10-K 1 g78327e10vk.htm SUNLINK HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC.
 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K

[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2002

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 No. 1-12607

SunLink Health Systems, Inc.


(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Ohio   31-0621189

 
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or
organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

900 Circle 75 Parkway, Suite 1300, Atlanta, Georgia 30339


(Address of principal executive offices)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (770) 933-7000

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

     
Title of each Class   Name of each Exchange on which registered

 
Common Shares without par value   American Stock Exchange

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Warrants to Purchase Common Shares

     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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ]

     At the close of business on September 12, 2002 there were 4,997,592 shares of the registrant’s common shares, without par value, outstanding. The aggregate market value of the common shares held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $11,559,158. Market value was determined by reference to the closing price on September 12, 2002 of the registrant’s common shares as reported by the American Stock Exchange.


 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Certain Cautionary Statements
PART I
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
PART II
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
PART III
PART 1V
SIGNATURES
CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER SUNLINK HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC.
SCHEDULE II — VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
EX-21.1 - LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES
EX-23.1 - CONSNET OF DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
EX-99.1 - SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION OF CEO
EX-99.2 - SECTION 906 CERTIFICATION OF CFO

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

     Portions of the registrant’s definitive Proxy Statement to be filed under Regulation 14A in connection with the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of SunLink Health Systems, Inc., scheduled to be held on November 22, 2002, have been incorporated by reference into Part I and Part III of this Report. The Proxy Statement will be filed with the Securities and Exchange within 120 days after June 30, 2002.

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Certain Cautionary Statements

     In addition to historical information, this report contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 including, without limitation, statements regarding our business strategy, outlook for its businesses, and the sufficiency of our liquidity and sources of capital. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual results, performance, and achievements to differ materially from those anticipated, including, without limitation:

General Business Conditions

  general economic and business conditions in the U.S. both nationwide and in the states in which we operate hospital facilities;
  the competitive nature of the U.S. community hospital business;
  demographic changes in areas where we operate hospital facilities;
  the availability of capital to fund working capital, renovations and capital improvements at existing hospital facilities and for acquisitions and replacement hospital facilities; and,
  changes in accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S.;

Operational Factors

  the availability of, and our ability to attract and retain, sufficient qualified staff physicians, management, and staff personnel for our hospital operations;
  restrictions imposed by debt agreements;
  the cost and availability of insurance coverage including professional liability (e.g., medical malpractice) and general liability insurance;
  the efforts of insurers, healthcare providers, and others to contain healthcare costs;
  the impact on hospital services of the treatment of patients in lower acuity healthcare settings, whether with drug therapy or via alternative healthcare services;
  changes in medical and other technology; and,
  increases in prices of materials and services utilized in our hospital operations;

Liabilities, Claims and Obligations

  claims under leases, guarantees, and other obligations relating to discontinued operations, acquired subsidiaries and former subsidiaries;
  claims for product and environmental liabilities from continuing and discontinued operations; and,
  professional, general, and other claims which may be asserted against us;

Regulation and Governmental Activity

  existing and proposed governmental budgetary constraints;
  the regulatory environment for our businesses, including state certificate of need (“CON”) laws and regulations, rules and judicial cases relating thereto;
  possible changes in the levels and terms of government (including Medicare, Medicaid, and other programs) and private reimbursement for our healthcare services, including the payment arrangements and terms of managed care agreements;
  changes in or failure to comply with Federal. state or local laws and regulations affecting the healthcare industry; and,
  the possible enactment of Federal healthcare reform laws or reform laws in states where we operate hospital facilities (including Medicaid waivers and other reforms);

Acquisition-related Matters

  our ability to integrate acquired hospitals and implement our business strategy; and,
  our competition in the market for acquisition of hospitals and healthcare facilities.

     You should read this Annual Report completely and with the understanding that actual future results may be materially different from what we expect. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or to persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the foregoing factors. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of the documents in which they are made. We disclaim any obligation or undertaking to provide any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement to reflect any change in our expectations or any changes in events, conditions, or circumstances in which the forward-looking statement is based. There could be other additional factors besides those listed herein that also could affect SunLink in an adverse manner.

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PART I

Item 1. Business

Overview

     We are SunLink Health Systems, Inc. Unless the context indicates otherwise, all references to “SunLink,” “we,” “our,” “ours,” “us,” and the “Company” refer to SunLink Health Systems, Inc. and our consolidated subsidiaries. We operate a total of six community hospitals in four states. Five of the hospitals we own and one we lease, as well as certain related businesses, consisting primarily of nursing homes located adjacent to, or in close proximity with, certain of our hospitals, and home health agencies servicing areas around certain of our hospitals. We believe our healthcare operations comprise a single business segment: community hospitals. Our hospitals are general acute care hospitals and have a total of 333 licensed beds. Our healthcare operations are conducted through our direct and indirect subsidiaries, including SunLink Healthcare Corp.

     Information concerning net revenues, operating profit and identifiable assets of our sole existing business segment is set forth at Note 11 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company, which can be found at Item 8 of this report.

     In fiscal 2001 we redirected our business strategy toward the operation of community hospitals in the United States. We acquired, for approximately $26.5 million on February 1, 2001, the six community hospitals and related businesses which we currently operate. On October 5, 2001, we sold all of the capital stock of what was then our wholly-owned United Kingdom housewares subsidiary, Beldray Limited, and we no longer own any operating businesses outside the United States. In August 2001, we changed our name to SunLink Health Systems, Inc. from KRUG International Corp., and changed our fiscal yearend from March 31 to June 30. We are an Ohio corporation and were incorporated in June 1959. Our executive offices are located at 900 Circle 75 Parkway, Suite 1300, Atlanta, Georgia, and our telephone number is (770) 933-7000. Our website address is “www.sunlinkhealth.com.” Information contained on our website does not constitute part of this report.

Business Philosophy

     Our objective is to be a quality provider of healthcare services and the primary provider of such services in the communities we serve. We believe healthcare delivery is a local business requiring autonomous local management supported by effective corporate resources. SunLink supports the efforts of its community hospitals to link their patients’ needs with the professional expertise of quality medical practitioners and the dedication and compassion of skilled employees. Our hospitals work to earn the support of their local communities by endeavoring to meet their healthcare needs in a professional, caring and efficient manner. Linked together with quality medical practitioners and dedicated, compassionate employees, we believe our hospitals are positioned best to prosper in their respective healthcare markets.

Business Strategy

     We have targeted the community hospital market because we believe it provides the most attractive sector for hospital investment. We believe hospitals in our target markets generally experience (1) less competition, (2) lower managed care penetration, (3) lower inflationary pressure with respect to salaries and benefits, (4) higher staff and community loyalty, and (5), in certain cases, opportunity for future growth. All of our current hospitals operate in what we consider to be exurban

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or rural areas. Exurban areas are rural areas adjacent to metropolitan areas. We use the terms exurban to describe both the rural and exurban areas where we operate hospitals. In evaluating potential hospital acquisitions in such markets, we seek markets which have growth potential. We believe that the majority of SunLink community hospitals are located generally in areas which will experience substantial growth.

     Our primary operational strategy is to improve the profitability of our hospitals by reducing outmigration of patients, recruiting physicians, expanding services, and implementing and maintaining effective cost controls. Our efforts are focused on internal growth. However, we actively seek to supplement internal growth through acquisitions. Our acquisition strategy is to selectively acquire community hospitals with net revenues of approximately $10 million or more which are (i) the sole or primary hospital in market areas with a population of greater than 15,000 or (ii) a principal healthcare provider with substantial market share in communities with a population of 50,000 to 150,000. We believe all of our existing six hospitals meet one of these two market area criteria.

Owned and Leased Hospitals

     On February 1, 2001, SunLink purchased five community hospitals, leasehold rights for a sixth existing hospital and the related businesses of all six hospitals for approximately $26.5 million. The purchase price was funded with approximately $3.6 million cash from internally available funds, $4.0 million of short-term debt, $15.6 million seller financing, and the assumption of certain liabilities and transaction costs of $3.3 million. The purchase price of the hospitals still is subject to adjustment for, among other things, certain changes in the amount of working capital at closing. All hospitals are owned except Missouri Southern Healthcare, which is a leased hospital. The following sets forth certain information with respect to each of the six community hospitals:

  Chestatee Regional Hospital (“Chestatee”), located in Dahlonega, Lumpkin County, Georgia, is a 49-licensed-bed, acute-care hospital accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (“JCAHO”). It includes a 12-bed obstetric department, a four-bed intensive care unit (“ICU”) and a 33-bed medical/surgical/pediatrics unit. Chestatee is the only hospital in its primary service area of Lumpkin and Dawson counties.
 
  Mountainside Medical Center (“Mountainside”), located in Jasper, Pickens County, Georgia, consists of a JCAHO accredited 40-licensed-bed, acute-care hospital (including four ICU beds). Mountainside is the only hospital in Pickens County, which is included in the Atlanta Metropolitan Statistical Area (“MSA”). The Company has a Certificate of Need to build a 35-bed replacement hospital in Jasper, which is currently under construction.
 
  North Georgia Medical Center (“North Georgia”), located in Ellijay, Gilmer County, Georgia, consists of a JCAHO accredited 50-licensed-bed, acute-care hospital and Gilmer Nursing Home, a 100-bed skilled nursing facility. North Georgia is the only hospital in Gilmer County.
 
  Trace Regional Hospital (“Trace”), located in Houston, Chickasaw County, Mississippi, consists of a JCAHO accredited 84-licensed-bed, acute-care hospital and Floy Dyer Manor Nursing Home, a 66-bed nursing home. Trace is the only hospital in Houston, Mississippi, and the primary hospital in Chickasaw County.
 
  Chilton Medical Center (“Chilton”), located in Clanton, Chilton County, Alabama, is a 60 licensed-bed, JCAHO accredited; acute-care hospital. Chilton is the only hospital in Chilton County.

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  Missouri Southern Healthcare (“Missouri Southern”), located in Dexter, Stoddard County, Missouri, is a leased 50-licensed-bed, acute-care hospital. It includes a four-bed ICU. 1t is the only hospital in Dexter, Missouri. The lease expires in 2004.

Hospital Operations

Utilization of local hospital management teams

     We believe that the long term growth potential of our hospitals is dependent on their ability to offer appropriate healthcare services and effectively recruit and retain physicians. Each SunLink hospital has developed and continuously implements an operating plan designed to improve operating plan which it has developed efficiency and increase revenue through the expansion of services offered by the hospital and the recruitment of physicians to the community.

     Each hospital management team is comprised of a chief executive officer, chief financial officer and chief nursing officer. The quality of the on-site hospital management team is critical to the success of our hospitals. The on-site management team is responsible for implementing the operating plan under the guidance of SunLink’s senior management team. Each hospital management team participates in a performance-based compensation program based upon the achievement of goals set forth in the operating plan.

     Each hospital management team is responsible for the day-to-day operations of its hospital. Our corporate staff provides support services, assistance, and advice to each hospital in certain areas, including physician recruiting, corporate compliance, reimbursement, information systems, human resources, accounting, cash management, finance, tax, and insurance. Financial controls are maintained through the utilization of standardized policies and procedures. Our hospitals have contracted with the HealthTrust Group Purchasing Organization, a purchasing group used by a large number of community hospitals, for certain supplies and equipment. We promote communication among our hospitals and management teams so that local expertise and improvements can be shared throughout the SunLink system of facilities.

Expansion of Services and Facilities; Maintenance of Emergency Room Operations

     We seek to add services at our hospitals on an as-needed basis in order to improve access to quality healthcare services in the communities we serve, with the ultimate goal of reducing the outmigration of patients to other hospitals or alternate service providers. Additional and expanded services and programs, which may include specialty inpatient and outpatient services, are often dependent on recruiting physicians; therefore, physician recruiting goals are important to our ability to expand services. Capital investments in technology and facilities are often necessary to increase the quality and scope of services provided to the communities. Additional and expanded services and improvements and each hospital’s quality of care and reputation in the community may reduce outmigration and increase patient referrals and revenue. SunLink seeks to maintain in each hospital a quality, patient-friendly emergency department, and we provide emergency room services in each of our hospitals. We view the emergency rooms in each of our hospitals as the facility’s “window to the community” and a critical component of its local service offering.

     Mountainside currently is constricting a 35-bed, 80,000-square-foot replacement facility in Jasper, Pickens County, Georgia, to replace the current 40-licensed-bed hospital. The estimated completion and occupancy date for the facility is April 2003 and the estimated cost of the new facility is approximately $15 million.

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     North Georgia currently is constructing a 6,755-square-foot emergency room addition with an estimated completion date of January 2003 and the estimated cost of the addition is approximately $1.7 million.

Physician Recruiting

     Each SunLink hospital management team is responsible for assessing the need for additional physicians, including the number and specialty of additional physicians needed by its community. Each of our local hospital management teams, with the assistance of outside recruiting firms, identifies and seeks to attract specific physicians to its hospital’s medical staff. The hospital generally guarantees a newly recruited physician a minimum level of cash collections during an initial period, generally one year, and assists the physician’s transition into the community. The physician is required to repay some or all of the amounts paid under such guarantee if the physician leaves the community within a specified period. SunLink hospitals generally do not employ physicians.

