UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2008

OR

o
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ___________ to _______________

Commission File Number 0-16530
 
BRANDPARTNERS GROUP, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

DELAWARE
13-3236325
(State or Other Jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization)
Identification No.)

10 MAIN ST., ROCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE 03839
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

(603) 335-1400
Registrant’s Telephone number, Including Area Code

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or 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, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.

Large accelerated filer  o   Accelerated filer o

Non-accelerated filer x     Smaller reporting company o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company.   Yes o   No x

The number of shares of common stock outstanding on May 12, 2008 was 39,173,359.

1


BRANDPARTNERS GROUP, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Part I
Financial Statements
 
 
Item 1
Financial Statements
 
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets March 31, 2008 (unaudited) and December 31, 2007
3
   
Consolidated Statements of Operations (unaudited) for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007
4
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited) for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2008 and 2007
5
   
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
6
 
Item 2
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
13
 
Item 3
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
19
 
Item 4
Controls and Procedures
19
Part II
Other Information
 
 
Item 1A
Risk Factors
19
 
Item 5
Other Information
20
 
Item 6
Exhibits
20
 
2


Part I   Financial Statements
Item 1   Financial Information

BrandPartners Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS  
 
  ASSETS  
 
 
March 31, 2008
 
December 31, 2007
 
       
(unaudited)
     
               
Cash
       
$
416,386
 
$
184,504
 
Accounts receivable,net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $140,090 and $193,955  
                   
 
         
5,825,284
   
4,967,674
 
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings
         
904,821
   
1,271,043
 
Inventories, net
         
739,579
   
758,944
 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
         
198,588
   
319,052
 
  Total current assets
         
8,084,658
   
7,501,217
 
                     
Property and equipment, net
         
858,353
   
933,430
 
Goodwill, net
         
12,271,969
   
12,271,969
 
Deferred financing costs
         
19,366
   
38,565
 
Other assets
         
281,532
   
281,532
 
                     
  Total assets
       
$
21,515,878
 
$
21,026,713
 
                     
  LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
                   
                     
Current liabilities
                   
Accounts payable and accrued expenses  
       
$
3,328,545
 
$
3,582,895
 
Billings in excess of cost and estimated earnings  
         
3,517,663
   
4,426,664
 
Short term debt  
         
2,744,536
   
1,688,325
 
  Total current liabilities
         
9,590,744
   
9,697,884
 
                     
Long term debt, net of current maturities
         
6,465,631
   
6,403,731
 
                     
Stockholders' equity
                   
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; 20,000,000 shares  authorized; none outstanding.
         
-
   
-
 
 
               
Common stock, $.01 par value; 100,000,000 shares   authorized; issued and outstanding 39,173,359 and 34,923,359
         
391,734 
   
349,234
 
 
                   
 
         
 
   
 
 
Additional paid in capital  
         
45,091,135
   
45,133,635
 
Accumulated deficit  
         
(39,758,283
)
 
(40,294,603
)
Other comprehensive income
                   
Foreign currency adjustment  
         
47,417
   
49,332
 
Treasury stock, 100,000 shares at cost
         
(312,500
)
 
(312,500
)
                     
  Total stockholders' equity
         
5,459,503
   
4,925,098
 
                     
  Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
       
$
21,515,878
 
$
21,026,713
 
                     
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.  
                   
 
3

 
BrandPartners Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
 
   
3 Months Ended
 
3 Months Ended
 
 
 
March 31
 
March 31
 
 
 
2008
 
2007
 
   
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
 
           
           
Revenues
 
$
9,247,317
 
$
13,888,165
 
               
Costs and expenses
             
Cost of revenues
   
6,476,887
   
10,651,903
 
Selling, general and administrative
   
1,935,037
   
2,474,567
 
               
Total expenses
   
8,411,924
   
13,126,470
 
               
Operating income
   
835,393
   
761,695
 
               
Other (expense)
             
Interest expense, net
   
(299,073
)
 
(316,530
)
NET INCOME
 
$
536,320
 
$
445,165
 
               
               
