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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-QSB



x

QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the thirteen week period ended March 30, 2008


o

TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


For the transition period from ______ to _______


Commission file number 0-18785


STEN CORPORATION


(Exact name of small business issuer as specified in its charter)


Minnesota

41-1391803

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation

(IRS Employer Identification No.)

or organization)

 


10275 Wayzata Blvd, Suite 310, Minnetonka, MN 55305
(Address of principal executive offices)


(952) 545-2776
(Issuer’s telephone number)


Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act.
o   YES      x   NO


Check whether the issuer (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 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 o


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act):  Large accelerated filer  o Accelerated filer  o Non-accelerated filer  x


Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act):

o   YES      x   NO


At April 24, 2008, 2,528,751 shares of the issuer’s Common Stock were outstanding.






STEN CORPORATION
INDEX TO FORM 10-QSB



PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

  

Item 1

Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

   
 

Consolidated Balance Sheets at March 30, 2008 (unaudited) and September 30,

  

  2007 (audited)

   
 

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Thirteen and Twenty-Six Weeks Ended  March 30, 2008

  

  and April 1, 2007 (unaudited)

   
 

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Twenty-Six Weeks Ended March 30, 2008 and

  

 April 1, 2007 (unaudited)

   
 

Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements

   

Item 2

Management’s Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation

   

Item 3

Controls and Procedures

  

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION:

  

Item 1

Legal Proceedings

  

Item 2

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

  

Item 3

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

  

Item 4

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

  

Item 5

Other Information

  

Item 6

Exhibits

  

SIGNATURES

  




Page 2



STEN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS



ASSETS

  

March 30, 2008 (unaudited)

 

September 30, 2007 (audited)

CURRENT ASSETS

    

Cash and cash equivalents

$

 458,632 

$

 366,118 

Accounts receivable

 

 582,005 

 

 356,170 

Current portion of notes receivable

 

 154,589 

 

 153,783 

Current portion of loans receivable

 

 3,024,928 

 

 2,851,529 

Inventories

 

 1,182,265 

 

 1,142,843 

Other current assets

 

 2,637,392 

 

 1,684,723 

Total Current Assets

 

 8,039,811 

 

 6,555,166 

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET

 

 1,232,500 

 

 1,293,618 

OTHER ASSETS

 

 

 

 

Intangible assets, net

 

 1,605,078 

 

 1,750,042 

Note receivable, net of current portion

 

 1,131,171 

 

 1,208,383 

Loan receivable, net of current portion and allowance

 

 4,502,357 

 

 4,487,466 

Assets of discontinued business

 

 1,382,612 

 

 1,419,643 

Other assets

 

 1,114,035 

 

 598,361 

Total Other Assets

 

 9,735,253 

 

 9,463,895 

TOTAL ASSETS

$

 19,007,564 

$

 17,312,679 


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES

    

Line of credit, bank

$

 0 

$

 680,000 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

 4,544,796 

 

 2,886,265 

Accounts payable

 

 441,768 

 

 496,385 

Other current liabilities

 

 823,299 

 

 773,085 

Liabilities of discontinued businesses

 

 1,404,692 

 

 1,522,292 

Total Current Liabilities

 

 7,214,555 

 

 6,358,027 

LONG-TERM LIABILITIES

 

 

 

 

Auto loan reserves payable

 

 66,038 

 

 1,076,707 

Long-term debt, net of current portion and original issue discount

 

 6,446,225 

 

 4,457,458 

Total Liabilities

 

 13,726,818 

 

 11,892,192 

STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

Capital stock, $.01 par value, 20,000,000 common shares

 

 25,287 

 

 19,909 

authorized, 5,000,000 undesignated shares authorized, 2,528,751and 1,990,957 common shares issued and

outstanding

 

 

 

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

 5,933,478 

 

 4,774,740 

Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)

 

 (678,019)

 

 625,838 

Total Stockholders’ Equity

 

 5,280,746 

 

 5,420,487 

TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

$

 19,007,564 

$

 17,312,679 



See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.




Page 3





STEN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(unaudited)


  

For  the thirteen

 weeks ended

March 30, 2008

 

For  the thirteen

 weeks ended

April 1, 2007

 

For  the twenty-six weeks ended

March 30, 2008

 

For  the twenty-six weeks ended

April 1, 2007

REVENUES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stencor sales

$

629,289 

 $

363,365 

$

 957,355 

 $

647,448 

Vehicle sales, interest, and other

 

3,669,527 

 

592,331 

 

 5,396,002 

 

952,937 

TOTAL REVENUES

 

4,298,816 

 

955,696 

 

 6,353,357 

 

1,600,385 

   

 

  

 

 

 

COST AND EXPENSES

  

 

  

 

 

 

Costs of goods sold related to Stencor

 

537,175 

 

393,906 

 

 923,859 

 

753,608 

Expenses related to STEN Financial

  

 

  

 

 

 

   Cost of autos sold

 

2,003,526 

 

61,907 

 

 2,830,724 

 

62,300 

   Salaries and benefits

 

441,764 

 

282,978 

 

 859,149 

 

456,305 

   Occupancy and operation expenses

 

246,311 

 

177,238 

 

 521,982 

 

360,408 

   Depreciation and amortization

 

98,415 

 

95,013 

 

 197,574 

 

150,631 

   Provision for credit losses

 

778,123 

 

58,819 

 

 1,288,755 

 

92,520 

   Interest expense, net

 

615,582 

 

118,351 

 

 1,219,853 

 

125,095 

Selling, general and administrative

 

374,593 

 

237,315 

 

 590,618 

 

455,096 

TOTAL COST AND EXPENSES

 

5,095,489 

 

1,425,527 

 

 8,432,514 

 

2,455,963 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Loss from Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes

 

(796,673)

 

(469,831)

 

 (2,079,157)

 

(855,578)

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

BENEFIT FROM INCOME TAXES

 

294,400 

 

172,140 

 

775,300 

 

318,668 

NET LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS

 

(502,273)

 

(297,691)

 

(1,303,857)

 

(536,910)

       Loss from Discontinued Operations

 

 

(105,646)

 

 

(129,686)

       Benefit from income taxes from Discontinued Operations

 

 

41,961 

 

 0 

 

48,632 

        Loss from discontinued operations

 

 

(63,685)

 

 0 

 

(81,054)

NET LOSS

$

(502,273)

$

(361,376)

$

 (1,303,857)

$

(617,964)

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NET LOSS PER SHARE FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

$

 (0.20)

 $

 (0.15)

$

 (0.61)

 $

 (0.27)

Diluted

$

 (0.20)

 $

 (0.15)

$

 (0.61)

 $

 (0.27)

NET LOSS PER SHARE FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

$

 0.00 

 $

 (0.03)

$

 0.00 

 $

 (0.04)

Diluted

$

 0.00 

 $

 (0.03)

$

 0.00 

 $

 (0.04)

NET LOSS PER SHARE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

$

 (0.20)

 $

 (0.18)

$

 (0.61)

 $

(0.31)

Diluted

$

 (0.20)

 $

 (0.18)

$

 (0.61)

 $

(0.31)

WEIGHTED AVERAGE COMMON AND COMMON  EQUIVALENT SHARES OUTSTANDING

        

Basic

 

 2,528,751 

 

1,987,066 

 

 2,131,030 

 

1,988,982 

Diluted

 

 2,528,751 

 

1,987,066 

 

 2,131,030 

 

 1,988,982 


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.




Page 4



STEN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited)


 

For the twenty-six weeks ended

March 30, 2008

 

For the twenty-six weeks ended

April 1, 2007

Cash flows from operation activities:

   

  Net loss

 $  (1,303,857)

 

  $  (617,964)

  Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash flows

          from operating activities:

 

 

 

     Depreciation and amortization

 231,198 

 

  182,017 

     Loss on disposal of equipment

 5,800 

 

 0 

     Allowance for loan losses

 667,413 

 

 0 

     Amortization of deferred financing costs

 420,355 

 

  0 

     Amortization of original issue discount

 183,467 

 

  10,940 

     Stock based compensation

 84,328 

 

  82,400 

     Warrant issued for services

 54,788 

 

  0 

     Deferred income taxes

 (804,502)

 

  (367,300)

     Changes in certain assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

        Accounts receivable

 (225,835)

 

  15,233 

        Income tax receivable, net

 0 

 

  140,938 

        Loans receivable

 (855,703)

 

  (4,050,570)

        Inventories

 (39,422)

 

  (205,195)

        Other current assets

 (305,425)

 

  (288,182)

        Accounts payable

 (54,617)

 

  142,107 

        Other current liabilities

 72,294 

 

  151,967 

        Dealer reserve payable

 (1,010,669)

 

  533,614 

  Net Cash flows from operating activities-continuing operations

 (2,880,387)

 

  (4,269,995)

     Loss from operations of discontinued business

 0 

 

  11,408 

     Net cash (used in) provided from discontinued operations

 (65,619)

 

  305,858 

  Net Cash flows from operating activities-discontinued operations

 (65,619)

 

  317,266 

  Net Cash flows from operating activities

 (2,946,006)

 

  (3,952,729)

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

  Purchase of Cash Advance business, net

 0 

 

  (770,000)

  Purchase of assets related to vehicle finance business

 0 

 

  (462,987)

  Purchase of property and equipment

 (45,259)

 

  (138,703)

  Proceeds on sale of equipment

 17,000 

 

  0 

  Purchases of intangibles

 (2,657)

 

  (2,218)

  Payments received on notes receivable

 76,406 

 

  54,000 

  Net Cash flows from investing activities-continuing operations

 45,490 

 

  (1,319,908)

  Purchase of property and equipment of discontinued business

 0 

 

  (53,941)

  Net Cash flows from investing activities-discontinued operations

 0 

 

  (53,941)

  Net Cash flows from investing activities

 45,490 

 

  (1,373,849)

 

 

 

 

 Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

  Proceeds from (payment of) line of credit, bank

 (680,000)

 

  750,000 

  Net proceeds from renewable unsecured subordinated notes

 2,532,186 

 

  0 

  Net proceeds from long-term debt

 3,614,850 

 

  2,395,845 

  Proceeds from mortgage on two properties

 0 

 

  884,000 

  Payments on long-term debt

 (2,435,483)

 

  (51,090)

  Debt issuance costs on long term debt and renewable unsecured subordinated notes

 (776,599)

 

  0 

  Prepaid financing costs

 (2,172)

 

  (8,315)

  Exercise warrants

 0 

 

  39,241 

  Repurchase of common shares

 0 

 

  (167,186)

  Proceeds from sale of common stock

 777,278 

 

  0 

  Net Cash flows from financing activities-continuing operations

 3,030,060 

 

  3,842,495 

  Payments on long-term debt of discontinued business

 (37,030)

 

  (45,460)

  Net Cash flows from financing activities-discontinued operations

 (37,030)

 

  (45,460)

  Net Cash flows from financing activities

 2,993,030 

 

