e10vq
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
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QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT
OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended January 30, 2007
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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 000-51602
SYNERGETICS USA, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
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Delaware
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20-5715943 |
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(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
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(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
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3845 Corporate Centre Drive |
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OFallon, Missouri
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63368 |
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(Address of principal executive offices)
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(Zip Code) |
(636) 939-5100
(Registrants Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Indicate by check mark whether 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 þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer,
or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer and large accelerated filer in
Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large Accelerated Filer o Accelerated Filer þ Non-Accelerated Filer o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the
Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
The number of shares outstanding of the issuers common stock, $0.001 value per share, as of March
8, 2007 was 24,216,781 shares.
SYNERGETICS USA, INC.
Index to Form 10-Q
2
Part I Financial Information
Item 1 Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Synergetics USA, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
As of January 30, 2007 and July 31, 2006
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
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January 30, 2007 |
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July 31, 2006 |
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Assets |
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Current Assets |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
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$ |
636 |
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$ |
557 |
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Investment in trading securities |
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50 |
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Accounts receivable, net of allowance for
doubtful accounts of approximately $205
and $179, respectively |
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7,267 |
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6,807 |
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Notes receivable, officer-stockholder |
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7 |
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20 |
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Income taxes receivable |
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660 |
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513 |
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Inventories |
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14,314 |
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13,243 |
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Prepaid expenses |
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501 |
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422 |
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Deferred income taxes |
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416 |
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296 |
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Other |
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16 |
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Total current assets |
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23,817 |
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21,908 |
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Property and equipment, net |
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8,215 |
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8,497 |
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Goodwill |
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10,660 |
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10,660 |
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Other intangible assets, net |
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10,254 |
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10,463 |
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Deferred expenses |
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191 |
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83 |
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Cash value of life insurance |
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33 |
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32 |
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Total assets |
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$ |
53,170 |
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$ |
51,643 |
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Liabilities and Stockholders Equity |
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Current Liabilities |
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Lines-of-credit |
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$ |
5,233 |
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$ |
3,330 |
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Current maturities of long-term debt |
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1,211 |
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967 |
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Current maturities of revenue bonds payable |
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249 |
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249 |
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Accounts payable |
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1,702 |
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2,255 |
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Accrued expenses |
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1,646 |
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2,503 |
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Income taxes payable |
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36 |
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Deferred revenue |
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2 |
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6 |
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Total current liabilities |
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10,079 |
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9,310 |
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Long-Term Liabilities |
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Long-term debt, less current maturities |
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3,372 |
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3,215 |
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Revenue bonds payable, less current maturities |
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4,015 |
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4,140 |
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Deferred income taxes |
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2,653 |
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2,663 |
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Deferred compensation |
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10 |
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Total long-term liabilities |
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10,040 |
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10,028 |
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Total liabilities |
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20,119 |
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19,338 |
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Stockholders Equity |
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Common stock at January 30, 2007 and July 31, 2006,
$.001 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized;
24,216,781 and 24,206,970 shares issued and
outstanding, respectively |
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24 |
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24 |
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Additional paid-in capital |
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23,986 |
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23,798 |
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Retained earnings |
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9,041 |
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8,483 |
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Total stockholders equity |
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33,051 |
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32,305 |
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Total liabilities and stockholders equity |
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$ |
53,170 |
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$ |
51,643 |
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See Notes to Unaudited Condensed, Consolidated Financial Statements.
3
Synergetics USA, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
Three and Six Months Ended January 30, 2007 and January 30, 2006
(Dollars in thousands, except per share information)
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Three Months Ended |
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Three Months Ended |
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Six Months Ended |
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Six Months Ended |
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January 30, 2007 |
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January 30, 2006 |
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January 30, 2007 |
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January 30, 2006 |
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Sales |
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$ |
11,353 |
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$ |
9,868 |
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$ |
21,259 |
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$ |
17,016 |
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Cost of sales |
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4,975 |
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3,734 |
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8,678 |
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6,042 |
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Gross profit |
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6,378 |
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6,134 |
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12,581 |
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10,973 |
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Operating expenses |
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Research and development |
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640 |
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417 |
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1,188 |
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694 |
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Selling, general and administrative |
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5,556 |
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4,261 |
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10,493 |
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8,063 |
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6,196 |
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4,678 |
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11,681 |
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8,757 |
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Operating income |
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182 |
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1,456 |
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900 |
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2,217 |
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Other income (expense) |
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Interest income |
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6 |
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1 |
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18 |
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Interest expense |
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(243 |
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(162 |
) |
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(409 |
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(197 |
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Miscellaneous |
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9 |
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(243 |
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(156 |
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(399 |
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(180 |
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Income before provision for income taxes |
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(61 |
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1,300 |
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501 |
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2,036 |
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Provision for income taxes |
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23 |
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442 |
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209 |
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692 |
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Provision for re-enactment of the research and
experimentation credit |
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(266 |
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(266 |
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(243 |
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442 |
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(57 |
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692 |
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Net income |
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$ |
182 |
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$ |
858 |
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$ |
558 |
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$ |
1,344 |
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Earnings per share: |
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Basic |
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$ |
0.01 |
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$ |
0.04 |
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$ |
0.02 |
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$ |
0.08 |
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Diluted |
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$ |
0.01 |
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$ |
0.04 |
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$ |
0.02 |
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$ |
0.08 |
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Basic weighted average common shares outstanding |
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24,214,322 |
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23,934,251 |
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24,212,531 |
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17,196,651 |
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Diluted weighted average common shares
outstanding |
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24,410,302 |
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24,148,395 |
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24,412,642 |
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17,413,406 |
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See Notes to Unaudited Condensed, Consolidated Financial Statements.
4
Synergetics USA, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Six Months Ended January 30, 2007 and January 30, 2006
(Dollars in thousands)
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Six Months Ended |
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Six Months Ended |
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January 30, 2007 |
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January 30, 2006 |
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Cash Flows from Operating Activities |
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Net income |
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$ |
558 |
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$ |
1,344 |
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Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities |
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Depreciation and amortization |
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716 |
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613 |
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Provision for doubtful accounts receivable |
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26 |
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(34 |
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Stock-based compensation |
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188 |
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447 |
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Deferred income taxes |
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(130 |
) |
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Change in assets and liabilities, net of fiscal year 2006 acquisition of Valley Forge: |
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(Increase) decrease in: |
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Receivables, net |
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(487 |
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(1,722 |
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Inventories |
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(1,071 |
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(2,206 |
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Prepaid expenses |
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(79 |
) |
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(145 |
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Other current assets |
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(162 |
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(26 |
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(Decrease) increase in: |
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Accounts payable |
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(553 |
) |
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672 |
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Accrued expenses and other liabilities |
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(872 |
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67 |
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Income taxes payable |
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36 |
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(48 |
) |
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Net cash used in operating activities |
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(1,830 |
) |
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(1,038 |
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Cash Flows from Investing Activities |
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Net decrease in notes receivable, officer-stockholder |
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13 |
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7 |
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Purchase of property and equipment |
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(157 |
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(2,282 |
) |
Acquisition of patents and other intangibles |
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(177 |
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(61 |
) |
Cash paid for reverse merger costs |
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(515 |
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Cash acquired through reverse merger |
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2,024 |
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Sales of trading securities |
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50 |
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(11 |
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Net cash used in investing activities |
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(271 |
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(838 |
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Cash Flows from Financing Activities |
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Net borrowings on lines-of-credit |
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1,903 |
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387 |
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Principal payments on revenue bonds payable |
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(124 |
) |
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(124 |
) |
Proceeds from long-term debt |
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919 |
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1,427 |
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Principal payments on long-term debt |
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(286 |
) |
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(914 |
) |
Payments on debt incurred for acquisition of trademark |
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(232 |
) |
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(270 |
) |
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options |
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103 |
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Net cash provided by financing activities |
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2,180 |
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609 |
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Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
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79 |
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(1,267 |
) |
Cash and cash equivalents |
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Beginning |
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557 |
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1,817 |
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Ending |
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$ |
636 |
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$ |
550 |
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See Notes to Unaudited Condensed, Consolidated Financial Statements.
5
Synergetics USA, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Tabular information reflects dollars in thousands, except share and per share information)
Note 1. General
Nature of business: Synergetics USA, Inc. (Synergetics USA or the Company) is a Delaware
corporation incorporated on June 2, 2005 in connection with the merger of Synergetics, Inc.
(Synergetics) and Valley Forge Scientific Corp. (Valley Forge) and the subsequent
reincorporation of Valley Forge (the predecessor to Synergetics USA) in Delaware. The Company is
located in OFallon, Missouri and King of Prussia, Pennsylvania and is engaged in the manufacture
and worldwide sale of microsurgical instruments, capital equipment and devices primarily for use in
vitreoretinal surgery and neurosurgical applications. During the ordinary course of its business,
the Company grants unsecured credit to its domestic and international customers.
Reporting period: The Companys year end is July 31 of each calendar year. For interim
periods, the Company uses a 21 business day per month reporting cycle. As such, the information
presented in the Form 10-Q is for the three month and six month periods October 30, 2006 through
January 30, 2007, August 1, 2006 through January 30, 2007, October 28, 2005 through January 30,
2006 and August 1, 2005 through January 30, 2006, respectively. As such, the three month period
contains 63 business days and the six month period contains 126 business days.