Basic and diluted earnings per share
             
Basic
 
$
0.01
 
$
0.01
 
Diluted
 
$
0.01
 
$
0.01
 
               
Weighted - average shares outstanding
             
Basic
   
37,351,930
   
34,923,359
 
Diluted
   
37,675,930
   
35,328,359
 
               
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
             
 
4

 
BrandPartners Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
           
   
March 31,
 
March 31,
 
 
 
2008
 
2007
 
 
 
(unaudited)
 
(unaudited)
 
Cash flows (used in) operating activities
         
Net income
 
$
536,320
 
$
445,165
 
               
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
             
Depreciation and amortization
   
125,424
   
166,450
 
Provision for doubtful accounts
   
(32,083
)
 
(417
)
Allowance for obsolete inventory
   
55,839
   
22,578
 
               
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
             
               
Accounts receivable
   
(825,527
)
 
48,827
 
Costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings
   
366,222
   
(684,134
)
Inventories
   
(36,474
)
 
(314,991
)
Prepaid expenses and other assets
   
120,463
   
83,460
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
   
(254,350
)
 
(2,219,343
)
Billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings
   
(909,001
)
 
(446,611
)
               
Net cash (used in) operating activities
   
(853,167
)
 
(2,899,016
)
               
Cash flows (used in) investing activities
             
Acquisition of equipment
   
(31,147
)
 
(89,659
)
               
Cash flows from financing activities
             
Net borrowings on short term debt
   
1,225,052
   
2,809,492
 
Proceeds from long term debt
   
64,241
   
61,035
 
Payments on long term debt
   
(171,182
)
 
(172,046
)
               
Net cash provided by financing activities
   
1,118,111
   
2,698,481
 
               
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH
   
233,797
   
(290,194
)
Effect of exchange rates on cash and equivalents
   
(1,915
)
 
11
 
               
Cash, beginning of periods
   
184,504
   
504,684
 
               
Cash, end of periods
 
$
416,386
 
$
214,501
 
               
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
             
Cash paid during the period for interest
 
$
218,260
 
$
203,371
 
Cash paid during the period for income taxes
 
$
64,494
 
$
33,784
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
             
               
 
5

 
BrandPartners Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

NOTE A - NATURE OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying consolidated financial statements of BrandPartners Group, Inc. (“BrandPartners”) and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and do not include all of the information and note disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for annual financial statements and should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007 and filed with the SEC on Form 10-K. The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments), which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows. The consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the entire year.

BrandPartners operates through its wholly-owned subsidiaries:
 
BrandPartners Retail, Inc.
“Brand Retail”
Building Partners, Inc.
“Build Partners”
BRAND RETAIL
Brand Retail was formerly known as Willey Brothers, Inc. On January 16, 2001, the Company acquired the stock of Brand Retail for a combination of cash, common stock of the Company, options in the Company’s stock, and notes payable. The total purchase price was approximately $33.1 million.

BUILD PARTNERS
Build Partners was incorporated in Delaware in January of 2006 and provides general contracting services.

Through its subsidiaries, the Company provides integrated products and services to the financial services industry and other retail markets. Those products and services include:

·  
Strategic retail positioning and branding
·  
Environmental design and constructions services
·  
Retail merchandising analysis, display systems and signage
·  
Point-of-sale communications and marketing programs

These products and services are offered as a complete turnkey package or as individual offerings, based upon the client’s needs.

RISK

We cannot determine at the present time when or if any of these subsidiaries will remain or be profitable in the future. We have relied and continue to rely upon cash payments from our operating subsidiaries to, among other things, pay creditors, maintain capital and meet our operating requirements. Regulations, legal restrictions, and contractual agreements could restrict any needed payments from our subsidiaries. If we were unable to receive cash from our subsidiaries, or from any operating subsidiaries that we may acquire in the future, our operations and financial condition would be materially and adversely affected.
 
6

 
BrandPartners Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(unaudited)
 
The accounting policies followed by the Company are set forth in Note B to the Company’s consolidated financial statements in its Form 10-K for December 31, 2007.
 