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Operating Statistics

     The following table sets forth certain operating statistics for SunLink’s owned or leased hospitals for the periods subsequent to their acquisition by SunLink on February 1, 2001:

                                 
    Fiscal Year   Three Months   Three Months   Two Months
    Ended   Ended   Ended   Ended
    June 30, 2002   June 30, 2002   June 30, 2001   March 31, 2001
   
 
 
 
Hospitals owned or leased at end of period
    6       6       6       6  
Licensed beds (at end of period)
    333       333       333       333  
Beds in service (at end of period)
    275       275       275       275  
Admissions
    6,848       1,605       1,628       1,161  
Equivalent Admissions (1)
    16,523       4,136       3,883       2,730  
Average length of stay (days) (2)
    3.91       3.82       4.08       3.99  
Patient days
    26,743       6,129       6,646       4,633  
Adjusted patient days (3)
    63,020       15.484       15,321       10,598  
Occupancy rate (% of licensed beds) (4)
    22.00 %     20.23 %     21.93 %     23.58 %
Occupancy rate (% of beds in service) (5)
    26.64 %     24.49 %     26.56 %     28.55 %
Net patient service revenues (in thousands)
  $ 87,457     $ 22,086     $ 20,527     $ 13,639  
Net outpatient service revenues (in thousands)
  $ 42,418     $ 10,669     $ 9,750     $ 6,226  
Net revenue per equivalent admissions
  $ 5,293     $ 5,345     $ 5,286     $ 4,996  
Net outpatient service revenues (as a % of net patient service revenues)
    48.50 %     48.31 %     47.50 %     45.65 %

(1)   Equivalent admissions is used by management and investors as a general measure of combined inpatient and outpatient volume. Equivalent admissions is computed by multiplying admissions (inpatient volume) by the sum of gross inpatient revenues and gross outpatient revenues arid dividing the result by gross inpatient revenues. The equivalent admissions computation “equates” outpatient revenues to the volume measure (admissions) used to measure inpatient volume resulting in a general measure of combined inpatient and outpatient volume.
 
(2)   Average length of stay is calculated based on the number of patient days divided by the number of admissions.
 
(3)   Adjusted patient days have been calculated based on a revenue-based formula of multiplying actual patient days by the sum of gross inpatient revenues and gross outpatient revenues and dividing the result by gross inpatient revenues for each hospital. Adjusted patient days is a statistic (which is used generally in the industry) designed to communicate an approximate volume of service provided to inpatients and outpatients by converting total patient revenues to a number representing adjusted patient days.
 
(4)   Percentages are calculated by dividing average daily census by the average number of licensed beds.
 
(5)   Percentages are calculated by dividing average daily census by the average number of beds in service.

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Sources of Revenue

     Each SunLink hospital receives payments for patient care from Federal Medicare programs for elderly and disabled patients, state Medicaid programs, private insurance carriers, health maintenance organizations, preferred provider organizations, TriCare (formerly known as the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Uniformed Services, or CHAMPUS), and from employers and patients directly. See “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

     The following table sets forth the percentage of the patient days from various payors in SunLink’s owned or leased hospitals for the periods indicated.

                                   
      Fiscal Year   Three Months   Three Months   Two Months
      Ended   Ended   Ended   Ended
      June 30, 2002   June 30, 2002   June 30, 2001   March 31, 2001
     
 
 
 
Source
                               
Medicare
    73.63 %     74.79 %     73.17 %     75.89 %
Medicaid
    8.64 %     8.86 %     8.20 %     7.04 %
Private and other sources
    17.73 %     16.35 %     18.63 %     17.07 %
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
Total
    100.00 %     100.00 %     100.00 %     100.00 %
 
   
     
     
     
 

     The following table sets forth the percentage of the net patient revenues from various payors in SunLink’s owned or leased hospitals for the periods indicated.

                                   
      Fiscal Year   Three Months   Three Months   Two Months
      Ended   Ended   Ended   Ended
      June 30, 2002   June 30, 2002   June 30, 2001   March 31, 2001
     
 
 
 
Source
                               
Medicare
    48.49 %     48.42 %     49.60 %     51.53 %
Medicaid
    13.55 %     13.98 %     11.44 %     10.95 %
Private and other sources
    37.96 %     37.60 %     38.96 %     37.52 %
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
Total
    100.00 %     100.00 %     100.00 %     100.00 %
 
   
     
     
     
 

     Medicare is a Federal program that provides certain hospital and medical insurance benefits to persons age 65 and over, some disabled persons and persons with end-stage renal disease. Medicaid is a Federal-state program, administered by the states, that provides hospital and nursing home benefits to qualifying individuals who are unable to afford care. All of SunLink’s hospitals are certified as healthcare services providers for persons covered by Medicare and Medicaid programs. Amounts received under the Medicare and Medicaid programs generally are significantly less than the established charges of most hospitals, including our own, for the services provided. Patients generally are not responsible for any difference between established hospital charges and amounts reimbursed for such services under Medicare, Medicaid, some private insurer plans, HMOs or PPOs, but are responsible to the extent of any exclusions, deductibles or co-insurance features of their coverage. The amount of such exclusions, deductibles and co-insurance has been increasing in recent years. Collection of amounts due from individuals typically is more difficult than from governments or third-party payors.

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Management Information Systems

     SunLink utilizes commercially available management information systems at our hospitals, four of which utilize a comprehensive system designed for larger hospitals and two of which utilize a system designed for smaller hospitals. Each system includes features such as a general ledger, patient accounting, billing, accounts receivable, payroll, accounts payable, medical records and materials management. SunLink maintains a small staff and limited equipment to complement the hospital systems and to report combined and individual data for corporate management, monitoring and compliance purposes. Our goal is to convert all of our hospitals to a single management information system upon expiration of our existing systems agreements, which unexpired terms range from three to five years.

Quality Assurance

     Each SunLink hospital implements quality assurance procedures to monitor the level and quality of care provided to its patients. Each hospital has a medical director who supervises and is responsible for the quality of medical care provided and a medical advisory committee comprised of physicians who review the professional credentials of physicians applying for medical staff privileges at the hospital. The medical advisory committee also reviews and monitors surgical outcomes along with procedures performed and the quality of the logistical, medical and technological support provided to the physicians. Each hospital periodically conducts surveys of its patients, either during their stay at the hospital or subsequently by mail, to identify potential areas of improvement. Each SunLink hospital, other than the leased hospital in Dexter, Missouri, is accredited by JCAHO.

Regulatory Compliance Program

     SunLink maintains a company-wide compliance program under the direction of Jerome Orth, Vice President, Technical and Compliance Services. Mr. Orth has over twenty-five years experience in reimbursement in multi-hospital corporations, at both the facility and corporate level. SunLink’s compliance program is directed at all areas of regulatory compliance, including physician recruitment, reimbursement and cost reporting practices, and laboratory and home healthcare operations. Each hospital designates a compliance officer and develops plans to correct problems should they arise. In addition, all employees are provided with a copy of and given an introduction to SunLink’s Code of Conduct, which includes ethical and compliance guidelines and instructions about the proper resources to utilize in order to address any concerns that may arise. Each hospital conducts annual training to reemphasize SunLink’s Code of Conduct. We monitor our corporate compliance program to respond to developments in healthcare regulations and the industry. SunLink also maintains a toll-free hotline to permit employees to report compliance concerns on an anonymous basis.

Competition

     Among the factors which we believe influence patient selection among hospitals in exurban markets are:

  The appearance and functionality of the healthcare facilities:
 
  The quality and demeanor of professional staff and physicians; and,
 
  The participation of the hospital in plans which pay a portion of the patient’s bill.

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     Such factors are influenced heavily by the quality and scope of medical services, strength of referral networks, hospital location, and the price of hospital services. Although our hospitals may face less competition in their immediate patient service areas than would be expected in larger communities, since they are the primary provider of healthcare services in their respective communities, our hospitals nevertheless face competition from larger tertiary care centers and, in some cases, other rural, exurban or, in limited circumstances, urban hospitals. The competing hospitals may be owned by governmental agencies or not-for-profit entities supported by endowments and charitable contributions, and may be able to finance capital expenditures on a tax-exempt basis. Such governmental-owned and not-for-profit hospitals, as well as for-profit hospitals operating in the service area, likely have greater access to financial resources than do SunLink hospitals. Because of the location of certain of our exurban hospitals in high growth areas, they may, in certain instances, also face competition from large urban hospitals offering more specialized services.

Medical Staff

     The number and quality of physicians affiliated with a hospital directly affects the quality and availability of patient care and the reputation of such hospital. Physicians generally may terminate their affiliation with a hospital at any time. We seek to retain physicians of varied specialties on the medical staffs of our hospitals and to attract other qualified physicians. SunLink believes physicians refer patients to a hospital primarily on the basis of the quality of services the hospital renders to patients and physicians, the quality of other physicians on the medical staff, the location of the hospital and the quality of the hospital’s facilities, equipment and employees. Accordingly, SunLink strives to provide quality facilities, equipment, employees, and services for physicians and their patients.

Managed Care and Efforts to Control Healthcare Costs

     Each SunLink hospital is somewhat dependent on its ability to negotiate service contracts with purchasers of group healthcare services. Health maintenance organizations and preferred provider organizations attempt to direct and control the use of hospital services through managed care programs and to obtain discounts from hospitals’ established charges. In addition, employers and traditional health insurers increasingly are seeking to contain costs through negotiations with hospitals for managed care programs and discounts from established charges. Generally, hospitals compete for service contracts with group healthcare service purchasers on the basis of market reputation, geographic location, quality and range of services, quality of medical staff, convenience and price.

     The importance of obtaining contracts with managed care organizations varies from market to market, depending on the market strength of such organizations. Managed care contracts generally are less important in the exurban markets than in urban and suburban markets where there is typically a higher level of managed care penetration. Nevertheless, a significant portion of hospital patients in exurban communities are covered by managed care or other reimbursement programs which pay less than established charges for hospital services.

     The healthcare industry, as a whole, faces the challenge of continuing to provide quality patient care while managing rising costs, facing strong competition for patients, and adjusting to a general reduction of reimbursement rates by both private and government payors. Both private and government payors continually seek to reduce the nature and scope of services which may be reimbursed. Healthcare reform at both the Federal and state level generally is designed to reduce reimbursement rates. Changes in medical technology, existing and future legislation, regulations and interpretations, and competitive contracting for provider services by private and government payors, may require changes in facilities, equipment, personnel, rates, and/or services in the future.

     The hospital industry, including all of SunLink’s hospitals, continues to have significant unused capacity. Inpatient utilization, average lengths of stay, and average inpatient occupancy rates continue to be affected negatively by payor-required pre-admission authorization, utilization review, and

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payment mechanisms designed to maximize outpatient and alternative healthcare delivery services for less acutely ill patients and to limit the cost of treating inpatients. Admissions constraints, payor pressures, and increased competition are likely to continue and we expect to continue to respond to such trends by adding and expanding outpatient services, upgrading facilities and equipment, offering new programs, and adding or expanding certain inpatient and ancillary services.

Acquisition Strategy

     Although our priority is to improve the profitability of our existing hospitals, we monitor the market for community hospitals which are or may be available for purchase. SunLink faces competition for acquisitions primarily from for-profit hospital management companies and not-for-profit entities which may have greater financial and other resources than does SunLink. Increased competition for the acquisition of non-urban acute-care hospitals could have an adverse impact on SunLink’s ability to acquire such hospitals on favorable terms.

     In recent years, the legislatures and attorney generals of several states, including certain states which we believe may have suitable acquisition targets, have shown a heightened level of interest in reviewing transactions involving the sale of not-for-profit hospitals. Although the level of interest varies from state to state, the trend is to require increased governmental review, and, in some cases, approval of transactions involving a not-for-profit corporation selling a healthcare facility.

Government Reimbursement Programs

Medicare/Medicaid Reimbursement

     A significant portion of SunLink’s net revenues is dependent upon reimbursement from Medicare and Medicaid programs. The Medicare program pays hospitals under the provisions of a prospective payment system for inpatient services. Under the prospective payment system, a hospital receives a fixed amount for inpatient hospital services based on the established fixed payment amount per discharge for categories of hospital treatment, known as diagnosis related group (“DRG”) payments. DRG payments do not consider a specific hospital’s costs, but are national rates adjusted for area wage differentials and case-mix indices. Long-term care psychiatric units within hospitals (along with certain other services generally not provided in our facilities) currently are exempt from the prospective payment system and are reimbursed under the provisions of a cost-based system, subject to specific reimbursement caps.