Basis of presentation: The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the
accounts of Synergetics USA, Inc., and its wholly owned subsidiaries: Synergetics, Synergetics
Development Company, LLC and Synergetics IP, Inc. All significant intercompany accounts and
transactions have been eliminated. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial
statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article
10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by
generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of
management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring items) considered necessary for a fair
presentation have been included. Operating results for the three and six months ended January 30,
2007 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending July
31, 2007. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction
with the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ended July 31, 2006,
and notes thereto filed with the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on October 16, 2006 (the Annual Report).
Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The Companys significant accounting policies are disclosed in the Annual Report. In the first
six months of fiscal 2007, no significant accounting policies were changed with the exception of
Segment Information as discussed below.
Reclassifications: Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year financial
statements and to the financial statements for the six months ended January 30, 2007 to conform
with the current quarter presentation. Total assets, total liabilities and net income were not
affected.
Segment information: Segment information has been changed and is presented in accordance
with SFAS No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information. This
statement is based on a management approach, which requires segmentation based upon the Companys
internal organization and reporting of revenue and operating income based upon internal accounting
methods.
During the second quarter, the Company eliminated the Synergetics and Synergetics East segments.
Valley Forge Scientific, the former Synergetics East segment, has been fully integrated into
Synergetics. This integration includes the sales of the Malis® AdvantageTM
by the Synergetics neurosurgery sales force, the management of the two major Valley Forge customer
relationships by the Synergetics marketing department and the assembly of the irrigation module at
the OFallon, Missouri plant. This integration effort was designed to improve the alignment of
strategies and objectives between neurosurgery sales, marketing and production; provide more timely
and rational allocation of resources within the Company and focus on long-term planning efforts on
key objectives and initiatives.
6
Note 3. Reverse Merger
On September 21, 2005, Synergetics Acquisition Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of Valley
Forge, merged with and into Synergetics and Synergetics thereby became a wholly owned subsidiary of
Valley Forge. Pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement, stockholders of Synergetics common
stock received in the aggregate 15,960,648 shares of Valley Forge common stock, or 4.59 Valley
Forge shares for each share of Synergetics resulting in Synergetics former private stockholders
owning approximately 66 percent of Valley Forges outstanding common stock upon completion of the
reverse merger. The reverse merger was accounted for as a purchase business combination with
Synergetics deemed the accounting acquirer and Valley Forges assets acquired and liabilities
assumed recorded at fair value as follows (dollars in thousands):
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Assets: |
|
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|
|
Cash, net of merger expenses of $892 |
|
$ |
1,132 |
|
Accounts receivable |
|
|
703 |
|
Inventories |
|
|
926 |
|
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
|
|
574 |
|
Property and equipment |
|
|
324 |
|
Other intangibles |
|
|
10,183 |
|
Goodwill |
|
|
10,660 |
|
Liabilities assumed: |
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued expenses |
|
|
(510 |
) |
Income taxes payable |
|
|
(36 |
) |
Note payable issued in connection with Malis® trademark |
|
|
(3,473 |
) |
Deferred income taxes |
|
|
(2,496 |
) |
|
|
|
|
Net assets acquired |
|
$ |
17,987 |
|
|
|
|
|
The operations of Valley Forge have been consolidated from the acquisition date. The cost to
acquire Valley Forge has been allocated to the Valley Forge assets acquired and liabilities assumed
according to their estimated fair values. The allocation purchase price of $18,879,000, including
Synergetics transaction costs, resulted in acquired goodwill of $10,660,000, which is not
deductible for tax purposes.
The unaudited pro forma results, assuming the reverse merger with Valley Forge had occurred at
August 1, 2005, would have yielded the following results (dollars in thousands, except per share
data):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six Months |
|
|
Ended |
|
|
January 30, 2006 |
Net sales |
|
$ |
17,888 |
|
Net income |
|
|
1,179 |
|
Basic earnings per share |
|
|
0.05 |
|
Diluted earnings per share |
|
|
0.05 |
|
These pro forma results include adjustments to give effect to interest expense of the
trademark-related debt and other purchase price adjustments. The pro forma results are not
necessarily indicative of the operating results that would have occurred had the reverse merger
been consummated as of August 1, 2005, nor are they necessarily indicative of future operating
results.
Note 4. Distribution Agreements
The Company sells a portion of its electrosurgical generators to a U.S. based national and
international distributor as described below:
Codman and Shurtleff, Inc. (Codman)
In the neurosurgery market, the bipolar electrosurgical system manufactured by Valley Forge
prior to the merger has been sold for over 20 years through a series of distribution agreements
with Codman, an affiliate of Johnson & Johnson and formerly Valley Forges largest customer. On
October 15, 2004, Valley Forge executed an agreement with Codman for the period October 1, 2004
through December 31, 2005. The agreement provided for exclusive worldwide distribution rights of
Valley Forges existing neurosurgery products in the fields of neurocranial and neurospinal surgery
until March 31, 2005, and non-exclusive rights in these
7
fields from April 1, 2005 through December 31, 2005. On May 6, 2005, in accordance with the
terms of the agreement, Valley Forge notified Codman that, effective July 15, 2005, Codman would be
the non-exclusive worldwide distributor of its existing products in the fields of neurocranial and
neurospinal surgery until December 31, 2005. On January 9, 2006, the Company executed a new,
three-year distribution agreement with Codman for the continued distribution by Codman of certain
bipolar generators and related disposables and accessories. In addition, the Company entered into
a new, three-year license agreement, which provides for the continued licensing of Synergetics
Malis® trademark to Codman for use with certain Codman products, including those covered
by the distribution agreement.
Net sales to Codman amounted to approximately $1,590,000 for the three month period ended
January 30, 2007, $1,367,000 for the three month period ended January 30, 2006, $3,315,000 for the
six month period ended January 30, 2007 and $1,747,000 for the period from September 22, 2005
through January 30, 2006, respectively. This represented 14.0, 13.9, 15.6 and 10.3 percent of net
sales for the three months ended January 30, 2007, and January 30, 2006 and for the six months
ended January 30, 2007 and January 30, 2006, respectively.
Note 5. Stock-Based Compensation
Stock Option Plans
The following table provides information about awards outstanding at January 30, 2007:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six Months Ended January 30, 2007 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average |
|
|
Weighted- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercise |
|
|
Average |
|
|
|
Shares |
|
|
Price |
|
|
Fair Value |
|
Options outstanding, beginning of period |
|
|
416,750 |
|
|
$ |
1.98 |
|
|
$ |
1.64 |
|
For the period from August 1, 2006 through January 30, 2007: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted |
|
|
40,000 |
|
|
$ |
3.77 |
|
|
$ |
2.98 |
|
Forfeited |
|
|
(4,590 |
) |
|
$ |
(1.09 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.91 |
) |
Exercised |
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
$ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options outstanding, end of period |
|
|
452,160 |
|
|
$ |
2.15 |
|
|
$ |
1.76 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Options exercisable, end of period |
|
|
399,375 |
|
|
$ |
2.29 |
|
|
$ |
1.88 |
|
The 40,000 shares granted during the six months ended January 30, 2007 were the independent
directors options which vest immediately and therefore the Company recorded $119,200 of
compensation expense with respect to these options. The fair value of options granted during the
six months ended January 30, 2006 was determined at the date of the grant using a Black-Scholes
options-pricing model and the following assumptions:
|
|
|
|
|
Expected average risk-free interest rate |
|
|
4.0 |
% |
Expected average life (in years) |
|
|
10 |
|
Expected volatility |
|
|
71.5 |
% |
Expected dividend yield |
|
|
0 |
% |
The expected average risk-free rate is based on U.S. treasury yield curve. The expected average
life represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding giving
consideration to vesting schedules, historical exercise and forfeiture patterns. Expected
volatility is based on historical volatilities of Synergetics USA, Inc.s common stock. The
expected dividend yield is based on historical information and managements plan.
Restricted Stock Plans
Under our 2001 Plan, our common stock may be granted at no cost to certain employees and
consultants of the Company. Certain plan participants are entitled to cash dividends and voting
rights for their respective shares. Restrictions limit the sale or transfer of these shares during
a vesting period whereby the restrictions lapse either pro-ratably over a five year vesting period
or at the end of the fifth year. Upon issuance of stock under the 2001 Plan, unearned compensation
equivalent to the market value at the date of the grant is charged to stockholders equity and
subsequently amortized to expense over the applicable restriction period. During the six months
ended January 30, 2007, shares granted were 9,811 shares. Compensation expense related to these
shares was $44,000. As of January 30, 2007, there was approximately $47,000 of total unrecognized
compensation cost related to nonvested share-based
8
compensation arrangements granted under the Companys 2001 Plan. The cost is expected to be
recognized over a weighted average period of five years.