NOTE B - INVENTORIES, NET

Inventories are priced at the lower of cost (determined by the weighted-average method, which approximates first-in, first-out) or market. Inventories consist of the following at:
 
   
March 31, 2008
 
December 31, 2007
 
 
 
(unaudited)
 
 
 
           
Finished goods
 
$
543,493
 
$
482,674
 
Raw materials
   
257,150
   
266,890
 
Work in process
   
5,673
   
20,278
 
   
$
806,316
 
$
769,842
 
Less - Reserves
   
(66,737
)
 
(10,898
)
Total Net Inventories
 
$
739,579
 
$
758,944
 
 
NOTE C - GOODWILL AND DEFERRED FINANCING COSTS

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired. We evaluate the recoverability and measure the potential impairment of goodwill under the Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 142 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets . SFAS No. 142 requires that the Company analyze goodwill for impairment on at least an annual basis. In assessing the recoverability of our goodwill, management must make certain assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows and other factors to determine its fair value. If the calculated fair value of the goodwill is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to the difference. For the three months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007, no impairments were present and no indications of impairment were identified.

Deferred financing costs are being amortized on a straight-line basis over three to seven years, which represents the life of the related debt.
 
NOTE D - RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT

In March 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Statement No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. The new standard is intended to improve financial reporting about derivative instruments and hedging activities by requiring enhanced disclosures to enable investors to better understand their effects on an entity’s financial position, financial performance, and cash flows. It is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008, with early application encouraged. We are currently evaluating this new statement and anticipate that the statement will not have a significant impact on the reporting of our results of operations.
.
7

 
BrandPartners Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(unaudited)
 
NOTE E - SHORT TERM DEBT
 
   
March 31, 2008
 
December 31, 2007
 
 
 
(unaudited)
 
   
           
Current portion long term debt (1)
 
$
111,111
 
$
277,778
 
Revolving credit facility (1)
   
2,597,874
 
$
1,364,722
 
Capital lease, current portion
 
$
19,351
 
$
21,525
 
Put warrant (2)
 
$
16,200
 
$
24,300
 
               
Total Short Term Debt
 
$
2,744,536
 
$
1,688,325
 
 
(1) On May 5, 2005, the Company negotiated a credit facility (the “Facility”) with a commercial
lender. The Facility provides for the following:

·  
$2,000,000 Term Loan, requiring 36 equal monthly payments

·  
$5,000,000 Revolving Line of Credit

·  
Prime Interest Rate on Term Loan principal not subject to the LIBOR rate

·  
Prime Rate interest plus 25 basis points (0.25%) on Revolving Line of Credit Loan principal not subject to the LIBOR rate

·  
LIBOR rate equals LIBOR plus 275 basis points (2.75%)

Under the terms of the agreement, the Company is required to maintain certain financial covenants and ratios. At March 31, 2008 the Company was in compliance with the covenants and ratios. The Facility expires on April 30, 2009, pursuant to an extension negotiated on March 19, 2008. On March 31, 2008, the LIBOR rate was 3.086%, and the adjusted interest rate was 5.84% for the term loan and 6.12% for the revolving line of credit. At March 31, 2008, approximately $2.1 million was available under the line of credit. On May 5, 2008, the $2,000,000 Term Loan was paid in full.

On March 22, 2007, certain of the financial covenants were waived and adjusted. As part of the waiver agreement, the amount available under the Revolving Line of Credit was adjusted to be the lesser of (1) $5 million or (2) 70% of acceptable accounts receivable, plus 50% of the cost in excess of billings (capped at $1 million), less an available reserve of   $250,000. The Prime Rate interest premium was increased to 50 basis points (0.50%) for the Revolving Line of Credit and to 25 basis (0.25%) points for the Term Loan principal.

On July 13, 2007 the Company’s commercial lender consented to the Company exceeding the revolving line of credit limit on a temporary basis. Effective October 3, 2007 the amount outstanding under the revolving   line of credit was reduced and was within the limits provided by the March 28, 2007 amendment to the Company’s banking facility.
 
8

 
BrandPartners Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(unaudited)

On November 12, 2007 the Company received a waiver and adjustment of certain financial covenants from its commercial lender and its subordinated promissory note holder.

