UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-K

 

(Mark One)

 

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

 

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010

 

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 001-16465

 

Retractable Technologies, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Texas

 

75-2599762

(State or other jurisdiction of

 incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

 Identification No.)

 

 

 

511 Lobo Lane

 

 

Little Elm, Texas

 

75068-0009

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

972-294-1010

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common

 

NYSE Amex LLC

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

 

Preferred Stock

(Title of class)

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o No x

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes o No o

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. 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.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:

 

Large accelerated filer o

 

Accelerated filer o

 

 

 

Non-accelerated filer o
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

Smaller reporting company x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o No x

 

State the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter.  The aggregate market value of the common equity held by non-affiliates as of June 30, 2010 was $18,574,972.50, assuming a closing price of $1.61 and outstanding shares held by non-affiliates of 11,537,250.

 

APPLICABLE ONLY TO REGISTRANTS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY

PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PRECEDING FIVE YEARS:

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Section 12, 13, or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court. Yes o No o

 

(APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE REGISTRANTS)

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.  As of March 1, 2011, there were 23,988,414 shares of our Common Stock issued and outstanding.

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

 

List hereunder the following documents if incorporated by reference and the Part of the Form 10-K (e.g., Part I, Part II, etc.) into which the document is incorporated:  (1) Any annual report to security holders; (2) Any proxy or information statement; and (3) Any prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) or (c) under the Securities Act of 1933.  The listed documents should be clearly described for identification purposes (e.g., annual report to security holders for fiscal year ended December 24, 1980).

 

None except exhibits.

 

 

 



 

RETRACTABLE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

FORM 10-K

For the Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2010

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I

 

Item 1.

Business

1

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

8

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

11

Item 2.

Properties

11

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

11

 

 

 

PART II

 

 

 

Item 5.

Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

12

Item 6.

Selected Financial Data

13

Item 7.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation

14

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

21

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

F-1

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

22

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

22

Item 9B.

Other Information

22

 

 

 

PART III

 

 

 

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

23

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

27

Item 12.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

38

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

41

Item 14.

Principal Accounting Fees and Services

42

 

 

 

PART IV

 

 

 

Item 15.

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

43

SIGNATURES

46

 

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PART I

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT WARNING

 

Certain statements included by reference in this filing containing the words “could,” “may,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “expects,” and similar such words constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act.  Any forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that 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.  Such factors include, among others, our ability to maintain liquidity, our maintenance of patent protection, the impact of current litigation, our ability to maintain favorable supplier arrangements and relationships, our ability to quickly increase capacity in response to an increase in demand, our ability to access the market, our ability to maintain or lower production costs, our ability to continue to finance research and development as well as operations and expansion of production, the increased interest of larger market players, specifically Becton Dickinson and Company (“BD”), in providing devices to the safety market, and other factors referenced in Item 1A. Risk Factors.  Given these uncertainties, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements.

 

Item 1. Business.

 

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

 

General Development of Business

 

On May 9, 1994, our company was incorporated in Texas to design, develop, manufacture, and market innovative patented safety medical products for the healthcare industry.

 

Our goal is to become a leading provider of safety medical products.

 

Advantages of our VanishPoint® safety products include protection from needlestick injuries, prevention of cross contamination through reuse, and reduction of disposal and other associated costs.  Federal regulation now requires the use of safe needle devices. We have developed and are developing new safety medical products, some of which do not utilize our patented retraction technology.

 

Our VanishPoint® safety products (consisting of 1mL tuberculin, insulin, and allergy antigen VanishPoint® syringes; 0.5mL, 2mL, 3mL, 5mL, and 10mL VanishPoint® syringes; the VanishPoint® blood collection tube holder; autodisable syringe; and the VanishPoint® IV safety catheter) utilize a unique friction ring mechanism patented by Thomas J. Shaw, our Founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer.  VanishPoint® safety needle products are designed specifically to prevent needlestick injuries and to prevent reuse.  The friction ring mechanism permits the automated retraction of the needle into the barrel of the syringe, directly from the patient, after delivery of the medication is completed.  The VanishPoint® blood collection tube holder utilizes the same mechanism to retract the needle after blood has been drawn from the patient.  Closure of an attached end cap of the blood collection tube holder causes the needle to retract directly from the patient into the closed blood collection tube holder.  The IV safety catheter also operates with a friction ring mechanism whereby the needle is retracted after insertion of the catheter into the patient.  We also have a Patient Safe® syringe which is uniquely designed to reduce the risk of bloodstream infections resulting from catheter hub contamination.

 

Our products have been and continue to be distributed nationally through numerous distributors.  However, we have been blocked from access to the market by exclusive marketing practices engaged in by BD which dominates our market.  We initiated a lawsuit in 2007 against BD.  The suit was for patent infringement, antitrust practices, and false advertising.  The court severed the patent claims from the other claims pending resolution of the patent dispute.  In May 2010, the Court determined that BD’s Integra products infringed our patents, but the Court’s injunction was stayed pending appeal, so the products remain in the market at this time.  However, BD voluntarily removed its 1cc syringes from the market.  The portion of the suit regarding antitrust and other claims is currently scheduled to be tried in the first quarter of 2012.

 

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We continue to attempt to gain access to the market through our sales efforts, our innovative technology, introduction of new products, and, when necessary, litigation.  We continue to focus on methods of upgrading our manufacturing capability and efficiency in order to reduce costs.

 

Effective July 12, 2010, we entered into a settlement agreement with Abbott Laboratories (“Abbott”), and Hospira, Inc. (“Hospira”).  Pursuant to this settlement agreement, we received $6 million in the third quarter of 2010 and Abbott waived its rights to a marketing fee of $1,419,760 and any Series IV Class B preferred stock dividends.  Additionally, we granted Hospira an exclusive one-year option to negotiate a licensing agreement for certain uses of our Patient Safe® syringe.  It has not exercised its option.   As part of the option fee, we have received from Hospira two payments of $2 million each in the fourth quarter of 2010 and first quarter of 2011 and expect another two payments of $2 million each in the second and third quarters of 2011, for a total of $8 million.

 

We and Thomas J. Shaw, our Founder and CEO, entered into a Technology License Agreement dated effective as of the 23rd day of June 1995, whereby Mr. Shaw granted us a worldwide exclusive license to manufacture, market, sell, and distribute ‘Licensed Products’ and ‘Improvements’ until the expiration of the last ‘Licensed Patents’ unless sooner terminated under certain conditions without right to sublicense.  ‘Licensed Products’, ‘Improvements’, and ‘Licensed Patents’ are all terms that are extensively defined in the Technology License Agreement, as amended.  In exchange, we paid a $500,000 initial licensing fee and a 5% royalty on gross sales after returns of ‘Licensed Products’.  See “Patents, Trademarks, Licenses, and Proprietary Rights” for a more detailed discussion.

 

Financial Information

 

Please see the financial statements in Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data for information about our revenues, profits and losses for the last three years, and total assets for the last two years.

 

Principal Products

 

Our products with Notice of Substantial Equivalence to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) and which are currently sold include the 1mL tuberculin; insulin; allergy antigen VanishPoint® syringes; 2mL, 3mL, 5mL, and 10mL VanishPoint® syringes; the VanishPoint® blood collection tube holder; the VanishPoint® IV safety catheter; small diameter tube adapter; and the Patient Safe® syringe.  We are also selling autodisable syringes in the international market in addition to our other products.

 

In the August 2007 issue of Health Devices, ECRI listed the VanishPoint® syringe as one of two syringes with the highest possible rating.

 

Syringe sales comprised 98.6%; 98.9%; and 97.3% of revenues in 2008, 2009, and 2010.

 

Principal Markets

 

Our products are sold to and used by healthcare providers primarily in the U.S. (with 18.3% of revenues in 2010 generated from sales outside the U.S.) which include, but are not limited to, acute care hospitals, alternate care facilities, doctors’ offices, clinics, emergency centers, surgical centers, convalescent hospitals, Veterans Administration facilities, military organizations, public health facilities, and prisons.  Sales in the international market continue to grow.

 

The syringe and needle device market continues to be a market in transition.  The nature of the products comprising the market is gradually changing from standard to safety devices.  The impetus for the change to safety devices is the risk that is carried with each needlestick injury which includes the transmission of over 20 bloodborne pathogens, including the human immunodeficiency virus (“HIV,” which causes AIDS), hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.  Because of the occupational and public health hazards posed by conventional disposable syringes, public health policy makers, domestic organizations, and government agencies have been involved in the effort to get more effective safety needle products to healthcare workers.  Federal legislation was signed into law on November 6, 2000, by former President William Jefferson Clinton.  This legislation, which became effective for most states on

 

2



 

April 12, 2001, now requires safety needle products be used for the vast majority of procedures.  However, even with this requirement, hospitals are neglecting to follow the law intended to protect healthcare workers.

 

Methods of Marketing and Distribution

 

Under the current supply chain system in the U.S. acute care market, the vast majority of decisions relating to the contracting for and purchasing of medical supplies are made by the representatives of group purchasing organizations (“GPOs”) rather than the end-users of the product (nurses, doctors, and testing personnel).  The GPOs and large manufacturers often enter into long-term exclusive contracts which can prohibit or limit entry in the marketplace by competitors.

 

We distribute our products throughout the U.S. and its territories through general line and specialty distributors.  We also utilize international distributors.  We have developed a national direct marketing network in order to market our products to health care customers and their purchaser representatives.  Our marketers make contact with all of the departments that affect the decision-making process for safety products, including the purchasing agents.  They call on acute care and alternate care sites and speak directly with the decision-makers of these facilities.  We employ trained clinicians, including registered nurses and/or medical technologists that educate healthcare providers and healthcare workers on the use of safety devices through on-site clinical training, exhibits at related tradeshows, and publications of relevant articles in trade journals and magazines.  These nurses provide clinical support to customers.  In addition to marketing our products, the network demonstrates the safety and cost effectiveness of the VanishPoint® automated retraction products to customers.

 

In the needle and syringe market, the market share leader, BD, has utilized, among other things, long-term exclusive contracts which have restricted our entry into the market.  Other needle related products manufactured by us that are being denied market access as a result of BD’s anti-competitive actions include the IV safety catheters and blood collection tube holders.

 

We have numerous agreements with organizations for the distribution of our products in foreign markets.  The recognition for the urgency of safe needle devices in parts of Europe has followed the U.S. model.  The European Hospital and Healthcare Employers’ Association (HOSPEEM) and the European Federation of Public Services Union (EPSU) have entered into an agreement to help prevent needlestick injuries among hospital staff.  The European Commission has issued a proposal for a council directive to implement the agreement.  Regions within Asia, South America, Australia, and Africa are also recognizing the need for our products.

 

Key components of our strategy to increase our market share are to: (a) defeat monopolistic practices through litigation; (b) focus on methods of upgrading our manufacturing capability and efficiency in order to enable us to reduce costs and improve profit margins; (c) continue marketing emphasis in the U.S.; (d) continue to add Veterans Administration facilities, health departments, emergency medical services, federal prisons, long-term care, and home healthcare facilities as customers; (e) educate healthcare providers, insurers, healthcare workers, government agencies, government officials, and the general public on the reduction of risk and the cost effectiveness afforded by our products; (f) supply product through GPOs and Integrated Delivery Networks where possible; (g) consider possibilities for future licensing agreements and joint venture agreements for the manufacture and distribution of safety products in the U.S. and abroad; (h) introduce new products; and (i) increase international sales.