Note 6: Supplemental Balance Sheets Information
Inventories (Dollars in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
January 30, |
|
|
July 31, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Raw material and component parts |
|
$ |
6,539 |
|
|
$ |
5,614 |
|
Work-in-progress |
|
|
2,626 |
|
|
|
2,493 |
|
Finished goods |
|
|
5,149 |
|
|
|
5,136 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
14,314 |
|
|
$ |
13,243 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property and equipment (Dollars in thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
January 30, |
|
|
July 31, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Land |
|
$ |
730 |
|
|
$ |
730 |
|
Building and improvements |
|
|
5,419 |
|
|
|
5,340 |
|
Machinery and equipment |
|
|
4,190 |
|
|
|
4,196 |
|
Furniture and fixtures |
|
|
593 |
|
|
|
546 |
|
Software |
|
|
114 |
|
|
|
105 |
|
Construction in process |
|
|
43 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,089 |
|
|
|
10,917 |
|
Less accumulated depreciation |
|
|
2,874 |
|
|
|
2,420 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
8,215 |
|
|
$ |
8,497 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other intangible assets (Dollars in thousands)
Information regarding the Companys other intangible assets is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Carrying |
|
|
Accumulated |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value |
|
|
Amortization |
|
|
Net |
|
|
|
January 30, 2007 |
|
Patents |
|
$ |
967 |
|
|
$ |
211 |
|
|
$ |
756 |
|
Proprietary know-how |
|
|
4,057 |
|
|
|
539 |
|
|
|
3,518 |
|
Licensing agreements |
|
|
140 |
|
|
|
83 |
|
|
|
57 |
|
Trademark |
|
|
5,923 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,923 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
11,087 |
|
|
$ |
833 |
|
|
$ |
10,254 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
July 31, 2006 |
|
Patents |
|
$ |
915 |
|
|
$ |
184 |
|
|
$ |
731 |
|
Proprietary know-how |
|
|
4,057 |
|
|
|
337 |
|
|
|
3,720 |
|
Licensing agreements |
|
|
140 |
|
|
|
51 |
|
|
|
89 |
|
Trademark |
|
|
5,923 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,923 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
11,035 |
|
|
$ |
572 |
|
|
$ |
10,463 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill of $10,660,000 is a result of the reverse merger transaction as described in Note 3
to the unaudited financial statements.
Estimated amortization expense on other intangibles for the remaining six months of fiscal
year ending July 31, 2007 and the next four years thereafter is as follows (dollars in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ending July 31: |
|
Amount |
|
2007 |
|
$ |
260 |
|
2008 |
|
|
358 |
|
2009 |
|
|
332 |
|
2010 |
|
|
305 |
|
2011 |
|
|
302 |
|
9
Amortization expense for the six months ended January 30, 2007 was $277,000.
Pledged assets; short and long-term debt (excluding revenue bonds payable)
Short-term debt as of January 30, 2007 and July 31, 2006 consisted of the following:
Revolving Credit Facilities: Under a revolving credit facility, the Company may borrow up to
$7.5 million with a graduated interest rate starting at LIBOR plus 2.25 percent and adjusting each
quarter based upon the Companys leverage ratio. Borrowings under this facility at January 30, 2007
and July 31, 2006 were $5.2 million and $2.6 million, respectively. Outstanding amounts are
collateralized by Synergetics receivables and inventory. This credit facility is scheduled to
expire on December 1, 2007. The facility has two financial covenants: a maximum leverage ratio of
3.75 times and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.1 times. As of January 30, 2007, the
Companys leverage ratio was 1.66 times and the minimum fixed charge coverage ratio was 1.49 times.
Equipment Line of Credit: Under this credit facility, Synergetics may borrow up to $1.0
million, with interest at the banks prime lending rate. Outstanding amounts are secured by the
purchased equipment. In October 2006, the Company signed a long-term loan agreement under one new
bank note in the principal amount of $919,000. The Company will make principal payments of $19,173
plus interest, on a monthly basis. The effective interest rate for this note is 8.25 percent. Final
payment is due on November 14, 2010. The equipment line of credit facility of $1.0 million was
also renewed as of this date and borrowings under the facility at July 31, 2006 were $689,000. The
entire amount of the facility is available at January 30, 2007. The facility expires on October
31, 2007.
Long-term debt as of January 30, 2007 and July 31, 2006 consisted of the following (dollars in
thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
January 30, |
|
|
July 31, |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
Note payable to bank, due in
monthly principal installments of
$1,139 plus interest at prime
rate plus 1% (an effective rate
of 8.25% as of January 30, 2007),
remaining balance due September
2007, collateralized by a second
deed of trust |
|
$ |
158 |
|
|
$ |
165 |
|
Note payable, due in monthly
installments of $509, including
interest at 4.9%, remaining
balance due May 2008,
collateralized by a vehicle |
|
|
6 |
|
|
|
9 |
|
Note payable to bank, due in
monthly principal installments of
$39,642 beginning November 2005
plus interest at a rate of 6.75%,
remaining balance due September
30, 2008, collateralized by
substantially all assets of the
Company |
|
|
793 |
|
|
|
1,031 |
|
Note payable to bank, due in
monthly installments of $19,173
beginning December 2006 plus
interest at a rate of 8.25%,
remaining balance due on November
14, 2010, collateralized by
substantially all assets of the
Company |
|
|
881 |
|
|
|
|
|
Note payable to the estate of the
late Dr. Leonard I. Malis, due in
quarterly installments of
$159,904 which includes interest
at an imputed rate of 6.00%,
remaining balance of $3,198,080,
including contractual interest
payments, due December 2011,
collateralized by the
Malis® trademark |
|
|
2,745 |
|
|
|
2,977 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,583 |
|
|
|
4,182 |
|
Less current maturities |
|
|
1,211 |
|
|
|
967 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term portion |
|
$ |
3,372 |
|
|
$ |
3,215 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note 7. Related Party Transactions
Notes receivable, officer-stockholder represents various loans made during and before 2001 to
a principal stockholder, director and officer of the Company. The notes bear interest at rates of
4.83 percent to 6.97 percent and are payable in either quarterly installments of $3,525 or annual
installments of $14,100 until the principal and accrued interest have been repaid. The notes are
collateralized by 5,833 shares of the Companys common stock. At January 30, 2007, notes
receivable, officer-stockholder totaled $7,111 and all amounts are current.
10
Note 8. Commitments and Contingencies
Also in conjunction with the reverse merger described in Note 3, the Company entered into
three-year employment agreements with its Chief Executive Officer, its Chief Operating Officer and
its Chief Scientific Officer. In the event any such executive officer is terminated without cause,
or if such executive officer resigns for good reason, such executive officer shall be entitled to
his base salary and health care benefits through the end of his employment agreement.
On October 19, 2005, IRIDEX Corporation (IRIDEX) filed suit in the United States District
Court, Eastern District of Missouri against the Company for patent infringement. This suit is
captioned IRIDEX Corporation v. Synergetics USA, Inc., Case No. 4:05CV1916CDP. On November 2,
2006, IRIDEX amended the complaint to add Synergetics. IRIDEX filed suit against the Company and
Synergetics for infringement of the IRIDEX Patent No. 5,085,492 entitled Optical Fiber with
Electrical Encoding (the 492 patent). IRIDEX alleges that Synergetics Quick Disconnect Laser
Probes and adapter infringe its patent. It seeks damages, including treble damages, and injunctive
relief. On November 10, 2006, the Defendants answered the amended complaint and asked the court to
declare that Synergetics products do not infringe the IRIDEX patent. In addition, Synergetics
countersued IRIDEX, alleging that it engaged in false advertising, commercial disparagement, trade
libel, injurious falsehood and unfair competition under the Federal Lanham Act and applicable
Missouri common law. The counterclaim also includes a count of defamation. These claims primarily
relate to alleged false or misleading statements and publications by IRIDEX and its representatives
with respect to Synergetics laser adapters and laser probes. More recently, Synergetics moved to
add claims that IRIDEX has engaged in violations of Section 2 of the Sherman Act and state law
abuse of process by brining a lawsuit that it knew lacked merit. A ruling on whether these claims
may be added to the present suit is pending.
On January 31, 2007, the Court ruled on some of the various summary judgment motions filed by
the parties. Specifically, the Court granted the Companys motion for summary judgment ruling that
it was not the alter ego of Synergetics and dismissing the Company from the litigation. The Court
also granted IRIDEXs motion for summary judgment holding that the doctrine of repair did not apply
in this case to limit damages. The Court denied both parties motions relating to whether IRIDEXs
claims were limited or barred by the equitable doctrine of laches and estoppel, finding that
material disputes of fact precluded a ruling at the summary judgment state. Instead, the Court
ruled that these issues must go to trial.
On February 27, 2007, the Court ruled on the parties infringement-related summary judgment
motions. In that order, the Court found that Synergetics adapter/BNC connector system infringed
some of the claims of the 492 patent and that IRIDEX was entitled to partial summary judgment.
The Court also found that Synergetics was entitled to partial summary judgment because other
asserted claims were not infringed and because its new connector system does not infringe the 492
patent either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents. Based on this ruling, Synergetics is
thus able to continue selling its laser probes for use on IRIDEX lasers. The Courts rulings on
the parties cross motions for summary judgment relating to patent validity or invalidity, and
IRIDEXs motion for summary judgment on Synergetics counterclaims relating to false advertising
and defamation remain pending.
The case is expected to come to trial in April 2007. In addition to laches and estoppel,
Synergetics intends to assert as a damage limiting defense to infringement via the old adapter/BNC
connector, a reasonable royalty rate damages calculation. Synergetics also intends to show that
any infringement of the 492 patent was not willful and should not result in augmented damages.
On January 10, 2006, Synergetics filed a suit in the United States District Court, Eastern
District of Pennsylvania against Innovatech and Peregrine for infringement of U.S. Patent No.