(2) The put warrant is related to the subordinated promissory note in the principal amount of
$5,000,000, which is discussed further in Note F (2).
 
NOTE F - LONG TERM DEBT

Long-Term Debt consists of the following:
 
   
March 31, 2008
 
December 31, 2007
 
 
 
(unaudited)
 
   
           
Note payable (1)
 
$
111,111
 
$
277,778
 
Capital lease (2)
   
67,248
 
$
71,763
 
Note payable (3)
   
5,000,000
   
5,000,000
 
Interest payable (3)
   
1,417,734
   
1,353,493
 
     
6,596,093
   
6,703,034
 
Less current maturities (1)
   
(111,111
)
 
(277,778
)
Less capital lease current portion (2)
   
(19,351
)
 
(21,525
)
Total Long Term Debt
 
$
6,465,631
 
$
6,403,731
 

(1)  
See Note E.

(2) 
The Company leases the telephone system for its main location and other equipment under capital leases commenced in 2006. The leases expire in 2009 and 2011. The economic substance of the leases is that the Company is financing the acquisition of certain assets through the leases, and accordingly, they are recorded in the Company’s assets and liabilities. The lease agreements contain a bargain purchase option at the end of the lease term. For a complete listing see the Company’s Form 10-K as of December 31, 2007.
   
(3)   A subordinated promissory note (“the Note”) in the principal amount of $5,000,000 was issued on October 22, 2001 by an unrelated third party. The Note bears interest at 16% per annum, with 12% payable quarterly in cash and 4% being accreted to the unpaid principal (“PIK amount”). The Note matures on October 22, 2009, at which time the principal and all PIK amounts are due. Under the terms of the Note, the Company is required to maintain certain financial covenants and is in compliance as of March 31, 2008.
   
 
9

 
BrandPartners Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(unaudited)

Concurrently and in connection with the 2001 issuance of the Note, the Company issued 405,000 warrants to purchase common stock of the Company at $0.01 per share. The warrants expire on October 11, 2011 and can be “put” to the Company under any of the following conditions:

(a)  
Following October 22, 2006, the fifth anniversary of the closing date;

(b)  
Repayment in full of the aggregate principal amount, together with interest, after the third anniversary of the closing date;

(c)  
Effective declaration by any holder of the Note that the Note has become due and payable;

(d)  
Change in control; or

(e)  
Sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company.

The warrant transaction has been treated as a debt discount and has been amortized to interest expense over prior periods. A liability for the “put warrant” has been recorded. Changes to the future fair value of the “put warrants” are recorded in accordance with FASB No. 133 and been charged to selling, general and administrative expenses. As of March 31, 2008, the liability of the put warrant has been disclosed under Short Term Debt (Note E).

If the Company is unable to pay the Put Warrant repurchase price, the Put Note can be issued to the holder of the warrants. That Put Note would have the following characteristics:

a)  
Interest rate of 18% per annum
b)  
Due and payable on October 22, 2009
c)  
No financial covenants

On January 7, 2004, the Company amended and restructured the Note. In exchange for the waiver of certain covenants through December 31, 2003 and a reduction in the interest rate on the note, the Company issued to the note-holder a common stock purchase warrant to purchase 250,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at $0.26 per share. The interest rate reduction was for a period of two years, commencing January 1, 2004. The interest rate was reduced from 16% per annum to 10% per annum - 8% payable in cash per quarter and 2% accreted to the PIK amount.

In March 2008 the Company negotiated an extension of the maturity date of the Note to October 22, 2009. In addition certain of the financial covenants were revised.

At March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the Company had a liability of $16,200 and $24,300 related to the “put warrants,” respectively, included as part of short-term debt within the consolidated balance sheet.
 
10

 
BrandPartners Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(unaudited)
 
NOTE G - FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Effective January 1, 2008, we adopted SFAS 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157). SFAS 157 clarifies the definition of fair value, prescribes methods for measuring fair value, and establishes a fair value hierarchy to classify the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:

Level 1-Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities available at the measurement date.
 
Level 2-Inputs are unadjusted quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other then quoted prices that are observable, and inputs derived from or corroborated by observable market data.
 