  3,797,035 

  Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 92,514 

 

  (1,529,543)

 

 

 

 

 Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period

 366,118 

 

  2,786,941 

 Cash and cash equivalents - end of period

 $    458,632 

 

 $   1,257,398 

 

 

 

 


Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows continues on the following page



Page 5



STEN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited)

continued


 

For the twenty-six weeks ended

March 30, 2008

 

For the twenty-six weeks ended

April 1, 2007

 

 

 

 

  Supplemental cash flow information:

 

 

 

         Cash paid for interest

 $  582,012 

 

  $   172,200 

 

 

 

 

  Non-cash investing and financing activities:

 

 

 

         Property and equipment reclassified as assets of discontinued

 

 

 

             business held for sale

 $             0 

 

  $              0 

Purchase of certain assets and assumed liabilities with

 

 

 

           Moneyworldlending acquisition:

 

 

 

             Loans receivable

 0 

 

  41,998 

             Intangibles

 0 

 

  186,351 

             Deferred revenue

 0 

 

  28,349 

 Purchase of certain assets and assumed liabilities with

 

 

 

           Cash Advance-Utah acquisition:

 

 

 

             Loans receivable

 0 

 

  165,822 

             Inventories

 0 

 

  5,120 

             Property and equipment

 0 

 

  182,470 

             Intangibles

 0 

 

  240,000 

             Deferred revenue

 0 

 

  23,412 

Purchase of certain assets and assumed liabilities with

 

 

 

           Colfax Financial acquisition:

 

 

 

             Loans receivable

 0 

 

  510,481 

             Property and equipment

 0 

 

  100,000 

             Dealer reserves payable

 0 

 

  147,494 

        Issuance of common stock and stock warrants related to the issue of

long-term debt

 247,722 

 

  175,000 

       Acquisition of customer list and non-solicitation agreement

            through promissory note.

 0 

 

  1,400,000 




See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.



Page 6




STEN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2008 and April 1, 2007


Note 1.  Basis of Financial Statement Presentation


The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of STEN Corporation and its subsidiaries (the “Company” or “we”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been consolidated or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations.


In the opinion of management, the unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly the financial position and results of operations. Results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year or of the results for any future periods.


Our fiscal year end is the Sunday closest (before or after) to September 30 (a fifty-two or fifty-three week year). The quarterly periods within the fiscal year consist of thirteen weeks of two four-week periods followed by one five-week period. The current period represents the thirteen week and twenty-six week period ended March 30, 2008. Our 2008 fifty-two week fiscal year will end on Sunday, September 28, 2008.


In preparation of our consolidated financial statements, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported amounts of assets and liabilities and related revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from the estimates used by management. In addition, certain statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used, the words “believes”, “expects,” “anticipates,” “plans,” or “intends,” or similar expressions, indicate such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Some of the risks that should be considered include the factors identified in our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended September 30, 2007 under Item 1. “Description of Business – Risks Related to Our Business,” as well as in other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements included herein are based on information available to us as of the date hereof, and we undertake no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements.


Discontinued Operations – On May 11, 2007, our wholly-owned subsidiary, Burger Time Acquisition Corporation (“BTAC”), sold certain assets including the business operations of its Burger Time business effective April 29, 2007, to BTND LLC, a Colorado limited liability company (“BTND”). The asset purchase agreement between BTAC and BTND provides for the sale by BTAC of substantially all of the assets related to the Company’s Burger Time business, including the tangible and intangible assets of BTAC, and certain real estate used in the Burger Time business and held by our subsidiary, BTAC Properties, Inc. BTAC Properties, Inc. continues to hold title to certain real estate assets related to Burger Time as collateral for a note receivable related to the sale of the Burger Time business mortgages to BTND, at which time transfer of the ow nership in the property will be completed. During the thirteen-week period ended December 30, 2007, the Company determined that the note receivable related to the sale of the Burger Time mortgages should be reclassified from a current to a long term asset.


In accordance with appropriate accounting rules, we have reclassified our previously reported financial results to report the operations related to Burger Time as discontinued operations.


Auto Finance Subsidiary – We are devoting significant portion of our resources to developing our automobile finance business and buy here pay here auto sales business. Our auto finance business is conducted through our wholly-owned subsidiary, STEN Credit Corporation (“STEN Credit” or “Auto Finance Subsidiary”).


Through STEN Credit, we are engaged in providing auto loans to consumers with limited or impaired credit history. Historically, our loans were offered through a limited number of “dealer-partners” who would benefit by selling vehicles to consumers who otherwise could not obtain financing. We historically offered loans through approximately ten dealer-partners in Arizona. Recently we have changed the focus of our business and we expect that the majority of loans in the future will be entered into as a result of vehicles sold at our own retail operations. When a dealer-partner is involved, the contracts entered into with consumers are installment receivable contracts with full-recourse to dealer-partners. The dealer-partners are paid approximately 68% of the principal contract value at the time we enter into the installment sales contract with the customer. The dealer-partner assumes responsibility for repossessing the vehicle in the event of a contract default. At the time of default and foreclosure of the contract, the Company and the dealer-partner agree to a value of the collateral, which typically goes back into our inventory, and the dealer-partner generally reimburses the remaining value of the contract. The dealer-partners also maintain a “reserve account” or “hold-back” with STEN Credit as an additional level of collateral for the recourse guarantee equal to approximately 25% of the outstanding installment note receivable balance. This is classified as dealer reserve on the consolidated balance sheet of STEN. The dealer-partner reserve account, or hold-back, is only payable to the dealer after the net amount due to STEN Credit has been fully satisfied and amounts due on the contracts are collected from the underlying installment note borrowers. The dealer reserve account under these arrangements at March 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007 was $66,038 and $1,076,707, respectively, and is reflected as dealer reserves in the accompanying financial statements. The dealer-partner also pays to us a discount fee of up to 7%



Page 7



of the face value of the installment receivable contracts at the time the contract is entered into. The value of this discount is recognized as additional imputed interest income over the life of the contract.


In addition to installment receivable contracts, we may finance a portion of the dealer-partner vehicle inventory through a “floor-plan” program. Under this program, STEN Credit finances up to the full wholesale cost of the dealer-partner’s vehicle inventory. We hold title to the vehicles and have the related dealer reserve as collateral. In our auto financing business, the dealer-partners are charged a fee equal to 25% per annum to finance vehicle inventory or “floorplan” a vehicle. We entered the business of dealer floor-planning on November 7, 2006 by acquiring a portfolio of automobile-related receivables consisting of $225,559 in dealer inventory financing notes and $284,922 in automobile installment purchase notes valued at fair value at the date of purchase. The aggregate purchase price, after deducting reserves payable to the dealer of $147,474, was $362,987, which we paid in cash.


Used Auto Sales-Retail – The Company has developed its own “Buy Here/Pay Here” retail used car business. Our subsidiary, EasyDrive Cars and Credit Corporation, sells used cars and STEN Credit finances their sale. STEN Credit finances sales to customers that typically would not qualify for conventional financing as a result of limited credit histories or past credit problems. STEN has leased four used car lots for the Easy Drive Cars and Credit business in Arizona and operate under the names “EasyDrive Cars and Credit” and “Best Price Auto Sales”. The third lot, located in Tucson, will open in May 2008 and will also accommodate our Tucson STEN Credit Office. The fourth lot, located in Glendale, Arizona, is currently under construction and is expected to open in the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2008 The budget to develop the lot is a pproximately $300,000.


Note 2.  Significant Accounting Policies


Principles of Consolidation – The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of STEN Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiaries:  Burger Time Acquisition Corporation as of July 2004, BTAC Properties Inc. as of May 2005, STEN Financial Corporation as of January 2006, and STENCOR Inc. as of November 2006. In October 2006, Alliance Advance, Inc. and in November 2006, STEN Credit Corporation were formed as wholly-owned subsidiaries of STEN Financial Corporation. In February 2007, EasyDrive Cars and Credit Corporation were formed as a wholly-owned subsidiary of STEN Financial Corporation. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Effective March 20, 2007, we changed the name of our subsidiary from Colfax Financial Corporation to STEN Credit Corporation.


Revenue Recognition – Interest on notes receivable associated with the consumer auto loans or vehicle installment notes is recognized as revenue based on the outstanding monthly unpaid principal balance and is generally contractually provided at the rate of 29% per annum. We record the revenue when it is collected. In addition, “discount points” paid at the time the installment note is entered into are recognized as finance charge revenue over the life of the loan. Should floorplan receivables, or note receivables be determined to be impaired, the recognition of revenue would be suspended and a provision for losses equal to the difference between the carrying value and the present value of the expected cash flows would be recorded. Under our current arrangements with the dealer-partner in the event of default, the dealer-partn er is required to pay the remaining principal amount of the contract and the vehicle collateral is assigned to the dealer for foreclosure and repossession.


In our auto financing business, the dealer-partners are charged a fee of 2% per month, or for any fraction thereof to finance vehicle inventory. The result is an annualized charge of slightly more than 24%. We record this fee as revenue when collected.


We recognize revenue from the operations of our Alliance Cash Advance business through our Alliance Advance, Inc. subsidiary using the cash basis method, with interest income payments recognized as income at the time the cash fee for the advance is received.



Page 8




In our Buy Here/Pay Here retail used auto sales business, revenue is recognized from the sale of a vehicle when the vehicle is delivered, the sales contract is signed, the down payment is received and funding has been approved.


In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) ratified the consensus of Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 06-3. “How Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Should Be Presented in the Income Statement (Gross versus Net Presentation)” (EITF 06-3). EITF06-3 concluded that the presentation of taxes imposed on revenue-producing transactions (sales, use, value added and excise taxes) on either a gross (included in revenues and costs) or a net (excluded from revenues) basis is an accounting policy that should be disclosed. The Company adopted EITF 06-3 during the year ended September 30, 2007, and it did not have any impact on our results of operations or financial condition. Our policy is to present taxes imposed on revenue-producing transactions on a net basis.


For our Contract Manufacturing, we recognize revenue in accordance with Staff Accounting bulletin No. 104 (SAB 104), “Revenue Recognition.” SAB 104 requires revenue to be recognized when all of the following are met: a) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; b) delivery of product has occurred; c) the seller’s price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; and d) collectability is reasonable assured. We record sales revenue for the Contract Manufacturing business segment at the time all merchandise is shipped, contractual obligations have been substantially met and title and risk of loss have passed to the customer.


Accounts Receivable Trade accounts receivable from our non-finance activities are shown net of an allowance for doubtful accounts and we had reserves of $0 at both March 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007. STEN Financial accounts receivables include returned items from our Alliance Cash Advance and receivables from our Buy Here/Pay Here retail lots relating to customer repairs. All returned items in our Alliance Cash Advance business are fully reserved and are accounted for as an allowance for losses. Accounts receivable consisted of $582,005 and $356,170 as of March 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007, respectively.