6,984,230, and on April 25, 2006 the Court permitted Synergetics to amend its complaint to add
IRIDEX as well. This suit is captioned Synergetics, Inc. v. Peregrine Surgical, Ltd., et al., Case
No. 2:06-cv-00107. The suit arises out of the Defendants sale, use and manufacture of a laser
probe that is alleged to infringe Synergetics patent. Synergetics seeks damages and injunctive
relief in this action. Innovatech and Peregrine have asserted by way of affirmative defenses or
counterclaims, inter alia, that they do not infringe the patent, that the patent in suit is
invalid, and that Synergetics engaged in inequitable conduct rendering the patent unenforceable.
Innovatech also counterclaims for alleged violations of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1125 and for
violation of the Sherman Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1 and § 2. Additionally, Innovatech added the Company as
a counterclaim defendant asserting that the Company is the alter ego of Synergetics and therefore
liable. The Company denies this contention and intends to move for dismissal from the action.
Moreover, Synergetics does not believe the patent is invalid, or that it engaged in inequitable
conduct or conduct that violated the Lanham Act or Sherman Act, and intends to vigorously prosecute
this litigation.
Various other claims, incidental to the ordinary course of business, are pending against the
Company. In the opinion of management, after consulting with legal counsel, resolution of these
matters is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the accompanying financial statements.
11
The Company is subject to regulatory requirements throughout the world. In the normal course
of business, these regulatory agencies may require companies in the medical industry to change
their products or operating procedures, which could affect the Company. The Company regularly
incurs expenses to comply with these regulations and may be required to incur additional expenses.
Management is not able to estimate any additional expenditure outside the normal course of
operations which will be incurred by the Company in future periods in order to comply with these
regulations.
Note 9. Segment Information
As described in Note 2, the Company has concluded that it currently operates in only one business
segment. In order to present information comparable with previously reported quarterly
information, the Company, for informational purposes, has presented the current year financial
information for its Synergetics and Synergetics East locations.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Synergetics |
|
|
|
|
Synergetics |
|
East |
|
Consolidated |
|
|
Three Months Ended January 30, 2007 |
Net sales |
|
$ |
9,646 |
|
|
$ |
1,707 |
|
|
$ |
11,353 |
|
Operating income |
|
|
(116 |
) |
|
|
298 |
|
|
|
182 |
|
Identifiable assets |
|
|
33,917 |
|
|
|
19,253 |
|
|
|
53,170 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months Ended January 30, 2006 |
Net sales |
|
$ |
7,664 |
|
|
$ |
2,204 |
|
|
$ |
9,868 |
|
Operating income |
|
|
898 |
|
|
|
558 |
|
|
|
1,456 |
|
Identifiable assets |
|
|
23,257 |
|
|
|
23,814 |
|
|
|
47,071 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Synergetics |
|
|
|
|
Synergetics |
|
East |
|
Consolidated |
|
|
Six Months Ended January 30, 2007 |
Net sales |
|
$ |
17,847 |
|
|
$ |
3,412 |
|
|
$ |
21,259 |
|
Operating income |
|
|
313 |
|
|
|
587 |
|
|
|
900 |
|
Identifiable assets |
|
|
33,917 |
|
|
|
19,253 |
|
|
|
53,170 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six Months Ended January 30, 2006 |
Net sales |
|
$ |
14,055 |
|
|
$ |
2,961 |
* |
|
$ |
17,016 |
|
Operating income |
|
|
1,554 |
|
|
|
663 |
* |
|
|
2,217 |
|
Identifiable assets |
|
|
23,257 |
|
|
|
23,814 |
* |
|
|
47,071 |
|
|
|
|
* |
|
For the period September 22, 2005 through January 30, 2006 |
12
Item 2 Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Section 21E of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), provide a safe harbor for forward-looking
statements made by or on behalf of the Company. The Company and its representatives may from time
to time make written or oral statements that are forward-looking, including statements contained
in this report and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and in our
reports to stockholders. In some cases forward-looking statements can be identified by words such
as believe, expect, anticipate, plan, potential, continue or similar expressions. Such
forward-looking statements include risks and uncertainties and there are important factors that
could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such
forward-looking statements. These factors, risks and uncertainties can be found in Part I, Item
1A, Risk Factors section of the Companys Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2006.
Although we believe the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are based
upon reasonable assumptions, it is not possible to foresee or identify all facts that could have a
material effect on the future financial performance of the Company. The forward-looking statements
in this report are made on the basis of managements assumptions and analyses, as of the time the
statements are made, in light of their experience and perception of historical conditions, expected
future developments and other factors believed to be appropriate under the circumstances.
In addition, certain market data and other statistical information used throughout this report
are based on independent industry publications. Although we believe these sources to be reliable,
we have not independently verified the information and cannot guarantee the accuracy and
completeness of such sources.
Except as otherwise required by the federal securities laws, we disclaim any obligation or
undertaking to publicly release any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained
in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q and the information incorporated by reference in this report
to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions
or circumstances on which any statement is based.
Overview
Synergetics USA, Inc. (Synergetics USA or Company) is a Delaware corporation incorporated
on June 2, 2005 in connection with the reverse merger of Synergetics, Inc. (Synergetics) and
Valley Forge Scientific Corp. (Valley Forge). Synergetics was founded in 1991. Valley Forge was
incorporated in 1980 and became a publicly-held company in November 1989. Prior to the merger of
Synergetics and Valley Forge, Valley Forges common stock was listed on The Nasdaq Small Cap Market
(now known as The Nasdaq Capital Market) and the Boston Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol
VLFG. On September 21, 2005, Synergetics Acquisition Corporation, a wholly-owned Missouri
subsidiary of Valley Forge, merged with and into Synergetics, and Synergetics thereby became a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Valley Forge. On September 22, 2005, Valley Forge reincorporated from a
Pennsylvania corporation to a Delaware corporation and changed its name to Synergetics USA, Inc.
Upon consummation of the merger, the Companys securities began trading on The Nasdaq Capital
Market under the ticker symbol SURG, and its shares were voluntarily delisted from the Boston
Stock Exchange.
The Company designs, manufactures and markets precision-engineered, microsurgical instruments,
capital equipment and devices primarily for use in vitreoretinal surgery and neurosurgical
applications. Its products are designed and manufactured to support micro or minimally invasive
surgical procedures. In addition, it also designs and manufactures disposable and non-disposable
supplies and accessories for use with these products. Prior to the merger, Synergetics operated on
a fiscal year ending July 31 and Valley Forge operated on a fiscal year ending September 30. The
Company has adopted Synergetics fiscal year end.
Revenues from our ophthalmic products constituted 52.8 percent and 59.4 percent of our total
revenues for the six months ended January 30, 2007 and for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2006,
respectively. Revenues from our neurosurgical products represented
37.4 percent and 33.6 percent for
the six months ended January 30, 2007 and for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2006, respectively.
In addition, other revenue from our pain control management, dental and ear, nose and throat
(ENT) products was 9.8 percent and 7.0 percent of our total revenues for the six months ended
January 30, 2007 and for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2006, respectively. We expect that the
relative revenue contribution of our neurosurgical products will continue to rise in 2007 as a
result of our continued efforts to expand our neurosurgical product line. International revenues
of $4.4 million constituted 20.1 percent of our total revenues for the six months ended January 30,
2007. International revenues of $3.6 million constituted 21.4 percent of our total revenues for
13
the six months ended January 30, 2006. We expect that the relative revenue contribution of
our international sales will rise in 2007 as a result of our continued efforts to expand our
international distribution and our expanded neurosurgical product offerings including the
Omni® ultrasonic aspirator and the Malis® AdvantageTM.
On October 12, 2006, the Company announced that it had begun to ship the Malis®
AdvantageTM units. The Company successfully completed electromagnetic compatibility and
safety testing required to sell the units in the United States and the European Union. On January
11, 2007, the Company announced that it had completed its first sale of the Omni®
ultrasonic aspirator for use exclusively in spinal surgeries. On February 8, 2007, the Company
successfully completed electromagnetic compatibility and safety testing required to sell the
PhotonTM II in the United States.
The Company is currently the exclusive distributor of the Omni® ultrasonic
aspirator used for tumor removal, bone removal and resection. Until December 1, 2005, our exclusive
distribution territory consisted of the United States and Canada. Beginning December 1, 2005, in
addition to the territories of the United States and Canada, we also have exclusive distribution
rights to the territories of Australia and New Zealand, most of Europe with the exception of Spain
and Portugal, Latin America and the northern part of South America. During the second quarter of
2006, the manufacturer of the Omni®s regulatory auditors recommended that its CE mark
(Conformity European which is a means to demonstrate compliance with a series of medical device
directives in the European countries) be extended to the Omni®. Therefore, the
Company has the ability to market the Omni® and accessories in the European Union and
other countries that accept the CE certification. In addition to our efforts to expand the
installed base of Omni® units, we are working to expand our disposables and follow-on
product offerings. Working jointly with leading neurosurgeons, we have developed, are in the
process of obtaining patents for and are manufacturing, proprietary disposable ultrasonic tips and
tubing sets for use with the Omni® ultrasonic aspirator. We expect these new offerings
will expand and enhance the Omni® product category.
We anticipate that the Company is strategically positioned for future growth of our
neurosurgical product line, and we expect that the relative revenue contribution of our
neurosurgical products will increase in fiscal 2007.