Level 3-Inputs are unobservable inputs which reflect the reporting entity’s own assumptions on what assumptions the market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability based on the best available information.

The adoption of SFAS No. 157 did not have a material impact on our fair value measurements.
 
The following tables present our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and are categorized using the fair value hierarchy. The fair value hierarchy has three levels based on the reliability of the inputs used to determine fair value.
 
       
Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using
 
 
 
March 31, 2008
 
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
 
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
 
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 
                   
Description
 
 
             
                   
Assets - Other assets
 
$
250,000
             
$
250,000
 
                           
Total Assets
 
$
250,000
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
$
250,000
 
                           
Liabilities - Put warrant (See Note F)
 
$
16,200
 
$
16,200
             
                           
Total Liabilities
 
$
16,200
 
$
16,200
 
$
-
 
$
-
 
 
NOTE H - SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS

For the three months ended March 31, 2008, one customer accounted for approximately 38% of the Company’s revenue. Accounts receivable for this customer as of March 31, 2008 were $2.6 million. For the three months ended March 31, 2007, two customers accounted for approximately 23% and 16% of the Company’s revenue respectively.
 
11

 
BrandPartners Group, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(unaudited)

NOTE I - SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES FOR STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

NONE
 
NOTE J - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES  

As of March 31, 2008, the Company had booked orders, consisting of signed contracts not yet completed, for approximately $9 million.

The Company has provided various representations, warranties and other standard indemnifications in the ordinary course of business, in agreements to acquire and sell business assets and in financing arrangements. The Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims, which arise in the ordinary course of business.

Management believes the ultimate liability with respect to these contingent obligations will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
NOTE K - STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

The Company did not grant any stock options for the quarter ending March 31, 2008 nor did any options vest.

For the periods ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 there were no share-based compensation recognized in the consolidated statement of operations.

NOTE L - INCOME TAXES

At March 31, 2008, the Company utilized net operating losses (“NOL’s”) to reduce its exposure to federal income tax expense.

The Company has NOL’s of approximately $8.3 million available to offset future taxable income. These NOL’s expire at various dates through 2027. At December 31, 2007, the Company had deferred tax assets of approximately $7.1 million. The deferred tax assets consist primarily of net operating loss carry-forwards and previously accrued reserves. Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon future earnings, if any, the timing and amount of which is uncertain. Accordingly, the deferred tax assets have been fully offset by a valuation allowance of the same amount. Pursuant to Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, NOL carry-forwards may be limited in use in any given year in the event of a significant change in ownership.

There may be state tax expense in certain states where the tax statutes do not recognize or do limit the use of NOL’s.
 
NOTE M - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

NONE
 
12

 
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

As of March 31, 2008, the Company had a working capital deficit of approximately $(1.5 million), stockholders’ equity of approximately $5.5 million, and a current ratio of approximately .84 to 1. At December 31, 2007, the Company had working capital deficit of approximately $(2.2 million), stockholders’ equity of approximately $4.9 million and a working capital ratio of approximately .77 to 1. This change in working capital arises primarily from the increase in accounts receivable partially offset by a decrease in costs and estimated earnings in excess of billings.

As of March 31, 2008, the Company had cash of approximately $416,000. As of December 31, 2007, the Company had cash of approximately $185,000.

For the three months ended March 31, 2008, the net cash used in operating activities of approximately ($0.9 million) noted in the Statements of Cash Flows resulted primarily from an increase in accounts receivable ($0.8 million) and a decrease in billings in excess of costs and estimated earnings ($0.9 million) partially offset by net income before non-cash expenses ($0.7 million).

Due to the nature of the project accounting used for large contracts, all vendor and labor costs are entered on the balance sheet until the associated revenue is recognized. Upon revenue recognition, the associated expenses and profit are transferred to the statement of operations. The Cost in Excess of Billings account reflects the costs which have been incurred by the Company with resultant revenue recognition in completing a contractual obligation, which according to the terms of the contract, cannot be invoiced as of the end of the fiscal period and is therefore an asset since those charges will be invoiced in the future. Its companion account, Billings in Excess of Cost, reflects the balance of those invoices to clients for which work to the level of the billing deposits has not yet occurred. Thus, a liability exists on the balance sheet for the obligation on the part of the Company to perform work to the level of the deposits invoiced to the client. Due to the size of the contracts, these accounts can fluctuate considerably as of the end of the fiscal period and during the interim periods.