Loans Receivable Loans receivable are comprised from two activities, consumer loans and installment loans. Our consumer loans receivable are from Alliance Cash Advance and STEN Credit businesses. Our installment loans receivable are from our STEN Credit business.


Loans receivable consisted of the following at:


 

March 30, 2008

 

September 30, 2007

 

 

 

 

Consumer loan receivable

 $   1,322,588 

 

$   1,313,088 

  Less: consumer loan allowance

 (58,465)

 

(63,232)

Installment loan receivable

 7,093,437 

 

6,247,241 

  Less: installment loan allowance

 (830,284)

 

(158,102)

      Total loans receivable

 7,527,285 

 

7,338,995 

          Less: current portion

 3,024,928 

 

2,851,529 

Loans receivable, net of current

 $  4,502,357 

 

$ 4,487,466 


The consumer loan receivables include payday loans and auto title loans from our Alliance Cash Advance business, and dealer flooring from STEN Credit, respectively. The consumer loan receivables are net of a reserve for doubtful accounts of $58,465 at March 30, 2008 and $63,232 at September 30, 2007. We record a consumer loans receivable for the amount loaned to the customer. For the Alliance Cash Advance business, loans receivable over 30 days are considered past due. The Company does not accrue interest on past due loans receivable in the Alliance business. Loans are written off only after all collection attempts have failed and are based on individual credit evaluations and specific circumstances of the customer. We record the fee when it is collected. In addition, “discount points” paid at the time the installment note is entered into are recognized as fi nance charge revenue over the life of the loan. In the Company’s dealer flooring receivable, we record no reserve for doubtful accounts given the full recourse nature of the arrangement with the dealer-partner. An allowance for doubtful accounts potentially would be recognized if the credit standing of the dealer-partner was determined to be impaired.


Consumer Loans receivable consisted of the following at March 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007:


 

March 30, 2008

 

September 30, 2007

 

 

 

 

Consumer loans receivable

 $   1,322,588 

 

 $   1,313,088 

Less: allowance for loan losses

 (58,465)

 

 (63,232)

Consumer loans receivable, net

 $   1,264,132 

 

 $   1,249,856 


The installment loans receivable are the auto loans from the Company’s STEN Credit business. As we have noted, many of our borrowers have a limited or impaired credit history. Our installment note contracts are offered both through our own retail locations and through referrals from independent dealer/partners. The installment notes with borrowers include a provision for interest charged to the borrower which historically has been at the rate of 29% per annum. The installment notes are collateralized by a lien on the vehicle. The loan agreements require payments over periods generally ranging from 12 to 42 months. The components of the STEN Credit installment loans receivable balance at March 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007 are as follows:


 

March 30, 2008

 

September 30, 2007

Gross contract amount

 $ 7,093,437 

 

 $ 6,247,241 

Contracts in delinquency

 

 

 

   31-60 days

 222,425 

 

 481,469 

   61-90 days

 99,990 

 

 236,067 

   91 + days

 152,893 

 

 299,904 

Total delinquencies

 475,308 

 

 1,017,440 

Amount in repossession

 120,495 

 

 165,613 

Total delinquencies and amount in repossession

 $    595,803 

 

 $ 1,183,053 

Delinquencies as a percentage of gross contract amount

 6.70 % 

 

 16.28 % 

Total delinquencies and amount in repossession as a percentage of gross contract amount

 8.39 % 

 

 18.93 % 


Changes in the Company’s installment loans receivable, net, for the twenty-six weeks ended March 30, 2008 and for the year ended September 30, 2007 are as follows:


 

March 30, 2008

 

September 30, 2007

Balance at beginning of period

 $  6,089,139 

 

 $                0 

Financed receivables

 4,432,143 

 

 7,058,986 

Financed receivable collections

 (634,123)

 

 (709,121)

Net charge offs and repossessed

 (3,624,006)

 

 (260,726)

Balance at end of period

 $  6,263,153 

 

 $  6,089,139 


Changes in the Company’s installment loans receivable allowance for credit losses, for the twenty-six weeks ended March 30, 2008 and for the year ended September 30, 2007 are as follows:


 

March 30 ,2008

 

September 30, 2007

Balance at beginning of period

 $  1,234,809 

 

 $                0 

Allowance for credit losses

 3,285,519 

 

 1,495,535 

Net charge offs and repossessed

 (3,624,006)

 

 (260,726)

Balance at end of period

 $     896,322 

 

 $  1,234,809 


The installment loans receivable allowance for credit losses for the twenty six weeks ended March 30, 2008 consist of dealer reserves payable of $66,038 and Company reserves of $830,284. The installment loans receivable allowance for credit losses for the year ended September 30, 2007 consists of dealer reserves payable of $1,076,707 and Company reserves of $158,102.  


Amortization – Intangible assets represent principally the value of the non-solicitation agreements and customer databases which have been purchased and are being amortized over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method. (See Note 8).


Notes Receivable – A note receivable, due from Life Safe Services, LLC (“Life Safe”) related to the sale of our emergency oxygen service business was $520,000 and $574,000 as of March 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007, respectively. The Life Safe note is a subordinated promissory note personally guaranteed by the owners of Life Safe and bears interest at a rate of 7.25% per annum. The Life Safe note calls for payments of interest only for the first twelve months, interest and principal based upon a sixty month amortization schedule for months 13 to 41 and a balloon payment of all remaining outstanding interest and principal at the end of month 42 on January 1, 2009. Amounts due on the Life Safe note receivable for the years ending 2008, 2009 and 2010 are $108,000, $108,000 and $358,000, respectively.


A note receivable from BTND, LLC related to the sale of our Burger Time business was $765,760 and $788,166 as of March 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007, respectively, and bears interest at a rate of 7.00% per annum with a term of 12 years. Amounts due on the note receivable for the years ending 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 are $45,783, $49,092, $52,641, $56,447, and $60,527, respectively.


At March 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007, the long-term note receivable consisted of the following:


 

March 30,

2008

 

September 30, 2007

Note receivable - Life Safe Services, LLC

 $    520,000 

 

 $   574,000 

Note receivable- BTND,  LLC

 765,760 

 

 788,166 

Totals

 1,285,760 

 

 1,362,166 

Less current portion

 (154,589)

 

 (153,783)

Long-term portion

 $1,131,171 

 

 $1,208,383 


Other Assets – At March 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007, the Company had Other Assets of the following:


 

March 30,

2008

 

September 30, 2007

 


 

 

Deferred income taxes

 $    1,068,502 

 

$  555,000 

Prepaid financing costs

 10,487 

 

8,315 

Cash surrender value of life insurance

 35,046 

 

35,046 

Other Assets

 $ 1,114,035 

 

$  598,361 


Prepaid Financing Costs – (See Note 4). Debt issuance costs are amortized over the life of the loan using the straight-line method. On November 23, 2007, the Company entered into a security agreement with LV Administrative Services, Inc. as administrative and collateral agent for Valens U.S. SPV I, LLC ("Valens") and incurred costs of $486,640. These prepaid costs are being amortized over of the life of the security agreement (2 years) and we expensed $57,456 and $76,607 for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended March 30, 2008. The net remaining costs at March 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007 were $410,033 and $0, respectively. Future amortization of the debt issuance costs for the years ending 2008, 2009 and 2010 are $201,641, $243,320 and $41,679, respectively.


We incurred $1,301,847 in prepaid costs related to the issuance of the renewable unsecured subordinated notes through March 30, 2008. The on-going costs associated with the debt offering are being amortized over the weighted-average term of the debt. The current weighted-average term is 20 months. We expensed $180,722 and $343,747 for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended March 30, 2008, respectively. The Company had no expenses for the thirteen and twenty six weeks April 1, 2007. As of March 30, 2008, we had $846,020 in net remaining costs related to the issuance of the renewable unsecured subordinated notes. In connection with future debt proceeds, we will continue to incur certain annual costs to be amortized over a 12-month period and offering costs to be amortized over a 3 year period.


Income Taxes – We have adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes,” under which deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the temporary differences between the financial statement and income tax reporting bases of assets and liabilities based on currently enacted rates and laws. These temporary differences include depreciation and accruals.


Deferred Revenue - In August 2006, we acquired certain assets and assumed certain liabilities of Alliance Cash Advance through our wholly owned subsidiary, STEN Financial. In the first quarter of fiscal 2007, we acquired certainassets and assumed certain liabilities of Utah-based, Cash Advance, and an on-line payday advance business called Moneyworldlending. These businesses have been combined to form Alliance Cash Advance operated by our Alliance Advance, Inc. subsidiary. In November 2006, we acquired certain assets related to sub-prime automobile installment financing and related dealer inventory through STEN Credit. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, we defer certain fees as part of the fee’s yield over the life of the installment contract. The deferred revenue at March 30, 2008 an d September 30, 2007 was $191,624 and $367,744, respectively.


Stock-Based Compensation - On December 16, 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued SFAS No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment,” which is a revision of SFAS No. 123 and supersedes Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25. SFAS No. 123(R) requires all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, to be valued at fair value on the date of grant, and to be expensed over the applicable vesting period. Pro forma disclosure of the income statement effects of share-based payments is no longer an alternative. For the Company, SFAS No. 123(R) is effective for all share-based awards granted on or after October 2, 2006. In addition, companies must also recognize compensation expense related to any awards that are not fully vested as of the effective date. Compensation expense for the un vested awards will be measured based on the fair value of the awards previously calculated in developing the pro forma disclosures in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123. We implemented SFAS No. 123(R) on October 2, 2006 using the modified prospective method. The amount of expense recorded for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2008 and April 1, 2007 was $43,681 ($0.02 per share) and $36,600 (0.02 per share), respectively. The amount of expense recorded for the twenty-six weeks ended March 30, 2008 and April 1, 2007 was $84,328 ($0.04 per share) and $82,400 ($0.04 per share), respectively. Based on option grants outstanding at March 30, 2008, the Company estimates the expense to be $170,595 for the year ending September 28, 2008 with an estimated total expense of $306,874 for fiscal years 2009 through 2012.


The per share, weighted-average fair value of each option granted is calculated using the Black-Scholes pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions used for grants in the following periods:


 

Thirteen weeks ended

March 30, 2008

Thirteen weeks

ended

April 1, 2007

Twenty-six weeks ended

March 30, 2008

Twenty-six weeks ended

April 1, 2007

Risk free interest rate

3.5%

4.75%

3.50-4.25%

4.75%

Expected life of options granted

7.5 years

2.5-6.5 years

2.5-7.5 years

2.5-6.5 years

Expected volatility range

72.0-85.0%

50.0%

50.0-85.0%

50.0%

Expected dividend yield

0%

0%

0%

0%


The volatility factor is based on our historical stock price fluctuations for a period of approximately 6 years. The Company has not issued and does not intend to issue dividends; therefore, the dividend yield is zero. The Company applied the risk-free interest rate based on the U.S. Treasury yield in effect at the time of the grant. The expected term of the option is based on the simplified method as defined by SAB No. 107. The Company estimates the forfeiture rate for stock options of 10%.