New Product Sales
The Companys business strategy has been, and is expected to continue to be, the development
and marketing of new technologies for the ophthalmic surgery and neurosurgery markets. New
products, which management defines as products introduced within the prior 24-month period,
accounted for approximately 10.2 percent of total sales for the Company on a consolidated basis for
the six months ended January 30, 2007, approximately $2.2 million. For the six months ended January
30, 2006, new products accounted for approximately 23.6 percent of total net sales for the Company,
or approximately $4.0 million. Our past revenue growth has been closely aligned with the adoption
by surgeons of new technologies introduced by the Company. Since August 1, 2006, the Company has
introduced 41 new products to the ophthalmic and neurosurgery markets. We expect adoption rates for
the Companys new products in the future to have a similar effect on its operating performance.
Growth in Minimally Invasive Surgery Procedures
Minimally invasive surgery is surgery performed without making a major incision or opening.
Minimally invasive surgery generally results in increased savings to the health care system, less
trauma for the patient, less likelihood of complications related to the incision and a shorter
recovery time. A growing number of surgical procedures are performed using minimally invasive
techniques, creating a multi-million dollar market for the specialized devices used in the
procedures. The Company has benefited from the overall growth in this market and expects to
continue to benefit as it introduces additional new and improved technologies targeting this
market, such as its 23 and 25 gauge instrumentation and PhotonTM II gas-arc light source
for the ophthalmic surgical market and our new electrosurgical generator, the Malis®
AdvantageTM.
Demand Trends
Volume and mix improvements contributed to the majority of the sales growth for the Company.
Ophthalmic and neurosurgical procedures volume on a global basis continues to grow at an estimated
5 percent growth rate driven by an aging global population, new technologies, advances in surgical
techniques and a growing global market resulting from ongoing improvements in healthcare delivery
in third world countries, among other factors. In addition, the demand for high quality products
and new technologies, such as the Companys innovative instruments and disposables, to support
growth in procedures volume continues to positively impact the Companys sales growth. The Company
believes innovative surgical approaches will continue to significantly impact the ophthalmic and
neurosurgery market.
14
Pricing Trends
Through its strategy of delivering new and higher quality technologies, the Company has been
generally able to maintain the average selling prices for its products in the face of downward
pricing pressure in the healthcare industry.
Competition in the medical device markets and governmental healthcare cost containment
efforts, particularly in the United States, have negatively impacted the prices medical device
manufacturers received for their products. The Company should be less impacted by this negative
pressure than other manufacturers in the industry because its products are primarily used for
non-discretionary, life or eyesight threatening procedures.
Results Overview
During the fiscal quarter ended January 30, 2007, we had net sales of $11.4 million, which
generated $6.4 million in gross profit, operating income of $182,000 and net income of $182,000, or
$0.01 earnings per share. During the three months ended January 30, 2006, we had net sales of $9.9
million, which generated $6.1 million in gross profit, operating income of $1.5 million and net
income of $858,000, or $0.04 earnings per share. During the six months ended January 30, 2007, we
had net sales of $21.3 million, which generated $12.6 million in gross profit, operating income of
$900,000 and net income of $558,000, or $0.02 earnings per share. During the six months ended
January 30, 2006, we had net sales of $17.0 million, which generated $11.0 million in gross
profit, operating income of $2.2 million and net income of $1.3 million, or $0.08 per share. The
financial results of Valley Forge and the shares issued in the reverse merger have only been
included from the day following the date of the consummation of the merger through the end of the
six months ended January 30, 2006. The Company had $636,000 in cash and $14.1 million in
interest-bearing debt and revenue bonds as of January 30, 2007. For the six months ended January
30, 2007, we used $1.8 million in cash to fund operations and $271,000 in investment activities,
partially offset by $2.2 million provided by financing activities. We anticipate that cash flows
from operations, together with available borrowings under our existing credit facilities, will be
sufficient to meet our working capital, capital expenditure and debt service needs for the next
twelve months. If investment opportunities arise, the Company believes that its earnings, balance
sheet and cash flows will allow it to obtain additional capital, if necessary.
Our Business Strategy
Our goal is to become a global leader in the development, manufacture and marketing of
precision-engineered, microsurgical instruments, capital equipment and devices for use in
vitreoretinal surgery and neurosurgical applications and to grow our product lines in other
specialty surgical markets. We are taking the following steps toward achieving our goal:
|
|
Introducing new technology that can be easily differentiated from our competition; |
|
|
|
Identifying microsurgical niches that may offer the prospect for substantial growth and higher profit margins; |
|
|
|
Accelerating our international (including Canada) growth; |
|
|
|
Utilizing the breadth and depth of knowledge, experience and resources in our research and development department; |
|
|
|
Branding and marketing a substantial portion of our neurosurgical products with the Malis® trademark; |
|
|
|
Continuing to develop our distribution channels including the expansion of its domestic
ophthalmic sales force and development of an international direct ophthalmic sales force; |
|
|
|
Continuing to grow our disposables revenue stream; |
|
|
|
Introducing the Malis® AdvantageTM, the newest multifunctional bipolar electrosurgical generator, into neurosurgery; |
|
|
|
Expanding the Malis® AdvantageTM, into other surgical markets; |
|
|
|
Expanding the use of the Omni®, our ultrasonic aspirator, into other surgical
markets, such as spinal surgery and the ENT markets; and |
15
|
|
Exploring opportunities for growth through strategic partnering with other companies, such as
our current relationships with Codman & Shurtleff, Inc. (Codman), an affiliate of Johnson &
Johnson, Stryker Corporation (Stryker) and Quantel Medical of France (Quantel). |
Results of Operations
Three Month Period Ended January 30, 2007 Compared to Three Month Period Ended January 30, 2006
Net Sales
The following table presents net sales by category (dollars in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarter Ended January 30 |
|
|
% Increase |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
(Decrease) |
|
Ophthalmic |
|
$ |
5,958 |
|
|
$ |
5,805 |
|
|
|
2.6 |
% |
Neurosurgery |
|
|
4,357 |
|
|
|
3,156 |
|
|
|
38.1 |
% |
Other |
|
|
1,038 |
|
|
|
907 |
|
|
|
14.4 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
11,353 |
|
|
$ |
9,868 |
|
|
|
15.0 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ophthalmic sales growth was 2.6 percent from the second quarter of fiscal 2006. Although
sales in most areas grew effectively, the recovery from the disruption of distribution in a major
European market continued to have an impact during the quarter as domestic sales grew 5.7 percent
while international sales fell 2.8 percent. The recent restructuring of the domestic sales
organization is almost complete, although there are still a few open territories and the Company
continues to train its new territory managers.
Neurosurgery
net sales during the second fiscal quarter of 2007 were 38.1 percent greater than
the second quarter of fiscal 2006, primarily attributable to the sales in the core technology area
of power ultrasonic aspirators, the Malis® AdvantageTM and their related
disposables. The Company expects that sales of these products will continue to have a positive
impact on net sales for the remainder of fiscal 2007.
Other net sales during the second fiscal quarter of 2007 were 14.4 percent greater in the
second fiscal quarter of 2006, primarily attributable sales to Stryker in the pain control market
and sales of the BiDentTM electrosurgical generator and its related disposables in the
dental market.
The following table presents national and international net sales (dollars in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Quarter Ended January 30 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
% Increase |
|
United States |
|
$ |
8,856 |
|
|
$ |
7,768 |
|
|
|
14.0 |
% |
International (including Canada) |
|
|
2,497 |
|
|
|
2,100 |
|
|
|
18.9 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
11,353 |
|
|
$ |
9,868 |
|
|
|
15.0 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Domestic and international sales growth was primarily attributable to the sales in the core
technology areas of power ultrasonic aspirators, the Malis® AdvantageTM and
their related disposables. The Omni® power ultrasonic aspirator received the CE
(Conformity European) mark during the second quarter of fiscal 2006, thus allowing the Company to
begin selling these medical devices into European countries that require the CE mark registration.
Gross Profit
Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 56.2 percent in the second quarter of fiscal
2007 compared to 62.2 percent for the same period in fiscal 2006. Gross profit as a percentage of
net sales from the second quarter of fiscal 2007 to the second quarter of fiscal 2006 decreased six
percentage points, primarily due to the change in mix toward higher Synergetics neurosurgery sales
and additional costs experienced in manufacturing some of The Companys new and yet to be
introduced products and product redesigns. The Company anticipates that our margins will improve
as experience is gained in manufacturing recently added products and product redesigns since
initial production runs for new products typically involve a learning curve.
16
Operating Expenses
Research and development (R&D) as a percentage of net sales was 5.6 percent and 4.2 percent
for the second quarter of fiscal 2007 and 2006, respectively. R&D costs increased to $640,000 in
the second quarter of fiscal 2007 from $417,000 in the same period in fiscal 2006, reflecting an
increase in costs associated with new products and an increase in spending on active, new product
projects focused on areas of strategic significance. Synergetics pipeline included approximately
72 active, major projects in various stages of completion as of January 30, 2007. The Company has
strategically targeted R&D spending as a percentage of net sales to be consistent with what
management believes to be an average range for the industry. The Company expects over the next few
years to invest in R&D at a rate ranging from approximately 4.0 percent to 6.0 percent of net
sales.