The accompanying consolidated balance sheets include the following captions at:
 
   
March 31,
 
December 31,
 
 
 
 
 
2008
 
2007
 
Difference
 
   
(unaudited)
         
Cost in excess of billings
 
$
904,821
 
$
1,271,043
 
$
(366,222
)
Billings in excess of costs
   
(3,517,663
)
 
(4,426,664
)
 
909,001
 
                     
Totals
 
$
(2,612,842
)
$
(3,155,621
)
$
542,779
 
 
We used cash flows to principally fund the acquisition of property and equipment amounting to approximately $31,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2008.

Our cash flows from financing activities were principally provided from additional net short-term borrowings of $1,225,000 and additional long-term borrowings of $64,000, partially offset by payments on long-term debt of $171,000.

13


INDEBTEDNESS
 
BRANDPARTNERS FACILITY

BrandPartners negotiated a credit facility (the “Facility”) with a commercial lender effective May 5, 2005. The Facility provides for the following:

·  
$2,000,000 Term Loan, requiring 36 equal monthly payments

·  
$5,000,000 Revolving Line of Credit

·  
Prime Interest Rate on Term Loan principal not subject to the LIBOR rate

·  
Prime Rate interest plus 25 basis points (0.25%) on Revolving Line of Credit Loan principal not subject to the LIBOR rate

·  
LIBOR rate equals LIBOR plus 275 basis points (2.75%)

Under the terms of the agreement, the Company is required to maintain certain financial covenants and ratios. The Facility expires on April 30, 2009, pursuant to an extension negotiated on March 19, 2008. On March 31, 2008, the LIBOR rate was 3.086%, and the adjusted interest rate was 5.84% for the term loan and 6.12% for the revolving line of credit. At March 31, 2008, approximately $2.1 million was available under the line of credit. On May 5, 2008, the $2,000,000 Term Loan was paid in full.

On March 22, 2007, certain of the financial covenants were waived and adjusted. As part of the waiver agreement, the amount available under the Revolving Line of Credit was adjusted to be the lesser of (1) $5 million or (2) 70% of acceptable accounts receivable, plus 50% of the cost in excess of billings (capped at $1 million), less an available reserve of   $250,000. The Prime Rate interest premium was increased to 50 basis points (0.50%) for the Revolving Line of Credit and to 25 basis (0.25%) points for the Term Loan principal.

On July 13, 2007 the Company’s commercial lender consented to the Company exceeding the revolving line of credit limit on a temporary basis. Effective October 3, 2007 the amount outstanding under the revolving   line of credit was reduced and was within the limits provided by the March 28, 2007 amendment to the Company’s banking facility.

On November 12, 2007 the Company received a waiver and adjustment of certain financial covenants from its commercial lender and its subordinated promissory note holder.

If for any reason the Company defaults on the Facility, the amount outstanding under the Facility becomes due and payable, and the lender has the right to proceed against the collateral granted to secure the indebtedness under the Facility, including substantially all of the assets of BrandPartners.
 
14

 
THE BRAND RETAIL SUBORDINATED NOTE PAYABLE

A subordinated promissory note (“the Note”) in the principal amount of $5,000,000 was issued on October 22, 2001 by an unrelated third party. The Note bears interest at 16% per annum, with 12% payable quarterly in cash and 4% being accreted to the unpaid principal (“PIK amount”). The Note matures on October 22, 2009, at which time the principal and all PIK amounts are due. Under the terms of the Note, the Company is required to maintain certain financial covenants and is in compliance as of March 31, 2008.

Concurrently and in connection with the 2001 issuance of the Note, the Company issued 405,000 warrants to purchase common stock of the Company at $0.01 per share. The warrants expire on October 11, 2011 and can be “put” to the Company under any of the following conditions:

(a)  
Following October 22, 2006, the fifth anniversary of the closing date;

(b)  
Repayment in full of the aggregate principal amount, together with interest, after the third anniversary of the closing date;

(c)  
Effective declaration by any holder of the Note that the Note has become due and payable;

(d)  
Change in control; or

(e)  
Sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company.