Reclassifications – In addition to the adjustment to accounts made to properly reflect discontinued operations, certain accounts in the prior year’s quarterly consolidated financial statements have been reclassified for comparative purposes to conform to the presentation in the current quarter’s consolidated financial statements. The reclassifications had no effect on consolidated net loss or stockholders’ equity.



Page 9




Note 3.  Inventories


Inventories consist of products related to our contract manufacturing operations (raw materials, work in process, finished goods) and the used autos available at our buy here/pay here lots. Inventories for our contract manufacturing are valued at lower of cost using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method or market.


Inventories consisted of the following at:


 

March 30,

2008

 

September 30,

2007

 


 


Raw materials in our contract manufacturing

$ 415,466 

 

$ 392,455 

Work in process in our contract manufacturing

28,123 

 

46,353 

    

Finished goods:

   

Contract manufacturing

36,330 

 

55,452 

Used autos

702,346 

 

648,583 

Total Inventories

$ 1,182,265 

 

$ 1,142,843 


Note 4. Other Current Assets


Other Current assets consisted of the following at March 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007:


 

March 30,

2008

 

September 30,

2007

Prepaid financing

$  1,256,053 

 

$  876,911 

Prepaid expenses

403,339 

 

120,812 

Deferred income taxes

978,000 

 

687,000 

Total Other Current Assets

$2,637,392 

 

$1,684,723 


Note 5.  Net Loss Per Share


Basic loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the reporting period. Our diluted net loss per share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding and common share equivalents, when dilutive, for the reporting period. Options totaling 507,500 and 396,500 shares were excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share for the periods ended March 30, 2008 and April 1, 2007 as their effect was anti-dilutive due to the net loss in the periods. Warrants totaling 717,089 and 589,693 shares were excluded from the computation of diluted loss per share for the periods ended March 30, 2008 and April 1, 2007 as their effect was anti-dilutive due to the net loss in the periods. For the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended March 30, 2008 and April 1, 2007, there were no options reflecting shares of common stock included in the weighted average share calculation.


 

For the thirteen

weeks ended

March 30, 2008

 

For the thirteen

weeks ended

April 1, 2007

 

For the twenty-six

weeks ended

March 30, 2008

 

For the twenty-six

weeks ended

April 1, 2007

Net loss from continuing operations

$  (502,273)

 

$  (295,349)

 

$  (1,303,857)

 

$  (536,910)

Net loss from discontinued operations

 

(66,027)

 

 

(81,054)

Net loss

(502,273)

 

(361,376)

 

(1,303,857)

 

(617,964)

Net loss per share –  basic

       

Weighted average shares outstanding

2,528,751 

 

1,987,066 

 

2,131,030

 

1,988,982 

        

Net loss per share – basic

 $       (0.19)

 

 $       (0.18)

 

 $       (0.61)

 

 $       (0.31)

Net loss per share – diluted

       

Weighted average shares outstanding

2,528,751 

 

1,987,066 

 

2,131,030 

 

1,988,982 

Effect of dilutive securities

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding

2,528,751 

 

1,987,066 

 

2,131,030 

 

1,988,982 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss  per share – diluted

 $       (0.19)

 

 $       (0.18)

 

$       (0.61)

 

$       (0.31)



Page 10




Note 6.  Income Taxes


We recorded a benefit from income taxes of $294,400 and $148,073 relating to losses from operations for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2008 and April 1, 2007, respectively. For the twenty-six weeks ended March 30, 2008 and April 1, 2007, we recorded a benefit from income taxes of $775,300 and $318,668, respectively. At March 30, 2008, we had net operating loss carryforwards for federal tax purposes of approximately $3,500,000 that will begin to expire in 2026. We have research and development credit carryforwards of approximately $10,000 which, if not used, will begin to expire in 2013. We expect to generate taxable income in future periods and expect to realize our net operating loss carryforward tax benefit to offset regular income tax expense. (See Note 7).


We file a consolidated U.S. Federal tax return. The Internal Revenue has completed a review of our tax returns through the fiscal year ended September 30, 2005 and, as a result of the examination, no changes were proposed. In addition, as a result of the adoption of FASB Interpretation 48 (FIN 48), effective October 1, 2007, we applied the requirements of FIN 48 to all tax positions for which the statute of limitations remained open. The Financial Accounting Standards Board published FIN 48 “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes” to address the non-comparability in reporting tax assets and liabilities resulting from a lack of specific guidance in FASB Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109 (SFAS 109), “Accounting for Income Taxes,” on consistent recognition threshold and a measurement attribute for the financial statement re cognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides related guidance on derocognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting interim periods, disclosures and transition. To the extent interest and penalties would be assessed by taxing authorities on any underpayment of income taxes, such amounts would be accrued and classified as a component of income tax expenses on the consolidated statement of operations.


We have completed our evaluation of the effects of FIN 48 and have concluded that the adoption of FIN 48 did not impact the consolidated financial statements for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended March 30, 2008. Our federal and state tax returns are potentially open to examinations for fiscal years 2006 and 2007.


Note 7.  Deferred Income Taxes


Our deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the differences between the financial statement and income tax reporting basis of assets and liabilities based on currently enacted rates and laws. These differences include depreciation, net operating loss carryforwards, capital loss carryforwards, allowance for accounts receivable, inventory valuation adjustments and accrued liabilities. Our current deferred tax asset as of March 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007 was $978,000 and $687,000, respectively. We have a long term deferred tax asset as of March 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007 of $1,068,502 and $555,000, respectively. The Company’s deferred tax asset consists of accrued liabilities of $35,000, reserves for doubtful accounts and inventory of $824,000, deferred revenue of $105,000, other of $13,000, net operating loss carryforwards of $1,038,5 02 and depreciation of $31,000.


Note 8.  Intangible Assets


Intangible assets subject to amortization consist of the following:

 
  

March 30, 2008

 

September 30, 2007

  
  

Gross Carrying Amount

Accumulated

Amortization

 

Gross Carrying Amount

Accumulated Amortization

 

Estimate

Useful

Lives (mos.)

 

Covenants not to compete

 

 $     65,000 

 $   12,500 

 

 $     65,000 

 $       8,500 

 

60 

Customer lists

 

 1,105,000 

 167,833 

 

 1,105,000 

 108,835 

 

60-120 

Trade name

 

 55,000 

 18,334 

 

 55,000 

 12,834 

 

60 

Non-solicitation agreement

 

 700,000 

 186,667 

 

 700,000 

 116,666 

 

60 

Other intangibles

 

 94,859 

 29,447 

 

 92,399 

 20,522 

 

60 

 

Total

 

 $2,019,859 

 $ 414,781 

 

 $ 2,017,399 

 $   267,357 

 



Intangible assets are being amortized over their estimated useful lives ranging from 60 months to 120 months (weighted average life of 6.85 years). Amortization of intangible assets was $73,872 and $76,201 for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2008 and April 1, 2007, respectively. For the twenty-six weeks ended March 30, 2008 and April 1, 2007, amortization of intangible assets was $147,621 and $117,290, respectively. Estimated amortization expense of intangible assets for fiscal years 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 is $295,470, $295,169, $295,169, $289,091 and $133,489 per year, respectively.


Note 9.  Line of Credit, Bank


At September 30, 2007, we had a $750,000 line of credit agreement with Citizens Independent Bank.  The line of credit was subject to a defined borrowing base. Amounts outstanding bore interest at prime plus .5% (8.25% at September 30, 2007). The line of credit was collateralized by our receivables and inventory. At March 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007, there was $0 and $680,000 outstanding under this agreement. The line of credit from Citizens Independent Bank was paid in full November 2007 in connection with the Valens security agreement transaction (See Note 11).


Note 10.  Other Current Liabilities


Other Current Liabilities consisted of the following at March 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007:


 

March 30,

 2008

 

September 30, 2007

Accrued payroll and related taxes

 $   245,568 

 

 $   260,856 

Deferred revenue

 191,624 

 

 367,744 

Other accrued expenses

 386,107 

 

 144,485 

Total

 $  823,299 

 

 $   773,085 



Note 11.  Long-Term Debt


On November 23, 2007, Company and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, STEN Credit Corporation, STENCOR, Inc., EasyDrive Cars and Credit Corporation (collectively called the “Borrowers”), entered into a security agreement with LV Administrative Services, Inc. as administrative and collateral agent for Valens U.S. SPV I, LLC (“Valens”).


Under the security agreement, Valens may make revolving loans to the Borrowers from time to time during the two year term of up to $5,500,000, subject to a defined borrowing base. The borrowing base takes into account reserves established by Valens, the amount of certain available accounts of the Borrowers, and the amount of certain available inventory of the Borrowers. The amounts loaned to the Borrowers are evidenced by a secured revolving note in the maximum aggregate amount of $5,500,000. Amounts under the secured revolving note mature on November 23, 2009 and bear interest at a rate equal to the prime rate from time to time plus 8.25%, (15.00% at March 30, 2008) but not less than 15%. Interest is payable monthly in arrears commencing on December 1, 2007 and on the first business day of each consecutive calendar month thereafter. In an event of default, as defined under the security agreement, the Borrowers will be obligated to pay additional interest of 2% per month as a penalty until the event of default is cured or waived and the agent may demand repayment of the obligations of the secured revolving note and the security agreement or may elect to demand a default payment equal to 130% of the outstanding principal amount of the secured revolving note, plus accrued but unpaid interest and all other fees and amounts then remaining unpaid.


On November 23, 2007, the Borrowers drew $1,205,054 under the security agreement, of which $1,085,388 was used to repay all of the indebtedness of STEN Credit Corporation to a private individual and the indebtedness of the Company to Citizens Independent Bank (see Note 9). On December 3, 2007, we drew $1,905,275 under the security agreement to satisfy the Company’s outstanding indebtedness to R.W. Sabes Investment, LLC. An additional $135,691 in funds from the security agreement was used to pay the loan fees of the Lender and its affiliates. We also drew $232,539 on December 3, 2007 to cover certain transaction fees and expenses. If within six months of the date of issue of the note, the Borrowers prepay in full the obligations under the note, the security agreement or any other ancillary agreements, and the security agreement has been terminated, the holder of th e note will rebate to the Borrowers 50% of any fees it received from the Borrowers on the date of issue of this note. As of March 30, 2008, we had $3,614,850 in borrowings against the Valens security agreement.


The obligations of the security agreement and the note are collateralized by a security interest in all of the Borrower’s assets, as well as the assets of the Company’s subsidiaries BTAC Properties, Inc., STEN Financial Corporation, Alliance Advance, Inc., Burger Time Acquisition Corporation and STEN Acquisition Corporation and the Company’sequity interest in its subsidiaries. The collateral does not include the eight parcels of real property owned by BTAC Properties, Inc. in respect of the Burger Time restaurant business as these parcels of real property are subject to transfer to BTND, LLC under the asset purchase agreement dated May 11, 2007 retroactive to April 29, 2007. (See Note 1-Discontinued Operations.)