SG&A increased by $1.3 million to approximately $5.6 million during the second quarter of
fiscal 2007 compared to approximately $4.3 million during the second quarter of fiscal 2006. The
percentage of SG&A to net sales increased from 43.2 percent for the second quarter of fiscal 2006
to 48.9 percent for the second quarter of fiscal 2007. Selling expenses, which consist of
salaries, commissions and royalties, the largest component of SG&A, increased approximately
$473,000 to $2.6 million, or 23.3 percent of net sales, for the second quarter of fiscal 2007,
compared to $2.2 million, or 22.0 percent of net sales, for the second quarter of fiscal 2006.
This increase was not only due to increased royalties on a higher level of sales but was also due
to an investment Synergetics made in its ophthalmic sales force as it continues to expand both
domestic and international distribution. Selling headcount increased by 29.5 percent from January
30, 2006 to January 30, 2007. General and administrative headcount increased approximately 26.7
percent over that same timeframe, which resulted in an increase in general salaries and benefits of
approximately $202,000 in the second quarter of fiscal 2007, compared to the second quarter of
fiscal 2006. The Company also recorded compensation expense of $119,000 on options granted to
independent directors during the second fiscal quarter of 2007 in accordance with Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (Revised 2004), Share-Based Payment. Options granted in
fiscal 2006 were recorded in the first quarter of that fiscal year as the options were granted on
September 22, 2005, or the day following the consummation of the Companys merger with Valley Forge
Scientific Corp. The Companys legal expenses increased by $197,000 during the second quarter of
fiscal 2007 compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2006. In addition to the internal costs
associated with the Companys Sarbanes-Oxley compliance efforts, the Company also recorded an
additional amount of approximately $111,000 in consulting expense.
Other Expenses
Other expenses for the second quarter of fiscal 2007 increased 55.8 percent to $243,000 from
$156,000 for the second quarter of fiscal 2006. The increase was due primarily to increased
interest expense on a note payable to the estate of Dr. Leonard Malis and increased borrowings on
the Companys working capital line due to working capital needs during the first quarter of fiscal
2007.
Operating Income, Income Taxes and Net Income
Operating loss for the second quarter of fiscal 2007 was $61,000 as compared to an operating
profit of $1.3 million in the comparable 2006 fiscal period. The decrease in operating income was
primarily the result of a six percentage point decrease in gross profit margin on 15.0 percent more
net sales, an increase of $223,000 in research and development costs and an increase of $1.3
million in SG&A expenses.
The Company recorded a $23,000 provision on a pre-tax loss of $61,000 due to the state tax
impact on a small pre-tax loss in the second fiscal quarter of 2007, compared to a 34.0 percent
tax provision for the second fiscal quarter of 2006. In addition, the Company recorded an income
tax credit for the re-enactment of a research and experimentation credit of $266,000 during the
second quarter. The impact of this credit was due to the continuation of the research and
experimentation credit in January, 2007 which had not been recorded during fiscal 2006 or the first
quarter of fiscal 2007.
Net income decreased by $676,000 to $182,000, or 78.8 percent, from $858,000 for the second
quarter of fiscal 2007, compared to the same period in fiscal 2006. Basic and diluted earnings per
share for the second quarter of fiscal 2007 decreased to $0.01 from $0.04 for the second quarter of
fiscal 2006. Basic weighted average shares outstanding increased from 23,934,251 to 24,214,322.
Six Month Period Ended January 30, 2007 Compared to Six Month Period Ended January 30, 2006
The merger of Synergetics and Valley Forge was accounted for as a reverse merger, and as such,
the Company is reporting the financial results of Synergetics as the accounting acquiror in the
merger, together with the financial results of Valley Forge for the period September 22, 2005
through January 30, 2006. As a result, managements discussion and analysis of financial condition
and
17
results of operations for the periods set forth below reflects the effect of the combination
of Synergetics and Valley Forge (now Synergetics East), which was consummated on September 21,
2005.
Net Sales
The following table presents net sales by category (dollars in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six Months Ended January 30 |
|
|
% Increase |
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
(Decrease) |
|
Ophthalmic |
|
$ |
11,229 |
|
|
$ |
11,176 |
|
|
|
0.5 |
% |
Neurosurgery |
|
|
8,108 |
|
|
|
4,597 |
|
|
|
72.0 |
% |
Other |
|
|
1,922 |
|
|
|
1,243 |
|
|
|
54.6 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
21,259 |
|
|
$ |
17,016 |
|
|
|
24.9 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ophthalmic sales growth was 0.5 percent from the first six months of fiscal 2006. The recovery
from the disruption of distribution in a major European market continued to have an impact during
the six months ended January 30, 2007 as domestic sales grew 3.1 percent while international sales
fell 5.1 percent. The domestic sales organizations recent restructuring is almost complete,
although there are still a few open territories and we continue to train our new territory
managers.
When comparing neurosurgery net sales of Synergetics during the first six months of fiscal
2007 to the first six months of fiscal 2006, 2007 sales are 111.3 percent greater than 2006 sales,
primarily attributable to the sales in the core technology area of power ultrasonic aspirators, the
Malis® AdvantageTM and their related disposables. We expect that sales of
these products will continue to have a positive impact on net sales for the remainder of fiscal
2007.
When comparing other net sales during the first six months of fiscal 2007 to the first six
months of 2006, 2007 sales are 54.6 percent greater than 2006 sales, primarily attributable to a
full six months of sales as compared to the comparable period of last year which was for the period
September 22, 2005 through January 30, 2006 and the sales to Stryker in the pain control market and
sales of the BiDentTM electrosurgical generator and its related disposables in the
dental market.
The following table presents national and international net sales (dollars in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six Months Ended January 30 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
2007 |
|
|
2006 |
|
|
% Increase |
|
United States |
|
$ |
16,893 |
|
|
$ |
13,376 |
|
|
|
26.3 |
% |
International (including Canada) |
|
|
4,366 |
|
|
|
3,640 |
|
|
|
19.9 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$ |
21,259 |
|
|
$ |
17,016 |
|
|
|
24.9 |
% |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Domestic and international sales growth were primarily attributable to the sales in the core
technology areas of power ultrasonic aspirators, the Malis® AdvantageTM and
their related disposables. The Omni® power ultrasonic aspirator received the CE mark
during the second quarter of fiscal 2006, thus allowing the Company to begin selling these medical
devices internationally in countries that accept the CE mark.
Gross Profit
Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 59.2 percent in the first six months of fiscal
2007 compared to 64.5 percent for the same period in fiscal 2006. Gross profit as a percentage of
net sales from the first six months of fiscal 2007 compared to the first six months of fiscal 2006
decreased approximately five percentage points, primarily due to the change in mix toward
Synergetics neurosurgery sales and additional start-up costs experienced in manufacturing some of
our new products and yet to be introduced products. We anticipate that our margins will improve as
we gain experience in manufacturing our recently added products.
Operating Expenses
Research and development (R&D) as a percentage of net sales was 5.6 percent and 4.1 percent
for the first six months of fiscal 2007 and 2006, respectively. R&D costs increased to $1.2 million
in the first six months of fiscal 2007 from $694,000 in the same period in fiscal 2006, reflecting
an increase in costs associated with new products and an increase in spending on active, new
product projects focused on areas of strategic significance. The Company has strategically targeted
R&D spending as a percentage of net sales
18
to be consistent with what management believes to be an average range for the industry. The
Company expects over the next few years to invest in R&D at a rate ranging from approximately 4.0
percent to 6.0 percent of net sales.
Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) increased by $2,430,000 to $10,493,000
during the first six months of fiscal 2007 as compared to $8,063,000 during the first six months of
fiscal 2006. The percentage of SG&A to net sales increased from 47.4 percent for the first six
months of fiscal 2006 to 49.4 percent for the first six months of fiscal 2007. Selling expenses,
which consist of salaries, commissions and royalties, the largest component of SG&A, increased
approximately $666,000 to $5.0 million, or 23.5 percent of net sales, for the first six months of
fiscal 2007, compared to $4.3 million, or 25.5 percent of net sales, for the first six months of
fiscal 2006. This increase was not only due to increased royalties on an increasing amount of
sales but was also due to an investment we have made in our ophthalmic sales force as we continue
to expand both domestic and international distribution. Selling headcount increased by 29.5
percent from January 30, 2006 to January 30, 2007. General and administrative headcount increased
approximately 26.7 percent over that same timeframe, which resulted in an increase in general
salaries and benefits of approximately $122,000 in the first six months of fiscal 2007, as compared
to the second quarter of fiscal 2006. The Companys legal expenses increased by $331,000 during the
first six months of fiscal 2007 as compared to the first six months of fiscal 2006. In addition to
the internal costs associated with the Companys Sarbanes-Oxley compliance efforts, the Company
also recorded an additional amount of approximately $291,000 in consulting expense. The increase
was also impacted by approximately $650,000 of SG&A for the former Valley Forge for the first six
months of fiscal 2007.
Other Expenses
Other expenses for the first six months of fiscal 2007 increased 121.7 percent to $399,000
from $180,000 for the first six months of fiscal 2006. The increase was due primarily to increased
interest expense on the note payable to the estate of Dr. Leonard Malis and increased borrowings on
the working capital line due to working capital needs during the first quarter of fiscal 2007.
Operating Income, Income Taxes and Net Income
Operating income for the first six months of fiscal 2007 decreased approximately 59.4 percent
to $900,000 from $2.2 million in the comparable 2006 fiscal period. The decrease in operating
income was primarily the result of a five percentage point decrease in gross profit margin on 24.9
percent more net sales, an increase of $494,000 in research and development costs and an increase
of $2.4 million in selling, general and administrative expenses.