The warrant transaction has been treated as a debt discount and has been amortized to interest expense over prior periods. A liability for the “put warrant” has been recorded. Changes to the future fair value of the “put warrants” are recorded in accordance with FASB No. 133 and been charged to selling, general and administrative expenses.

If the Company is unable to pay the Put Warrant repurchase price, the Put Note can be issued to the holder of the warrants. That Put Note would have the following characteristics:

(a)  
Interest rate of 18% per annum
(b)  
Due and payable on October 22, 2009
(c)  
No financial covenants

On January 7, 2004, the Company amended and restructured the Note. In exchange for the waiver of certain covenants through December 31, 2003 and a reduction in the interest rate on the note, the Company issued to the note-holder a common stock purchase warrant to purchase 250,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at $0.26 per share. The interest rate reduction was for a period of two years, commencing January 1, 2004. The interest rate was reduced from 16% per annum to 10% per annum - 8% payable in cash per quarter and 2% accreted to the PIK amount.

In March 2008 the Company negotiated an extension of the maturity date of the Note to October 22, 2009. In addition the Company received an adjustment to certain of the financial covenants.

At March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the Company had a liability of $16,200 and $24,300 related to the “put warrants,” respectively.
 
15

 
LIQUIDITY ISSUES

The Company’s ability to generate cash flow from operations sufficient to make scheduled payments on its debts as they become due will depend on its future performance and the Company’s ability to successfully implement business and growth strategies. The Company’s performance will also be affected by prevailing economic conditions. Many of these factors are beyond the Company’s control. If future cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to meet the Company’s debt obligations and commitments, the Company may be forced to reduce or delay activities and capital expenditures, obtain additional equity capital or restructure or refinance its debt. In the event that the Company is unable to do so, the Company may be left without sufficient liquidity, and it may not be able to meet its debt service requirements. In such a case, an event of default would occur and could result in all of the Company’s indebtedness becoming immediately due and payable.
 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

As of March 31, 2008, booked orders, consisting of signed contracts not yet completed, for the Company totaled approximately $9 million.

The Company has provided various representations, warranties and other standard indemnifications in the ordinary course of business, in agreements to acquire and sell business assets and in financing arrangements. The Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims, which arise in the ordinary course of business.

Management believes the ultimate liability with respect to these contingent obligations will not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
 
OFF BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
 
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that provide financing, liquidity, market or credit risk support or involve leasing, hedging or research and development services for our business or other similar arrangements that may expose us to liability that is not expressly reflected in the financial statements, except for facilities operating leases.
 
As of March 31, 2008, we did not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities, established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. As such we are not subject to any material financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could arise if we had engaged in such relationships.
 
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2008 COMPARED TO THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2007

REVENUES: Revenues are recognized as products and services are delivered. If the Company is managing the project for its customers, these services and their related products are accounted for using the percentage of completion method.

Revenues for the first three months of 2008 compared to the first three months of 2007 decreased by 33%, or approximately $4.6 million. The decrease was due to various projects that were anticipated to close with prospective clients in the community banking market were either put on hold or lost.

COST OF REVENUES: Cost of revenues decreased 39% or approximately $4.2 million primarily due to lower revenues in the first three months of 2008 versus the same 2007 period. In addition, due to the change in our product and services mix, our cost of revenues as a percentage of revenue was 70% for the first quarter 2008 as compared to 77% for the first quarter 2007.

SELLING, GENERAL & ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES: Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) amounted to approximately $1.9 million in the first three months of 2008 versus $2.5 million for the same period in 2007, a decrease of approximately $0.5 million or 22%. The reduced SG&A expense was principally due to the implementation in 2007 by management of a cost savings initiative program. This program resulted in reduced costs including compensation (approximately $271,000), professional fees (approximately $92,000) and other general overhead costs.

OPERATING INCOME: Operating income for the first three months of 2008 in the amount of $0.8 million increased approximately $74,000 or 10% due to the factors noted above.