 

Status of Publicly Announced New Products

 

We have patented and are in the process of developing additional safety medical products which have yet to be announced.

 

Sources and Availability of Raw Materials

 

We purchase most of our product components from single suppliers, including needle adhesives and packaging materials.  There are multiple sources of these materials.  We own the molds that are used to manufacture the plastic components of our products in the U.S.  Our current suppliers include Magor Mold, Inc., Helix Medical (formerly APEC), Channel Prime Alliance, Exacto Spring Corporation, Sterigenics, and Kovacmed.

 

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Patents, Trademarks, Licenses, and Proprietary Rights

 

We and Mr. Shaw entered into a Technology License Agreement dated effective as of the 23rd day of June, 1995 (the “Technology License Agreement”), whereby Mr. Shaw granted us “… a worldwide exclusive license and right under the ‘Licensed Patents’ and ‘Information’, to manufacture, market, sell and distribute ‘Licensed Products’ and ‘Improvements’ without right to sublicense and subject to such nonexclusive rights as may be possessed by the Federal Government…”.  ‘Licensed Patents’, ‘Information’, ‘Licensed Products’, and ‘Improvements’ are all defined extensively in the Technology License Agreement.  We may enter into sublicensing arrangements with Mr. Shaw’s written approval of the terms and conditions of the licensing agreement.  The ‘Licensed Products’ include all retractable syringes and retractable fluid sampling devices and components thereof, assembled or unassembled, which comprise an invention described in ‘Licensed Patents’, and improvements thereto including any and all ‘Products’ which employ the inventive concept disclosed or claimed in the ‘Licensed Patents’.  We and Mr. Shaw entered into the First Amendment to Technology Agreement July 3, 2008, whereby we amended the Technology License Agreement in order to include certain additional patent applications (addressing non-syringe patents) owned by Mr. Shaw to the definition of “Patent Properties” as set forth in the Technology License Agreement so that such additional patent applications would be covered by the license granted by Mr. Shaw to us.

 

In exchange for the Technology License Agreement, we negotiated a licensing fee and agreed to pay a 5% royalty on gross sales after returns.  The license terminates upon expiration of the last licensed patents unless sooner terminated under certain circumstances.  The licensing fees have been paid in accordance with this agreement with the exception of $1,500,000 in fees which were waived in 2002 and $1,000,000 in fees which were waived in 2009.

 

We have the right and obligation to obtain protection of the inventions, including prosecution of patent properties.  The license unilaterally changes to a nonexclusive license in the event of a hostile takeover.  Also, if Mr. Shaw involuntarily loses control of the Company, the license becomes a nonexclusive license and a right to information.

 

We seek foreign patent protection through the Patent Cooperation Treaty and have filed applications for regional and national patent protection in selected countries where we believe our products can be utilized most.

 

We hold numerous U.S. patents related to our automated retraction technology, including patents for IV safety catheters, winged IV sets, syringes, dental syringes, and blood collection tube holders.  In addition, we have multiple applications for patents currently pending.  The principal syringe patent in the U.S., as well as its foreign counterpart, will expire in May 2015.  We have also registered the following trade names and trademarks: VanishPoint®, VanishPoint® logos, RT with a circle mark, the Spiral Logo used in packaging our products, and the color coded spots on the ends of our syringes.  We also have trademark protection for the phrase “The New Standard for Safety.”

 

We are involved in patent litigation detailed in Item 3. Legal Proceedings.  We have decided, on the advice of patent counsel, not to purchase patent insurance because it would require inappropriate disclosure of information that is currently proprietary and confidential.

 

In 2010 we obtained roughly 64.1% of our finished products through Double Dove, a Chinese manufacturer.  We believe we could make up any long-term disruption in these supplies by utilizing more of the capacity at the Little Elm facility, except for 0.5mL, autodisable, 5mL, and 10mL syringes which comprised about 8.4% of our 2010 revenues.

 

Seasonality

 

Historically, unit sales have increased in the latter part of the year due, in part, to the demand for syringes during the flu season.  In the third quarter of 2009, we were awarded a contract by the Department of Health and Human Services (“DHHS”) to supply a portion of the safety engineered syringes to be used in the U.S. efforts to vaccinate the U.S. population against the Swine Flu.  The impact on us was material in 2009.  Sales to the DHHS comprised 24.4% of our revenues for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009.

 

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Working Capital Practices

 

Cash and cash equivalents include unrestricted cash and investments with original maturities of three months or less.

 

We record trade receivables when revenue is recognized.  No product has been consigned to customers.  Our allowance for doubtful accounts is primarily determined by review of specific trade receivables.  Those accounts that are doubtful of collection are included in the allowance.  An additional allowance has been established based on a percentage of receivables outstanding.  These provisions are reviewed to determine the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts.  Trade receivables are charged off when there is certainty as to their being uncollectible.  Trade receivables are considered delinquent when payment has not been made within contract terms.

 

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market, with cost being determined using actual average cost.  The Company compares the average cost to the market price and records the lower value.  Management considers such factors as the amount of inventory on hand and in the distribution channel, estimated time to sell such inventory, the shelf life of inventory, and current market conditions when determining excess or obsolete inventories.  A reserve is established for any excess or obsolete inventories or they may be written off.

 

Receivables are established for federal and state taxes where we have determined we are entitled to a refund for overpayments of estimated taxes or loss carrybacks.

 

Accounts payable and other short-term liabilities include amounts that we believe we have an obligation for at the end of year.  These included charges for goods or services received in 2010 but not billed to us at the end of the year.  It also included estimates of potential liabilities such as rebates and other fees.

 

Our domestic return policy is set forth in our standard Distribution Agreement.  This policy provides that a customer may return incorrect shipments within 10 days following arrival at the distributor’s facility.  In all such cases the distributor must obtain an authorization code from us and affix the code to the returned product.  We will not accept returned goods without a returned goods authorization number.  We may refund the customer’s money or replace the product.

 

Our domestic return policy also provides that a customer may return product that is overstocked.  Overstocking returns are limited to two times in each 12 month period up to 1% of distributor’s total purchase of products for the prior 12 month period upon the following terms: i) an “overstocked” product is that portion of distributor’s inventory of the product which exceeds distributor’s sales volume for the product during the preceding four months; ii) distributor must not have taken delivery of the product which is overstocked during the preceding four months; iii) overstocked product held by distributor in excess of 12 months from the date of original invoice will not be eligible for return; iv) the product must have an expiration date of at least 24 months from the date of return; v) the overstocked product must be returned to us in our saleable case cartons which are unopened and untampered, with no broken or re-taped seals; vi) distributor will be granted a credit which may be used only to purchase other products from us, the credit to be in the amount of the invoice price of the returned product less a 10% restocking fee which will be assessed against distributor’s subsequent purchase of product; vii) distributor must obtain an authorization code from our distribution department and affix the code to the returned product; and viii) distributor shall bear the cost of shipping the returned products to us.  All product overstocks and returns are subject to inspection and acceptance by us.

 

Our international contracts do not provide for any returns.

 

Dependence on Major Customers

 

Three customers accounted for an aggregate of 38.6% of our revenue in 2010.  We have numerous other customers and distributors that sell our products in the U.S. and internationally.

 

5



 

Backlog Orders

 

Order backlog is not material to our business inasmuch as orders for our products generally are received and filled on a current basis, except for items temporarily out of stock.

 

Government Funding of Research and Right to License

 

Thomas J. Shaw developed his initial version of a safety syringe with the aid of grants by the National Institute of Drug Abuse, a subsidiary of the National Institutes of Health.  As a result, the federal government has the right, where the public interest justifies it, to disperse the technology to multiple manufacturers so that this early version of a safety syringe could be made widely available to the public.  However, the earlier design of 1991 was a bulkier, less effective, and more expensive version of the current VanishPoint® syringe product.  Accordingly, Management believes that the risk of the government demanding manufacture of this alternative product is minimal.  The VanishPoint® syringe design was only partly funded with grant money and the product, as sold, incorporates technology for which the government has no rights.  Therefore the government has no right to allow others to manufacture the VanishPoint®  syringe.

 

Government Approval and Government Regulations

 

For all products manufactured for sale in the domestic market we have given notice of intent to market to the FDA and the devices were shown to be substantially equivalent to the predicate devices for the stated intended use.

 

For all products manufactured for sale in the foreign market, we hold a certificate of Quality System compliance with ISO 13485.  We also have approval to label products for sale into European Union countries with a CE Mark.  We will continue to comply with the regulatory regulations of all countries in which our products are registered for sale.

 

Competitive Conditions

 

Our products are sold to and used by healthcare providers primarily in the U.S. (with 18.3% of revenues in 2010 generated from sales outside the U.S.) which include, but are not limited to, acute care hospitals, alternate care facilities, doctors’ offices, clinics, emergency centers, surgical centers, convalescent hospitals, Veterans Administration facilities, military organizations, public health facilities, and prisons.

 

We compete primarily on the basis of product performance and quality.  We believe our competitive advantages include, but are not limited to, our leadership in quality and innovation. We believe our products continue to be the most effective safety devices in today’s market.  Our syringe products include passive safety activation, require less disposal space, and are activated while in the patient, virtually eliminating exposure to the contaminated needle.  Our price per unit is competitive or even lower than the competition once all the costs incurred during the life cycle of a syringe are considered. Such life cycle costs include disposal costs, testing and treatment costs for needlestick injuries, and treatment for contracted illnesses through needlestick injuries.  We sued Occupational and Medical Innovations Limited (“OMI”) in April 2008 and separately sued BD in June 2007 for claims of patent infringement (See Item 3. Legal Proceedings for BD case information), and in March 2010 and May 2010, respectively, the products of such companies were found to infringe our patents.  These judgments may have increased demand for our product.

 

We have two major domestic competitors, BD and Covidien Ltd. (“Covidien”).  BD, Terumo Medical Corp. (“Terumo”), and B Braun are international competitors.

 

Founded in 1897, BD is headquartered in New Jersey.  BD’s safety-engineered device sales accounted for approximately 23% of BD’s total 2010 sales.  Included as safety-engineered devices manufactured by BD are the SafetyLok™, a syringe that utilizes a tubular plastic sheath that must be manually slid over the needle after an injection, and the SafetyGlide™, a needle which utilizes a hinged lever to cover the needle tip.  BD also manufactures a safety blood collection and hypodermic needle that utilizes the Eclipse™ needle cover.  BD also manufactured the Integra 3mL and 1mL (the 1mL has been taken off the market) retracting needle product based on a license agreement with Specialized Health

 

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Products International, Inc. (formerly the Med-Design Corporation).  The Integra, a retractable syringe offered by BD, was the subject product in a patent infringement case found in our favor.  See Item 3. Legal Proceedings.  BD’s “Vacutainer®” blood collection products are commonly used as industry jargon to refer to blood collection products in general.

 

Terumo manufactures standard syringes, blood collection tube holders, safety syringes, and blood collection devices.  It operates internationally and has sales in more than 150 countries.

 

Both BD’s SafetyLok™ and Covidien’s Monoject® safety syringes require the use of two hands and several extra steps to activate the tubular plastic shield which must be slid and locked into place to protect the needle.  These products must be removed from the patient prior to activation, resulting in exposure to the contaiminated needle.  In contrast, use of the VanishPoint® syringe is identical to that of a standard syringe until the end of an injection, when the automated retraction mechanism retracts the needle directly from the patient safely into the barrel of the syringe.  This allows both hands to remain safely out of harm’s way.  If the Integra 3mL syringe is removed from the market, VanishPoint® will be the only fully passive retractable syringe being manufactured in commercial quantities in the U.S.