     Although the Federal government reviews payment rates annually, the percentage increases to DRG payment rates for the last several years have been lower than the percentage increases in the related cost of goods and services provided by general hospitals. The index used to adjust the DRG payment rates is based on a price statistic, known as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services market basket index, reduced by Congressionally mandated reduction factors. DRG rate increases were 1.5%, 2.0%. 0.0%, 0.7% and 1.1% for Federal fiscal years 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000, respectively. The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 set the increase in DRG payment rates for future Federal fiscal years at rates that are based on the market basket rates less reduction factors of 1.8% in 2000 and 1.1% in 2001 and 2002. The Medicare, Medicaid, and Health Benefits Improvement and Protection Act of 2000 (“BIPA”) amended the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 by giving hospitals a full market basket increase in fiscal 2001 and market basket increases minus 0.55% in fiscal years 2002 and 2003. In addition, BIPA contains provisions delaying scheduled reductions in payment for home health agencies and other provisions designed to lessen the impact on providers of spending reductions contained in the Balanced Budget Act of 1997.

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     The Medicare program historically has set aside 5.1% of Medicare inpatient payments to pay for outlier cases. Outlier cases are specific cases that exceed published thresholds (days or cost) for which additional payments (outlier payments) are received, based on a pre-determined formula, over and above the DRG rate for that specific case. During Federal fiscal year 2000, Medicare projected that payments for outlier cases had exceeded the 5.1% and, therefore, increased the cost threshold for Federal fiscal year 2001, which reduced total payments for outlier cases. For Federal fiscal year 2002, Medicare again increased the cost threshold, which will reduce total payments for outlier cases. For Federal fiscal year 2003, Medicare has not only increased the cost threshold, thus reducing total payments for outlier cases, but also has changed the rules to apply it after the DRG rate plus Indirect Medical Education and disproportionate share payments.

     Most outpatient services provided by general hospitals are reimbursed by Medicare under the outpatient prospective payment system. The Balanced Budget Act of 1997 mandated the implementation of the prospective payment system for Medicare outpatient services. This outpatient prospective payment system is based on a system of Ambulatory Payment Classifications (“APC”). Each APC is designed to represent a “bundle” of outpatient services, and each APC is assigned a fully prospective reimbursement rate. BIPA also improved the APC rate update factor for calendar year 2001 from market basket minus 1.0% to market basket plus 0.32%. For calendar years 2002 and 2003, the update factor remains at a market basket of 2.3% and 3.5%, respectively.

     In addition to the standard DRG payment, the Social Security Act requires additional Medicare payments be made to hospitals with a disproportionate share of low income patients. BIPA provisions, effective for services provided on and after April 1, 2001, stipulate that rural facilities with fewer than 100 beds with a disproportionate share percentage greater than 15% will be classified as a disproportionate share hospital entitled to receive a supplemental disproportionate share payment based on gross DRG payments. For discharges between April 1, 2001 and September 30, 2001 the disproportionate share payment was 5.19%, from October 1, 2001 through September 30, 2002 the effective disproportionate share payment will be 5.09%, and beginning on October 1, 2002 the disproportionate share payment will equal 5.25% of total DRG payments. All of our hospitals were classified as disproportionate share hospitals at June 30, 2002. Medicare disproportionate share payments are estimated to represent approximately 1% of net patient care revenues for the 12 months ended June 30, 2002 and for the 3 months ended June 30, 2001. Prior to April 1, 2001, none of our facilities qualified for Medicare disproportionate payments under the regulations in effect at that time.

     Each state operates a Medicaid program funded jointly by the state and the Federal government. Federal law governs the general management of the Medicaid program, but there is wide latitude for states to customize Medicaid programs to fit local needs and resources. As a result, each state Medicaid plan has its own payment formula and recipient eligibility criteria.

Government Reimbursement Program Adjustments

     The Medicare, Medicaid and TriCare programs are subject to statutory and regulatory changes, administrative rulings, interpretations and determinations, requirements for utilization review and new governmental funding restrictions, all of which may materially increase or decrease program payments as well as affect the cost of providing services and the timing of payments to facilities.

     All hospitals participating in the Medicare and Medicaid programs, whether paid on a reasonable cost basis or under a prospective payment system, are required to meet certain financial reporting requirements. Federal and, where applicable, state regulations require the submission of annual cost reports covering the revenue, costs and expenses associated with the services provided by each hospital to Medicare beneficiaries and Medicaid recipients.

     Annual cost reports required under the Medicare and Medicaid programs are subject to routine audits which may result in adjustments to the amounts ultimately determined to be due to SunLink under these reimbursement programs. These audits often require several years to reach the final determination of amounts due. Providers also have rights of appeal, and it is common to contest issues

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raised in audits of prior years’ cost reports. Although the final outcome of these audits and the nature and amounts of any adjustments are difficult to predict, we believe that we have made adequate provisions in our financial statements for adjustments that may result from these audits and that final resolution of any contested issues should not have a material adverse effect upon our consolidated results of operations or financial position. Until final adjustment, however, significant issues remain unresolved and previously determined allowances could become either inadequate or greater than ultimately required.

     If SunLink or any of our facilities were found to be in violation of Federal or state laws relating to Medicare, Medicaid or similar programs, SunLink could be subject to substantial monetary fines, civil penalties and exclusion from future participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Any such sanctions could have a material adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations. See “Item 3. Legal Proceedings.”

Healthcare Regulation

Overview

     The healthcare industry is one of the largest industries in the United States and continues to attract much legislative interest and public attention. There are many factors that are highly significant to the healthcare industry including Medicare, Medicaid, and other public and private hospital cost-containment programs, proposals to limit healthcare spending and proposals to limit prices and industry competition factors. The healthcare industry is governed by an extremely complex framework of Federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations.

     There continues to be Federal and state proposals that would, and actions that do, impose limitations on government and private payments to providers, including community hospitals. In addition, there regularly are proposals to increase co-payments and deductibles from program and private patients. Hospital facilities also are affected by controls imposed by government and private payors designed to reduce admissions and lengths of stay. Such controls, including what is commonly referred to as “utilization review,” have resulted in a decrease in certain treatments and procedures being performed. Utilization review entails the review of a patient’s admission and course of treatment by a third party. Utilization review by third-party peer review organizations is required in connection with the provision of care which is to be funded by Medicare and Medicaid. Utilization review by third parties also is required under many managed care arrangements.

     Many states have enacted, or are considering enacting, measures that are designed to reduce their Medicaid expenditures and to make changes to private healthcare insurance. Various states have applied, or are considering applying, for a waiver from current Medicaid regulations in order to allow them to serve some of their Medicaid participants through managed care providers. These proposals also may attempt to include coverage for some people who presently are uninsured, and generally could have the effect of reducing payments to hospitals, physicians and other providers for the same level of service provided under Medicaid.

Certificate of Need Requirements

     A number of states require approval for the purchase, construction, and expansion of healthcare facilities, including findings of need for additional or expanded healthcare facilities or services. Certificates of need (“CON”), which are issued by governmental agencies with jurisdiction over healthcare facilities, are at times required for capital expenditures exceeding a prescribed amount, changes in bed capacity or services and certain other matters. All four states in which SunLink currently operates hospitals (Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and Missouri) have CON laws. The states periodically review, modify and revise their CON laws and related regulations.

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     In addition, future hospital acquisitions may occur in states that require certificates of need. SunLink is unable to predict whether its hospitals will be able to obtain any certificates of need that may be necessary to accomplish their business objectives in any jurisdiction where such certificates of need are required.

Anti-Kickback and Self-Referral Regulations

     Sections of the Anti-Fraud and Abuse Amendments to the Social Security Act, commonly known as the “anti-kickback” statute, prohibit certain business practices and relationships that might influence the provision and cost of healthcare services reimbursable under Medicaid, Medicare or other Federal healthcare programs, including the payment or receipt of remuneration for the referral of patients whose care will be funded by Medicare or other government programs. Sanctions for violating the anti-kickback statute include criminal penalties and civil sanctions, including fines and possible exclusion from future participation in government programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid. Pursuant to the Medicare and Medicaid Patient and Program Protection Act of 1987, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) issued regulations that create safe harbors under the anti-kickback statute. A given business arrangement that does not fall within an enumerated safe harbor is not per se illegal; however, business arrangements that fail to satisfy the applicable safe harbor criteria are subject to increased scrutiny by enforcement authorities. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (“HlPAA”), which became effective January 1, 1997, added several new fraud and abuse laws. These new laws cover all health insurance programs, private as well as governmental. In addition, HIPAA broadened the scope of certain fraud and abuse laws, such as the anti-kickback statute, to include not just Medicare and Medicaid services, but all healthcare services reimbursed under a Federal or state healthcare program.

     There is increasing scrutiny by law enforcement authorities, the Office of Inspector General of the HHS, the courts and the U.S. Congress of arrangements between healthcare providers and potential referral sources to ensure that the arrangements are not designed as mechanisms to exchange remuneration for patient-care referrals and opportunities. Investigators also have demonstrated a willingness to look behind the formalities of a business transaction to determine the underlying purpose of payments between healthcare providers and potential referral sources. Enforcement actions have increased, as is evidenced by highly publicized enforcement investigations of certain hospital activities.

     In addition, provisions of the Social Security Act, known as the Stark Act, also prohibit physicians from referring Medicare and Medicaid patients to providers of a broad range of designated health services with which the physicians or their immediate family members have ownership or certain other financial arrangements. Certain exceptions are available for employment agreements, leases, physician recruitment, and certain other physician arrangements. A person making a referral, or seeking payment for services referred, in violation of the Stark Act is subject to civil monetary penalties of up to $15,000 for each service; restitution of any amounts received for illegally billed claims; and/or, exclusion from future participation in the Medicare program, which can subject the person or entity to exclusion from future participation in state healthcare programs.

     Further, if any physician or entity enters into an arrangement or scheme that the physician or entity knows or should have known has the principal purpose of assuring referrals by the physician to a particular entity, and the physician directly makes referrals to such entity, then such physician or entity could be subject to a civil monetary penalty of up to $100,000. Many states have adopted or are considering similar legislative proposals, some of which extend beyond the Medicaid program, to prohibit the payment or receipt of remuneration for the referral of patients and physician self-referrals regardless of the source of the payment for the care.

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The Federal False Claims Act and Similar State Laws

     A factor affecting the healthcare industry today is the use of the Federal False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. §§ 3729 et. seq., and, in particular, actions brought by individuals on behalf of the United States under the “qui tam” or whistleblower provisions of the False Claims Act. Whistleblower provisions allow private individuals to bring actions on behalf of the United States alleging that the defendant has defrauded the Federal Government.

     Violations of the False Claims Act are punishable by damages equal to three times the actual damages sustained by the government, plus mandatory civil penalties of between $5,500 and $11,000 for each separate false claim. Settlements entered prior to litigation usually involve a less severe damages methodology. There are many potential bases for liability under the False Claims Act. Liability often arises when an entity “knowingly” submits a false claim for reimbursement to the Federal Government. The False Claims Act defines the term “knowingly” broadly. Thus, although simple negligence will not give rise to liability under the False Claims Act, submitting a claim with reckless disregard for its truth or falsity constitutes a “knowing” submission under the False Claims Act and therefore, will provide grounds for liability. In some cases, whistleblowers or the Federal Government have taken the position that providers who allegedly have violated other statutes, such as the anti-kickback statute and the Stark Act, likewise thereby have submitted false claims under the False Claims Act. A number of states have adopted their own false claims provisions as well as their own whistleblower provisions whereby a private party may file a civil lawsuit in state court on behalf of such state governments.

Environmental Regulations

     The healthcare operations of SunLink generate medical waste that must be disposed of in compliance with Federal, state and local environmental laws, rules and regulations. SunLink’s operations also are subject to various other environmental laws, rules and regulations

Healthcare Facility Licensing Requirements

     SunLink’s healthcare facilities are subject to extensive Federal, state and local legislation and regulations. In order to maintain their operating licenses, healthcare facilities must comply with strict standards concerning medical care, equipment and hygiene. Various licenses and permits also are required in order to dispense narcotics, operate pharmacies, handle radioactive materials and operate certain equipment. All licenses, provider numbers and other permits or approvals required to perform hospital business operations are held by individual subsidiaries, each of which operates a single hospital. All of SunLink’s hospitals, except the leased hospital in Dexter. Missouri, are fully accredited by JCAHO.

Utilization Review Compliance and Hospital Governance

     SunLink’s healthcare facilities are subject to, and comply with, various forms of utilization review. In addition, under the Medicare prospective payment system, each state must have a peer review organization to carry out a Federally mandated system of review of Medicare patient admissions, treatments and discharges in hospitals. Medical and surgical services and physician practices are supervised extensively by committees of staff doctors at each healthcare facility, are

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overseen by each healthcare facility’s local governing board, the primary voting members of which are physicians and community members, and are reviewed by SunLink’s quality assurance personnel. The local governing boards also help maintain standards for quality care, develop long-range plans, establish, review and enforce practices and procedures, and approve the credentials and disciplining of medical staff members.