Synergetics effective tax rate was 41.7 percent for the first six months of 2007, as
compared to 34.0 percent for the first six months of 2006. The increase was due to the 34.0
percent including the credit for the research and experimentation credit last year while a portion
of that was included in the provision for re-enactment of the research and experimentation credit.
If we had included the $110,000 of estimated research and experimentation credit for the six months
ended January 30, 2007, the effective tax rate would have been 19.8 percent. This pro-forma
effective rate decrease was due to less taxable income causing the Companys manufacturing credit
to be a greater percentage deduction from taxable income. In addition, the Company recorded an
income tax credit for the re-enactment of the research and experimentation credit of $266,000
during the second quarter. The impact of this credit was due to the continuation of the research
and experimentation credit in January, 2007 which had not been recorded during fiscal 2006 or the
first quarter of fiscal 2007.
Net income decreased by $786,000 to $558,000, or 58.5 percent, from $1.3 million for the first
six months of fiscal 2007, as compared to the same 2006 period. Basic and diluted earnings per
share for the first six months of fiscal 2007 decreased to $0.02, from $0.08 for the first six
months of fiscal 2006. The decrease in earnings per share was also the result of issuing 15,960,648
shares in the merger of Synergetics and Valley Forge in the first quarter of fiscal 2006. These
shares were counted as outstanding for the full 126 business days during the first six months of
2007. Basic weighted average shares outstanding increased from 17,196,651 to 24,212,531.
19
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company had $636,000 in cash and total interest-bearing debt and revenue bonds payable of
$14.1 million as of January 30, 2007.
Working capital, including the management of inventory and accounts receivable, is a key
management focus. At January 30, 2007, the Company had 61 days of sales outstanding (DSO) for the
three month period ending January 30, 2007 (annualized in accounts receivable), unfavorable to July
31, 2006 by three days. The Company utilized the three month period to calculate DSO as it included
the current growth in sales. The increase in DSO is due to the increasing international sales by
18.9 percent.
At January 30, 2007, the Company had 263 days sales in inventory on hand, comparable to July
31, 2006. The 263 days sales in inventory on hand at January 30, 2007 is within the Companys
anticipated levels of 250 to 275 days sales. The Company utilized the three month period to
calculate inventory on hand as it included the current growth in cost of goods sold. Management
believes it needs to keep adding new products into inventory in amounts necessary to support future
sales growth.
Cash flows used in operating activities were $1,830,000 for the six months ended January 30,
2007, compared to cash flows used in operating activities of $1,038,000 for the comparable fiscal
2006 period. The increase in cash used of $792,000 was attributable to net usage increase
applicable to accounts payable and accrued expenses of $2,164,000. This net usage was to pay down
accounts payable and accrued expenses utilized to support the prior quarters inventories build-up.
Such increases were supplemented by cash provided by lower net income of approximately $786,000
and other net working capital and other adjustment components of approximately $212,000 for the
first six months of fiscal 2007. These usages of cash were partially offset by net sources from
accounts receivable of $1,235,000, inventories of $1,135,000 for the first six months of fiscal
2007. The Company has been utilizing cash from operations at a decreasing rate and expects this
trend to continue.
Cash flows used in investing activities was $271,000 for the six months ended January 30,
2007, compared to cash used in investing activities of $838,000 for the comparable fiscal 2006
period. During the six months ended January 30, 2007, the Company paid $177,000 in cash for the
acquisition of patents, compared to $61,000 for the comparable 2006 period. Cash additions to
property and equipment during the six months ended January 30, 2006 were $157,000, compared to
$2,282,000 for the first six months of fiscal 2006. Increases in cash additions in fiscal 2006 to
property and equipment were primarily to support sales growth and new product launches and the
facility expansion at the Companys manufacturing facility in OFallon, Missouri. Cash acquired
through the reverse merger with Valley Forge was $2,024,000 before merger related expenses in
fiscal 2006. In addition, the Company sold $50,000 in trading security during the six months ended
January 30, 2006 and the Company paid acquisition costs in connection with such reverse merger of
$515,000 during the six months ended January 30, 2006. Other net sources of cash provided by
investing activities was $13,000.
Cash flows provided by financing activities were $2,180,000 for the six months ended January
30, 2007, compared to cash provided by financing activities of $609,000 for the six months ended
January 30, 2007. The increase of $1,571,000 was applicable primarily to net increased borrowings
on the lines-of-credit of $1,516,000, a decrease in principal payments on long-term debt of
$628,000 and lower quarterly principal payments of $38,000 on the note payable to the estate of the
late Dr. Leonard I. Malis for the acquisition of the Malis® trademark during first six
months of fiscal 2007. These increases were offset by lower proceeds from long-term debt of
$508,000 and a $103,000 change in proceeds from the exercise of stock options during first six
months of fiscal 2007.
The Company had the following committed financing arrangements as of January 30, 2007:
Revolving Credit Facility: Under the Companys revolving credit facility, the Company could
borrow up to $7.5 million at a graduated interest rate starting at LIBOR plus 2.25 percent and
adjusting each quarter based upon our leverage ratio. Borrowings under this facility at January 30,
2007 were $5.2 million. Outstanding amounts are collateralized by Synergetics receivables and
inventory. This credit facility expires on December 1, 2007. The facility has two financial
covenants: a maximum leverage ratio of 3.75 times and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.1
times.
Equipment Line of Credit: Under this credit facility, Synergetics may borrow up to $1.0
million, at an interest rate of the lenders prime lending rate. Outstanding amounts are secured
by the equipment purchased under this line. The effective interest rate for this note is 8.25
percent. Borrowings under this facility at July 31, 2006 were $689,000. Subsequent to the end of
the first quarter of fiscal 2007, the amount of the equipment line of credit was transferred to a
long-term note payable. Starting in December 2006, the Company will make principal payments of
approximately $20,000 plus accrued interest for the next 48 months. In addition, the line
20
of credit was renewed at $1.0 million and will expire October 31, 2007. The entire amount of
the facility is available at January 30, 2007.
Management believes that cash flows from operations, together with available borrowing under
its existing credit facilities will be sufficient to meet the Companys working capital, capital
expenditure and debt service needs for the next twelve months. If investment opportunities arise,
the Company believes that its earnings, balance sheet and cash flows will allow it to obtain
additional capital, if necessary.
Critical Accounting Policies
The Companys significant accounting policies which require managements judgment are
disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2006. In the first six
months of fiscal 2007, there were no changes to the significant accounting policies.
Item 3 Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
The Companys primary market risks include fluctuations in interest rates and exchange rate
variability.
At January 30, 2007, the Company had a revolving credit facility and an equipment line of
credit facility in place. The Companys revolving credit facility had an outstanding balance of
$5.2 million at January 30, 2007 and its equipment line of credit facility had no outstanding
balance of at January 30, 2007. The equipment line of credit facility bears interest at the banks
prime lending rate. The revolving credit facility bears interest at LIBOR plus 2.25 percent
adjusting each quarter based upon the Companys leverage ratio. Interest expense from these credit
facilities is subject to market risk in the form of fluctuations in interest rates. Assuming the
current levels of borrowings at variable rates and a two-percentage-point increase in the average
interest rate on these borrowings, it is estimated that our interest expense will increase by
approximately $105,000 for fiscal year ending July 31, 2007. The Company does not perform any
interest rate hedging activities related to its credit facilities.
Additionally, the Company has exposure to foreign currency fluctuation through export sales to
international accounts. As only approximately 5 percent of our sales revenue is denominated in
foreign currencies, we estimate that a change in the relative strength of the U.S. dollar to
foreign currencies would not have a material impact on the Companys results of operations. The
Company does not conduct any hedging activities related to foreign currency.
Item 4 Controls and Procedures
We have evaluated, under the supervision and with the participation of our management,
including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the
Companys disclosure controls and procedures as of January 30, 2007. Based on this evaluation, our
Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the disclosure controls
and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level as of January 30, 2007, to ensure
that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or
submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (a) is recorded, processed,
summarized and reported within the time period specified in the SECs rules and forms and (b) is
accumulated and communicated to the Companys management, including its principal executive and
principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required
disclosure.
Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable
assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and preparation of financial statements
for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A material
weakness is a deficiency in an internal control that results in more than a remote likelihood that
a material misstatement of the annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or
detected. All internal controls systems, no matter how well-designed, have inherent limitations.
Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with
respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.
During the six months ended January 30, 2007, there was no change in the Companys internal control
over financial reporting that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially
affect, the Companys internal control over financial reporting.
21
Part II Other Information
Item 1 Legal Proceedings
On February 11, 2004, Synergetics, the Companys wholly-owned subsidiary, filed an action
against two ex-employees, in which Synergetics alleged that the Defendants, among other things,
misappropriated trade secrets, intentionally interfered with Synergetics business relationships,
and breached confidentiality contracts. Synergetics subsequently amended the complaint to add
claims of fraud and breach of fiduciary duty. The suit was brought in the United States District
Court, Eastern District of Missouri and was captioned Synergetics, Inc. v. Charles Richard Hurst,
Jr. and Michael McGowan, Case No. 4:04-CV-318DDN. On August 10, 2005, Defendants answered and
filed counterclaims alleging tortious interference with business relationships and seeking a
declaration that Defendants had not misappropriated any confidential information or trade secrets
of Synergetics. After the Court transferred Defendants counterclaim for tortious interference to
New Jersey (where it was subsequently dismissed by Defendants), trial began on September 12, 2005,
and on September 20, 2005 the jury returned a verdict in favor of Synergetics. On December 9,
2005, the Court, consistent with the jurys findings, entered the judgment awarding Synergetics
$1,759,165 in compensatory damages against Defendants, and $293,194 in punitive damages against
Hurst and $293,194 in punitive damages against McGowan. The Court also granted Synergetics certain
injunctive relief against Defendants and awarded costs from the litigation in the amount of
$22,264. On January 9, 2006, Defendants filed a notice of appeal and on February 5, 2007, the
Eight Circuit Court of Appeals rejected their contention and affirmed the judgment in all respects.