 

BD and Covidien have controlling U.S. market share; greater financial resources; larger and more established sales, marketing, and distribution organizations; and greater market influence, including long-term and/or exclusive contracts.  The current conditions have restricted competition in the needle and syringe market.  BD may be able to use its resources to improve its products through research or acquisitions or develop new products, which may compete more effectively with our products.

 

We continue to attempt to gain access to the market through our sales efforts, our innovative technology, introduction of new products, and, when necessary, litigation.  We continue to focus on methods of upgrading our manufacturing capability and efficiency in order to reduce costs.

 

Our safety needle products have an advantage over non-retracting safety needles because minimal training and changes to practitioners’ normal routines are required.  Use of our products also prohibits unfortunate and improper reuse.  Several factors could materially and beneficially affect the marketability of our products.  Demand could be increased by existing legislation and other legislative and investigative efforts.  Licensing agreements could provide entry into new markets and generate additional revenue.  Further, outsourcing arrangements could increase our manufacturing capacity with little or no capital outlay and provide a competitive cost.

 

Two well-established companies control most of the U.S. market.  Our competitive position is also weakened by the method that providers use for making purchasing decisions and the fact that our initial price per unit for our safety needle products may be higher.

 

Research and Development

 

We spent $1,066,068; $1,030,622; and $885,445 in fiscal 2008, 2009, and 2010 respectively, on research and development.  Costs in 2010 were primarily for compensation costs and validation costs.  Our ongoing research and development activities are performed by an internal research and development staff.  This team of engineers is developing process improvements for current and future automated machines.  Our limited access to the market has slowed the introduction of products.  Possible future products include other needle medical devices to which the automated retraction mechanism can be applied as well as other safety medical devices.

 

Environmental Compliance

 

We believe that we do not incur material costs in connection with compliance with environmental laws.  We are considered a Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generator because we generate less than 100 kilograms (220 lbs.) of hazardous waste per month.  Therefore, we are exempt from the reporting requirements set forth by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.  The waste that is generated at our facility is primarily made up of flammable liquids and paint-related waste and is sent for fuel blending by Safety Kleen.  This fuel blending process completely destroys our waste and satisfies our “cradle-to-grave” responsibility.

 

7



 

Other nonhazardous production waste includes clean polypropylene regrind that is recycled.  All other nonhazardous waste produced is considered municipal solid waste and sent to a sanitary landfill by Waste Management.

 

We also produce small amounts of regulated biohazardous waste from contaminated sharps and laboratory wastes.  This waste is sent for incineration by Stericycle.

 

Employees

 

As of March 1, 2011, we had 159 employees.  154 of such employees were full time employees.

 

Financial Information About Geographic Areas

 

We have minimal long-lived assets in foreign countries.  Shipments to international customers generally require a prepayment either by wire transfer or an irrevocable confirmed letter of credit.  We do extend credit to international customers on some occasions depending upon certain criteria, including, but not limited to, the credit worthiness of the customer, the stability of the country, banking restrictions, and the size of the order.  All transactions are in U.S. currency.  We attribute sales to countries based on the destination of shipment.

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2008

 

U.S. sales

 

$

29,577,050

 

$

34,466,797

 

$

23,244,370

 

North and South America sales (excluding U.S.)

 

4,887,073

 

1,764,584

 

937,698

 

Other international sales

 

1,755,439

 

2,750,456

 

3,717,250

 

Total sales

 

$

36,219,562

 

$

38,981,837

 

$

27,899,318

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-lived assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.

 

$

12,297,942

 

$

13,961,445

 

$

14,435,667

 

International

 

$

262,650

 

$

272,736

 

$

 

 

Most international sales are filled by production from Double Dove.  In the event that we become unable to purchase such product from Double Dove, we would need to find an alternate supplier for the 0.5mL insulin syringe, the 0.5mL autodisable syringe, and the 5mL and 10mL syringes.  We would increase domestic production for the 1mL and 3mL syringes to avoid a disruption in supply.

 

Available Information

 

We make available, free of charge on our website (www.vanishpoint.com), our Form 10-K Annual Report and Form 10-Q Quarterly reports and current reports on Form 8-K (and any amendments to such reports) as soon as reasonably practical after such reports are filed.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

 

You should carefully consider the following material risks facing us.  If any of these risks occur, our business, results of operations, or financial condition could be materially affected.

 

We Compete in a Monopolistic Marketplace

 

We operate in an environment that is dominated by BD, the major syringe manufacturer in the U.S.  We believe that its monopolistic business practices continue despite: (i) its paying $100 million in 2004 to settle a prior lawsuit with us for anticompetitive practices, business disparagement, and tortious interference and (ii) the fact that its Integra products were found to infringe our products in May 2010. The Court’s injunction in this case was stayed pending appeal.  We have also sued BD alleging violations of antitrust acts, false advertising, product disparagement, tortious interference, and unfair competition. This suit is scheduled to be tried on January 10, 2012.

 

8



 

Although we have made limited progress in some areas, such as the alternate care and international markets, our volumes are not as high as they should be given the nature and quality of our products and the federal and state legislation requiring the use of safe needle devices.

 

We Have Generally Been Unable to Gain Sufficient Market Access to Achieve Profitable Operations

 

We have a history of incurring net operating losses.  We may experience operating losses in the future.  If we are unable to gain sufficient market access and market share, we may be unable to continue to finance research and development as well as support operations and expansion of production.

 

We Are Dependent On Our Aging Patent Protection

 

Our main competitive strength is our technology.  We are dependent on our patent rights, and if our patent rights are invalidated or circumvented, our business would be adversely affected.  Patent protection is considered, in the aggregate, to be of material importance in our marketing of products in the U.S. and in most major foreign markets.  Patents covering products that we have introduced normally provide market exclusivity, which is important for the successful marketing and sale of our products.

 

As our technology ages (and the associated patent life expires), our competitive position in the marketplace will weaken.  The initial patents protecting our revolutionary spring action syringe will expire beginning in May 2015.  Patent life may be extended, not through the original patents, but through related improvements.  Our ability to improve these patents is uncertain.  Eventually, however, our patent protection may decrease and we will be vulnerable to other competitors utilizing our technology.

 

Our Patents Are Subject to Litigation

 

We were involved in two patent disputes both of which were found in our favor in 2010.  A final appellate decision in one such suit is anticipated to occur in 2011.  Further, we have been sued by BD and MDC for patent infringement.  See Item 3. Legal Proceedings for more information.  Patent litigation and challenges involving our patents are costly and unpredictable and may deprive us of market exclusivity for a patented product or, in some cases, third party patents may prevent us from marketing and selling a product in a particular geographic area.

 

We Are Vulnerable to New Technologies

 

Because we have a narrow focus on particular product lines and technology (currently predominantly retractable needle products), we are vulnerable to the development of superior competing products and to changes in technology which could eliminate or reduce the need for our products.  If a superior technology is created, the demand for our products could greatly diminish.

 

Our Competitors Have Greater Resources

 

Our competitors have greater financial resources, larger and more established sales and marketing and distribution organizations, and greater market influence, including long-term contracts.  These competitors may be able to use these resources to improve their products through research and acquisitions or develop new products, which may compete more effectively with our products.  If our competitors choose to use their resources to create products superior to ours, we may be unable to sell our products and our ability to continue operations would be weakened.

 

The Majority of Our International Sales Are Filled Using One Supplier

 

Most international sales are filled by production from Double Dove.  In the event that we become unable to purchase such product from Double Dove, we would need to find an alternate supplier for the 0.5mL insulin syringe,

 

9



 

the 0.5mL autodisable syringe, and the 5mL and 10mL syringes.  We would increase domestic production for the 1mL and 3mL syringes to avoid a disruption in supply.  As of December 31, 2010, approximately 64.1% of our production was provided by Double Dove.  18.3% of our sales in 2010 were international.

 

Fluctuations in Supplies of Inventory Could Temporarily Increase Costs

 

Fluctuations in the cost and availability of raw materials and inventory and the ability to maintain favorable supplier arrangements and relationships could result in the need to manufacture all (as opposed to 33.4%) of the products in the U.S.  This could temporarily increase unit costs as we ramp up domestic production.

 

We Are Controlled by One Shareholder

 

Thomas J. Shaw, our President and Chairman of the Board owns 32.1% of the outstanding Common Stock as of March 1, 2011 and beneficially owns an additional 15.8% with Ms. Suzanne August.  2,800,000 of such beneficially owned shares held by Ms. August are controlled by Mr. Shaw pursuant to a Voting Agreement, which terminates upon sale of all the shares for value or if terminated by both parties in writing.  Mr. Shaw will, therefore, have the ability to direct our operations and financial affairs and to substantially influence the election of members of our Board of Directors.  His interests may not always coincide with our interests or the interests of other stockholders.  This concentration of ownership, for example, may have the effect of delaying, deferring, or preventing a change in control, impeding a merger, consolidation, takeover, or other business combination involving us, or discouraging a potential acquirer from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us, which in turn could materially adversely affect the market price of our Common Stock.  Of the 23,988,414 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of March 1, 2011, executive officers, affiliates, and Directors own or control 11,537,250 (48.1%) of the shares of outstanding Common Stock, not including Common Stock equivalents such as preferred shares and options.

 

We Have Limited Access to the Capital Markets

 

The volume of trading in our Common Stock on the NYSE Amex LLC (“NYSE Amex”) (formerly the American Stock Exchange) is low.  Accordingly, it is unclear if there is any significant market for our shares.  This may reduce our ability to raise cash through public or private offerings in the future.

 

Our Stock Price Is Low

 

Our stock price may be deemed to have been selling “for a substantial period of time at a low price per share” which may result in our receipt of a notification from the NYSE Amex that a reverse split is necessary.  We have received no such notification.  When a company receives such a notification, failure to effect a reverse stock split may result in suspension or removal from trading on the NYSE Amex.  The NYSE Amex may initiate delisting procedures in its discretion.  Delisting of our shares would greatly affect the liquidity of our shares and would reduce our ability to raise funds from the sale of equity in the future.  However, we believe such delisting application to be unlikely.  Furthermore, in the event that we receive a deficiency letter from the NYSE Amex, we will have the right to appeal such determination.  In addition, entities that were given such notices under the NYSE Amex standards were generally given up to 5 to 18 months to execute a plan to bring themselves into compliance with the listing standards.

 

Current Economic Conditions May Decrease Collectability of Accounts

 

Although we believe that we have granted credit to credit-worthy firms, current economic conditions may affect the timing and/or collectability of some accounts.  The allowance for doubtful accounts increased by $98,934 for 2010 which brings the balance to $780,900.

 

10



 

We Face Inherent Product Liability Risks

 

As a manufacturer and provider of safety needle products, we face an inherent business risk of exposure to product liability claims.  If a product liability claim is made and damages are in excess of our product liability coverage, our competitive position could be weakened by the amount of money we could be required to pay to compensate those injured by our products.  We have product liability coverage with Travelers Property and Casualty covering up to $11,000,000 per occurrence, with coverage up to $11,000,000 in the aggregate.  Each claim is subject to a $25,000 deductible.

 

In the event of a recall, we do not have recall insurance.

 

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.