Medical Records Privacy

     HIPAA provided that if Congress did not pass comprehensive health privacy legislation by August 21, 1999, the Secretary of HHS was required to issue regulations designed to protect the privacy of individually identifiable health information no later than February 21, 2000. Neither Congress nor the Secretary of HHS met these deadlines, although HHS eventually did publish final privacy regulations on December 28, 2000. The final regulations became effective in April 2001, and compliance is required by April 2003. The regulations apply to medical records created by healthcare providers. hospitals, health plans and healthcare clearinghouses that are either transmitted or maintained electronically and the paper printouts created from these records, The standards increase consumer control over their medical records, mandate substantial financial penalties for violation of a patient’s right to privacy and, with a few exceptions, require that an individual’s health information only be used for healthcare-related purposes.

     The regulations also require healthcare providers to implement and enforce privacy policies to ensure compliance with the regulations. On August 14, 2002, HHS published final modifications to the Privacy Rule. The final Privacy Rule contained technical corrections and additional clarifications designed to ensure that protections for patient privacy are implemented in a manner that maximizes privacy while not compromising either the availability or the quality of medical care. Our review of the final Privacy Rule is not complete at this time and we do not know nor are we able to estimate, with any degree of accuracy, the final cost of compliance with the final privacy standards created by the Privacy Rule. Our review of the impact of the regulations and resulting standards on our business is being conducted by our Vice President, Technical and Compliance Services, who is responsible for developing and implementing our compliance program. Various initiatives are currently underway to address not only the Privacy Rule, but the Security and EDI Transaction Standards provisions of the HIPAA regulations as well.

     The Administrative Simplification Provisions of HIPAA require the use of uniform electronic data transmission standards for healthcare claims and payment transactions submitted or received electronically. These provisions are intended to encourage electronic commerce in the healthcare industry. On August 17, 2000. HHS published final regulations establishing electronic data transmission standards that all healthcare providers must use when submitting or receiving certain healthcare transactions electronically. Compliance with these regulations is required by October 16, 2002. We cannot accurately predict the impact that these regulations, when fully implemented, will have on our operations.

Professional Liability

     As part of our business, we are subject to claims of liability for events occurring in the ordinary course of hospital operations. To cover these claims, we maintain professional malpractice liability insurance and general liability insurance in amounts that we believe are sufficient for our operations, although some claims may exceed the scope or amount of the coverage in effect. In connection with the acquisition of the six community hospitals, SunLink assumed responsibility for general and professional liability claims reported after February 1, 2001 (acquisition date), and the previous owner retained responsibility for all known and filed claims. We have purchased claims-made commercial

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insurance (with a substantial self-insured retention) for coverage prior to and after the acquisition date. The recorded liability for general and professional liability risks includes an estimate of the liability for claims incurred prior to February 1, 2001, but reported after February 1, 2001 and for claims incurred after February 1, 2001 to the extent of the self-insured retention. As a component of the related liability for general and professional liability risks, we have included the premiums related to the cost of insurance for claims prior to the acquisition date.

Discontinued Operations and Related Contingent Obligations

     Over the past thirteen years, we have discontinued operations carried on by our former industrial, U.K. leisure marine, life sciences and engineering and U.K. child safety segments, as well as the U.K. housewares segment. Reserves relating to discontinued operations of these segments represent management’s best estimate of our possible liability for property, product liability and other claims for which it may incur liability. These estimates are based on management’s judgments using currently available information as well as, in certain instances, consultation with its insurance carriers and legal counsel. We historically have purchased insurance policies to reduce certain of our product liability exposure and anticipate we will continue to purchase such insurance if available at commercially reasonable rates. While we have based these estimates on our evaluation of available information, it is not possible to predict with certainty the ultimate outcome of many contingencies relating to discontinued operations. We intend to adjust our estimates of the reserves as additional information is developed and evaluated. However, management believes that the final resolution of these contingencies will not have a material adverse impact on our financial position, cash flows, or results of operations.

Employee and Labor Relations

     As of June 30, 2002, SunLink employed 861 full-time and 224 part-time persons in the U.S., none of whom are represented by a union. We believe our labor relations generally are satisfactory.

Environmental Law Compliance

     We believe we are in substantial compliance with applicable Federal, state and local environmental regulations. To date, compliance with Federal, state and local laws regulating the discharge of material into the environment or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment have not had a material effect upon our consolidated results of operations, consolidated financial condition or competitive position. Similarly, we have not had to make material capital expenditures to comply with such regulations.

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EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

     Our executive officers, as of September 16, 2002, their positions with the Company or its subsidiaries and their ages are as follows:

             
Name   Offices   Age

 
 
Robert M. Thornton, Jr.   Director, Chairman of the Board of Directors, President, and Chief Executive Officer     53  
James J. Mulligan   Director and Secretary     80  
Joseph T. Morris   Chief Financial Officer     54  
Harry R. Alvis   Chief Operating Officer     57  
Mark J. Stockslager   Corporate Controller and Principal Accounting Officer     43  

     All of our executive officers hold office for an indefinite term, subject to the discretion of the Board of Directors.

     Robert M. Thornton, Jr. has been Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SunLink Health Systems, Inc. since September 10, 1998, President since July 16, 1996 and was Chief Financial Officer from July 18, 1997 to August 31, 2002. From October 1994 to the present, Mr. Thornton has been a private investor and, from March 1995, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of CareVest Capital, LLC, a private investment and management services firm. Mr. Thornton was President, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer and a director of Hallmark Healthcare Corporation (“Hallmark”) from November 1993 until Hallmark’s merger with Community Health Systems, Inc. in October 1994. From October 1987 until November 1993, Mr. Thornton was Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary, Treasurer and a director of Hallmark.

     James J. Mulligan became Secretary of the Corporation in 1966. Mr. Mulligan has been practicing law as a sole practitioner since January 2001. He was a member of the law firm of Smith & Schnacke from 1953 to 1991, a member of the law firm of Thompson Hine & Flory from 1989 to 1991 and a member of the firm of Mulligan & Mulligan from 1992 to 2000. Mr. Mulligan is general counsel to the Corporation and received $18,171 for legal services rendered during the Corporation’s fiscal year ended June 30, 2002.

     Joseph T. Morris has been President and Chief Financial Officer of SunLink Healthcare Corp. since February 1, 2001 and Chief Financial Officer of SunLink Health Systems, Inc. since September 1, 2002. Mr. Morris provided turn-around operational and financial consulting services for several healthcare companies, including Cambio Health Solutions and New American Healthcare Corporation, from June 1999 through January 2001. From January 1997 through May 1999, Mr. Morris was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of ValueMark HealthCare Systems, Inc., a privately-held owner-operator of psychiatric hospitals. From August 1993 through December 1996, Mr. Morris was President of Affiliated Health Management, Inc., and from February 1990 to July 1993, was Senior Vice President, Hospital Financial Operations, for Hallmark Healthcare Corporation.

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     Harry R. Alvis has been Senior Vice President of Operations of SunLink Healthcare Corp. since February 1, 2001 and Chief Operating Officer of SunLink Health Systems, Inc. since September 1, 2002. Mr. Alvis provided turn-around operational consulting services for New America Healthcare Corp. from March 2000 through January 2001. From August 1997 through August 1999, Mr. Alvis was Chief Executive Officer of River Region Health Systems in Vicksburg, Mississippi. From August 1995 through August 1997, Mr. Alvis was the Chief Executive Officer of Greenview Hospital in Bowling Green, Kentucky, a healthcare facility owned by Hospital Corporation of America. Mr. Alvis’ previous assignment was in Mayfield, Kentucky as the Chief Executive Officer at Pinelake Medical Center from November 1987 through August 1995, which was a healthcare facility owned during such time by HealthTrust, Inc. and later acquired by Columbia Healthcare, Inc.

     Mark J. Stockslager has been Corporate Controller since November 6, 1996 and Principal Accounting Officer since March 11, 1998. He has been associated continuously with our accounting and finance operations since June 1988 and has held various positions, including Manager of U.S. Accounting, from June 1993 until November 1996. From June 1982 through May 1988, Mr. Stockslager was employed by Price Waterhouse & Co.

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Item 2. Properties

     Our principal properties as of the date of filing of this report are listed below:

                 
            Date of    
    Location   Licensed   Acquisition/Lease   Ownership
Name or Function   City and State   Beds   Inception   Type

 
 
 
 
Healthcare Facilities
 
 
 
 
   Chilton Medical Center
 
Clanton, AL
 
60
 
February 1, 2001
 
Owned
   Chestatee Regional Hospital
 
Dahlonega, GA
 
49
 
February 1, 2001
 
Owned
   North Georgia Medical Center &
      Gilmer Nursing Home
 
Ellijay, GA
 
50
 
February 1, 2001
 
Owned
   Trace Regional Hospital & Floy
      Dyer Manor Nursing Home
 
Houston, MS
 
84
 
February 1, 2001
 
Owned
   Mountainside Medical Center
 
Jasper, GA
 
40
 
February 1, 2001
 
Owned
   Missouri Southern Healthcare (1)
 
Dexter, MO
 
50
 
February 1, 2001
 
Leased
 
 
 
 
 
Other
 
 
 
 
   Corporate Offices (2)
 
Atlanta, GA
 
N/A
 
February 1, 2001
 
Leased

(1)   The lease expires in March 2004.
 
(2)   Lease of 2,612 square feet of office space for corporate staff. The lease expires in February 2005.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

     We previously reported that, prior to SunLink’s acquisition of Chestatee and Mountainside, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services initiated a review of certain medical records of these two hospitals as a part of a nationwide Medicare audit project regarding hospital (inpatient) billing practices with respect to the diagnosis of pneumonia. The review sought to determine whether claims were improperly coded for Medicare purposes and whether reimbursement claims from such hospitals had been made in violation of one or more applicable laws, including the False Claims Act., 31 U.S.C. §§ 3729 et. seq. The claims related to periods prior to the time that we acquired these hospitals. Based upon its review, HHS asserted that certain claims were improperly coded by Chestatee and Mountainside. Without admitting any wrongdoing or agreeing to undertake any remedial action, we settled those claims on July 9, 2002 for $240,000.

     Although we are also subject to various claims and legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business, including claims for personal injuries and other matters, we believe, on the basis of information presently available to us, including, for certain matters, the availability of insurance for such matters, that the ultimate resolution of such matters likely will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated results of operations or financial condition.

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

     No matters were submitted to a vote of our security holders during the fiscal period April 1, 2002 through June 30, 2002.

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PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

     Our common shares are listed on the American Stock Exchange and trades under the symbol “SSY”. We also have publicly traded warrants which trade in the over-the-counter market under the symbol “SSYMW”.

     The table below sets forth the high and low sales prices for our common shares for the periods indicated. The number of shareholders of record was 755 as of June 30, 2002. No cash dividends were paid during fiscal 2002 or 2001. We presently intend to retain all earnings, if any, for use in the business. Any future determination as to payment of dividends will depend upon our financial condition and results of operations and such other factors as are deemed relevant by our Board of Directors.

                   
      Sales Price of
      SunLink Common Shares
     
      High   Low
     
 
Fiscal 2002 (July 1, 2001- June 30, 2002)
               
 
Fourth Quarter
  $ 5.70     $ 3.00  
 
Third Quarter
    6.05       2.90  
 
Second Quarter
    3.20       2.15  
 
First Quarter
    3.25       2.15  
Transition Period (April 1, 2001- June 30, 2001)
               
 
Three months ended June 30, 2001
    2.60       1.35  
Fiscal 2001 (April 1, 2000 - March 31, 2001)
               
 
Fourth Quarter
    1.88       1.30  
 
Third Quarter
    1.38       0.88  
 
Second Quarter
    1.69       1.00  
 
First Quarter
    1.88       1.25  

     Wachovia Bank is the Transfer Agent and Registrar for our common shares and our warrants. For all shareholder inquiries, call Wachovia’s Shareholder Services Department at 1-800-829-8432.

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Item 6. Selected Financial Data

     Selected historical financial data presented below as of and for the years ended March 31, 1998, 1999, 2000, and 2001, the three-month transition period ended June 30, 2001 and the year ended June 30, 2002 have been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of SunLink. The following financial information reflects the acquisitions and dispositions of certain businesses during the period April 1, 1997 through June 30, 2002, including the acquisition of our existing community hospital business. In connection with the acquisition of our current business, we changed our fiscal year-end from March 31 to June 30, beginning with the year ended June 30, 2002. As a result, the following summary presents selected financial data for the years ended March 31, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, the three-month transition period ended June 30, 2001, and the year ended June 30, 2002. This data should be read in conjunction with “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and the Consolidated Financial Statements of SunLink and the notes thereto included in Item 8 of this Annual Report.