In exchange for the availability of revolving loans under the security agreement, STEN sold Valens 227,794 shares of its common stock (the “Closing Shares”) for $0.01 per share and STEN also issued Valens a common stock purchase warrant (the “Warrant”) to purchase 22,206 shares of its common stock. The Closing Shares represent 9.9% of the Company’s 2,300,957 shares issued and outstanding immediately prior to the security agreement transactions. The exercise price of the Warrant is $0.01 per share and the Warrant has an indefinite term. By the terms of the Warrant, the holder may not exercise any portion of the Warrant that would result in beneficial ownership by the holder and its affiliates of any amount greater than 9.99% of the then outstanding shares of Common Stock (whether or not, at the time of such exercise, the holder and its affiliate s beneficially own more than 9.99% of the then outstanding shares of common stock). Prior to transfer by Valens, the Closing Shares and the shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the Warrant are subject to an irrevocable proxy naming STEN as proxy. The common stock and the common stock warrants were valued at $247,722 using management’s estimation of their fair value and offset against long-term debt. The resulting original issue discount of the fair value of the Warrants as defined in EITF 00-27, “Application of Issue No. 98-5 to Certain Convertible Instruments”, will be amortized over the life of the note using the straight-line method, which approximates the interest method.  The Company recorded interest expense for the original issue discount of $30,966 and $41,288 for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended March 30, 2008, respectively


The Company and Valens also entered into a Registration Rights Agreement dated November 23, 2007 relating to the Company’s obligation to register for resale the Closing Shares and the shares issuable upon exercise of the Warrant. Under the Registration Rights Agreement, the Company is obligated, among other things, to file a registration statement relating to the registerable securities within 90 days for Valen’s resale offering to be made on a continuous basis.  Effective February 14, 2008, Valens waived certain requirements under the Registration Rights Agreement relating to the Company’s obligation to file a registration statement relating to the registrable securities within 90 days of the date of the Registration Rights Agreement and to cause such registration statement to be declared effective within 180 days of the date of the Registration Ri ghts Agreement.


On July 18, 2007, the Company, through its subsidiary BTAC Properties, Inc. sold a parcel of land located in Elk River, Minnesota to Elk River 229 Carson, LLC. The purchase price was $495,000, excluding closing costs and prepayment penalties. The proceeds were used to reduce the Minnesota mortgage to StanCorp Mortgage by $470,482.


In April 2007, STEN began a public offering of up to $25 million of renewable unsecured subordinated notes. As of March 30, 2008, we had $5,324,988 outstanding in renewable unsecured subordinated notes and $217,143 of accrued interest for a total of $5,542,127. The table below represents outstanding renewable unsecured subordinated notes as of March 30, 2008:


Renewable unsecured subordinated notes:


Original Term

Principal Amount

Weighted Average Interest Rate

  3 months

$     297,795 

8.73% 

  6 months

120,375 

9.68% 

  1 year

2,830,963 

13.62%

  2 years

296,600 

13.67% 

  3 years

1,739,255 

14.59% 

  4 years

11,000 

12.64% 

  5 years

17,000 

12.76% 

10 years

12,000 

13.08% 

Total

$  5,324,988 

13.55% 


We made interest payments of $165,392 and $297,200 on the renewable unsecured subordinated notes during the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended March 30, 2008, respectively. We made $0 interest payments on the renewable unsecured subordinated notes during the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended April 1, 2007. The weighted average term on the outstanding renewable unsecured subordinated notes is 20 months.


We incurred $1,301,847 in costs related to the issuance of the renewable unsecured subordinated notes through March 30, 2008. The costs can be broken down into three distinct categories: (i) offering costs (ii) on-going costs (iii) annual costs. These costs have been capitalized and are being amortized as additional interest expense. The on-going costs associated with the debt offering are being amortized over the weighted-average term of the debt. The current weighted-average term is 20 months. We expensed $180,722 and $0 for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2008 and April 1, 2007, respectively. The Company expensed $343,747 and $0 for the twenty-six weeks ended March 30, 2008 and April 1, 2007, respectively. As of March 30, 2008, we had $822,195 in net remaining costs related to the issuance of the renewable unsecured subordinated notes. In connection with future d ebt proceeds, we will continue to incur certain annual costs to be amortized over a 12-month period and offering costs to be amortized over a 3 year period.


On March 9, 2007, we completed a mortgage financing collateralized by the underlying building and real estate used in BTAC’s operations in the amount of $384,000. Kenneth W. Brimmer and Gary Copperud are joint and several borrowers with BTAC on the note. Messrs. Brimmer and Copperud did not receive any compensation for joining as borrowers on the note. The note accrues interest at a rate of 7.210% per annum and is payable in 59 equal monthly installments of $3,048 per month, with the final payment of all principal and all accrued interest not yet paid due March 5, 2012.


On March 1, 2007, we completed a mortgage financing collateralized by the underlying building and real estate which is used by our subsidiary, STENCOR, in its contract manufacturing business, in the amount of $500,000. Kenneth W. Brimmer and Gary Copperud are joint and several borrowers with STENCOR on the note. Messrs. Brimmer and Copperud did not receive any compensation for joining as borrowers on the note. The note accrues interest at a rate of 8.75% then 7.625% per annum and is payable in 180 monthly installments, with the final payment of all principal and all accrued interest not yet paid due March 1, 2022. Payments of $5,036 are made in months 1 to 36 and payments of $4,755 are made in months 37 to 180.


On February 13, 2007, STEN Credit and STEN entered into a credit agreement under which R. W. Sabes Investment, LLC (“Sabes”) would loan up to $3,000,000 to STEN Credit, subject to a defined borrowing base of STEN Credit assets. This note was paid in December 2007 with funds from the loans under the security agreement with Valens.


As additional consideration, STEN issued to Sabes a redeemable warrant to purchase 219,900 shares of its common stock at an exercise price of $4.50 per share. The warrant may be exercised by the holder at any time prior to March 1, 2012. The shares of common stock underlying the warrant may be redeemed by STEN in three separate tranches if the closing sales price of its common stock exceeds $6.00 per share for at least thirty consecutive trading days, among other conditions. The gross proceeds of $1,845,845 were allocated between the convertible note and the redeemable warrants based on the relative fair values of the securities at the time of issuance. The redeemable warrants were valued at $175,000 using management’s estimation of their fair value and offset against long-term debt. The resulting original issue discount of the fair value of the warrants as d efined in EITF 00-27, “Application of Issue No. 98-5 to Certain Convertible Instruments”, will be amortized over the life of the note using the straight-line method, which approximates the interest method. The conversion price of $8.20 was greater than the fair market value of the stock at the time of issuance. With the payoff of the obligations under the Sabes credit agreement in December 2007; we recorded interest expense for the remaining balance of the original issue discount of $142,180 for the thirteen weeks ended December 30, 2007.


On January 24, 2007, STEN Credit borrowed $100,000 from a private lender under a promissory note with interest at a rate equal to 16.00% per annum. On January 30, 2007, STEN Credit borrowed $50,000 from the same private lender under a promissory note with interest at a rate equal to 16.00% per annum. The notes were paid in full on April 24, 2007 and May 1, 2007, respectively.


On January 11, 2007, STEN Credit borrowed $750,000 from Crown Bank in the form of a promissory note with a term of six months, expiring July 11, 2007, and having an interest rate bearing 9.250% per annum. The promissory note was paid on February 13, 2007 using proceeds from the first draw of the available amounts under the credit agreement with Sabes.


On January 2, 2007, STEN Credit Corporation and a private lender entered into a promissory note in the amount of $400,000 with interest at a rate equal to 15.875%. This note was paid in full in November 2007.


In November 2006, and as amended March 2007, the Company entered into a non-solicitation agreement with Flash Motors. The term of the agreement is five years. STEN Credit will pay Flash Motors a total sum of $1,400,000 for Flash Motors and its representatives agree not to solicit the accounts and prospects provided in the agreement. Concurrently, STEN Credit issued a promissory note in the principal amount of $1,400,000 effective March 1, 2007 with interest at a rate of 13% per annum paid monthly in arrears starting on April 1, 2007. On November 14, 2008, the note holder may demand payment of principal of $250,000 which will be payable within 30 days and additional increments of up to $250,000 may be demanded every thirty days thereafter until the note is paid in full.


As of March 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007, the long-term debt consisted of the following:




 

March 30,

2008

 

September 30, 2007

Renewable unsecured subordinated notes

$ 5,324,988 

 

 $ 2,792,802 

Promissory note - private investor

 

 400,000 

Promissory notes - Flash Motors

1,400,000 

 

 1,400,000 

Promissory note - R.W. Sabes, net of original issue discount of $142,180.

 

 1,880,259 

Promissory note - Valens U.S. SPV I, LLC, net of original discount of $206,434

3,408,416 

 

 0 

Mortgage note payable - Austin Bank

483,387 

 

 491,953 

Mortgage note payable - Bremer Bank

374,230 

 

 378,709 

  Totals

10,991,021 

 

 7,343,723 

Less current portion

(4,544,796)

 

 (2,886,265)

Long term portion

 $6,446,225 

 

 $ 4,457,458 


Note 12.  Segment Reporting


Our three reportable segments are strategic business units that offer different products. They are managed separately as each business requires different technology and business processes. STEN Financial is comprised of the businesses of its three subsidiaries: STEN Credit Corporation, which operates the automobile finance business; EasyDrive Cars and Credit, which operates our retail used car sales lots; and Alliance Advance Inc., which operates the deferred presentment (payday) check cashing and title loan business under the names Alliance Cash Advance and Moneyworldlending. The Company is combining its STEN Credit, Alliance Cash Advance and Moneyworldlending business into a consumer finance segment and reporting a separate segment of its Easy Drive Cars and Credit business.   Corporate and Contract Manufacturing represents the administrative activities and costs associated with our general corporate activities, including our Texas-based STENCOR, Inc. subsidiary that is engaged in providing contract injection molding services. The Company did not include in identifiable assets those assets related to discontinued operations. Assets excluded were $1,382,612 and $3,811,065 for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2008 and April 1, 2007, respectively.


Operating loss is total net sales less operating expenses, excluding interest. We did not have any sales between industry segments. Identifiable assets by industry segment include both assets directly identified with those operations and an allocable share of jointly used assets. General corporate assets consist primarily of cash, certificates of deposit and property and equipment. The accounting policies applied to determine segment information are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies. Management evaluates the performance of each segment based on profit and loss from operations before income taxes, exclusive of non-recurring gains or losses. The following table summarizes data by industry segment.



