacks as resolution of a legitimate business dispute. 32. In furtherance of HealthCare's desire to disguise the transactions, defendants Lefkowitz, Nicholas Schwartz and Lowinger transferred monies given them by HealthCare into an 9 attorney escrow account. The funds were provided to this account in a form designed to conceal the source. In return for relinquishing their kickback proceeds, defendants Lefkowitz, Nicholas Schwartz and Lowinger through defendants Cedar Oaks and Edison Estates received payments of credit or reduction of bills from HealthCare. 33. Following the payment of money into the escrow account on behalf of defendants Lefkowitz, Nicholas Schwartz and Lowinger, and the granting of credits to Cedar Oaks and Edison Estates, HealthCare received the money from the attorney escrow account. 34. Through this money laundering transaction and the granting of credits or reduction of bills, it was the intent and object of each participant in the transfer that the fraudulent kickback transactions would be disguised in HealthCare's records. 35. The conduct set forth in this complaint violates Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York laws regulating commercial bribery and kickbacks. 36. The conduct set forth in this complaint violates Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York law regulating payment of kickbacks in return for referral of patients for services reimbursable in whole or in part under Title XIX of the Social Security Act, and under state Medicaid program laws. 37. The conduct set forth in this complaint violates Pennsylvania state law regarding solicitation or receipt of kickbacks by health care providers in return for referral of 10 services for persons for whom the services are paid in whole or in part by third parties. COUNT I: CAUSING THE SUBMISSION OF FALSE CLAIMS 38. Plaintiff incorporates by reference paragraphs 1 through 37. 39. All defendants except defendant Cook each caused false or fraudulent statements to be made or used, for the purpose of obtaining or aiding in obtaining the payment or approval of false Medicare and Medicaid claims by the United States. 40. All defendants except defendant Cook caused the submission of false or fraudulent claims by nursing homes to the Medicare Trust Fund and the Medicaid Program for payment of services. These claims were fraudulent because they did not accurately reflect related party transactions by nursing homes, and overstated the cost of services. 41. Plaintiff United States of America made payment upon false, fictitious, or fraudulent claims and was damaged. WHEREFORE, plaintiff, United States of America prays: A. That judgment be entered in plaintiff's favor and against each defendant in the amount of each and every false or fraudulent claim for which each such defendant shall be determined to be liable multiplied as provided for in 31 U.S.C. Section 3729(a), plus the penalty per claim submitted as provided for under law [31 U.S.C. Section 3729(a)]. 11 B. That judgment be granted for the plaintiff and against each defendant for any costs, including but not limited to cost incurred by the United States in this suit; and C. That plaintiff be granted such other and further relief as the court shall deem proper. COUNT II: CONSPIRACY TO SUBMIT FALSE CLAIMS 42. Paragraphs 1 through 41 above are realleged as if fully set forth herein. 43. All defendants except Jeffrey Schwartz, Weisel, Sukoff, Cook and McCartney conspired with HealthCare to defraud the Government by getting false or fraudulent claims allowed or paid. 44. As a result of the conspiracy to defraud the Government by such false or fraudulent claims through the scheme set forth above, the United States was damaged by paying such claims. WHEREFORE, plaintiff, United States of America prays: A. That judgment be entered in plaintiff's favor and against defendants, and each of them found liable in the amount of each and every false or fraudulent claim multiplied as provided for in 31 U.S.C. Section 3729(a), plus the penalty for the conspiracy as provided for under law [31 U.S.C. Section 3729(a)], B. That judgment be granted for the plaintiff and against the defendants, and each of them, for any costs, 12 including, but not limited to, court costs and attorneys' fees incurred by the United States in this suit; and C. That plaintiff be granted such other and further relief as the court shall deem proper. 13 COUNT III: VIOLATION OF THE ANTI-KICKBACK ACT 45. Plaintiff incorporates by reference paragraphs 1 through 44. 46. Cedar Oaks, Edison Estates and certain Grancare subsidiaries each entered into a Participating Provider Agreement with a Medicare intermediary. Each such contract constitutes a prime contract as defined in 41 U.S.C. Section 52. 47. These nursing homes entered into a subcontract with HealthCare for the purpose of obtaining laundry and other services for the nursing homes. 48. Each named individual defendant except Jeffrey Schwartz, Cook, Mason, HealthCare and McCartney acting as agents or advisors of Cedar Oaks or Edison Estates, knowingly and improperly received or arranged for receipt of kickbacks to ensure that HealthCare obtained favorable consideration in connection with existing and future subcontracts with nursing homes. 