Selected Financial Data
(All amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

                                                   
      Fiscal   Three Months   Fiscal Years Ended March 31,
      Year Ended   Ended  
      June 30, 2002   June 30, 2001   2001   2000   1999   1998
     
 
 
 
 
 
Net Revenues (1)
  $ 87,457     $ 20,527     $ 13,639     $ 0     $ 0     $ 0  
Loss from Continuing Operations
    (98 )     (319 )     (881 )     (937 )     (3,674 )     (822 )
Net Earnings (Loss)
    833       (4,316 )     478       1,583       (8,633 )     256  
Loss per Share from Continuing Operations:
                                               
 
Basic
    (0.02 )     (0.06 )     (0.18 )     (0.19 )     (0.73 )     (0.16 )
 
Diluted
    (0.02 )     (0.06 )     (0.18 )     (0.19 )     (0.73 )     (0.16 )
Net Earnings (Loss)
                                               
Per Share:
                                               
 
Basic
    0.17       (0.87 )     0.10       0.32       (1.71 )     0.05  
 
Diluted
    0.17       (0.87 )     0.10       0.32       (1.71 )     0.05  
Total Assets
    48,571       43,842       47,458       12,778       15,751       26,460  
Long-term Debt
    24,221       20,406       19,916       0       3,236       4,595  
Shareholders’ Equity
  $ 5,955     $ 5,307     $ 9,631     $ 9,513     $ 7,480     $ 18,099  

(1)  All of SunLink’s net revenues relate to the U.S. community hospital segment which was acquired February 1, 2001. Net revenues for the periods presented represent only the revenues subsequent to the acquisition date. The operations of SunLink’s other business segments which were operated during the periods presented, U.K. housewares, child safety products and leisure marine and the U.S. life sciences and engineering segments, have been reported as discontinued operations, and, therefore, are excluded in the selected financial data presented above.

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Item 7.   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (all amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

Certain Cautionary Statements

     In addition to historical information, this report contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 including, without limitation, statements regarding the Company’s business strategy, management’s outlook for each of its businesses, and the sufficiency of the Company’s liquidity and sources of capital. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause actual results, performance and achievements to differ materially from those anticipated, including, without limitation:

General Business Conditions

  general economic and business conditions in the U.S. both nationwide and in the states in which we operate hospital facilities;
  the competitive nature of the U.S. community hospital business;
  demographic changes in areas where we operate hospital facilities;
  the availability of capital to fund working capital, renovations and capital improvements at existing hospital facilities and for acquisitions and replacement hospital facilities; and,
  changes in accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S.;

Operational Factors

  the availability of, and our ability to attract and retain, sufficient qualified staff physicians, management and staff personnel for our hospital operations;
  restrictions imposed by debt agreements;
  the cost and availability of insurance coverage including professional liability (e.g., medical malpractice) and general liability insurance;
  the efforts of insurers, healthcare providers, and others to contain healthcare costs;
  the impact on hospital services of the treatment of patients in lower acuity healthcare settings, whether with drug therapy or via alternative healthcare services;
  changes in medical and other technology; and,
  increases in prices of materials and services utilized in our hospital operations;

Liabilities, Claims and Obligations

  claims under leases, guarantees, and other obligations relating to discontinued operations, acquired subsidiaries and former subsidiaries;
  claims for product and environmental liabilities from continuing and discontinued operations; and,
  professional, general, and other claims which may be asserted against us;

Regulation and Governmental Activity

  existing and proposed governmental budgetary constraints;
  the regulatory environment for our businesses, including state CON laws and regulations, rules and judicial cases relating thereto;
  possible changes in the levels and terms of government (including Medicare, Medicaid and other programs) and private reimbursement for the Company’s healthcare services including the payment arrangements and terms of managed care agreements;

24


 

  changes in or failure to comply with Federal, state or local laws and regulations affecting the healthcare industry; and,
  the possible enactment of Federal healthcare reform laws or reform laws in states where we operate hospital facilities (including Medicaid waivers and other reforms);

Acquisition Related Matters

  our ability to integrate acquired hospitals and implement our business strategy; and,
  competition in the market for acquisition of hospitals and healthcare facilities.

     Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The foregoing are significant factors we think could cause our actual results to differ materially from expected results. However, there could be other additional factors besides those listed herein that also could affect Sun-Link in an adverse manner.

Corporate Business Strategy

     We have redirected our business strategy toward the operation of community hospitals in the United States and, in February 1, 2001, we acquired for approximately $26.5 million the six community hospitals and related businesses which we currently operate. On October 5, 2001, we sold all of the capital stock of what was then our wholly-owned United Kingdom housewares subsidiary, Beldray Limited, and we no longer own any operating businesses outside the United States. In August 2001, to reflect the change in our business focus, we changed our name to SunLink Health Systems, Inc., and changed our fiscal yearend from March 31 to June 30.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

     The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) recently issued disclosure guidance for “critical accounting policies.” The SEC defines “critical accounting policies” as those that require application of management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain and may change in subsequent periods.

     The following is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all of our accounting policies. Our significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. In many cases, the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is specifically dictated by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, with no need for management’s judgment in their application. There are also areas in which management’s judgment in selecting an available alternative would not produce a materially different result.

     We have identified the following as accounting policies critical to us:

     Management Estimates. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Some of the more significant estimates made by management involve reserves for adjustments to net patient service revenues, evaluation of the recoverability of assets, including accounts receivable, and the assessment of litigation and contingencies, including income taxes, all as discussed in the following.

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     Net Patient Service Revenues - Like all operators of community hospitals, we have agreements with third-party payors that provide for payments at amounts different from established charges. Payment arrangements vary and include prospectively determined rates per discharge, reimbursed costs, discounted charges, and per diem payments. Our patient service revenues are reported as services are rendered at the estimated net realizable amounts from patients, third-party payors, and others. Estimated reductions in revenues to reflect agreements with third-party payors and estimated retroactive adjustments under such reimbursement agreements are accrued during the period the related services are rendered and are adjusted in future periods as interim and final settlements are determined. Significant changes in reimbursement levels for services under government and private programs could significantly impact the estimates used to accrue such revenue deductions.

     Allowance for Doubtful Accounts - Accounts receivable are reduced by an allowance for amounts estimated to become uncollectable in the future. Substantially all receivables are related to providing healthcare services to hospital facility patients. Our estimate of the allowance for doubtful accounts is based generally upon our historical collection experience for each type of payor. The allowance amount is computed by applying estimated allowance percentages to amounts included in specific payor categories of patient accounts receivable. Significant changes in reimbursement levels for services under government and private programs could significantly impact the estimates used to provide the allowance for doubtful accounts.

     Risk Management - We are exposed to various risks of loss from medical malpractice and other claims and casualties; theft of, damage to, and destruction of assets; business interruption; errors and omissions; employee injuries and illnesses; natural disasters (including earthquakes); and, employee health, dental, and accident benefits. Commercial insurance coverage is purchased for a portion of claims arising from such matters. When, in our judgment, claims are sufficiently identified, we accrue a liability for estimated costs and losses under such claims, net of estimated insurance recoveries.

     In connection with our acquisition of our existing six hospitals, we assumed responsibility for general and professional liability claims reported after February 1, 2001 (acquisition date), and the previous owner retained responsibility for all known and filed claims prior to the acquisition date. We purchased claims-made commercial insurance for acts prior to and after the acquisition date. The recorded liability for professional liability risks includes an estimate of the liability for claims incurred prior to February 1, 2001 but reported after February 1, 2001, and for claims incurred after February 1, 2001. As a component of the related liability for professional liability risks, we have included the premiums related to the estimated cost of insurance for claims incurred, but not reported prior to the acquisition date.

     We self-insure for workers’ compensation and employee health risks. The estimated liability for workers’ compensation and employee health risks includes estimates of the ultimate costs for both reported claims and claims incurred but not reported. We accrue an estimate of losses resulting from workers’ compensation, employee health and professional liability claims to the extent they are not covered by insurance. These accruals are estimated quarterly based upon historical loss patterns.

     We record a liability pertaining to pending litigation based on our best estimate of a potential loss, if any, or at the minimum end of the range of loss in circumstances where the range of loss can be reasonably estimated. Because of uncertainties surrounding the nature of litigation and the ultimate liability to us, if any, we continually revise our estimated losses as additional facts become known.

     Income Taxes - We account for income taxes in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. SFAS No. 109 requires an asset and liability approach and the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for expected future

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tax consequences. SFAS No. 109 generally considers all expected future events other than proposed enactments of changes in the income tax law or rates. We have provided a valuation allowance for all tax assets so that the net tax asset is $0 based on our assessment that it is more likely than not that none of the net deferred tax asset will be realized through future taxable earnings or implementation of tax planning strategies. Currently, the most significant tax asset is a U.S. net operating loss carryforward of approximately $7,700, which is subject to Internal Revenue Service Code Section 382 limitations.

Financial Summary

                                         
    Net Revenues
   
            3 Months Ended                
    Year Ended   June 30,   Year Ended March 31,
    June 30,  
 
    2002   2002   2001   2001   2000
   
 
 
 
 
Community Hospitals
  $ 87,457     $ 22,086     $ 20,527     $ 13,639     $ 0  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
                                         
    Earnings (Loss) from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes
   
            3 Months Ended                
    Year Ended   June 30,   Year Ended March 31,
    June 30,  
 
    2002   2002   2001   2001   2000
   
 
 
 
 
Community Hospitals EBITDA (1)
  $ 5,656     $ 1,776     $ 922     $ 912     $ 0  
Corporate EBITDA (1)
    (1,324 )     (295 )     (299 )     (1,376 )     (1,557 )
Depreciation and amortization
    (1,353 )     (459 )     (300 )     (191 )     (6 )
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Operating profit (loss)
    2,979       1,022       323       (655 )     (1,563 )
Interest expense
    (3,007 )     (797 )     (667 )     (447 )     (127 )
Interest income
    56       19       25       496       476  
 
   
     
     
     
     
 
Earnings (Loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
  $ 28     $ 244     $ (319 )   $ (606 )   $ (1,214 )
 
   
     
     
     
     
 

(1)   EBITDA represents the sum of income before income taxes, interest, depreciation and amortization. We understand that industry analysts generally consider EBITDA to be one measure of the financial performance of a corporation that is presented to assist investors in analyzing the operating performance of a corporation and its ability to service debt. We believe an increase in EBITDA level is an indicator of improved ability to service existing debt, to sustain potential future increases in debt and to satisfy capital requirements. EBITDA, however, is not a measure of financial performance under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and should not be considered an alternative to net income as a measure of operating performance or to cash liquidity. Given that EBITDA is not a measurement determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and is thus susceptible to varying calculations, EBITDA, as presented, may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other corporations.

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Results of Operations — Continuing Operations

     All of our net revenues relate to the U.S. community hospital segment which was acquired February 1, 2001. As such, net revenues from continuing operations for the twelve months ended June 30, 2002, the three months ended June 30, 2001 and the twelve months ended March 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively, represent only the revenues subsequent that acquisition date. The operations of SunLink’s two other business segments which were operated during that period, U.K. housewares and child safety products, have been reported in discontinued operations.

     Our U.S. community hospital segment reported aggregate net revenues of $87,457, a total of 16,523 adjusted admissions and revenues per adjusted admission of $5,293 for the year ended June 30, 2002. Community hospital net revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2001 were $20,527, with a total of 3,883 adjusted admissions and revenues per adjusted admission of $5,286. Community hospital net revenues for the year ended March 31, 2001 were $13,639, with a total of 2,730 adjusted admissions and revenues per adjusted admission of $4,996. SunLink added 13 new doctors at the six facilities during the year ended June 30, 2002. We seek to increase adjusted admissions by attracting additional physicians to our hospitals, upgrading the services offered by our hospitals, and improving the hospitals’ physical facilities.

     Operating expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization, were $83,457 for the year ended June 30, 2002 and $20,204 for the three months ended June 30, 2001. The following table shows the relative percentages of operating expenses to net revenues for the twelve and three month periods:

                 
    Operating Expenses as a % of Net Revenues
   
    Year Ended   Three Months Ended
    June 30, 2002   June 30, 2001
   
 
Salaries, wages and benefits
    47.98 %     48.99 %
Provision for bad debts
    11.92 %     12.80 %
Supplies
    11.18 %     11.30 %
Purchased services
    8.39 %     9.04 %
Other operating expenses
    13.52 %     12.31 %
Rents and leases expense
    2.44 %     2.52 %

     All expense categories have decreased in the year ended June 30, 2002 compared to the prior three month period except for other operating expenses, which includes the cost of insurance. Insurance costs for all coverage areas increased substantially at the renewal date of February 1, 2002, especially medical malpractice coverage. SunLink has undertaken cost control initiatives in each facility to reduce labor and other costs. SunLink’s level of bad debts is reflective of its high level of self-pay patients. We provide assistance to the hospitals in implementing additional business office systems and procedures designed to minimize bad debts. Supplies expense was 11.18% of net revenues for the fiscal year reflecting a lower level and volume of specialty services performed in our hospitals. Management expects supplies expense to increase as additional specialty services are provided by our hospitals.

     Interest expense of $3,007, $667 and $447 for the year ended June 30, 2002, the three months ended June 30, 2001 and the year ended March 31, 2001 resulted from the debt incurred in connection with the acquisition of the six hospitals on February 1, 2001 and for the new term loan of $6,000 closed on January 4, 2002. The bridge loan of $4,000, incurred in connection with the acquisition of our hospitals, was repaid fully in December 2001. Cash paid for interest during the year ended June 30, 2002 was $285 for the new term loan (including $39 of interest capitalized in property, plant and equipment) and $339 for the short-term bridge loan.