 

Not applicable and none.

 

Item 2. Properties.

 

Our 22,500 square foot headquarters is located at 511 Lobo Lane, on 35 acres, which we own, overlooking Lake Lewisville in Little Elm, Texas.  The headquarters are in good condition and house our administrative offices and manufacturing facility.  The manufacturing facility produced approximately 33.4% of the units that were manufactured in 2010.  We placed a 47,250 square foot warehouse in service in March 2005 and expanded it (by an additional 47,250 feet) in 2009.  In the event of a disruption in service of our outside supplier, Double Dove, we believe we could produce quantities sufficient to meet demand under current circumstances except for demand for 0.5mL, 5mL, and 10mL syringes.  In that event, we would attempt to engage another manufacturer.  The 5mL and 10mL syringes are sold principally in the international market. In 2010, we utilized approximately 60% of our current U.S. productive capacity.

 

On August 29, 2008, we obtained a $4,210,000 loan from Lewisville State Bank, a division of 1st International Bank.  The purpose of the loan was to expand the warehouse, including additional office space, and construct a new Controlled Environment.  The loan was renewed on December 10, 2009 with a 20 year amortization and 10 year maturity.  The interest rate is 5.968%. The construction project has been completed.

 

In the opinion of Management, the property and equipment are suitable for their intended use and are adequately covered by an insurance policy.

 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

 

In June 2010, BD filed an appeal in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit appealing a final judgment entered on May 19, 2010 for us and against BD’s counterclaims in patent litigation.  Such final judgment ordered that we recover $5,000,000 plus prejudgment interest, and ordered a permanent injunction for BD’s 1mL and 3mL Integra syringes until the expiration of certain patents.  The permanent injunction was stayed for the longer of the exhaustion of the appeal of the district court’s case or twelve months from May 19, 2010.  Briefing for the appeal has been completed and oral argument took place March 10, 2011.  At this time, a final decision by the appellate court is anticipated to occur in 2011.

 

In May 2010, our and an officer’s suit against BD in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Marshall Division alleging violations of antitrust acts, false advertising, product disparagement, tortious interference, and unfair competition was reopened.  We and an officer filed a Second Amended Complaint on July 23, 2010 setting forth additional detail regarding the allegations of BD’s illegal conduct.  BD filed a motion to dismiss and the Court denied that motion in part and granted it in part, granting us the right to re-plead certain allegations by May 13, 2011.  A scheduling conference was held on January 31, 2011 and a trial date was set for January 10, 2012.

 

In September 2007, BD and MDC Investment Holdings, Inc. (“MDC”) sued us in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Texarkana Division, initially alleging that we are infringing two U.S. patents of MDC (6,179,812 and 7,090,656) that are licensed to BD. BD and MDC seek injunctive relief and unspecified damages.  We counterclaimed for declarations of non-infringement, invalidity, and unenforceability of the asserted patents.  The plaintiffs subsequently dropped allegations with regard to patent no. 7,090,656 and we subsequently dropped our counterclaims for unenforceability of the asserted patents.  The Court conducted a claims construction

 

11



 

hearing on September 25, 2008 and issued its claims construction order on November 14, 2008.  A trial date has been set for February 14, 2012.

 

PART II

 

Item 5.  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.

 

MARKET INFORMATION

 

Our Common Stock has been listed on the NYSE Amex under the symbol “RVP” since May 4, 2001.  Our closing price on March 1, 2011, was $1.61 per share.  Shown below are the high and low sales prices of our Common Stock as reported by the NYSE Amex for each quarter of the last two fiscal years:

 

2010

 

High

 

Low 

 

Fourth Quarter

 

$1.93

 

$1.35

 

Third Quarter

 

$1.88

 

$0.83

 

Second Quarter

 

$1.80

 

$1.20

 

First Quarter

 

$2.03

 

$1.31

 

 

2009

 

High

 

Low 

 

Fourth Quarter

 

$2.13

 

$1.35

 

Third Quarter

 

$2.95

 

$0.68

 

Second Quarter

 

$0.98

 

$0.60

 

First Quarter

 

$0.90

 

$0.43

 

 

SHAREHOLDERS

 

As of March 1, 2011, there were 23,988,414 shares of Common Stock held by 255 shareholders of record not including shareholders who beneficially own Common Stock held in nominee or “street name.”

 

DIVIDENDS

 

We have not ever declared or paid any dividends on the Common Stock.  We have no current plans to pay any cash dividends on the Common Stock.  We intend to retain all earnings, except those required to be paid to the holders of the Preferred Stock as resources allow, to support operations and future growth.  Dividends on Common Stock cannot be paid so long as preferred dividends are unpaid.  As of December 31, 2010, there was an aggregate of $13.6 million in preferred dividends in arrears.

 

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

 

See Item 12 Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters for a chart describing compensation plans under which equity securities are authorized.

 

STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH

 

The following graph compares the cumulative total return for our Common Stock from December 31, 2005 to December 31, 2010, to the total returns for the Russell Microcap® and Becton, Dickinson and Company (or “BDX”), a peer issuer.  The graph assumes an investment of $100 in the aforementioned equities as of December 31, 2005, and that all dividends are reinvested.

 

12



 

 

RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES

 

None.

 

PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS

 

No repurchases were made in the fourth quarter of 2010.

 

Item 6. Selected Financial Data.

 

The following selected financial data is qualified by reference to, and should be read in conjunction with, our audited financial statements and the notes to those statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations appearing elsewhere herein.  The selected Statements of Operations data presented below for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 and the Balance Sheet data as of December 31, 2008, 2007, and 2006 have been derived from our audited financial statements, which are not included herein.

 

(In thousands except for earnings per share, shares, and percentages)*

 

 

 

As of and for the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 

 

2010

 

 

2009

 

 

2008

 

 

2007

 

 

2006

 

Sales, net

 

$

36,219

 

$

38,982

 

$

27,899

 

$

26,290

 

$

20,897

 

Reimbursed discounts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4,427

 

Total sales

 

 

36,219

 

 

38,982

 

 

27,899

 

 

26,290

 

 

25,324

 

Cost of sales

 

 

23,815

 

 

25,466

 

 

19,673

 

 

18,300

 

 

17,778

 

Gross profit

 

 

12,404

 

 

13,516

 

 

8,226

 

 

7,990

 

 

7,546

 

Total operating expenses

 

 

19,185

 

 

26,812

 

 

18,671

 

 

17,936

 

 

14,261

 

Loss from operations

 

 

(6,781

)

 

(13,296

)

 

(10,445

)

 

(9,946

)

 

(6,715

)

Interest income

 

 

32

 

 

58

 

 

855

 

 

1,870

 

 

1,976

 

Interest expense, net

 

 

(302

)

 

(22

)

 

(54

)

 

(326

)

 

(411

)

Litigation settlements, net

 

 

9,276

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

 

2,225

 

 

(13,260

)

 

(9,644

)

 

(8,402

)

 

(5,150

)

 

13



 

 

 

As of and for the Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 

 

2010

 

 

2009

 

 

2008

 

 

2007

 

 

2006

 

Benefit for income taxes

 

 

(176

)

 

(3,838

)

 

 

 

(1,454

)

 

(1,280

)

Net income (loss)

 

 

2,401

 

 

(9,422

)

 

(9,644

)

 

(6,948

)

 

(3,870

)

Preferred Stock dividend requirements

 

 

(1,371

)

 

(1,371

)

 

(1,373

)

 

(1,399

)

 

(1,451

)

Earnings (loss) applicable to common shareholders

 

$

1,030

 

$

(10,793

)

$

(11,017

)

$

(8,347

)

$

(5,321

)

Earnings (loss) per share — basic

 

$

0.04

 

$

(0.45

)

$

(0.46

)

$

(0.35

)

$

(0.23

)

Earnings (loss) per share — diluted

 

$

0.04

 

$

(0.45

)

$

(0.46

)

$

(0.35

)

$

(0.23

)

Weighted average shares outstanding — basic

 

 

23,872,783

 

 

23,806,533

 

 

23,794,566

 

 

23,727,029

 

 

23,591,999

 

Weighted average shares outstanding — diluted

 

 

26,248,874

 

 

23,806,533

 

 

23,794,566

 

 

23,727,029

 

 

23,591,999

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets

 

$

40,224

 

$

39,262

 

$

43,614

 

$

51,916

 

$

57,781

 

Current liabilities

 

$

9,986

 

$

13,196

 

$

10,238

 

$

8,786

 

$

6,891

 

Property, plant, and equipment, net

 

$

12,561

 

$

14,234

 

$

14,436

 

$

11,483

 

$

12,212

 

Total assets

 

$

53,191

 

$

53,941

 

$

58,539

 

$

64,330

 

$

70,795

 

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

 

$

4,304

 

$

4,825

 

$

6,096

 

$

3,747

 

$

4,137

 

Stockholders’ equity

 

$

38,901

 

$

35,920

 

$

42,206

 

$

51,761

 

$

59,710

 

Redeemable Preferred Stock (in shares)

 

 

2,279,016

 

 

2,285,266

 

 

2,285,266

 

 

2,329,916

 

 

2,441,166

 

Cash dividends per common share

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Gross profit margin

 

 

34.2

%

 

34.7

%

 

29.5

%

 

30.4

%

 

29.8

%

 

*              Events that could affect the trends indicated above include continued reductions in manufacturing costs, changing average sales prices, the gaining of market access, and protection of our patents.  We have been successful in protecting our patents, most recently against BD and OMI.  (See Item 3. Legal Proceedings for BD case information.)  As our products are made from petroleum products, the changing cost of oil and transportation may have an impact on our costs to the extent increases may not be recoverable through price increases of our products and reductions in oil prices may not quickly affect petroleum product prices.  Sales to the Department of Health and Human Services (“DHHS”) comprised 24.4% of our revenues for the twelve months ended December 31, 2009, which affects comparability between 2009 and other years.  Receipt of settlement proceeds and option payments from Abbott and Hospira positively affected 2010 results.  Cost cutting measures implemented at the end of the second quarter of 2009 and an agreement reached in the second quarter of 2010 with our litigation counsel to cap certain legal fees should both contribute to a lower level of expenses going forward.

 

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation.

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT WARNING

 

Certain statements included by reference in this filing containing the words “could,” “may,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “expects,” and similar such words constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act.  Any forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that 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.  Such factors include, among others, our ability to maintain liquidity, our maintenance of patent protection, the impact of current litigation, our ability to maintain favorable supplier arrangements and relationships,

 

14



 

our ability to quickly increase capacity in response to an increase in demand, our ability to access the market, our ability to maintain or lower production costs, our ability to continue to finance research and development as well as operations and expansion of production, the increased interest of larger market players, specifically BD, in providing devices to the safety market, and other factors referenced in Item 1A. Risk Factors.  Given these uncertainties, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements.

 

OVERVIEW

 

We have been manufacturing and marketing our products into the marketplace since 1997.  We currently provide other safety medical products in addition to safety syringe products.  One such product is the Patient Safe® syringe, which is uniquely designed to reduce the risk of bloodstream infections resulting from catheter hub contamination.  Safety syringes comprised 97.3% of our sales in 2010.

 

Historically, unit sales have increased in the latter part of the year due, in part, to the demand for syringes during the flu season.  In 2009, we had a contract to provide DHHS with syringes to be used in the U.S. efforts to provide swine flu vaccinations.  This contract was material for 2009 and affects comparability to 2009 financial data.