49. As a result of the kickbacks paid to agents of participating providers who were under contract with the Government, the United States was damaged. 50. Each named individual defendant, except for Jeffrey Schwartz, Weisel, Sukoff, Mason, Cook, and McCartney accepted, or attempted to accept kickbacks from HealthCare in return for favorable consideration for use of Health Care as a subcontractor. 14 51. Each named nursing home included, directly or indirectly, the amount of a prohibited kickback in the contract price charged by HealthCare to the nursing home, and in the contract price charged by the nursing homes to the United States. 52. Defendant HealthCare, and individual defendants Mason, Cook, and McCartney paid or arranged for payment of kickbacks in return for favorable consideration for use of HealthCare as a subcontractor. 53. The United States did not know and could not reasonably have known that the conduct alleged in this complaint which violates the Anti-Kickback Act occurred, at any time prior to 1992. WHEREFORE, plaintiff, United States of America prays: A. That judgment be entered in plaintiff's favor and against each defendant who has violated the Anti-Kickback Act twice in the amount of each and every kickback for which each such defendant shall be determined to be liable as provided for in 41 U.S.C. Section 52 et seq. B. That judgment be granted for the plaintiff and against each defendant for any costs, including but not limited to cost incurred by the United States in this suit; and C. That plaintiff be granted such other and further relief as the court shall deem proper. 15 COUNT IV: MONEY LAUNDERING 54. Plaintiff incorporates by reference paragraphs 1 through 54. 55. Defendants, and each of them, except Jeffrey Schwartz, Weisel and Sukoff, knowing that the funds involved in the payment of kickbacks set forth in this complaint represented the proceeds of some form of illegal activity, conducted or attempted to conduct financial transactions in the amount stated: (a) with the intent to promote the carrying on of specified unlawful activity, that was set forth in 18 U.S.C. 1961(1) (b) knowing that each such transaction was intended to disguise, or conceal, the nature, the source, the ownership, or the control of the proceeds of specified unlawful activity that was set forth in 18 U.S.C. 1961(1). 56. Each financial transaction referred to in paragraph 53 in fact involved the proceeds of specified unlawful activity, that is, mail fraud and interstate travel in aid of commercial bribery. 57. The term "knowing," as used in this Count, with respect to McCartney, includes conscious disregard or willful blindness as well as actual knowledge. 58. The United States did not know, and could not reasonably have known, that the conduct alleged in this complaint 16 which violates the money-launderinq statutes at any time prior to 1992. WHEREFORE, plaintiff requests entry of judgment in favor of the United States and against each named defendant, except Jeffrey Schwartz, in an amount equal to the penalty set forth in 18 U.S.C. 1956(b) together with costs of this action. COUNT V: MONEY LAUNDERING 59. Plaintiff incorporates by reference paragraphs 1 through 59. 60. Defendants, and each of them, except Jeffrey Schwartz, knowing that the funds involved in the repayment of kickbacks into HealthCare set forth in this complaint represented the proceeds of some form of illegal activity, conducted or attempted to conduct financial transactions: (a) with the intent to promote the carrying on of specified unlawful activity, that was set forth in 18 U.S.C. 1961(1) (b) knowing that each such transaction was intended to disguise, or conceal, the nature, the source, the ownership, or the control of the proceeds of specified unlawful activity that was set forth in 18 U.S.C. 1961(1). 61. The term "knowing," as used in this Count, with respect to McCartney, Sukoff, and Weisel, includes conscious disregard or willful blindness as well as actual knowledge. 17 62. Each financial transaction referred to in paragraph 57 in fact involved the proceeds of specified unlawful activity, that is, mail fraud and interstate travel in aid of commercial bribery. WHEREFORE, plaintiff requests entry of judgment in favor of the United States and against all defendants, except Jeffrey Schwartz, in an amount equal to the penalty set forth in 18 U.S.C. 1956(b) together with costs of this action. Respectfully submitted, /s/ Michael R. Stiles --------------------- MICHAEL R. STILES United States Attorney /s/ James G. Sheehan -------------------- JAMES G. SHEEHAN Assistant United States Attorney Dated: 5/24/96 18 EX-27 3 FINANCIAL DATA SCHEDULE
5 THE SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE COMPANY'S FINANCIAL STATEMENTS CONTAINED IN THE COMPANY'S 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. 3-MOS DEC-31-1996 SEP-30-1996 21,750,048 0 38,190,298 4,162,000 7,345,356 66,296,887 18,586,433 12,338,996 87,582,643 10,944,382 0 0 0 80,891 73,264,859 87,582,643 0 121,589,907 103,766,687 113,245,644 0 0 0 9,006,460 3,693,000 5,313,460 0 0 0 5,313,460 .65 .65
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