INTEREST EXPENSE, NET: Interest expense, net for the three months ended March 31, 2008 was relatively unchanged versus the same period in 2007.

NET INCOME: Net income for the first quarter 2008 of approximately $536,000 compares to net income of $445,000 for the first quarter 2007, an increase of $91,000 or approximately 21%.
 
HOLDING COMPANY AND OPERATING SUBSIDIARIES

We conduct our business through our wholly owned subsidiaries (Brand Retail and Build Partners). We have relied and continue to rely on cash payments from our operating subsidiaries to, among other things, pay creditors, maintain capital, and meet our operating requirements. Regulations, legal restrictions, and contractual agreements could restrict any needed payments from our present subsidiaries and any other operating subsidiaries we may subsequently acquire. If we were unable to receive cash funds from any of our operating subsidiaries, our operations and financial condition would be materially and adversely affected.

17

 
STOCK PRICE FLUCTUATIONS

The market price of our common stock has fluctuated significantly and may be affected by our operating results, changes in our business and management, changes in the industries in which we conduct our business, and general and market conditions. In addition, the stock markets commonly experience price and volume fluctuations. These fluctuations have affected stock prices of many companies without regard to their specific operating performance. The price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly in the future.

INFLATION

We do not believe that inflation has had a material effect on the Company’s results of operations.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that are not historical facts, but rather reflect the Company’s current expectations concerning future results and events. The words “believes,” “anticipates,” “expects,” and similar expressions, which identify forward-looking statements, are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and factors, including those which are economic, competitive, and technological, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those forecast or anticipated. Such factors include, among others:

·  
The continued services of James Brooks as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of BrandPartners Group and other key senior management members.

·  
Our ability to identify appropriate acquisition candidates, finance and complete such acquisitions and successfully integrate the acquired businesses

·  
Changes in our business strategies or development plans

·  
Competition

·  
Our ability to grow within the financial services industry

·  
Our ability to successfully penetrate other markets

·  
General economic and business conditions, both nationally and in the regions in which we operate

·  
Our ability to pass vendor cost increases on to our customers

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on those forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to republish revised forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of the unanticipated events. Readers are also urged to carefully review and consider the various disclosures made by the Company in this report, as well as the Company’s periodic reports on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
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ITEM 1A.  RISK FACTORS
 
For information regarding factors that could affect the Company’s results of operations, financial condition or liquidity, see the risk factors discussed under “Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Item 7 of BrandPartners’ most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.  See also “Forward-Looking Statements,” included in Item 2 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.  There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in CSX’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
ITEM 3. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Our Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility expose us to the risk of earnings or cash flow loss due to changes in market interest rates. The Term Loan and a portion of the Revolving Credit Facility accrue interest at LIBOR plus an applicable margin. The balance of the Facility accrues interest at the Wall Street Journal’s published prime rate. For a description of the terms of the Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Liquidity and Capital Resources” above.

The table below provides information on our market sensitive financial instruments as of March 31, 2008.
 
   
Principal
Balance
 
Interest Rate at
March 31, 2008
 
           
Term Loan
 
$
111,111
   
5.84
%
Revolving Credit Facility
 
$
2,597,874
   
6.12
%
 
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of the Company’s Disclosure and Internal Controls

The Company evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of its “disclosure controls and procedures” as of the end of the period covered by this report. This evaluation was done with the participation of management, under the supervision of the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”)


Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls

A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are being met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of a simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Over time, controls may be inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and may not be detected. The Company conducts periodic evaluations of its internal controls to enhance, where necessary, its procedures and controls.
 
19

 
Conclusions

Based on our evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded that the registrant’s disclosures, controls, and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Security Exchange Commission rules and forms.
 
ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

NONE
 
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
 
31.1  
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and President Pursuant to 17 C.F.R. 240.13a-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2  
Certification of Chief Accounting Officer to 17 C.F.R. 240.13a-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
32.1  
Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
20

 
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
     
  BRANDPARTNERS GROUP, INC.
 
 
 
 
 
 
  By:   /s/ JAMES F. BROOKS
 
James F. Brooks
  Chief Executive Officer and President
 
21