 

Our products have been and continue to be distributed nationally through numerous distributors.  However, we have been blocked from access to the market by exclusive marketing practices engaged in by BD, which dominates the market.  We believe that its monopolistic business practices continue despite: (i) its paying $100 million in 2004 to settle a prior lawsuit with us for anticompetitive practices, business disparagement, and tortious interference and (ii) the fact that its Integra products were found to infringe our products in May 2010.  The Court’s injunction in this case was stayed pending appeal.  Although we have made limited progress in some areas, such as the alternate care and international markets, our volumes are not as high as they should be given the nature and quality of our products and the federal and state legislation requiring the use of safe needle devices.

 

We continue to pursue various strategies to have better access to the hospital market, as well as other markets, including attempting to gain access to the market through our sales efforts, our innovative technology, introduction of new products, and, when necessary, litigation.  We are also marketing more products internationally.

 

In the event we continue to have only limited market access and the cash provided by the litigation settlements and generated from operations becomes insufficient, we would take additional cost cutting measures to reduce cash requirements.  Such measures could result in the reduction of units being produced, the reduction of workforce, the reduction of salaries of officers and other nonhourly employees, and the deferral of royalty payments.  We took such actions at the end of the second quarter of 2009.

 

At the end of the second quarter of 2009, we announced that in the interest of the long-term survival of the Company we would reorganize some of the Company’s functions and implement staff reductions, all in order to minimize our cash expenditures and conserve our resources.  Our workforce was reduced by 16% on July 1, 2009.  However, due to the increase in production from sales to DHHS, we increased the workforce at the Little Elm facility beginning in the latter part of the third quarter of 2009.  Salaries for all personnel above a certain salary level were cut by 10% in 2009.  Although certain salary reductions remain in place, we granted payments to our employees to offset such salary reductions in 2010.  As a result of the cost cutting measures, compensation costs for 2010 included in Operating expenses were reduced by $800,000.

 

Our litigation costs for 2010 were approximately $5.1 million less than the prior year.  Additional reductions in expenses in 2010 as compared to 2009 include reductions of $771,000 for stock option expense, $178,000 for travel and entertainment, $173,000 for consulting, $77,000 in 401(k) expense, and $48,000 for marketing expense.

 

We are bringing additional molding operations to Little Elm as a cost saving measure. We continue to focus on methods of upgrading our manufacturing capability and efficiency in order to reduce costs.

 

Effective July 12, 2010, we entered into a settlement agreement with Abbott and Hospira.  Pursuant to this settlement agreement, we received $6 million in the third quarter of 2010 and Abbott waived its rights to a

 

15



 

marketing fee of $1,419,760 and any Series IV Class B preferred stock dividends.  Additionally, we granted Hospira an exclusive one-year option to negotiate a licensing agreement for certain uses of our Patient Safe® syringe.  It has not exercised its option.   As part of the option fee, we have received from Hospira two payments of $2 million each in the fourth quarter of 2010 and first quarter of 2011 and expect another two payments of $2 million each in the second and third quarters of 2011, for a total of $8 million.  In the third quarter of 2010, we granted bonuses to certain officers and employees in recognition of work leading to the Abbott settlement.

 

In the second quarter of 2010, we reached an agreement with our counsel, Locke Lord Bissell & Liddell, regarding future litigation expenditures that caps certain of our litigation costs in exchange for a contingent fee interest.  We believe this agreement serves both our short-term and long-term interests and will reduce the legal fee component of our General and administrative costs and will impact our cash flow in a positive manner.

 

Product purchases from Double Dove, a Chinese manufacturer, have enabled us to increase manufacturing capacity with little capital outlay and have provided a competitive manufacturing cost.  In 2010, Double Dove manufactured approximately 64.1% of the units we produced.  The cost of production per unit has generally declined as volumes increased.  We believe we could make up any long-term disruption in these supplies by utilizing more of the capacity at the Little Elm facility, except for the 0.5mL insulin syringe, the 5mL and 10mL syringes, and the autodisable syringe which altogether comprised about 8.4% of our 2010 revenues.

 

With increased volumes, our manufacturing unit costs have generally tended to decline.  Factors that could affect our unit costs include increases in costs by third party manufacturers, changing production volumes, costs of petroleum products, and transportation costs.  Increases in such costs may not be recoverable through price increases of our products.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following discussion contains trend information and other forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties.  Our actual future results could differ materially from our historical results of operations and those discussed in the forward-looking statements.  All period references are to our fiscal years ended December 2010, 2009, or 2008.  Dollar amounts have been rounded for ease of reading.

 

Comparison of Year Ended

December 31, 2010 and Year Ended December 31, 2009

 

Revenues decreased 7.1%, due principally to the effect of the DHHS contract in 2009.  Domestic sales were 81.7% of revenues with international sales comprising the remainder.  Unit sales decreased 7.4%.  Domestic unit sales decreased 16.8% and average sales prices increased 3.2%.  International unit sales increased 31.2% and average international selling prices increased.

 

Cost of sales decreased due to lower volume of product sold.  Royalty expenses increased due to higher gross sales as well as net litigation proceeds.

 

As a result, gross profit margins decreased from 34.7% in 2009 to 34.2% in 2010.

 

Operating expenses decreased 28.4% from the prior year due to lower litigation costs, lower compensation costs ($800,000), lower stock option expense ($771,000), and lower travel and entertainment costs ($178,000).  Our litigation costs for 2010 were approximately $5.1 million less than the prior year.  Lower litigation costs are the result of an  agreement between us and our counsel to cap certain litigation fees.  Additional reductions in expenses in 2010 as compared to 2009 include reductions of $173,000 for consulting, $77,000 in 401(k) expense, and $48,000 for marketing expense.

 

In 2010, we recognized impairment charges of $365,295 for costs associated with research and development activities compared to impairment charges of $2.6 million in 2009 associated with catheter production equipment.

 

Operating loss was $6.8 million in 2010 compared to an operating loss in 2009 of $13.3 million.

 

Interest income decreased due to lower interest rates.  Interest expense increased due to higher average loan balances and a reduction in capitalized interest.

 

Litigation settlements, net reflects cash proceeds of $8.0 million from Hospira and a waiver of $1.4 million in marketing fees payable to Abbott. A receivable from Abbott for $144 thousand was also waived.

 

Benefit for income taxes consists principally of additional refunds due for our 2009 federal tax return reduced by $130 thousand due in Alternative Minimum Tax for 2010.

 

Cash flow from operations was $8.7 million for 2010 due principally to litigation settlements and improved results from operations.

 

16



 

Comparison of Year Ended

December 31, 2009 and Year Ended December 31, 2008

 

Revenues increased 39.7%, due principally to sales under the DHHS contract.  Domestic sales were 88.4% of revenues with international sales comprising the remainder.  Without the DHHS contract, our revenues would have increased 5.6%, with domestic revenues increasing 7.3% and international revenues declining 3.0%.  Unit sales of the 1mL syringe increased 17.1% and 3mL unit sales increased 54.3%.  Unit sales of all products increased 27.3%.  Domestic unit sales as well as average sales prices increased.  International unit sales decreased slightly and average selling prices increased.  Sales to two customers accounted for 38.4% of our revenues in 2009.  Only one of these two customers was a customer in 2008, and such customer accounted for 17.1% of our revenues in 2008.

 

Cost of sales increased due to greater volumes.  Royalty expenses were higher due to higher gross sales.

 

As a result, gross profit margins increased from 29.5% in 2008 to 34.7% in 2009.

 

Operating expenses increased from the prior year due to litigation costs and stock option expense mitigated by the cost cutting measures beginning in the third quarter of 2009.

 

Sales and marketing expenses decreased due primarily to lower compensation due to staff reduction and reduction in pay, lower advertising expenses, and reduced travel costs.  Stock option expense and consulting costs increased.

 

Research and development costs were lower.  We had decreases in engineering costs due principally to reduction in staff and pay as well as lower consulting cost.  Stock option expense increased.

 

General and administrative costs increased due principally to litigation costs and stock option expense. Compensation costs decreased due to staff reductions and reductions in pay.

 

In the fourth quarter of 2009, we recognized an impairment charge of $2,594,602 associated with catheter production equipment.

 

Interest income decreased due to lower interest rates and lower cash balances.  Interest expense decreased due to capitalized interest.

 

The Company recognized a tax benefit in 2009 primarily due to a federal tax carryback related to 2009.

 

Preferred Stock dividend requirements decreased slightly due to conversion of preferred stock in the first quarter of 2008.  The dividend arrearage at December 31, 2009, on all classes of Preferred Stock was approximately $15.3 million.

 

Cash flow from operations was a negative $12.3 million for 2009 due principally to operating losses and increases in receivables.  Most of the increase in receivables was related to billings in December 2009 to DHHS and collected in January 2010.  The increase in income taxes receivable was related to a refund for carryback of our 2009 net operating loss.  We filed for this refund early in the second quarter of 2010 and received the refund in 2010.  The effect of non-cash expenses and the change in working capital was a negative $2.9 million.  Investing activities utilized $2.4 million in cash.

 

LIQUIDITY

 

At the present time, Management does not intend to raise equity capital.  Due to the funds received from prior litigation settlements, we have sufficient cash reserves and intend to rely on operations, cash reserves, and debt financing as the primary ongoing sources of cash.

 

Our cash position has improved $5.1 million, or 28.4%, over 2009.  The improvement is directly related to the litigation proceeds paid in 2010 and the effect of cost reduction measures taken in 2009 and 2010.  Reduction in litigation costs, particularly from the second quarter of 2010 through the end of the year, were significant.  We expect these lower litigation costs and the effect of the cost reductions to continue.

 

17



 

Historical Sources of Liquidity

 

We have historically funded operations primarily from the proceeds from revenues, private placements, loans, and litigation settlements.

 

Internal Sources of Liquidity

 

Margins and Market Access

 

To routinely achieve break even quarters, we need minimal access to hospital markets which has been difficult to obtain due to the monopolistic marketplace which was the subject of our initial lawsuit and now also included in our second antitrust lawsuit against BD.  We will continue to attempt to gain access to the market through our sales efforts, innovative technology, the introduction of new products, and, when necessary, litigation.

 

We continue to focus on methods of upgrading our manufacturing capability and efficiency in order to reduce costs.

 

Fluctuations in the cost and availability of raw materials and inventory and our ability to maintain favorable supplier arrangements and relationships could result in the need to manufacture all (as opposed to 33.4%) of our products in the U.S.  This could temporarily increase unit costs as we ramp up domestic production.

 

The mix of domestic and international sales affects the average sales price of our products.  Generally, the higher the ratio of domestic sales to international sales, the higher the average sales price will be.  Typically international sales are shipped directly from China to the customer.  Purchases of product manufactured in China, if available, usually decrease the average cost of manufacture for all units.  Domestic costs, such as indirect labor and overhead, remain relatively constant.  The number of units produced by the Company versus manufactured in China can have a significant effect on the carrying costs of inventory as well as Cost of sales.  We will continue to evaluate the appropriate mix of products manufactured domestically and those manufactured in China to achieve economic benefits as well as to maintain our domestic manufacturing capability.

 

Fluctuations in the cost of oil (since our products are petroleum based) and transportation and the volume of units purchased from Double Dove may have an impact on the unit costs of our product.  Increases in such costs may not be recoverable through price increases of our products.  Reductions in oil prices may not quickly affect petroleum product prices.