Page 11





 

Corporate and Contract Manufacturing

 

STEN Financial (Consumer finance)

 

STEN Financial

(Retail used car sales lots)

 

Total

        

Thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2008  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Revenues

 $     629,289 

 

 $   832,787 

 

 $  2,836,740

 

 $   4,298,816 

  Loss from operations

 (294,799)

 

 (934,665)

 

 432,791

 

 (796,673)

  Identifiable assets

 2,893,102 

 

 14,146,470 

 

 585,380

 

 17,624,952 

  Depreciation and amortization

 19,208 

 

 94,260 

 

 1,008

 

 114,476 

  Capital expenditures

 15,154 

 

 1,569 

 

 0

 

 16,723 

        

Thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2007  

       

  Revenues

 $     363,365 

 

 $      472,706 

 

 $     119,625

 

 $       955,696 

  Loss from operations

 (267,856)

 

 (185,531)

 

 9,965

 

 (443,422)

  Identifiable assets

 3,491,543 

 

 8,210,588 

 

 163,033

 

 11,865,164 

  Depreciation and amortization

 8,909 

 

 101,689 

 

 0

 

 110,598 

  Capital expenditures

 13,910 

 

 61,040 

 

 9,117

 

 84,067 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Twenty-six weeks ended March 30, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Revenues

 $     957,355 

 

 $   1,746,053 

 

 $  3,649,949

 

 $    6,353,357 

  Loss from operations

 (578,439)

 

 (1,728,904)

 

 228,186

 

 (2,079,157)

  Identifiable assets

 2,893,102 

 

 14,146,470 

 

 585,380

 

 17,624,952 

  Depreciation and amortization

 36,772 

 

 190,672 

 

 3,755

 

 231,199 

  Capital expenditures

 17,454 

 

 (226) 

 

 11,031

 

 28,259 

        

Twenty-six weeks ended April 1, 2007  

       

  Revenues

 $     647,448 

 

 $      833,312 

 

 $     119,625

 

 $   1,600,385 

  Loss from operations

 (561,256)

 

 (304,287)

 

 9,965

 

 (855,578)

  Identifiable assets

 3,491,543 

 

 8,210,588 

 

 163,033

 

 11,865,164 

  Depreciation and amortization

 33,186 

 

 148,831 

 

 0

 

 182,017 

  Capital expenditures

 65,207 

 

 64,379 

 

 9,117

 

 138,703 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Note 13.  Commitments and Contingencies


Stock Repurchase Program - On November 8, 2004, our Board of Directors authorized a repurchase program in the amount of 175,000 shares that replaced a repurchase program originally adopted in September 2001. On September 29, 2006 our Board of Directors authorized a repurchase program in the amount of 200,000 shares that replaced a repurchase program originally adopted in November 2004. We have not purchased any shares of common stock for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended March 30, 2008. The Company purchased a total of 0 and 37,750 shares of common stock for a cost of $0 and $167,186 during the thirteen weeks and twenty-six weeks ended April 1, 2007, respectively.


Legal Proceedings - On March 22, 2007, our former Chief Executive Officer, Larry Rasmusson, filed a complaint in Minnesota District Court, Hennepin County, against STEN Corporation claiming breach of contract with regards to split-dollar life insurance policies that are in effect. On January 23, 2008, the parties entered into a settlement agreement relating to the dispute. Under the settlement agreement, the Company may not obtain loans against the policies, the Company and Mr. Rasmusson will appoint a receiver to receive the net proceeds of the life insurance policies, and the Company is obligated to pay $250,000 over a three year period from the execution of the receivership agreement to reduce the outstanding loan balances. The obligation will terminate upon the death of Mr. Rasmusson. The Company has expensed $9,375 and $9,375 related to the settlement for t he thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended March 30, 2008.


Major Customers and Vendor-



Page 12



A major customer in our Stencor business represents 55% and 70% of trade receivables as of March 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007, respectively. The customer represented 11% and 36% of total revenues for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2008 and April 1, 2007, respectively. The customer represents 9% and 38% of total revenues for the twenty-six weeks ended March 30, 2008 and April 1, 2007 respectively. At September 30, 2007, the Company had one vendor representing 20% of the accounts payable balance.


Note 14. Equity


Private Placement - In October and November 2007, STEN entered into a subscription agreement with eight private investors for the sale, in aggregate, of 310,000 shares of its common for cash consideration of $2.50 per share. The closing date for the subscription agreements were October 5, 2007 to November 5, 2007. At the closing, the investors delivered, in aggregate, cash of $775,000 for 310,000 shares.


Issuance of Warrants - In January and February 2008, the Company issued warrants totaling 115,000 to three consultants to purchase the Company’s $0.01 par value common stock on a one for one basis. The warrant exercise price is $3.00 per share of common stock. STEN shares were trading within a range of $1.33 to $1.38 at the time of issuance of warrants.  The warrants may be exercised by the holder at anytime and up to five years from the date of execution, at which time all of the warrant holders rights shall expire. The warrants have been determined to have a total market value of $54,788 using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with a range of market value per common share of $1.33 to $1.38, a risk free rate of return range of 2.75% to 3.62%, an exercise period of 2.5 years and a volatility of 70%. Since the warrants may be exercised at anytime , the Company expensed the entire $54,788 in the current period ended March 30, 2008.


Note 15.  Discontinued Operations


Burger Time Sale - On May 11, 2007 the Company’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Burger Time Acquisition Corporation (“BTAC”), entered into and closed the transactions contemplated by an asset purchase agreement dated May 11, 2007 effective April 29, 2007 with BTND LLC, a Colorado limited liability company (“BTND”). The asset purchase agreement provides for the sale by BTAC of substantially all of the assets related to the Company’s Burger Time business, including the tangible and intangible assets of BTAC and the real estate held by BTAC Properties Inc. Immediately prior to the transaction with BTND, Gary Copperud and Jeffrey A. Zinnecker resigned as directors of the Company and Mr. Copperud resigned as an officer. BTND is an affiliate of Gary Copperud and Jeffrey A. Zinnecker.

The purchase price for the assets was $1,806,319 plus the assumption by BTND of certain liabilities relating to mortgages of BTAC Properties Inc. as of April 30, 2007. Of the purchase price, $1,000,000 was paid in cash and $806,319 was paid by delivery of a promissory note. The note bears interest at a rate of 7.00% per annum with a term of 12 years. BTAC and BTND, LLC also entered into a second promissory note of $1,886,432 relating to the assumption of two BTAC Properties mortgages with StanCorp. BTND intends to assume the Minnesota and North Dakota mortgages and the related promissory note.  This second promissory note from BTND is intended to pass along to BTND the obligations of BTAC under the notes and mortgages with StanCorp. See Note 10. The Company recognized a gain of $100,000 upon the sale.


In accordance with the provisions of SFAS 144, we have not included the results of operations of our Burger Time Business in the results from continuing operations. The results of operations for this business have been reflected as discontinued operations. The Company has no income from discontinued operations during the twenty-six weeks ended March 30, 2008. The loss from discontinued operations for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended April 1, 2007, consist of the following:



  

For  the thirteen weeks ended

April 1, 2007

 

For  the twenty-six weeks ended

April 1, 2007

     

Revenue, net

 

 $  1,497,520 

 

 $    3,036,485 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of goods sold

 

 1,471,155 

 

 2,904,723 

 

 

 

 

 

Gross profit

 

 26,365 

 

 131,762 

 

 

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

 

 98,386 

 

 195,925 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income operations

 

 (72,021)

 

 (64,163)

 

 

 

 

 

Other expense

 

 (33,622)

 

 (65,523)

 

 

 

 

 

Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes

 

 $    (105,643)

 

 

 $    (129,686)


Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation


Overview


STEN Corporation and subsidiaries (“we”, the “Company” or “STEN”) is a diversified business.




Page 13



In January 2006, we created STEN Financial Corporation as a wholly-owned subsidiary. Through this subsidiary and its subsidiaries, we operate a retail and online deferred presentment (or “payday”) loan business, check-cashing stores,a sub-prime automobile finance business and retail used automobile sales business. We entered into the retail payday loan business in August 2006 through the acquisition of a location in Tempe, Arizona under the name Alliance Cash Advance and the on-line payday loan business in October 2006 through the acquisition of moneyworldlending.com. These two payday loan businesses are now operated through Alliance Advance, Inc., a subsidiary of STEN Financial. In October, 2006, STEN Financial acquired three retail check-cashing stores under the tradename Cash Advance. In November 2006, a subsidiary of STEN Financi al, STEN Credit Corporation (formerly known as Colfax Financial Corporation), began to develop a sub-prime automobile finance business following the acquisition of installment notes and used car dealer inventory or “floor plan” financing notes from Flash Motors, Inc. In February 2007, STEN Financial’s subsidiary, EasyDrive Cars and Credit Corporation, began operating a “Buy Here/Pay Here” retail used auto selling business.


Also, through our subsidiary, Stencor, Inc., we manufacture and distribute on a contract basis a line of sterilization containers and filters for use by hospitals and other injection molded and light assembly products.


On May 11, 2007 our wholly-owned subsidiary, Burger Time Acquisition Corporation (“BTAC”), entered into and closed the transactions contemplated by an asset purchase agreement dated May 11, 2007 effective April 29, 2007 with BTND LLC, a Colorado limited liability company. The asset purchase agreement provides for the sale by BTAC of substantially all of the assets related its Burger Time business, including the tangible and intangible assets of BTAC and the certain real estate used in the Burger Time business and held by our subsidiary, BTAC Properties, Inc. In accordance with accounting rules, we have reclassified our previously reported financial results to exclude the results of the operations related to the Burger Time business. All of the financial information in the financial statements and notes to the financial statements has been revised to reflect o nly the results of our continuing operations.


Results of Operations


For the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2008 and April 1, 2007


Revenues derived from the business of STEN Financial and our contract manufacturing business for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2008 increased 340% to $4,298,816 from $955,696 for the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2007. This increase of $3,343,120 is due to the Company’s EasyDrive retail used auto lots being in full operation during the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2008 as compared to the same period of 2007 and as a result of increased sales in the contract manufacturing business. Revenues for STEN Financial were $3,669,527 for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2008 as compared to $592,331 for the corresponding period in fiscal 2007. Revenues in our Contract Manufacturing business, for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2008 increased to $629,289 as compared to $363,365 for the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2007. The 73% increase in revenue for the thirtee n weeks ended March 30, 2008 in our contract manufacturing business comes from an increase in volume of our injection molding and light assembly products.


We expect to see continued revenue growth in our STEN Financial business. The Buy Here/Pay Here vehicle sales and financial business is expected to become the dominate business segment for the Company.  


Cost of goods sold related to our Contract Manufacturing business for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2008 was $537,175 compared to $393,906 for the corresponding period in fiscal 2007. The cost of goods sold reflects the expenses incurred in our Contract Manufacturing business segment. Even though costs of goods sold increased by $143,269, the contract manufacturing business has become more profitable as it continues to shift production to the higher margin injection molding and light assembly product lines.