Synergetics has ongoing collection efforts against the Defendants. On December 8, 2006,
Defendants moved to vacate the judgment asserting that the judgment was obtained through the
misconduct of witness tampering. A hearing on this motion is scheduled for June 11, 2007.
Synergetics denies that it committed any misconduct and intends to vigorously defend against the
allegations.
On October 19, 2005, IRIDEX Corporation (IRIDEX) filed suit in the United States District
Court, Eastern District of Missouri against the Company for patent infringement. This suit is
captioned IRIDEX Corporation v. Synergetics USA, Inc., Case No. 4:05CV1916CDP. On November 2,
2006, IRIDEX amended the complaint to add Synergetics. IRIDEX filed suit against the Company and
Synergetics for infringement of the IRIDEX Patent No. 5,085,492 entitled Optical Fiber with
Electrical Encoding (the 492 patent). IRIDEX alleges that Synergetics Quick Disconnect Laser
Probes and adapter infringe its patent. It seeks damages, including treble damages, and injunctive
relief. On November 10, 2006, the Defendants answered the amended complaint and asked the court to
declare that Synergetics products do not infringe the IRIDEX patent. In addition, Synergetics
countersued IRIDEX, alleging that it engaged in false advertising, commercial disparagement, trade
libel, injurious falsehood and unfair competition under the Federal Lanham Act and applicable
Missouri common law. The counterclaim also includes a count of defamation. These claims primarily
relate to alleged false or misleading statements and publications by IRIDEX and its representatives
with respect to Synergetics laser adapters and laser probes. More recently, Synergetics moved to
add claims that IRIDEX has engaged in violations of Section 2 of the Sherman Act and state law
abuse of process by brining a lawsuit that it knew lacked merit. A ruling on whether these claims
may be added to the present suit is pending.
On January 31, 2007, the Court ruled on some of the various summary judgment motions filed by
the parties. Specifically, the Court granted the Companys motion for summary judgment ruling that
it was not the alter ego of Synergetics and dismissing the Company from the litigation. The Court
also granted IRIDEXs motion for summary judgment holding that the doctrine of repair did not apply
in this case to limit damages. The Court denied both parties motions relating to whether IRIDEXs
claims were limited or barred by the equitable doctrine of laches and estoppel, finding that
material disputes of fact precluded a ruling at the summary judgment state. Instead, the Court
ruled that these issues must go to trial.
On February 27, 2007, the Court ruled on the parties infringement-related summary judgment
motions. In that order, the Court found that Synergetics adapter/BNC connector system infringed
some of the claims of the 492 patent and that IRIDEX was entitled to partial summary judgment.
The Court also found that Synergetics was entitled to partial summary judgment because other
asserted claims were not infringed and because its new connector system does not infringe the 492
patent either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents. Based on this ruling, Synergetics is
thus able to continue selling its laser probes for use on IRIDEX lasers. The Courts rulings on
the parties cross motions for summary judgment relating to patent validity or invalidity, and
IRIDEXs motion for summary judgment on Synergetics counterclaims relating to false advertising
and defamation remain pending.
The case is expected to come to trial in April 2007. In addition to laches and estoppel,
Synergetics intends to assert as a damage limiting defense to infringement via the old adapter/BNC
connector, a reasonable royalty rate damages calculation. Synergetics also intends to show that
any infringement of the 492 patent was not willful and should not result in augmented damages.
22
On January 10, 2006, Synergetics filed a suit in the United States District Court, Eastern
District of Pennsylvania against Innovatech and Peregrine for infringement of U.S. Patent No.
6,984,230, and on April 25, 2006 the Court permitted Synergetics to amend its complaint to add
IRIDEX as well. This suit is captioned Synergetics, Inc. v. Peregrine Surgical, Ltd., et al., Case
No. 2:06-cv-00107. The suit arises out of the Defendants sale, use and manufacture of a laser
probe that is alleged to infringe Synergetics patent. Synergetics seeks damages and injunctive
relief in this action. Innovatech and Peregrine have asserted by way of affirmative defenses or
counterclaims, inter alia, that they do not infringe the patent, that the patent in suit is
invalid, and that Synergetics engaged in inequitable conduct rendering the patent unenforceable.
Innovatech also counterclaims for alleged violations of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1125 and for
violation of the Sherman Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1 and § 2. Additionally, Innovatech added the Company as
a counterclaim defendant asserting that the Company is the alter ego of Synergetics and therefore
liable. The Company denies this contention and intends to move for dismissal from the action.
Moreover, Synergetics does not believe the patent is invalid, or that it engaged in inequitable
conduct or conduct that violated the Lanham Act or Sherman Act, and intends to vigorously prosecute
this litigation.
On May 26, 2006, Peregrine filed suit in the United States District Court, Eastern District of
Pennsylvania against the Company seeking a declaratory judgment of non-infringement of the
Synergetics Patent No. 5,921,998 (the 998 patent). The suit is captioned Peregrine Surgical,
Ltd. v. Synergetics, Inc. and Synergetics USA, Inc., Case No. 2:06-cv-02237-RBS. On June 19, 2006,
by amendment, Peregrine added Synergetics as a defendant. On August 17, 2006, the Company and
Synergetics moved to dismiss on the grounds that the Court lacked jurisdiction because at the time
of the complaint, there was no case or controversy. On December 29, 2006, the Court granted the
Defendants motion and dismissed the case.
On November 8, 2006, Synergetics filed a suit against Peregrine in the United States District
Court for the Eastern District of Missouri in case captioned, Synergetics, Inc. v. Peregrine
Surgical, Case No. 4:06-cv-1632-DDN. Synergetics asserted infringement of the 998 patent and
trade secret misappropriation. On February 1, 2007, Peregrine answered and denied the allegations.
Peregrine also, on February 14, 2007, moved for a partial summary judgment. Peregrine asserted
that it did not infringe the patent either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.
Briefing on this motion is ongoing.
In addition, from time to time we may become subject to litigation claims that may greatly
exceed our product liability insurance limits. An adverse outcome of such litigation may adversely
impact our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. We record a liability when a
loss is known or considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. If a loss is not
probable, a liability is not recorded. As of January 30, 2007, the Company has no litigation
reserve recorded.
Item 1A Risk Factors
The Companys business is subject to certain risks and events that, if they occur, could
adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations and the trading price of our
common stock. For a discussion of these risks, please refer to the Risk Factors section of the
Companys Annual Report of Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2006. In connection with
its preparation of this quarterly report, management has reviewed and considered these risk factors
and has determined that there have been no material changes to the Companys risk factors since the
date of filing the Annual Report.
Item 2 Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
None
Item 3 Defaults upon Senior Securities
None
Item 4 Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
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(a) |
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Synergetics USA, Inc.s annual meeting of stockholders was held on November 30, 2006.
Of the 24,206,970 shares entitled to vote at such meeting, 21,390,992 shares were present
at such meeting in person or by proxy. |
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|
(b) |
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All director nominees were elected. |
23
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(c) |
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The stockholders elected each of the following directors at the meeting, and with
respect to each director, the number of share voted for and withheld were as follows: |
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Number of |
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Shares Voted For |
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Withheld |
Robert H. Dick |
|
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21,375,327 |
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|
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15,665 |
|
Juanita Hinshaw |
|
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21,264,986 |
|
|
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126,006 |
|
Item 5 Other Information
There have been no material changes to the procedures by which security holders may recommend
nominees to the Companys Board of Directors since the filing of the Companys quarterly report on
Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 29, 2006
Item 6 Exhibits
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Exhibit No. |
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Description |
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31.1
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Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
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31.2
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Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
|
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32.1
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Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
|
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32.2
|
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Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. |
Trademark Acknowledgements
Synergetics, the Synergetics logo, Malis, Omni, Bident and Finest Energy Source for Surgery are
our registered trademarks. PHOTON, DualWave, COAG, Advantage, Microserrated, Microfiber, Solution,
Tru-Micro, DDMS, Krypotonite, Diamond Black, Bullseye, Spetzler Claw, Spetzler Micro Claw, Spetzler
Open Angle Micro Claw, Spetzler Barracuda, Spetzler Pineapple, Axcess, Veritas and Bi-Safe product
names are our trademarks. All other trademarks or tradenames appearing in the Form 10-Q are the
property of their respective owners.
24
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been
signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the
dates indicated.
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SYNERGETICS USA, INC.
(Registrant) |
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March 9, 2007
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/s/ Gregg D. Scheller |
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Gregg D. Scheller, President and Chief
Executive Officer (Principal Executive
Officer) |
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March 9, 2007
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/s/ Pamela G. Boone |
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Pamela G. Boone, Executive Vice
President, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary
and Treasurer (Principal Financial and
Principal Accounting Officer) |
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25