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     On December 21, 2001, SunLink sold its 60-bed nursing home in Jasper, Georgia for $1,550 cash. A gain of $310 on the sale was reported in operating profit in the year ended June 30, 2002. The nursing home is on the campus of the existing Jasper hospital which is being replaced by a new facility approximately five miles away. SunLink sold the nursing home to concentrate its management and capital resources on the Jasper replacement hospital.

     Income tax expense of $126 for the year ended June 30, 2002 is for state income taxes. Income tax expense of $275 for the year ended March 31, 2001 is composed of $50 for U.S. state taxes and $225 U.K. tax expense. No U.S. Federal nor foreign income taxes are payable for the year ended June 30, 2002 due to tax operating losses for the U.S. and U.K. No deferred income tax expense was recorded because SunLink provided a 100% valuation allowance for U.S. and foreign deferred tax assets. SunLink decided to provide such valuation allowances and adjust the net deferred tax assets to zero based upon management’s assessment that it is more likely than not that the net operating loss carryforwards and other deferred tax assets items will not be realized through future taxable earnings or implementation of tax planning strategies considered likely to be available in the future. For the year ended March 31, 2000, the income tax benefit of $277 is comprised of $382 U.S. tax benefit offset by $105 of foreign tax expense. SunLink has a net operating loss carryforward in the U.S. of approximately $7,700 at June 30, 2002, the future use of which is subject to the limitations of the provisions of Internal Revenue Service Code Section 382.

     The liability for general and professional liability risks increased during the year ended June 30, 2002 due to, among other things, an increase in general and professional liability risks retained and increased costs to insure that portion of such risks not retained. The cost of general and professional liability insurance (and all insurance in general) has increased substantially during the year due to changes in the insurance market. SunLink’s general and professional liability insurance has been purchased through early calendar 2003.

     The losses from continuing operations were $98 ($0.02 per share) in the year ended June 30, 2002, $319 ($0.06 per share) for the three months ended June 30, 2001, $881 ($0.18 per share) for the year ended March 31, 2001 and $937 ($0.19 per share) for the year ended March 31, 2000. The loss for the year ended June 30, 2002 resulted from an operating profit of $2,979 achieved by our community hospitals offset by net interest expense of $2,951 and income tax expense of $126. The results for the year ended March 31, 2001 include only two months of operations of our community hospitals while the year ended March 31, 2000 has no continuing operations results of our community hospitals.

Results of Operations — Discontinued Operations

     Earnings from discontinued operations for the year ended June 30, 2002 of $931 is comprised of earnings of $170 on the sale of U. K. housewares subsidiary, Beldray Limited, an after-tax loss of $85 from the life sciences and engineering segment which resulted from domestic pension expense, and a gain from the sale of the our investment in LTS Holdings Inc. of $846. The loss from discontinued operations for the three months ended June 30, 2001 of $3,997 resulted from losses from operations of Beldray of $2,433 (including an asset impairment provision of $2,088 to reduce the carrying value of Beldray’s net assets to a net realizable value of $0), a provision for a loss on disposal of Beldray of $1,556 (including $687 for operating losses through the disposal date), and an after-tax loss of $8 from the life sciences and engineering segment. Earnings from discontinued operations of $1,359 for the year ended March 31, 2001 resulted from the $2,457 pre-tax gain on the sale of the child safety segment, partially offset by a $474 after-tax loss from the pre-sale operations of the child safety segment, $485 after-tax loss of the housewares segment and a $139 after-tax loss from the life sciences and engineering segment which resulted from domestic pension expense. Earnings from discontinued operations for the year ended March 31, 2000 of $2,520 resulted from $2,649 of earnings from the life sciences and engineering segment, $66 earnings from the housewares segment and a $195 net loss from the child safety segment. The life sciences and engineering segment earnings were comprised of the pre-tax gain on the sale of the Wyle Series A preferred stock of $4,153 offset by $680 of domestic pension curtailment expenses and $824 of domestic income tax expense.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

     SunLink generated $3,514 of cash from operating activities during the year ended June 30, 2002. The cash generated in the current year resulted primarily from the operating profit for the year of $2,979 plus non-cash deprecation and amortization of $1,353, offset by cash interest paid of $585 (net of interest capitalized) and increased net non-cash current assets. Receivables of our community hospital segment increased due to increased net revenues, offset somewhat by decreased accrued expenses and third-parry payor settlements. Cash generated in operating activities in the three months ended June 30, 2001 of $1,073 resulted from operating profit of $323 plus non-cash depreciation and amortization of $300 and decreased net non-cash current assets. We used cash in operating activities of $996 and $1,675 for the years ended March 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively. Cash used for the year ended March 31, 2001 resulted principally from payment of corporate expenses, offset somewhat by decreased working capital used by our community hospital segment during the two months after its acquisition. Cash used for the year ended March 31, 2000 resulted principally from payment of corporate expenses.

     We used $3,049 of cash from investing activities during the year ended June 30, 2002, comprised of $5,636 in expenditures for property, plant, and equipment at our hospitals, offset by $850 received from the sale of SunLink’s senior preferred stock of LTS Holdings Inc. and $1,737 received from the sale of the 60-bed nursing home in Jasper, Georgia and the sale of excess land. In addition to routine capital expenditures of $2,567 during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2002, primarily for new and replacement equipment, we expended $2,816 for costs related to the replacement hospital in Jasper, Georgia and $253 for exterior renovations at Chilton Medical Center in Clanton, Alabama. Management believes an attractive physical facility assists in recruiting quality staff and physicians as well as attracting patients. The total committed cost of the new Jasper hospital is approximately $15,000, of which $3,000 had been expended at June 30, 2002. The new hospital currently is being funded by the new term loan and revolving line of credit and cash generated from operations of our community hospital segment. We used $718 of cash for the three months ended June 30, 2001 for capital expenditures for our community hospital segment which included $234 for renovation and upgrading of patient service areas at Chestatee Regional Hospital in Dahlonega, Georgia. During the year ended March 31, 2001, $2,795 was used in investing activities. Cash of $4,759 was used for the hospital acquisitions and $755 of cash was used for hospital capital expenditures, while $2,487 was received from the sale of Klippan Limited. Net cash of $4,130 was provided from investing activities during the year ended March 31, 2000, which included $4,125 of proceeds from the sale of our investment in the Wyle Series A preferred stock.

     We generated $1,709 of cash from financing activities in the year ended June 30, 2002, comprised of $6,106 received from new long-term debt, primarily the new term loan, and $35 from issuance of common shares upon exercise of employee options, offset by payment of the $4,000 bridge loan used in the purchase of our hospitals in February 2001 and $432 payments on the new term loan.

     At June 30, 2002, we had outstanding U.S. long-term debt of $24,221 of which $18,517 was incurred in connection with the February 1, 2001 purchase of the six community hospitals and related businesses, $5,577 was obtained from the new term loan and $127 related to capital leases. On January 4, 2002, we closed a $14,000 credit facility comprised of a 36-month secured revolving line of credit for up to $8,000, with interest at prime plus 1.25%, and a $6,000 secured term loan repayable over 66 months at an interest rate of 9.78%. The availability of borrowing under the revolving line of credit is based upon, among other things, a borrowing base keyed to the level of hospital receivables which, based upon our estimates, provides borrowing capacity of approximately $7,000 at June 30, 2002. If the amount or quality of receivables is lower than expected, our borrowing capacity under the

30


 

revolving line of credit also will be lower. If we experience a material adverse change in our businesses, assets, financial condition, management, or operations, or the value of the collateral securing the credit facility, we may be unable to draw on the revolving line of credit. No amount is outstanding on the revolving line of credit at June 30, 2002. We do not expect to draw on the revolving line of credit until the quarter ending December 31, 2002. The net proceeds from the term loan of $5,800 are being used for working capital and to fund a portion of our hospital capital projects, which include a replacement hospital in Jasper, Georgia and a new emergency room at its hospital in Ellijay, Georgia.

     In connection with our purchase of the hospitals in February 2001, the U.S. debt at June 30, 2002 also includes a seller-financed balloon note of $16,856 and a seller-financed zero coupon note of $1,661. The balloon note, due January 31, 2006, has a face amount of $17,000 and a stated interest rate of 8.5% which, because it is considered a below-market interest rate, has been discounted for financial reporting purposes to a market interest rate of 12.3%. The balloon note has a payment-in-kind (PIK) feature for interest accrued through January 31, 2003. Interest due and payable through that date can be paid in additional balloon notes due January 31, 2006, and SunLink presently intends to issue PIK notes for interest due through January 31, 2003. Additional promissory notes of $1,999 for interest from February 1, 2001 through May 31, 2002 have been issued and the interest accrued through June 30, 2002 of $135 has been included in the principal amount of the balloon note at June 30, 2002. The purchase agreement for the six hospitals provides for an adjustment to the balloon note to the extent working capital at the purchase date was greater or less than an agreed-upon amount. We have submitted to the seller a working capital adjustment to reduce the balloon note by $1,200. The seller has objected to the adjustment and SunLink and the seller currently are seeking to conclude the working capital adjustment settlement under the dispute provisions of the sale agreement. No adjustment for any working capital settlement has been made to the balloon note at June 30, 2002.

     The zero coupon note is due January 31, 2004, has a face amount of $2,000, and has been discounted to a market interest rate of 11.3%. The principal amount of the zero coupon note is subject to reduction for certain indemnified items pursuant to the purchase agreement. SunLink has not made any claims for reduction of the zero coupon note.

     SunLink disposed of its U.K. housewares business in October 2001 and received no net proceeds from the disposition. Noncurrent Liability Reserve for Discontinued Operations at June 30, 2002 includes $1,035 relating to the housewares segment which represents a reserve for a portion of a guarantee by one of our U.K. subsidiaries of Beldray’s obligations under a lease covering a portion of Beldray’s manufacturing location. One of our U.K. subsidiaries has an option to repurchase the capital stock of Beldray for nominal consideration if any of our U.K. subsidiaries is called upon to perform under the lease guarantee, or under certain other considerations.

     Management believes SunLink has adequate financing and liquidity in the U.S. to support its current level of operations through the end of the next fiscal year. The principal current sources of liquidity are the new revolving line of credit, the new term loan facility and cash generated from operations of the community hospital segment. The availability under the revolving credit facility is based upon a borrowing base keyed to the levels of SunLink’s receivables. This availability of approximately $7,000 could be adversely affected by, among other things, decreases in receivables due to lower demand for SunLink’s services by patients, change in patient mix and changes in terms and levels of government and private reimbursement for services. Cash generated from operations could be adversely affected by, among other things, lower patient demand for SunLink’s services, higher operating costs (including, but not limited to, salaries, wages and benefits, provisions for bad debts, general liability and other insurance costs, cost of pharmaceutical drugs and other operating expenses), or by changes in terms and levels of government and private reimbursement for services and the regulatory environment of the community hospital segment.

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     From time to time, we continue to evaluate potential acquisitions of rural community hospitals. Financing for any such acquisitions could come from additional third-party debt, seller-financed debt or the proceeds from issuance of additional equity. Currently, we believe our debt capacity is somewhat limited by our debt-to-equity leverage position. The debt capacity of one of our subsidiaries, SunLink Healthcare Corp. (“SHC”), is limited by certain leverage tests in applicable loan agreements. Under the most limiting of such tests, SHC would, at June 30, 2002, have been able to incur up to approximately $9,400 of additional indebtedness.

     Our contractual obligations related to long-term debt, noncancellable operating leases and physician guarantees at June 30, 2002 were as follows:

Contractual Obligations

                         
Payments due in: Long-term Debt Operating Leases   Physician Guarantees



 
1 year
  $ 940     $ 2,286     $ 1,403  
2 years
    2,694       1,944       621  
3 years
    1,126       1,239          
4 years
    18,092       725          
5 years
    1,360       314          
more than 5 years
    9       3,312          
 
   
     
     
 
 
  $ 24,221     $ 9,820     $ 2,024  
 
   
     
     
 

     SunLink has contracts with eight physicians which contain guaranteed minimum gross receipts. If the physician’s gross patient receipts are less than specific yearly amounts, then the difference is paid by SunLink to the physician. The contractual obligation is the maximum guarantee that would be owed.

     SunLink has commitments for future capital expenditures relating to the new Jasper, Georgia hospital of approximately $12,000 and for a new emergency room at North Georgia Medical Center in Ellijay, Georgia, of approximately $1,700 at June 30, 2002.

     Contingent obligations remain relating to product liability claims for products manufactured and sold before the disposal of SunLink’s discontinued industrial segment in fiscal 1989, and for guarantees of certain obligations of former subsidiaries. We have provided an accrual of $1,035 at June 30, 2002 related to a portion of the guarantee by a U.K. subsidiary of a lease covering a portion of the former housewares segment manufacturing facility. We currently are in the process of liquidating three dormant subsidiaries in Canada, Germany and France. Based upon our best estimates, no material amounts are reserved for any contingencies related to these liquidations.