 

Seasonality

 

Historically, unit sales have increased in the latter part of the year due, in part, to the demand for syringes during the flu season.  In 2009, we had a contract to provide DHHS with syringes to be used in the U.S. efforts to provide swine flu vaccinations.  This contract was material for 2009 and affects comparability to 2009 financial data.

 

Cash Requirements

 

Due to funds received from prior litigation settlements, we have sufficient cash reserves and intend to rely on operations, cash reserves, and debt financing as the primary ongoing sources of cash.  In the event we continue to have only limited market access and cash generated from operations becomes insufficient to support operations, we would take additional cost cutting measures to reduce cash requirements.  Such measures could result in the reduction of units being produced, the reduction of workforce, the reduction of salaries of officers and other nonhourly employees, and the deferral of royalty payments.

 

External Sources of Liquidity

 

We have obtained several loans from our inception, which have, together with the proceeds from the sales of equities and litigation efforts, enabled us to pursue development and production of our products.  Given the

 

18



 

current economic conditions, our ability to obtain additional funds through loans is uncertain.  Furthermore, the shareholders previously authorized an additional 5,000,000 shares of a Class C Preferred Stock that could, if necessary, be designated and used to raise funds through the sale of equity.  Due to the current market price of our Common Stock, it is unlikely we would choose to raise funds by the sale of equity.

 

Effective July 12, 2010, we entered into a settlement agreement with Abbott and Hospira.  Pursuant to this settlement agreement, we received $6 million in the third quarter of 2010 and Abbott waived its rights to a marketing fee of $1,419,760 and any Series IV Class B preferred stock dividends.  Additionally, we granted Hospira an exclusive one-year option to negotiate a licensing agreement for certain uses of our Patient Safe® syringe.  It has not exercised its option.   As part of the option fee, we have received from Hospira two payments of $2 million each in the fourth quarter of 2010 and first quarter of 2011 and expect another two payments of $2 million each in the second and third quarters of 2011, for a total of $8 million.

 

CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

Material Commitments for Expenditures

 

In March 2011, we purchased four molding machines to expand our in-house molding capability and further reduce costs. The purchase price is $453,000 and financing is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2011.

 

Trends in Capital Resources

 

Interest expense may increase due to the reduction of capitalized interest at the present time.  It may also be affected by additional loans or rising interest rates.  Interest income may continue to be negatively affected by lower interest rates and our prior movement of cash to U.S. Treasury bills and other U.S. government backed securities.  Although we believe that we have granted credit to credit-worthy firms, current economic conditions may affect the timing and/or collectability of some accounts.

 

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

 

None.

 

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

 

Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

 

The following chart summarizes our material obligations and commitments to make future payments under contracts for long-term debt as of December 31, 2010:

 

 

 

Payments Due by Period

 

 

 

Total

 

Less
Than
1 Year

 

1-3
Years

 

3-5
Years

 

More
Than 5
Years

 

Contractual Obligations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt, including current maturities

$

4,845,454

$

537,221

$

584,033

$

290,606

$

3,433,594

 

Operating lease

 

303,980

 

59,194

 

122,007

 

122,779

 

 

 

$

5,149,434

$

596,415

$

706,040

$

413,385

$

3,433,594

 

 

These amounts do not reflect the effect of the beneficial conversion feature of the note payable to Katie Petroleum and therefore will be greater than the amounts in the financial statements.

 

19



 

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

We consider the following to be our most significant accounting policies.  Careful consideration and review is given to these and all accounting policies on a routine basis to ensure that they are accurately and consistently applied.

 

Accounts Receivable

 

We record trade receivables when revenue is recognized.  No product has been consigned to customers.  Our allowance for doubtful accounts is primarily determined by review of specific trade receivables.  Those accounts that are doubtful of collection are included in the allowance.  An additional allowance has been established based on a percentage of receivables outstanding.  These provisions are reviewed to determine the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts.  Trade receivables are charged off when there is certainty as to their being uncollectible.  Trade receivables are considered delinquent when payment has not been made within contract terms.

 

We require certain distributors to make a prepayment prior to beginning production or shipment of their order.  Distributors may apply such prepayments to their outstanding invoices or pay the invoice and continue to carryforward the deposit for future orders.  Such amounts are included in Other accrued liabilities on the Balance Sheets and are shown in Note 6, Other Accrued Liabilities.

 

We record an allowance for estimated returns as a reduction to accounts receivable and gross sales.  Historically, returns have been less than 0.5% of net sales.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Revenue is recognized for sales when title and risk of ownership passes to the customer, generally upon shipment.  Under certain contracts, revenue is recorded on the basis of sales price to distributors, less contractual pricing allowances.  Contractual pricing allowances consist of (i) rebates granted to distributors who provide tracking reports which show, among other things, the facility that purchased the products, and (ii) a provision for estimated contractual pricing allowances for products that we have not received tracking reports.  Rebates are recorded when issued and are applied against the customer’s receivable balance.  Distributors receive a rebate for the difference between the Wholesale Acquisition Cost and the appropriate contract price as reflected on a tracking report provided by the distributor to us. If product is sold by a distributor to an entity that has no contract, there is a standard rebate (lower than a contracted rebate) given to the distributor.  One of the purposes of the rebate is to encourage distributors to submit tracking reports to us. The provision for contractual pricing allowances is reviewed at the end of each quarter and adjusted for changes in levels of products for which there is no tracking report.  Additionally, if it becomes clear that tracking reports will not be provided by individual distributors, the provision is further adjusted.  The estimated contractual allowance is netted against the individual distributor’s accounts receivable balances for financial reporting purposes.  The resulting net balance is reflected in accounts receivable or accounts payable, as appropriate.  The terms and conditions of contractual pricing allowances are governed by contracts between us and our distributors.  Revenue for shipments directly to end-users is recognized when title and risk of ownership passes from us.  Any product shipped or distributed for evaluation purposes is expensed.

 

Certain distributors have taken rebates to which they are not entitled, such as utilizing a rebate for products not purchased directly from us.  We have been in discussions with the principal customers that claimed non-contractual rebates.  Major customers said they have ceased the practices resulting in claiming non-contractual rebates.  The product for which they were claiming rebates was actually product they had not purchased from us.  Rebates can only be claimed on purchases made directly from us. We have established a reserve for the collectability of these non-contractual rebate amounts.  The expense for the reserve is recorded in Operating expense, General and administrative.  The reserve for such non-contractual deductions is a reduction of accounts receivable.

 

Our domestic return policy is set forth in our standard Distribution Agreement.  This policy provides that a customer may return incorrect shipments within 10 days following arrival at the distributor’s facility.  In all such cases the distributor must obtain an authorization code from us and affix the code to the returned product.  We will not accept returned goods without a returned goods authorization number.  We may refund the customer’s money or replace the product.

 

Our domestic return policy also provides that a customer may return product that is overstocked.  Overstocking returns are limited to two times in each 12 month period up to 1% of distributor’s total purchase of products for the prior 12 month period.  All product overstocks and returns are subject to inspection and acceptance by us.

 

Our international distribution agreements do not provide for any returns.

 

20



 

Inventories

 

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market, with cost being determined using actual average cost.  We compare the average cost to the market price and record the lower value.  Management considers such factors as the amount of inventory on hand and in the distribution channel, estimated time to sell such inventory, the shelf life of inventory, and current market conditions when determining excess or obsolete inventories.  A reserve is established for any excess or obsolete inventories or they may be written off.

 

Marketing Fees

 

In prior periods, Marketing fees payable to Abbott were included in current liabilities in the Balance Sheets.  In connection with the settlement with Abbott, Marketing fees payable recorded in previous periods will not have to be paid.  The reversal of this accrual is included in Litigation settlements, net on the Statements of Operations.

 

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About  Market Risk.

 

We believe that our market risk exposures regarding our cash and cash equivalents are immaterial as we do not have instruments for trading purposes.  We shifted the bulk of our funds into U.S. Treasury bills and other U.S. government backed securities in April 2008.  Additionally, reasonable, possible near-term changes in market rates or prices will not result in material changes in near-term earnings.

 

21



 

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

 

RETRACTABLE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

 

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

DECEMBER 31, 2010 AND 2009

 

F-1



 

RETRACTABLE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

 

Page

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

F-3

 

 

 

 

 

Financial Statements:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2010 and 2009

 

F-4

 

 

 

 

 

Statements of Operations for the years ended
December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008

 

F-5

 

 

 

 

 

Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008

 

F-6

 

 

 

 

 

Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008

 

F-8

 

 

 

 

 

Notes to Financial Statements

 

F-9

 

 

 

 

 

Selected Quarterly Financial Data - Unaudited

 

F-24

 

 

 

 

 

Financial Statement Schedule:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Schedule II: Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009 and 2008

 

43

 

 

F-2



 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders

of Retractable Technologies, Inc.

 

We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Retractable Technologies, Inc. as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the related statements of operations, changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010.  Our audits also included the financial statement schedule of Retractable Technologies, Inc., listed in Item 15(a).  These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform an audit of its internal control over financial reporting.  Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.  Accordingly, we express no such opinion.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Retractable Technologies, Inc. as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2010, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.  Also, in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the information set forth therein.

 

 

 

/s/ CF & Co., L.L.P.

 

 

 

CF & Co., L.L.P.

 

Dallas, Texas

 

 

 

March 31, 2011

 

 

 

 

F-3



 

RETRACTABLE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

 23,266,039

 

$

 18,126,084

 

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $780,900 and $681,966, respectively

 

7,582,062

 

9,948,210

 

Inventories, net

 

8,682,191

 

6,907,369

 

Income taxes receivable

 

12,031

 

3,655,637

 

Other current assets

 

681,244

 

624,393

 

Total current assets

 

40,223,567

 

39,261,693

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant, and equipment, net

 

12,560,592

 

14,234,181

 

Intangible and other assets, net

 

406,910

 

445,425

 

Total assets

 

$

 53,191,069

 

$

 53,941,299

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

 3,847,966

 

$

 6,997,310

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

519,611

 

2,628,652

 

Accrued compensation

 

603,484

 

561,484

 

Marketing fees payable

 

 

1,419,760

 

Accrued royalties to shareholders

 

949,619

 

843,327

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

3,910,428

 

745,460

 

Income taxes payable

 

155,000

 

 

Total current liabilities

 

9,986,108

 

13,195,993

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

 

4,304,460

 

4,824,833

 

Total liabilities

 

14,290,568

 

18,020,826

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments and Contingencies - See Note 8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred Stock $1 par value:

 

 

 

 

 

Class B; authorized: 5,000,000 shares

 

 

 

 

 

Series I, Class B; outstanding: 144,000 and 144,000 shares, respectively (liquidation preference of $900,000 and $900,000 respectively)

 

144,000

 

144,000

 

Series II, Class B; outstanding: 219,700 and 219,700, respectively (liquidation preference of $2,746,250 and $2,746,250, respectively)

 

219,700

 

219,700

 

Series III, Class B; outstanding: 130,245 and 130,245 shares, respectively (liquidation preference of $1,628,063 and $1,628,063, respectively)

 

130,245

 

130,245

 

Series IV, Class B; outstanding: 552,500 and 552,500 shares (liquidation preference of $6,077,500 and $6,077,500, respectively)

 

552,500

 

552,500

 

Series V, Class B; outstanding: 1,232,571 and 1,238,821 shares, respectively (liquidation preference of $5,423,312 and $5,450,812, respectively)