Cost of automobiles sold for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2008 was $2,003,526 compared to $61,907 for the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2007. These expenses reflect the costs of autos sold in our EasyDrive Cars and Credit retail lots, which began in March of 2007. Our expectations are that the total cost of goods sold will increase significantly as we open new retail locations this fiscal year but will decrease as a percentage of automobile sales as our business continues to mature.


Salaries and benefits in our STEN Financial business for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2008 were $441,764 compared to $282,978 for the corresponding period in fiscal 2007. The salaries and benefits included $110,737 in our consumer lending operations, $171,669 in our STEN Credit business, and $159,358 in the Company’s retail auto lots for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2008. We expect salaries and benefits in aggregate to increase reflecting additional personnel required to service our business, however, our expectation is that these amounts will decrease as a percentage of sales in future periods.




Page 14



Occupancy and operating expenses for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2008 was $246,311 compared to $177,238 for the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2007. These expenses reflect the costs of rents, local and long distance telephone charges, office supplies, permits, property taxes, utilities and other fees and costs associated with STEN Financial. Currently, the Company has eight locations, five in Arizona and three in Utah, in this business segment. Occupancy and operating expenses were $107,631 in our consumer lending operations, $65,286 in our STEN Credit business and $73,394 in the Company’s retail auto lots for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2008. Our expectation is this amount will increase significantly, in future periods, as the Company opens new retail locations this fiscal year.

 

Depreciation for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2008 was $98,415 compared to $95,013 for the corresponding period in fiscal 2007. These expenses reflect the depreciation and amortization of assets affiliated with STEN Financial. Depreciation and amortization was $36,233 for our consumer lending operations, $61,475 in our STEN Credit operation and $707 in the EasyDrive retail lots for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2008.


Provision for loan losses and adjustments for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2008 were $778,123 compared to $58,819 for the corresponding period in fiscal 2007. These expenses reflect the costs to administer the loans such as costs of bad debt and write-offs, lead costs, credit inquiries and other related expenses associated with the STEN Financial segment and are recorded as an offset to revenue. Provisions for loan losses and adjustments were $56,239 in our consumer lending operations and $721,893 in our STEN Credit operation for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2008. We expect the provision for loan losses to decrease as a percentage of interest income in future periods as the impact of certain “dealer specific” effects is reduced in the Company’s STEN Credit business.


Interest expense, net for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2008 were $615,582 compared to $118,351 for the corresponding period in fiscal 2007. These expenses include a charge of $180,722 relating to prepaid registration costs relating to our renewable unsecured subordinated notes, $57,456 in prepaid Valens debt costs, $30,965 in debt issuance costs relating to the December 2007 Valens Security Agreement and offset by interest income from notes receivable of $46,559.


Selling, general and administrative expenses for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2008 increased $146,999 to $374,593 from $237,315 during the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2007. We expect this amount to increase as our business continues to grow.


For the twenty-six weeks ended March 30, 2008 and April 1, 2007


Revenues consisting of STEN Financial and the contract manufacturing businesses for the twenty-six weeks ended March 30, 2008 increased 297% to $6,353,357 from $1,600,385 for the twenty-six weeks ended April 1, 2007. This increase of $4,752,972 is due to the Company’s EasyDrive retail used auto lots being in full operation during the twenty-six weeks ended March 30, 2008 compared to the corresponding period in fiscal 2007 and an increase in automobile sales. Revenues for STEN Financial were $5,396,002 for the twenty-six weeks ended March 30, 2008 as compared to $952,937 for the corresponding period in fiscal 2007. Revenues in our Contract Manufacturing business for the twenty-six weeks ended March 30, 2008 increased to $957,355 as compared to $647,488 for the twenty-six weeks ended April 1, 2007. The 47% increase in revenue for the twenty-six weeks ended March 30, 2008 in our contract manufacturing business comes from an increase in volume our injection molding and light assembly products.


Cost of goods sold related to our Contract Manufacturing business for the twenty-six weeks ended March 30, 2008 was $923,859 compared to $753,608 for the corresponding period in fiscal 2007. The cost of goods sold reflects the expenses incurred in our Contract Manufacturing business segment. Even though costs of goods sold increased by $170,251, the contract manufacturing business has become more profitable as it continues to emphasize the higher margins generated from our new customers in the injection molding and light assembly product lines.


Cost of automobiles sold for the twenty-six weeks ended March 30, 2008 was $2,830,724 compared to $62,300 for the twenty-six weeks ended April 1, 2007. These expenses reflect the costs of autos sold in our EasyDrive Cars and Credit retail lots, which began in March of 2007. Our expectations are that the total cost of goods sold will increase as we open new retail locations this fiscal year but will decrease as a percentage of automobile sales as our business continues to mature.


Salaries and benefits in our STEN Financial business for the twenty-six weeks ended March 30, 2008 were $859,149 compared to $456,305 for the corresponding period in fiscal 2007. The salaries and benefits included $241,477 inour consumer lending operations, $360,578 in our STEN Credit business and $257,094 in the Company’s retail auto lots for the twenty-six weeks ended March 30, 2008. We expect salaries and benefits in aggregate to increase reflecting additional personnel required to service our business, however, our expectation is that these amounts will decrease as a percentage of sales in future periods.


Occupancy and operating expenses for the twenty-six weeks ended March 30, 2008 was $521,982 compared to $360,408 for the twenty-six weeks ended April 1, 2007. These expenses reflect the costs of rents, local and long distance telephone charges, office supplies, permits, property taxes, utilities and other fees and costs associated with STEN Financial. Currently the Company has eight locations, five in Arizona and three in Utah, in this business segment. Occupancy and operating expenses were $217,171 in our consumer lending operations, $162,525 in our STEN Credit business and $142,286 in the Company’s retail auto lots for the twenty-six weeks ended March 30, 2008. Our expectation is this amount will increase significantly, in future periods, as the Company opens new retail locations this fiscal year.

 

Depreciation for the twenty-six weeks ended March 30, 2008 was $197,574 compared to $150,631 for the corresponding period in fiscal 2007. These expenses reflect the depreciation and amortization of assets affiliated with STEN Financial. Depreciation and amortization was $72,427 for our consumer lending operations, $123,089 in our STEN Credit operation and $2,058 in the EasyDrive retail lots for the twenty-six weeks ended March 30, 2008.


Provision for loan losses and adjustments for the twenty-six weeks ended March 30, 2008 were $1,288,755 compared to $92,520 for the corresponding period in fiscal 2007. These expenses reflect the costs to administer the loans such as costs of bad debt and write-offs, lead costs, credit inquiries and other related expenses associated with the STEN Financial segment and are recorded as an offset to revenue. Provisions for loan losses and adjustments were $132,459 in our consumer lending operations and $1,156,296 in our STEN Credit operation for the twenty-six weeks ended March 30, 2008. We expect the provision for loan losses to decrease as a percentage of interest income in future periods as the impact of certain “dealer specific” effects is reduced in our STEN Credit business.


Interest expense for the twenty-six weeks ended March 30, 2008 were $1,219,853 compared to $125,095 for the corresponding period in fiscal 2007. These expenses include a charge of $343,747 relating to prepaid S-1 registration costs, $142,000 relating to the retirement of the Sabes debt, $76,608 related to prepaid Valens debt costs, $41,287 in debt issuance costs relating to the December 2007 Valens Security Agreement and offset by interest income from notes receivable of $46,559.


Selling, general and administrative expenses for the twenty-six weeks ended March 30, 2008 increased $135,522 to $590,618 from $455,096 during the twenty-six weeks ended April 1, 2007. We expect this amount to increase as our business continues to grow.


Liquidity and Capital Resources


Historically, we have satisfied our liquidity needs through various debt arrangements, sales of debt and equity, and cash provided by operations. In fiscal year 2008 and 2007, principal liquidity needs have included cash for making loans in our automobile finance business and our short-term consumer and deferred presentment loans, development of our “Buy Here/Pay Here” retail used car business, and debt service requirements.


We believe that we have adequate capital to meet our cash requirements for the next twelve months from our internal working capital and a security agreement we entered into with U.S. SPV I, LLC (“Valens”) on November 23, 2007. However, our auto finance business conducted through STEN Credit will require significant capital to continue to grow. Since we began conducting this business, we have relied upon receivable-based borrowings and the sale of our renewable unsecured subordinated notes to support the growth of this business. If such borrowings were not available to the Company and if the Company is unable to otherwise adequately fund the STEN Credit business, the growth of this business, and of the Company, could be restricted. In our lending businesses, including our automobile loan business and our short-term consumer and deferred presentment loans, we e xpect that net receivable balances will grow in the foreseeable future. We expect that, given our relatively early-stage involvement in these businesses, growth in the financial business will require significant additional capital to maintain the targeted growth rates.


As of March 30, 2008, we had working capital of $825,256 as compared to $197,139 at September 30, 2007, and long-term debt of $6,446,225 at March 30, 2008 compared to $4,457,458 at September 30, 2007. The $628,117 increase in working capital at March 30, 2008 compared to September 30, 2007 was primarily the result of the private placement of common stock in November 2007 that raised $775,000, draws on the security agreement with Valens through March, 2008 for $3,614,550 and an increase proceeds from our renewable unsecured subordinated notes of $2,532,186 for the twenty-six weeks ended March 30, 2008.


Operating Activities


As of March 30, 2008, we had $458,632 in cash and cash equivalents as compared to $366,118 at September 30, 2007. We also had $1,839,100 available under the terms the security agreement with Valens as of March 30, 2008. Net cash used in operating activities was $2,880,387 for the twenty-six weeks ended March 30, 2008, compared to $4,269,995 used in operating activities for the twenty-six weeks ended April 1, 2007. The primary uses of cash for the period ended March 30, 2008 were the net loss of $1,303,857 accounts receivable of $225,835, loan receivable of $855,703, deferred income taxes of $804,502, other current assets of $305,425, and dealer reserve payable of $1,010,669 offset by a source of cash in operating activities from depreciation and amortization of $231,198, allowance for loan losses of $667,413 and amortization of deferred financing costs of $420,355. &nb sp;


Investing Activities



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Investing activities consist primarily of purchasing assets (tangible and intangible) to develop new businesses or augment existing businesses, including the acquisition of assets in 2007 from Dimah Financial, Inc. relating to the Moneyworldlending business, from National Financial Services, LLC relating to the Cash Advance business and purchase of intangible assets from Flash Motors, Inc. under the non-solicitation agreement. We have financed the purchase of these assets by cash payments in the case of purchases from Dimah Financial, Inc. and National Financial Services, LLC, and a promissory note in the case of Flash Motors. Net cash from investing activities was $45,490 for the twenty-six weeks ended March 30, 2008 as compared to net cash used in investing activities of $1,319,908 for the twenty-six weeks ended April 1, 2007. The difference is primarily due to the a cquisition activity in the twenty-six weeks ended April 1, 2007 that was not present in the twenty-six weeks ended March 30, 2008.