Related Parties

     Two directors of SunLink are members of two different law firms. SunLink has paid $306 for legal services to these law firms during the year ended June 30, 2002.

Inflation

     During periods of inflation and labor shortages, employee wages increase and suppliers pass along rising costs to us in the form of higher prices for their supplies and services. We have not always been able to offset increases in operating costs by increasing prices for our services and products or by implementing cost control measures. We are unable to predict our ability to control future cost increases or offset future cost increases by passing along the increased cost to customers.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

     Recent Accounting Pronouncements and their expected impacts are discussed at Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements at Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form I0-K.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

     SunLink currently is exposed to interest rate changes, primarily as a result of any borrowing under the revolving portion of our credit facility. No borrowing was outstanding on the revolving facility at June 30, 2002. No action has been taken to cover interest rate market risk and we have not engaged in any interest rate market risk management activities.

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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

     Index to Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

         
    Page
   
Independent Auditors’ Report
    34  
Consolidated Balance Sheets – June 30, 2002 and 2001
    35-36  
Consolidated Statements of Earnings –
for the year ended June 30, 2002, the three months ended June 30, 2001 and the years ended March 31, 2001 and 2000
    37  
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity –
for the year ended June 30, 2002, the three months ended June 30, 2001 and the years ended March 31, 2001 and 2000
    38  
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows –
for the year ended June 30, 2002, the three months ended June 30, 2001 and the years ended March 31, 2001 and 2000
    39-40  
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements –
for the year ended June 30, 2002, the three months ended June 30, 2001 and the years ended March 31, 2001 and 2000
    41-63  

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INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT

Board of Directors and Shareholders of
  SunLink Health Systems, Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of SunLink Health Systems, Inc. (the “Company”) as of June 30, 2002 and 2001, and the related consolidated statements of earnings, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the year ended June 30, 2002, the three months ended June 30, 2001, and the years ended March 31, 2001 and 2000. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at June 30, 2002 and 2001, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the year ended June 30, 2002, the three months ended June 30, 2001, and the years ended March 31, 2001 and 2000, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
September 9, 2002

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SUNLINK HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
JUNE 30, 2002 AND 2001
(All amounts in thousands)

                     
        2002   2001
ASSETS
               
 
               
CURRENT ASSETS:
               
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 5,719     $ 3,540  
 
Receivables — net
    10,857       9,957  
 
Medical supplies
    1,774       1,798  
 
Prepaid expenses and other
    1,212       1,169  
 
   
     
 
 
               
   
Total current assets
    19,562       16,464  
 
               
PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT — At cost
               
 
Land
    2,274       2,863  
 
Buildings and improvements
    18,221       19,480  
 
Equipment and fixtures
    6,116       4,389  
 
Construction in progress
    3,846       903  
 
   
     
 
 
    30,457       27,635  
 
Less accumulated depreciation
    1,861       503  
 
   
     
 
 
               
   
Property, plant, and equipment — net
    28,596       27,132  
 
               
OTHER NONCURRENT ASSETS
    413       246  
 
   
     
 
 
               
 
               
 
               
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 48,571     $ 43,842  
 
   
     
 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

35


 

                       
          2002   2001
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
 
               
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
               
   
Accounts payable
  $ 3,988     $ 3,046  
   
Third-party payor settlements
    5,088       6,149  
   
Current maturities of long-term debt
    940       4,000  
   
Accrued payroll and related taxes
    3,477       3,274  
   
Pension liability
    727       795  
   
Net current liability reserve for discontinued operations
    164       1,549  
   
Other accrued expenses
    2,127       1,977  
 
   
     
 
 
               
     
Total current liabilities
    16,511       20,790  
 
               
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
               
 
Long-term debt
    23,281       16,406  
 
Noncurrent liability for professional liability risks
    1,151       475  
 
Noncurrent liability reserve for discontinued operations
    1,673       864  
 
   
     
 
 
               
     
Total long-term liabilities
    26,105       17,745  
 
               
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
               
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
               
   
Preferred Shares, authorized and unissued, 2,000 shares
               
   
Common Shares, no par value; authorized, 12,000 shares; issued and outstanding, 4,998 at June 30, 2002 and 4,976 at June 30, 2001
    2,499       2,488  
   
Additional paid-in capital
    3,628       3,604  
   
Retained earnings (deficit)
    167       (666 )
   
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    (339 )     (119 )
 
   
     
 
 
               
     
Total shareholders’ equity
    5,955       5,307  
 
   
     
 
 
               
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 48,571     $ 43,842  
 
   
     
 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

36


 

SUNLINK HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2002, THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30, 2001, AND THE YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 2001 AND 2000

(All amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

                                     
                THREE MONTHS                
        YEAR ENDED   ENDED   YEAR ENDED   YEAR ENDED
        JUNE 30,   JUNE 30,   MARCH 31,   MARCH 31,
        2002   2001   2001   2000
       
 
 
 
Net Revenues
  $ 87,457     $ 20,527     $ 13,639     $  
 
                               
Operating Expenses:
                               
 
Salaries, wages and benefits
    41,961       10,057       7,138       666  
 
Provision for bad debts
    10,425       2,627       1,637        
 
Supplies
    9,776       2,320       1,586        
 
Purchased services
    7,338       1,855       1,191        
 
Other operating expenses
    11,826       2,527       2,196       848  
 
Rents and leases expense
    2,131       518       355       43  
 
Depreciation and amortization
    1,353       300       191       6  
 
Gain on sales of property and equipment
    (332 )                  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Operating Profit (Loss)
    2,979       323       (655 )     (1,563 )
Other Income (Expense):
                               
 
Interest expense
    (3,007 )     (667 )     (447 )     (127 )
 
Interest income
    56       25       496       476  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Earnings (Loss) From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes
    28       (319 )     (606 )     (1,214 )
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
    126             275       (277 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
Loss From Continuing Operations
    (98 )     (319 )     (881 )     (937 )
Earnings (Loss) From Discontinued Operations, net
    931       (3,997 )     1,359       2,520  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Net Earnings (Loss)
  $ 833     $ (4,316 )   $ 478     $ 1,583  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Earnings (Loss) Per Share:
                               
 
Continuing Operations:
                               
   
Basic
  $ (0.02 )   $ (0.06 )   $ (0.18 )   $ (0.19 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
   
Diluted
  $ (0.02 )   $ (0.06 )   $ (0.18 )   $ (0.19 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
Discontinued Operations:
                               
   
Basic
  $ 0.19     $ (0.81 )   $ 0.28     $ 0.51  
 
   
     
     
     
 
   
Diluted
  $ 0.19     $ (0.81 )   $ 0.28     $ 0.51  
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
Net Earnings (Loss):
                               
   
Basic
  $ 0.17     $ (0.87 )   $ 0.10     $ 0.32  
 
   
     
     
     
 
   
Diluted
  $ 0.17     $ (0.87 )   $ 0.10     $ 0.32  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Weighted-average Common Shares Outstanding:
                               
 
Basic
    4,980       4,976       4,976       4,977  
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
Diluted
    4,980       4,976       4,976       4,977  
 
   
     
     
     
 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

37


 

SUNLINK HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2002, THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30, 2001, AND THE YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 2001 AND 2000
(All amounts in thousands)

                                                     
        COMMON SHARES   ADDITIONAL   RETAINED   TREASURY SHARES
       
  PAID-IN   EARNINGS  
        SHARES   AMOUNT   CAPITAL   (DEFICIT)   SHARES   AMOUNT
       
 
 
 
 
 
MARCH 31, 1999
    5,256     $ 2,628     $ 4,829     $ 1,589       279     $ (1,363 )
 
                                               
 
Net earnings
                            1,583                    
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
                                               
 
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax of $218
                                               
 
                                               
   
Total comprehensive income
                                               
 
                                               
 
Treasury shares purchased
                                    1       (2 )
 
Treasury shares retired
    (280 )     (140 )     (1,225 )             (280 )     1,365  
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
MARCH 31, 2000
    4,976       2,488       3,604       3,172              
 
                                               
 
Net earnings
                            478                  
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
                                               
 
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax of $31
                                               
 
                                               
   
Total comprehensive income
                                               
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
MARCH 31, 2001
    4,976       2,488       3,604       3,650              
 
                                               
 
Net loss
                            (4,316 )                
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
                                               
 
                                               
   
Total comprehensive loss
                                               
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
JUNE 30, 2001
    4,976       2,488       3,604       (666 )        
 
                                               
 
Net earnings
                            833                  
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
                                               
 
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax of $21
                                               
 
                                               
   
Total comprehensive income
                                               
 
                                               
 
Common shares issued
    22       11       24                          
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
 
JUNE 30, 2002
    4,998     $ 2,499     $ 3,628     $ 167          
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
 

[Additional columns below]

[Continued from above table, first column(s) repeated]
                     
        ACCUMULATED        
        OTHER   TOTAL
        COMPREHENSIVE   SHAREHOLDERS'
        INCOME (LOSS)   EQUITY
       
 
MARCH 31, 1999
  $ (203 )   $ 7,480  
 
               
 
Net earnings
            1,583  
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    30       30  
 
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax of $218
    422       422  
 
           
 
   
Total comprehensive income
            2,035  
 
           
 
 
Treasury shares purchased
            (2 )
 
Treasury shares retired
             
 
   
     
 
MARCH 31, 2000
    249       9,513  
 
               
 
Net earnings
            478  
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    (300 )     (300 )
 
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax of $31
    (60 )     (60 )
 
           
 
   
Total comprehensive income
            118  
 
   
     
 
MARCH 31, 2001
    (111 )     9,631  
 
               
 
Net loss
            (4,316 )
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    (8 )     (8 )
 
           
 
   
Total comprehensive loss
            (4,324 )
 
   
     
 
JUNE 30, 2001
    (119 )     5,307  
 
               
 
Net earnings
            833  
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    (181 )     (181 )
 
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax of $21
    (39 )     (39 )
 
           
 
   
Total comprehensive income
            613  
 
               
 
Common shares issued
            35  
 
   
     
 
JUNE 30, 2002
  $ (339 )   $ 5,955  
 
   
     
 

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

38


 

SUNLINK HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2002, THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30, 2001 AND THE YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 2001 AND 2000
(All amounts in thousands)

                                         
            YEAR   THREE MONTHS   YEAR   YEAR
            ENDED   ENDED   ENDED   ENDED
            JUNE 30,   JUNE 30,   MARCH 31,   MARCH 31,
            2002   2001   2001   2000
           
 
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
                               
 
Net earnings (loss)
  $ 833     $ (4,316 )   $ 478     $ 1,583  
 
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
                               
       
Depreciation and amortization
    1,353       300       191       6  
       
Change in provision for bad debts
    1,384       2,627       1,637          
       
Interest capitalized on long-term debt
    2,111       491       317          
       
Gain on sale of Klippan Limited
                    (2,457 )        
       
Gain on sale of LTS Holdings Senior Preferred Stock
    (846 )                        
       
Gain on sale of Wyle Laboratories, Inc. Series A Preferred Stock
                            (4,153 )
       
Gain on sale of assets
    (332 )                     (2 )
       
Provision for loss from discontinued operations
            3,644                  
       
Change in assets and liabilities (excluding effect of acquisition):
                               
       
Receivables
    (2,548 )     (1,206 )     (1,126 )     867  
       
Medical supplies
    25       (39 )     (22 )        
       
Prepaid expenses and other assets
    (13 )     86       (327 )     22  
       
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    2,626       (540 )     398       402  
       
Income taxes
    59       3       (327 )     192  
       
Third-party payor settlements
    (901 )     (52 )     (389 )        
     
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued operations
    (237 )     75       631       (592 )
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
       
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    3,514       1,073       (996 )     (1,675 )
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
                               
 
Proceeds from sale of Klippan Limited
                    2,487          
 
Proceeds from sale of Wyle Laboratories, Inc. Series A Preferred Stock
                            4,125  
 
Cash paid in SunLink Acquisition
                    (4,759 )        
 
Cash acquired in SunLink Acquisition
                    232          
 
Proceeds from sale of LTS Holdings Senior Preferred Stock
    850                          
 
Proceeds from sales of assets
    1,737                       7  
 
Expenditures for property, plant, and equipment
    (5,636 )     (718 )     (755 )     (2 )
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
       
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
    (3,049 )     (718 )     (2,795 )     4,130  
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
                               
   
Proceeds from issuance of common shares
    35                          
   
Purchase of treasury shares
                            (2 )
   
Additions to long-term debt
    6,106                          
   
Payment of long-term debt
    (4,432 )             (664 )     (3,673 )
   
Change in restricted cash
                            6,641  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
       
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    1,709               (664 )     2,966  
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH
    5       (1 )     (4 )     (1 )
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    2,179       354       (4,459 )     5,420  
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
                               
 
Beginning of year
    3,540       3,186       7,645       2,225  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 
 
End of year
  $ 5,719     $ 3,540     $ 3,186       7,645  
 
 
   