 

1,232,571

 

1,238,821

 

Common Stock, no par value; authorized: 100,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding: 23,974,114 and 23,825,149 shares, respectively

 

 

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

57,674,737

 

57,089,153

 

Retained deficit

 

(21,053,252

)

(23,453,946

)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

38,900,501

 

35,920,473

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

 53,191,069

 

$

 53,941,299

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements

 

F-4



 

RETRACTABLE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2008

 

Sales, net

 

$

36,219,562

 

$

38,981,837

 

$

27,899,318

 

Cost of Sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs of manufactured product

 

20,757,488

 

22,659,437

 

17,504,842

 

Royalty expense to shareholders

 

3,057,619

 

2,806,223

 

2,168,268

 

Total cost of sales

 

23,815,107

 

25,465,660

 

19,673,110

 

Gross profit

 

12,404,455

 

13,516,177

 

8,226,208

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales and marketing

 

3,674,168

 

4,372,163

 

4,835,272

 

Research and development

 

885,445

 

1,030,622

 

1,066,068

 

General and administrative

 

14,260,151

 

18,814,392

 

12,769,774

 

Impairment of assets

 

365,295

 

2,594,602

 

 

Total operating expenses

 

19,185,059

 

26,811,779

 

18,671,114

 

Loss from operations

 

(6,780,604

)

(13,295,602

)

(10,444,906

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest and other income

 

32,324

 

57,604

 

855,685

 

Interest expense, net

 

(302,843

)

(21,892

)

(54,359

)

Litigation settlements, net

 

9,275,760

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

2,224,637

 

(13,259,890

)

(9,643,580

)

Benefit for income taxes

 

(176,057

)

(3,837,590

)

 

Net income (loss)

 

2,400,694

 

(9,422,300

)

(9,643,580

)

Preferred Stock dividend requirements

 

(1,370,620

)

(1,370,868

)

(1,373,019

)

Earnings (loss) applicable to common shareholders

 

$

1,030,074

 

$

(10,793,168

)

$

(11,016,599

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic earnings (loss) per share

 

$

0.04

 

$

(0.45

)

$

(0.46

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

 

$

0.04

 

$

(0.45

)

$

(0.46

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

23,872,783

 

23,806,533

 

23,794,566

 

Diluted

 

26,248,874

 

23,806,533

 

23,794,566

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements

 

F-5



 

RETRACTABLE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 Series I Class B

 

Series II Class B

 

Series III Class B

 

Series IV Class B

 

 Series V Class B

 

 Common

 

 

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Shares

 

Amount

 

Balance as of December 31, 2007

 

144,000

 

$

144,000

 

219,700

 

$

219,700

 

130,245

 

$

130,245

 

553,500

 

$

553,500

 

1,282,471

 

$

1,282,471

 

23,755,414

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conversion of Preferred Stock into Common Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,000

)

(1,000

)

(43,650

)

(43,650

)

44,650

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recognition of stock option compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2008

 

144,000

 

144,000

 

219,700

 

219,700

 

130,245

 

130,245

 

552,500

 

552,500

 

1,238,821

 

1,238,821

 

23,800,064

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recognition of stock option compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recognition of stock option exercise

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25,085

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Royalty waiver

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2009

 

144,000

 

144,000

 

219,700

 

219,700

 

130,245

 

130,245

 

552,500

 

552,500

 

1,238,821

 

 

1,238,821

 

23,825,149

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conversion of Preferred Stock into Common Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(6,250

)

(6,250

)

6,250

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recognition of stock option compensation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recognition of stock option exercise

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

142,715

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payment of dividends

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2010

 

144,000

 

$144,000

 

219,700

 

$219,700

 

130,245

 

$130,245

 

552,500

 

$552,500

 

1,232,571

 

$

1,232,571

 

23,974,114

 

$

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements

 

F-6



 

RETRACTABLE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

Additional
Paid-in
Capital

 

Retained
Earnings
(Deficit)

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2007

 

$

53,818,987

 

$

(4,388,066

)

$

51,760,837

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conversion of Preferred Stock into Common Stock

 

44,650

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recognition of stock option compensation

 

88,546

 

 

88,546

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

 

(9,643,580

)

(9,643,580

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2008

 

53,952,183

 

(14,031,646

)

42,205,803

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recognition of stock option compensation

 

2,111,360

 

 

2,111,360

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recognition of stock option exercise

 

25,610

 

 

25,610

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Royalty waiver

 

1,000,000

 

 

1,000,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

 

(9,422,300

)

(9,422,300

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2009

 

57,089,153

 

(23,453,946

)

35,920,473

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conversion of Preferred Stock into Common Stock

 

6,250

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recognition of stock option compensation

 

1,340,300

 

 

1,340,300

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recognition of stock option exercise

 

115,600

 

 

115,600

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Payment of dividends

 

(876,566

)

 

(876,566

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

 

2,400,694

 

2,400,694

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance as of December 31, 2010

 

$

57,674,737

 

$

(21,053,252

)

$

38,900,501

 

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements

 

F-7



 

RETRACTABLE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2008

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

2,400,694

 

$

(9,422,300

)

$

(9,643,580

)

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used by) operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

1,516,226

 

1,396,793

 

1,397,333

 

Litigation settlement — marketing fees payable

 

(1,419,760

)

 

 

Stock option compensation

 

1,340,300

 

2,111,360

 

32,629

 

Reserve for non-contractual deductions

 

850,000

 

 

 

Provision for doubtful accounts

 

133,990

 

182,000

 

224,633

 

Impairment of assets

 

365,295

 

2,594,602

 

 

Accreted interest

 

30,920

 

43,151

 

54,387

 

(Increase) decrease in assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inventories

 

(1,774,822

)

(265,837

)

395,597

 

Accounts receivable

 

1,382,158

 

(6,841,268

)

(1,845,939

)

Income taxes receivable

 

3,643,606

 

(3,655,637

)

2,345,041

 

Other current assets

 

(56,851

)

(224,280

)

(41,306

)

Other assets

 

 

 

(12,725

)

Increase (decrease) in liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

(3,149,344

)

852,875

 

609,070

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

3,313,260

 

1,015,505

 

798,578

 

Income taxes payable

 

155,000

 

(86,695

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided (used) by operating activities

 

8,730,672

 

(12,299,731

)

(5,686,282

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of property, plant, and equipment

 

(169,415

)

(2,383,867

)

(2,580,516

)

Investment in LLC

 

 

 

497,690

 

Acquisitions of patents, trademarks, licenses, and intangibles

 

 

 

(89,152

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash used by investing activities

 

(169,415

)

(2,383,867

)

(2,171,978

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repayments of long-term debt and notes payable

 

(2,660,336

)

(499,668

)

(489,160

)

Proceeds from long-term debt

 

 

 

1,123,729

 

Proceeds from the exercise of stock options

 

115,600

 

25,610

 

 

Payment of Preferred Stock dividends

 

(876,566

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net cash provided (used) by financing activities

 

(3,421,302

)

(474,058

)

634,569

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

 

5,139,955

 

(15,157,656

)

(7,223,691

)

Cash and cash equivalents at:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of period

 

18,126,084

 

33,283,740

 

40,507,431

 

End of period

 

$

23,266,039

 

$

18,126,084

 

$

33,283,740

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental schedule of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest paid

 

$

321,610

 

$

184,018

 

$

236,932

 

Income taxes paid

 

$

16,000

 

$

 

$

 

Supplemental schedule of noncash investing and financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Debt assumed to construct a warehouse

 

$

 

$

1,362,602

 

$

1,723,277

 

Forgiveness of royalties by shareholder

 

$

 

$

1,000,000

 

$

 

See accompanying notes to financial statements

 

F-8



 

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

1.                BUSINESS OF THE COMPANY AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

Business of the Company

 

Retractable Technologies, Inc. (the “Company”) was incorporated in Texas on May 9, 1994, and designs, develops, manufactures, and markets safety syringes and other safety medical products for the healthcare profession.  The Company began to develop its manufacturing operations in 1995.  The Company’s manufacturing and administrative facilities are located in Little Elm, Texas.  The Company’s primary products with Notice of Substantial Equivalence to the FDA are the VanishPoint® 0.5mL insulin syringe; 1mL tuberculin, insulin, and allergy antigen syringes; the 0.5mL, 2mL, 3mL, 5mL, and 10mL syringes; the small diameter tube adapter; the blood collection tube holder; the allergy tray; the IV safety catheter; and the Patient Safe® syringe.

 

2.                SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Accounting estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires Management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ significantly from those estimates.

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include unrestricted cash, money market accounts, and investments with original maturities of three months or less.

 

Accounts receivable

 

The Company records trade receivables when revenue is recognized.  No product has been consigned to customers.  The Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts is primarily determined by review of specific trade receivables.  Those accounts that are doubtful of collection are included in the allowance.  An additional allowance has been established based on a percentage of receivables outstanding.  These provisions are reviewed to determine the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts.  Trade receivables are charged off when there is certainty as to their being uncollectible.  Trade receivables are considered delinquent when payment has not been made within contract terms.

 

The Company requires certain distributors to make a prepayment prior to beginning production or shipment of their order.  Distributors may apply such prepayments to their outstanding invoices or pay the invoice and continue to carryforward the deposit for future orders.  Such amounts are included in Other accrued liabilities on the Balance Sheets and are shown in Note 6, Other Accrued Liabilities.

 

The Company records an allowance for estimated returns as a reduction to Accounts receivable and Gross sales.  Historically, returns have been less than 0.5% of net sales.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market, with cost being determined using actual average cost.  The Company compares the average cost to the market price and records the lower value.  Management considers such factors as the amount of inventory on hand and in the distribution channel, estimated time to sell such inventory, the shelf life of inventory, and current market conditions when determining excess or obsolete inventories.  A reserve is established for any excess or obsolete inventories or they may be written off.

 

Property, plant, and equipment

 

Property, plant, and equipment are stated at cost.  Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred.  Cost includes major expenditures for improvements and replacements which extend useful lives or increase capacity and interest cost associated with significant capital additions.  For the years

 

F-9



 

ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008, the Company capitalized interest of approximately $50,000; $205,000; and $237,000.  Gains or losses from property disposals are included in income.

 

Depreciation and amortization are calculated using the straight-line method over the following useful lives:

 

Production equipment

 

3 to 13 years

Office furniture and equipment

 

3 to 10 years

Buildings

 

39 years

Building improvements

 

15 years

Automobiles

 

7 years

 

Long-lived assets

 

The Company assesses the recoverability of long-lived assets using an assessment of the estimated undiscounted future cash flows related to such assets.  In the event that assets are found to be carried at amounts which are in excess of estimated gross future cash flows, the assets will be adjusted for impairment to a level commensurate with a discounted cash flow analysis of the underlying assets.

 

During 2009, the Company recognized an impairment charge of $2,594,602 associated with its catheter production equipment.  The Company determined it was more cost effective to outsource the majority of this production through overseas manufacturers, and thus the Company’s catheter production equipment will be utilized less.  Minimal cash flows are expected to be generated by this equipment.  Accordingly, the Company reduced the carrying value of the catheter production equipment to an estimated fair value of zero.  The Company’s management estimated the fair value of the equipment based on guidance established by the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”).  In this instance, the Company’s management determined the impairment charge by utilizing observable market data, a Level 2 input under the FASB ASC.  A Level 1 input would require quoted prices, which were not available in this matter.