Financing Activities


Net cash provided by financing activities was $3,030,060 for twenty-six weeks ended March 30, 2008, compared to $3,842,495 for the twenty-six weeks ended April 1, 2007. The change was primarily due to proceeds from the Valens security agreement of $3,614,550 offset by repayments of obligations to Gerald Dovner and Andrea Dovner Revocable Trust, Citizens Independent Bank and R.W. Sabes Investment, LLC in the amount of $2,990,663 in late November and early December 2007. Additionally, the Company received $775,000 in proceeds from a common stock private placement and received debt proceeds of $2,532,186 from its renewable unsecured subordinated notes during the twenty six weeks ended March 30, 2008 and used $167,186 to repurchase its common stock in the twenty-six weeks ended April 1, 2007.


Under the security agreement among STEN, certain of our subsidiaries and Valens, Valens may make revolving loans to these borrowers from time to time during the two year term of up to $5,500,000, subject to a defined borrowing base. The borrowing base takes into account reserves established by Valens, the amount of certain available accounts of the borrowers and the amount of certain available inventory of the borrowers. The amounts loaned to the borrowers are evidenced by a secured revolving note in the maximum aggregate amount of $5,500,000 that matures on November 23, 2009 and bears interest at a rate equal to the prime rate from time to time plus 8.25%, but no less than 15%. Interest is payable monthly in arrears commencing on December 1, 2007 on the first business day of each consecutive calendar month thereafter. In an event of default, as defined under the secur ity agreement, the borrowers will be obligated to pay additional interest of 2% per month as a penalty until the event of default is cured or waived and the agent for Valens may demand repayment of the obligations of the note and the security agreement or may elect to demand a default payment equal to 130% of the outstanding principal amount of the note, plus accrued but unpaid interest and all other fees and amounts then remaining unpaid. The obligations of the security agreement and the note are secured by a security interest in all of the borrowers’ assets, as well as the assets of our other subsidiaries and our equity interest in our subsidiaries.


Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates


Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements. Our critical accounting policies and estimates are those both having the most impact to the reporting of our financial condition and results, and requiring significant judgments and estimates. Our critical accounting policies include those related to (a) revenue recognition, (b) allowance for uncollectible accounts and loans receivable, (c) inventories, (d) goodwill, intangible and other long-lived assets,(e) accounting for business combinations and (f) valuation of stock-based compensation award.


(a) Revenue Recognition and Shipping and Handling Costs   Interest on notes receivable associated with the consumer auto loans or vehicle installment notes is recognized as revenue based on the outstanding monthly unpaid principal balance and is generally contractually provided at the rate of 29.9% per annum. In addition, “discount points” paid at the time the installment note is entered into are recognized as finance charge revenue over the life of the loan. Should inventory financing receivables, or note receivables be determined to be impaired, the recognition of revenue would be suspended and a provision for losses equal to the difference between the carrying value and the present value of the expected cash flows would be recorded. Under our current arrangements with the dealer-partner in the event of default, the dealer-partner is required to pay the remaining principal amount of the contract and the vehicle collateral is assigned to the dealer for foreclosure and repossession.


In our auto financing business, the dealer-partners are charged a fee based upon an annualized rate of 24% to finance vehicle inventory.


We recognize revenue from the operations of our Alliance Cash Advance business in STEN Financial using the cash basis method, with interest income payments being recognized as income at the time the cash fee for the advance is actually received.


In our “Buy Here Pay Here” retail used auto sales business, revenue is recognized from the sale of a vehicle when the vehicle is delivered, the sales contract is signed, the down payment is received and funding has been approved.


For our Contract Manufacturing, we recognize revenue in accordance with Staff Accounting bulletin No. 104 (SAB 104), “Revenue Recognition.” SAB 104 requires revenue to be recognized when all of the following are met: a) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; b) delivery of product has occurred; c) the seller’s price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; and d) collectability is reasonable assured. We record sales revenue for the Contract Manufacturing business segment at the time all merchandise is shipped, contractual obligations have been substantially met and title and risk of loss have passed to the customer.


(b) Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts and Loans Receivable - Accounts receivable is reduced by an allowance for amounts that may become uncollectible in the future. The estimated allowance for uncollectible amounts is based primarily on management’s evaluation of the financial condition of the customer. Loans receivable over 30 days are considered past due. We do not accrue interest on past due loans receivable. Loans are written off only after all collection attempts have failed and are based on individual credit evaluation and specific circumstances of the customer. Future changes in the financial condition of a customer may require an adjustment to the allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable.


(c) Inventories and Related Allowance for Obsolete and Excess Inventory - Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market value and have been reduced by an allowance for obsolete and excess inventories. The estimated allowance is based on management’s review of inventories on hand compared to estimated future usage and sales.


(d) Goodwill, Intangible and Other Long-Lived Assets - Property, equipment and intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives. Useful lives are based on management’s estimates of the period that the assets will generate revenue. Property and equipment, goodwill and intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. We believe no impairment charges need to be recorded as of March 30, 2008.


(e) Accounting for Business Combinations - Goodwill and intangible assets represent the excess of consideration over the fair value of tangible net assets acquired. Certain assumptions and estimates are employed by management in determining the fair value of assets acquired, including goodwill and other intangible assets, as well as determining the allocation of goodwill to the appropriate reporting unit. In addition, we assess the recoverability of these intangibles by determining whether the fair values of the applicable reporting units exceed their carrying values. The evaluation of fair value requires the use of projections, estimates and assumptions as to the future performance of the operations in performing a discounted cash flow analysis as well as assumptions regarding sales and earnings multiples that would be applied in comparable acquisitions in the industry. Actual results could differ from these assumptions and projections resulting in us revising our assumptions and, if required, recognizing an impairment loss.


(f)  Valuation of Stock-Based Compensation Awarded  -  Effective October 2, 2006, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (SFAS 123(R)), which requires the measurement and recognition of compensation expense for all share-based payment awards made to employees and directors including employee stock options based on fair values. Our determination of fair value of share-based payment awards is based on the date of grant using an option-pricing model which incorporates a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to, our expected stock price volatility and estimates regarding projected employee stock option exercise behaviors and forfeitures. We recognize the expense related to the fair value of the award straight - -line over the vesting period.


(g)  Accounting for Tax Collection  -  In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) ratified the consensus of Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 06-3. “How Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Should Be Presented in the Income Statement (Gross versus Net Presentation)” (EITF 06-3). EITF06-3 concluded that the presentation of taxes imposed on revenue-producing transactions (sales, use, value added and excise taxes) on either a gross (included in revenues and costs) or a net (excluded from revenues) basis is an accounting policy that should be disclosed. The Company adopted EITF 06-3 during the year ended September 30, 2007, and it did not have any impact on our results of operations or financial condition. The Company’s policy is to present taxes imposed on re venue-producing transactions on a net basis.


Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements


Certain statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB, including those contained in Part I, Item 2, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation,” constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used, the words “believes”, “expects,” “anticipates,” “plans,” or “intends,” or similar expressions, indicate such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Some of the risks that should be considered include the fac tors identified in our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the year ended September 30, 2007 under Item 1. “Description of Business – Risks Related to Our Business,” as well as in other filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All forward-looking statements included herein are based on information available to us as of the date hereof, and we undertake no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements.


Item 3.  Controls and Procedures


(a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures. The Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Kenneth W. Brimmer, and Chief Financial Officer, Mark F. Buckrey, have evaluated the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based upon this review, they have concluded that these controls and procedures are effective.


(b) Internal Control Over Financing Reporting. There have been no changes in internal control financial reporting that occurred during the fiscal period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.


We continue to review and develop the internal controls over financial reporting for our recently initiated STEN Financial businesses, given the relatively new nature of these businesses and the fact that some portion of each of the business conducted by STEN Financial and its subsidiaries was acquired from companies that were not obligated to establish internal controls over financial reporting comparable to a publicly-held company like ours. While we believe the controls currently in place are adequate to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of our financial reporting and the preparation of our financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, we expect to enhance and formalize the internal control over financial reporting in future periods.


We are in the process of complying with the mandates of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. We are required to comply with certain provisions of Section 404 relating to management’s certification as to internal controls in our Form 10-K for the year ended September 28, 2008. The regulatory agencies are continuing to study the issues



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surrounding compliance, particularly as it relates to smaller public companies. We have done due diligence to understand the requirements and corresponding work necessary to successfully document our system of internal controls to the standards and satisfaction of third parties. The potential cost of compliance with Section 404 to our shareholders in relation to the benefits, may be significant. In considering our compliance efforts, we believe that these additional costs and expenses will confirm the existence of an effective and functioning control system.


We intend to diligently pursue implementation and compliance with the Section 404 requirements. We do not believe it is in our shareholders’ best interests to incur unnecessary outsized costs in this effort as we have an existing system of centralized review and controls. We also have an involved, hands-on senior management group with significant equity ownership in our company. Consequently, we will make every effort to comply with the Section 404 requirements but also will attempt to minimize the expense of this effort. As a result of this cautioned approach and the complexity of compliance, there is a risk that, notwithstanding our best efforts, we may fail to demonstrate a compliance program that fully meets the standards of Section 404 as interpreted by our independent accountants.


In the context of our Sarbanes-Oxley Section 404 compliance, we will continue to take steps to mitigate the lack of segregation of duties inherent in a small company. Specifically we have instituted and documented strong control environment and corporate-level controls. We have constituted a formal financial reporting disclosure committee consisting of the Company’s CEO, CFO and at least on audit committee member to review, discuss and approve the disclosures made in our period reports. Further, our procedure calls for one or more members of the audit committee to perform detailed reviews of key accounts and key reporting areas, including, but not limited to, bank account reconciliations, debt, equity and related party transactions. We believe that these controls and procedures mitigate the lack of segregation of duties and allow us to conclude that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.


PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings


None


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


No purchases were made by STEN of its equity securities in the twenty-six week period ended March 30, 2008.


In April 2007, we began a public offering of up to $25 million of renewable unsecured subordinated notes. During the twenty-six weeks ended March 30, 2008, we sold an additional $2,532,186 in principal amount of notes for $5,324,988 in outstanding in renewable unsecured subordinated notes at March 30, 2008. The proceeds from the renewable unsecured subordinated notes sold during the twenty-six weeks ended March 30, 2008 were used for the general obligations of the Company.


Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities


None


Item 4.  Submission of Matters To A Vote of Security Holders


None



Item 5.

Other Information


None



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Item 6.  Exhibits


(a)

Exhibits:


Exhibit No.      Description


31.1     Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 of the Exchange Act.


31.2     Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 of the Exchange Act.


32        Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350.




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SIGNATURES


In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


 

STEN CORPORATION


Date: May 14, 2008


By: /s/ Kenneth W. Brimmer

Kenneth W. Brimmer, Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)


Date: May 14, 2008


By: /s/ Mark F. Buckrey

Mark F. Buckrey, Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)








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