     
     
     
 

39


 

(Continued)

SUNLINK HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2002, THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30, 2001 AND THE YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 2001 AND 2000
(All amounts in thousands)

                                       
          YEAR   THREE MONTHS   YEAR   YEAR
          ENDED   ENDED   ENDED   ENDED
          JUNE 30,   JUNE 30,   MARCH 31,   MARCH 31,
          2002   2001   2001   2000
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
                               
 
Effect of acquisition of community hospital segment:
                               
     
Fair value of assets acquired
                  $ 39,356          
     
Liabilities assumed and expenses paid
                    (15,000 )        
 
                   
         
 
                    24,356          
     
Less debt financing
                    (19,597 )        
 
                   
         
     
Cash paid
                    4,759          
     
Less cash acquired
                    (232 )        
 
                   
         
Net cash paid for acquisition
                  $ 4,527          
 
                   
         
Noncash investing and financing activities - Long-term debt issued as payment-in-kind for interest payable
  $ 1,518     $ 482     $     $  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Cash paid for:
                               
   
Income taxes
  $ 67     $     $ 356     $ 447  
 
   
     
     
     
 
   
Interest, net of amounts capitalized
  $ 585     $ 143     $ 46     $ 127  
 
   
     
     
     
 

(Concluded)

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

40


 

SUNLINK HEALTH SYSTEMS, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2002, THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
JUNE 30, 2001 AND THE YEARS ENDED MARCH 31, 2001 AND 2000
(All amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

1.   BUSINESS OPERATIONS AND CORPORATE STRATEGY
 
    SunLink Health Systems, Inc. (the “Company”) operates in the U.S. community hospital segment. The U.S. community hospital segment is comprised of six community hospitals and related businesses, which were acquired on February 1, 2001 (the “SunLink Acquisition”). In the fiscal year ended March 31, 2001, the Company redirected its business strategy toward the operation of community hospitals in the United States. On October 5, 2001, the Company sold all of the capital stock of what was then its wholly owned United Kingdom housewares subsidiary, Beldray, and it no longer owns any operating businesses outside the United States. In August 2001, the Company changed its name to SunLink Health Systems, Inc. from KRUG International Corp. and changed its fiscal yearend from March 31 to June 30.
 
2.   SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
    Principles of Consolidation - The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
 
    Use of Estimates - The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
 
    Net Patient Service Revenue - The U.S. community hospital segment of the Company has agreements with third-party payors that provide for payments at amounts different from its established rates. Payment arrangements include prospectively determined rates per discharge, reimbursed costs, discounted charges and per diem payments. Net patient service revenue is reported as services are rendered at the estimated net realizable amounts from patients, third-party payors, and others for services rendered, including estimated retroactive adjustments under reimbursement agreements with third-party payors. Retroactive adjustments are accrued during the period the related services are rendered and adjusted in future periods as final settlements are determined.
 
    Concentrations of Credit Risk - The Company grants unsecured credit to its patients, most of whom reside in the service area of the Company’s facilities and are insured under third-party agreements. Because of the geographic diversity of the Company’s facilities and nongovernmental third-party payors, Medicare and Medicaid represent the Company’s only significant concentrations of credit risk.

41


 

    Cash and Cash Equivalents — Cash and cash equivalents consist of highly liquid financial instruments, which have original maturities of three months or less.
 
    Medical Supplies - Medical supplies are valued at the lower of cost or market, using the first-in, first-out method.
 
    Allowance for Doubtful Accounts — Accounts receivable are reduced by an allowance for amounts that could become uncollectable in the future. Substantially, all of the Company’s receivables are related to providing healthcare services to the hospitals’ patients. The Company’s estimate for its allowance for doubtful accounts is based primarily on our historical collection experience for each type of payor. The amount is computed by applying allowance percentages to amounts included in specific payor categories of patient accounts receivable.
 
    Property, Plant, and Equipment — Property, plant, and equipment, including capital leases, are recorded at cost. Depreciation is recognized over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from 5 to 45 years, on a straight-line basis. Generally, furniture and fixtures are depreciated over 5 to 10 years, machinery and equipment over 10 years, and buildings over 25 to 45 years. Leasehold improvements and leased machinery and equipment are depreciated over the lease term or estimated useful life of the asset, whichever is shorter, and range from 5 to 15 years. Expenditures for major renewals and replacements are capitalized. Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to operating expense as incurred. When property items are retired or otherwise disposed of, amounts applicable to such items are removed from the related asset and accumulated depreciation accounts and any resulting gain or loss is credited or charged to income.
 
    Risk Management - The Company is exposed to various risks of loss from torts; theft of, damage to, and destruction of assets; business interruption; errors and omissions; employee injuries and illnesses; natural disasters; and employee health, dental, and accident benefits. Commercial insurance coverage is purchased for claims arising from such matters.
 
    In connection with the SunLink Acquisition, the Company assumed responsibility for professional liability claims reported after February 1, 2001 (acquisition date), and the previous owner retained responsibility for all known and filed claims. The Company has purchased claims-made commercial insurance for coverage prior to and after the acquisition date. The recorded liability for professional liability risks includes an estimate of the liability for claims incurred prior to February 1, 2001, but reported after February 1, 2001 and for claims incurred after February 1, 2001. As a component of the related liability for professional liability risks, the Company has included the premiums related to the cost of insurance for claims prior to the acquisition date.
 
    The Company’s U.S. community hospital segment is self-insured, subject to stop-loss insurance, for workers’ compensation and employee health risks. The estimated liability for workers’ compensation and employee health risks includes estimates of the ultimate costs for both reported claims and claims incurred but not reported.
 
    Long-lived Assets — The Company periodically assesses the recoverability of assets based on its expectations of future profitability and the undiscounted cash flows of the related operations and, when circumstances dictate, adjusts the carrying value of the asset to estimated fair value. These factors, along with management’s plans with respect to the operations, are considered in assessing

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    the recoverability of long-lived assets. The Company does not have any goodwill or intangibles as of June 30, 2002.
 
    Income Taxes — The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. SFAS No. 109 is an asset and liability approach that requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences. SFAS No. 109 generally considers all expected future events other than proposed enactments of changes in the income tax law or rates.
 
    Stock-based Compensation - The Company measures compensation cost for stock options issued to employees using the intrinsic value-based method of accounting.
 
    Foreign Currency Translation - The assets and liabilities of the Company’s wholly owned European subsidiaries are translated using exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, and amounts for the consolidated statements of earnings are translated using average exchange rates for the period. Translation gains and losses are recorded in shareholders’ equity, and transaction gains and losses are included in the consolidated statements of earnings for the periods.
 
    Fair Value of Financial Instruments - The recorded values of cash, receivables and payables approximate their fair values because of the relatively short maturity of these instruments. Similarly, the fair value of the Company’s discounted long-term debt is estimated to approximate its recorded value due to its recent valuation and relatively short maturity periods (three to five years).
 
    Earnings (Loss) per Share - Earnings (loss) per common share (“EPS”) is based on the weighted-average number of common shares and dilutive common share equivalents outstanding for each period presented, including vested and unvested shares issued under the Company’s Incentive Stock Option Plan and outstanding stock purchase warrants issued by the Company. Common share equivalents represent the dilutive effect of the assumed exercise of the outstanding stock options and warrants.
 
    Recent Accounting Standards - In June 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations (“SFAS No. 141”). SFAS No. 141 requires the purchase method of accounting for business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001 and eliminates the pooling-of-interests method. The Company does not believe the adoption of SFAS No. 141 will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
 
    In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (“SFAS No. 142”), which the Company intends to adopt July 1, 2002. SFAS No. 142 requires, among other things, the discontinuance of goodwill amortization. The Company does not believe the adoption of SFAS No. 142 will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements because it recorded no goodwill or other intangibles in connection with the SunLink Acquisition.
 
    In October 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 144, Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets (“SFAS No. 144”). The provisions of this statement provide a single accounting model for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets. As required by SFAS No. 144, the Company will adopt this new accounting standard on July 1, 2002. The Company currently is assessing the impact of this new standard.

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    In April 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 145, Revision of SFAS Nos. 4, 44, and 64, Amendment of FASB No. 13 and Technical Corrections (“SFAS No. 145”). SFAS No. 145 rescinds, amends or makes various technical corrections of certain existing authoritative pronouncements. The Company elected to adopt this Statement as of July 1, 2001. The adoption of SFAS No. 145 did not have a material effective on the Company’s financial position, cash flows, or results of operations, except as discussed in Note 13.
 
    In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities (“SFAS No. 146”). SFAS No. 146 requires recording costs associated with exit or disposal activities at their fair values when a liability has been incurred. Under previous guidance, certain exist costs were accrued upon management’s commitment to an exit plan, which is generally before an actual liability has been incurred. Adoption of SAFS No. 146 is required with the beginning of fiscal year 2003. The Company is currently assessing the impact of this new standard.
 
    Reclassifications - Certain amounts in prior periods’ consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the current period’s presentation.
 
3.   ACQUISITION
 
    On February 1, 2001, the Company, through its hospital-operating subsidiary, SunLink Healthcare Corp. (“SHC”), completed the acquisition of six community hospitals and related businesses for a purchase price of $26,444. The operating results of the six community hospitals and related businesses are reported in Business Segment information under the community hospital segment. The purchase price was funded with $3,590 cash from internally available funds, $4,000 of short-term debt, $15,597 of seller-financed debt, and the assumption of liabilities and transaction costs of $3,257. The purchase agreement for the SunLink Acquisition includes a provision for the settlement of the working capital at the purchase date of the acquired hospitals and related businesses. The adjustment will be accounted for as an adjustment to the seller-financed debt. No settlement has been finalized; however, management believes that the settlement should be resolved during the next fiscal year.
 
    The acquisition was accounted for by the purchase method of accounting and, accordingly, the consolidated statements of earnings includes the results of the six community hospitals and related businesses beginning February 1, 2001. The purchase price has been allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on fair values at the date of acquisition as determined by the Company’s management based on information currently available and independent appraisals of the acquired property, plant, and equipment. The purchase price is subject to adjustment for working capital at the purchase date greater or less than an agreed-upon amount. The allocation of the purchase price is as follows:

         
Estimated fair values
  $ 39,356  
Assets acquired
    12,912  
 
   
 
Liabilities assumed
  $ 26,444  
 
   
 

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    The following unaudited pro forma results of operations for the year ended March 31, 2001 and 2000 give effect to the Company’s acquisition of the six community hospitals and related businesses as if it had occurred as of April 1, 1999. The pro forma results include estimates and assumptions which management believes are reasonable. However, the pro forma results do not include any anticipated cost savings or other effects of the planned integration of the six community hospitals and related businesses, and are not necessarily indicative of the results which would have occurred if the business combination had been in effect on the dates indicated, or which may result in the future.

                 
    PRO FORMA (UNAUDITED)
    YEAR ENDED MARCH 31,
   
    2001   2000
Net revenues
  $ 78,861     $ 85,472  
Loss from continuing operations
    (5,780 )     (6,954 )
Earnings from discontinued operations
    1,359       2,520  
Net loss
    (4,421 )     (4,434 )
Loss per share from continuing operations — basic and diluted
    (1.16 )     (1.40 )
Earnings per share from discontinued operations — basic and diluted
    0.27       0.51  
Net loss per common share — basic and diluted
    (0.89 )     (0.89 )

4.   DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
 
    Housewares Segment — Beldray Limited (“Beldray”), the Company’s U.K. housewares subsidiary, was sold on October 5, 2001 for nominal consideration. During the three months ended June 30, 2001, the Company reported a charge in discontinued operations relating to Beldray of $3,989. The charge was composed of losses from operations of $2,433 (including an asset impairment provision of $2,088 to reduce the carrying value of Beldray’s net assets to net realizable value of $0) and a loss on disposal of Beldray of $1,556, including $687 for estimated operating losses through the disposal date. During the year ended June 30, 2002, earnings from the disposal of $170 were reported.
 
    Noncurrent Liability Reserves for Discontinued Operations at June 30, 2002 include $1,035 relating to the housewares segment which represents a reserve for a portion of a guarantee by one of the Company’s U.K. subsidiaries of Beldray’s obligations under a lease covering a portion of Beldray’s manufacturing location. One of the Company’s U.K. subsidiaries has an option to repurchase the capital stock of Beldray for nominal consideration if any U.K. subsidiary of the Company is called upon to perform under the lease guarantee, or under certain other conditions.
 
    During the year ended March 31, 1998, the Company recorded restructuring and relocation charges of $1,546 related to its housewares segment. In the restructuring, the Company closed its manufacturing facility in Bognor Regis, England, and moved the operations to its facility in Bilston, England. This move was completed in April 1998. During the year ended March 31, 1999, an additional $412 of expense was recorded for additional costs related to the vacated facility.

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    The following is a summary of the provision for restructuring charges:

                 
    MARCH 31,
   
    2001   2000
Beginning balance
  $ 45     $ 680  
Charges
    (45 )     (635 )