 

During 2010, the Company recognized impairment charges of $365,295 on equipment designed in connection with research and development activities.  The Company will likely outsource the majority of this production through overseas manufacturers. Minimal cash flows, if any, are expected to be generated by this equipment.  Accordingly, the Company reduced the carrying value of this equipment to an estimated fair value of zero.  The Company’s management estimated the fair value of the equipment based on guidance established by the Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures Topic of the FASB ASC.  In this instance, the Company’s management determined the impairment charge by utilizing observable market data, a Level 2 input under the FASB ASC.  A Level 1 input would require quoted prices, which were not available in this matter.

 

The Company’s remaining property, plant, and equipment primarily consists of buildings, land, assembly equipment for syringes, molding machines, molds, office equipment, furniture, and fixtures.  There has been no impairment charge against the assembly equipment since the Company continues to manufacture a significant portion of 1cc and 3cc syringes at the Company’s Little Elm facility which results in sufficient future cash flows to recoup the net book value of all property, plant, and equipment.

 

Reclassifications

 

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform with the current year’s presentation.

 

Intangible assets

 

Intangible assets are stated at cost and consist primarily of patents, a license agreement granting exclusive rights to use patented technology, and trademarks which are amortized using the straight-line method over 17 years.

 

F-10



 

Financial instruments

 

The Company estimates the fair market value of financial instruments through the use of public market prices, quotes from financial institutions, and other available information.  Judgment is required in interpreting data to develop estimates of market value and, accordingly, amounts are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in a current market exchange.  Short-term financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and other liabilities, consist primarily of instruments without extended maturities, the fair value of which, based on Management’s estimates, equals their recorded values.

 

Concentration risks

 

The Company’s financial instruments exposed to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents, and accounts receivable.  Cash balances, some of which exceed federally insured limits, are maintained in financial institutions; however, Management believes the institutions are of high credit quality.  The majority of accounts receivable are due from companies which are well-established entities.  As a consequence, Management considers any exposure from concentrations of credit risks to be limited.    The Company had a high concentration of sales with three significant customers.  For the year ended December 31, 2010, the aforementioned customers accounted for $13.9 million, or 38.6% of net sales.

 

Considering the current economic climate, the Company increased its allowance for doubtful accounts by approximately $98,934 this year.

 

The Company manufactures syringes in Little Elm, Texas as well as utilizing manufacturers in China.  The Company purchases most of its product components from single suppliers, including needle adhesives and packaging materials.  There are multiple sources of these materials.  The Company obtained roughly 64.1% of its finished products in 2010 through Double Dove, a Chinese manufacturer.  In the event that the Company becomes unable to purchase such product from Double Dove, the Company would need to find an alternate supplier for its 0.5mL insulin syringe, its 5mL and 10mL syringes, and its autodisable syringe and increase domestic production for 1mL and 3mL syringes to avoid a disruption in supply.

 

Revenue recognition

 

Revenue is recognized for sales when title and risk of ownership passes to the customer, generally upon shipment.  Under certain contracts, revenue is recorded on the basis of sales price to distributors, less contractual pricing allowances.  Contractual pricing allowances consist of: (i) rebates granted to distributors who provide tracking reports which show, among other things, the facility that purchased the products, and (ii) a provision for estimated contractual pricing allowances for products that the Company has not received tracking reports.  Rebates are recorded when issued and are applied against the customer’s receivable balance.  Distributors receive a rebate for the difference between the Wholesale Acquisition Cost and the appropriate contract price as reflected on a tracking report provided by the distributor to the Company. If product is sold by a distributor to an entity that has no contract, there is a standard rebate (lower than a contracted rebate) given to the distributor.  One of the purposes of the rebate is to encourage distributors to submit tracking reports to the Company. The provision for contractual pricing allowances is reviewed at the end of each quarter and adjusted for changes in levels of products for which there is no tracking report.  Additionally, if it becomes clear that tracking reports will not be provided by individual distributors, the provision is further adjusted.  The estimated contractual allowance is netted against the individual distributor’s accounts receivable balances for financial reporting purposes.  The resulting net balance is reflected in accounts receivable or accounts payable, as appropriate.  The terms and conditions of contractual pricing allowances are governed by contracts between the Company and its distributors.  Revenue for shipments directly to end-users is recognized when title and risk of ownership pass from the Company.  Any product shipped or distributed for evaluation purposes is expensed.

 

Certain distributors have taken rebates to which they are not entitled, such as utilizing a rebate for products not purchased directly from the Company.  The Company has been in discussions with the principal customers that claimed non-contractual rebates.  Major customers said they have ceased the practices resulting in

 

F-11



 

claiming non-contractual rebates.  The product for which they were claiming rebates was actually product they had not purchased from the Company.  Rebates can only be claimed on purchases made directly from the Company. The Company has established a reserve for the collectability of these non-contractual rebate amounts.  The expense for the reserve is recorded in Operating expense, General and administrative.  The reserve for such non-contractual deductions is a reduction of accounts receivable.

 

The Company’s domestic return policy is set forth in its standard Distribution Agreement.  This policy provides that a customer may return incorrect shipments within 10 days following arrival at the distributor’s facility.  In all such cases the distributor must obtain an authorization code from the Company and affix the code to the returned product.  The Company will not accept returned goods without a returned goods authorization number.  The Company may refund the customer’s money or replace the product.

 

The Company’s domestic return policy also provides that a customer may return product that is overstocked.  Overstocking returns are limited to two times in each 12-month period up to 1% of distributor’s total purchase of products for the prior 12-month period.  All product overstocks and returns are subject to inspection and acceptance by us.

 

The Company’s international distribution agreements do not provide for any returns.

 

Marketing fees

 

In prior periods, Marketing fees payable to Abbott Laboratories (“Abbott”) were included in current liabilities in the Balance Sheets.  In connection with the settlement with Abbott, Marketing fees payable recorded in previous periods will not have to be paid.  The reversal of this accrual is included in Litigation settlements, net on the Statements of Operations.

 

Litigation Settlements

 

Proceeds from litigation settlements are recognized when realizable.  Generally, realization is not reasonably assured and expected until proceeds are collected.  Pursuant to a settlement agreement among the Company, Abbott, and Hospira, Inc. (“Hospira”), Hospira delivered $6 million to the Company in the third quarter of 2010.  The Company reduced its litigation settlements by $144,000 attributable to an unpaid Abbott invoice.  Abbott also waived its rights to any Series IV Class B Preferred Stock dividends.  Additionally, the Company granted Hospira an exclusive one-year option to negotiate a licensing agreement for certain uses of the Patient Safe® syringe.  As part of the $8.0 million option payment, the Company received a payment of $2.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2010.

 

Income taxes

 

The Company evaluates tax positions taken or expected to be taken in a tax return for recognition in the financial statements based on whether it is “more-likely-than-not” that a tax position will be sustained based upon the technical merits of the position.  Measurement of the tax position is based upon the largest amount of benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement.

 

The Company provides for deferred income taxes through utilizing an asset and liability approach for financial accounting and reporting based on the tax effects of differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities, based on enacted rates expected to be in effect when such differences reverse in future periods.  Deferred tax assets are periodically reviewed for realizability.  Under recent tax law changes, companies are allowed to carry back taxable losses from either 2008 or 2009.  The Company filed

 

F-12



 

for a tax refund utilizing its 2009 taxable losses which resulted in a $4.0 million refund received in the third quarter of 2010.  The Company has established a valuation allowance for its net deferred tax asset as future taxable income cannot be reasonably assured.  Penalties and interest on uncertain tax positions are classified as income taxes in the Statements of Operations.

 

Earnings per share

 

The Company computes basic earnings per share (“EPS”) by dividing net earnings for the period (adjusted for any cumulative dividends for the period) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.    Diluted EPS includes the determinants of basic EPS and, in addition, reflects the dilutive effect, if any, of the common stock deliverable pursuant to stock options or common stock issuable upon the conversion of convertible preferred stock and convertible debt.  The potential dilution, if any, is shown on the following schedule.

 

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

2008

 

Net income (loss)

$

 

2,400,694

$

 

(9,422,300

)

$

 

(9,643,580

)

Preferred dividend requirements

 

(1,370,620

)

(1,370,868

)

 

(1,373,019

)

Earnings (loss) available to common shareholders after assumed conversions

$

 

1,030,074

$

 

(10,793,168

)

$

 

(11,016,599

)

Average common shares outstanding

 

23,872,783

 

23,806,533

 

 

23,794,566

 

Dilutive stock equivalents from stock options

 

2,376,091

 

 

 

 

Average common and common equivalent shares outstanding - assuming dilution

 

26,248,874

 

23,806,533

 

 

23,794,566

 

Basic earnings per share

$

 

0.04

$

 

(0.45

)

$

 

(0.46

)

Diluted earnings per share

$

 

0.04

$

 

(0.45

)

$

 

(0.46

)

 

Shipping and handling costs

 

The Company classifies shipping and handling costs as part of Cost of sales in the Statements of Operations.

 

Research and development costs

 

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.

 

F-13



 

Share-based compensation

 

The Company’s share-based payments are accounted for using the fair value method.  The Company records share-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period.  The Company incurred the following share-based compensation costs:

 

 

 

Years Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales

$

182,892

$

317,644

$

(1,797

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales and marketing

 

78,343

 

242,509

 

(2,156

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Research and Development

 

28,259

 

47,168

 

(281

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General and administrative

 

1,050,806

 

1,504,039

 

36,863

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

1,340,300

$

2,111,360

$

32,629

 

 

Options awarded to employees in 2009 and 2008 were amortized over twelve months.  The Company amortized one month’s expense for options granted in 2008 in the fourth quarter of 2008.  The Company expensed five months of expense for options issued in 2009.  Non-employee Directors’ option expense was all expensed in the third quarter of 2009.

 

All stock options were fully vested at June 30, 2010; therefore, all stock option expense was fully recognized at June 30, 2010.

 

3.                INVENTORIES

 

Inventories consist of the following:

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Raw materials

 

$

7,485,861

 

$

2,424,818

 

Finished goods

 

1,401,930

 

4,688,151

 

 

 

8,887,791

 

7,112,969

 

Inventory reserve

 

(205,600

)

(205,600

)

 

 

$

8,682,191

 

$

6,907,369

 

 

4.                PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT

 

Property, plant, and equipment consist of the following:

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Land

 

$

261,893

 

$

261,893

 

Buildings and building improvements

 

11,093,797

 

11,079,905

 

Production equipment

 

14,808,055

 

14,428,077

 

Office furniture and equipment

 

2,260,219

 

2,148,622

 

Construction in progress

 

486,187

 

1,198,856

 

Automobiles

 

102,321

 

102,321

 

 

 

29,012,472

 

29,219,674

 

 

F-14



 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

Accumulated depreciation

 

(16,451,880

)

(14,985,493

)

 

 

$

12,560,592

 

$

14,234,181

 

 

Depreciation expense for the years ended December 31, 2010, 2009, and 2008 was $1,482,591; $1,353,353; and $1,351,547, respectively.

 

5.                INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

Intangible assets consist of the following:

 

 

 

December 31,

 

 

 

2010

 

2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

License agreement

 

$

500,000

 

$

500,000

 

Trademarks and patents

 

508,743

 

508,743

 

 

 

1,008,743

 

1,008,743

 

Accumulated amortization

 

(625,507

)

(582,068

)