Table of Contents

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

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

 

For the quarterly period ended DecemberMarch 31, 20222023

 

OR

 

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

 

For the transition period from ________________ to ________________

 

Commission file number 001-34780

 

FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

New York 13-1950672
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
   
700 Veterans Memorial Highway, Suite 100, Hauppauge, NY 11788
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (631) 547-3041

 

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

 

Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.01FORD

The Nasdaq Stock Market

(The Nasdaq Capital Market)

 

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

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer   ¨ Accelerated filer  ¨
Non-accelerated filer     x Smaller reporting company  x
  Emerging growth company  ¨

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by checkmark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

 

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

 

There were 10,061,185 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding as of January 31,April 30, 2023.

 

 

   

 

 

FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Page No.
PART I.FINANCIAL INFORMATION1
   
Item 1.Financial Statements1
 Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at DecemberMarch 31, 20222023 (Unaudited) and September 30, 202213
 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) for the Three and Six Months Ended December 31, 2022 and 20212
 March 31, 2023 and 20224
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity (Unaudited) for the Three and Six Months Ended December
March 31, 20222023 and 2021202235
 Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the ThreeSix Months Ended December
March 31, 20222023 and 2021202246
 Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements57
Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations1820
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk2429
Item 4.Controls and Procedures2429
   
PART II.OTHER INFORMATION 
   
Item 1.Legal Proceedings2530
Item 1A.Risk Factors2530
Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds2530
Item 3.Defaults Upon Senior Securities2530
Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures2530
Item 5.Other Information2530
Item 6.Exhibits2530
 Signatures2631

 

 i2 

 

PART I.     FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.     FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

         
  March 31,  September 30, 
  2023  2022 
  (Unaudited)    
Assets        
         
Current assets:        
Cash $2,355,713  $2,575,522 
Accounts receivable, net  8,184,823   7,542,666 
Inventories, net  2,920,982   3,801,030 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets  511,020   417,605 
Total current assets  13,972,538   14,336,823 
         
Property and equipment, net  261,211   241,146 
Intangible assets, net  999,522   1,105,901 
Goodwill  1,758,682   1,758,682 
Operating lease right of use assets, net  3,227,103   3,427,726 
Other assets  68,737   68,737 
Total assets $20,287,793  $20,939,015 
         
Liabilities and shareholders' equity        
         
Current liabilities:        
Accounts payable $408,838  $268,160 
Due to Forward China  8,977,441   7,713,880 
Deferred income  166,395   438,878 
Current portion of earnout consideration     25,000 
Current portion of operating lease liability  396,652   377,940 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities  957,613   1,153,906 
Total current liabilities  10,906,939   9,977,764 
         
Other liabilities:        
Note payable to Forward China  1,300,000   1,400,000 
Operating lease liability, less current portion  3,046,856   3,249,824 
Earnout consideration, less current portion  30,000   45,000 
Total other liabilities  4,376,856   4,694,824 
Total liabilities  15,283,795   14,672,588 
         
Commitments and contingencies      
         
Shareholders' equity:        
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 40,000,000 shares authorized; 10,061,185 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2023 and September 30, 2022  100,612   100,612 
Additional paid-in capital  20,154,505   20,115,711 
Accumulated deficit  (15,251,119)  (13,949,896)
Total shareholders' equity  5,003,998   6,266,427 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $20,287,793  $20,939,015 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

3

FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(UNAUDITED)

                 
  For the Three Months Ended March 31,  For the Six Months Ended March 31, 
  2023  2022  2023  2022 
             
Revenues, net $10,657,980  $10,314,563  $21,467,659  $21,928,304 
Cost of sales  9,145,550   8,061,889   18,036,528   17,056,861 
Gross profit  1,512,430   2,252,674   3,431,131   4,871,443 
                 
Sales and marketing expenses  773,309   704,102   1,463,609   1,441,780 
General and administrative expenses  1,583,179   1,871,311   3,278,457   3,538,188 
Loss from operations  (844,058)  (322,739)  (1,310,935)  (108,525)
                 
Fair value adjustment of earnout consideration        (40,000)   
Interest expense  26,781   30,864   54,739   63,691 
Interest income  (856)     (856)   
Other expense/(income), net  965   2,732   (23,595)  4,095 
Loss before income taxes  (870,948)  (356,335)  (1,301,223)  (176,311)
                 
Provision for income taxes            
                 
Net loss $(870,948) $(356,335) $(1,301,223) $(176,311)
                 
Loss per share:                
Basic $(0.09) $(0.04) $(0.13) $(0.02)
Diluted $(0.09) $(0.04) $(0.13) $(0.02)
                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding:                
Basic  10,061,185   10,061,185   10,061,185   10,061,185 
Diluted  10,061,185   10,061,185   10,061,185   10,061,185 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

4

FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETSSTATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

(UNAUDITED)

 

         
  December 31,  September 30, 
  2022  2022 
Assets  (Unaudited)     
         
Current assets:        
Cash $2,331,806  $2,575,522 
Accounts receivable, net  8,523,079   7,542,666 
Inventories, net  4,138,879   3,801,030 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets  394,343   417,605 
Total current assets  15,388,107   14,336,823 
         
Property and equipment, net  261,917   241,146 
Intangible assets, net  1,052,711   1,105,901 
Goodwill  1,758,682   1,758,682 
Operating lease right of use assets, net  3,328,047   3,427,726 
Other assets  68,737   68,737 
Total assets $21,858,201  $20,939,015 
         
Liabilities and shareholders' equity        
         
Current liabilities:        
Accounts payable $576,449  $268,160 
Due to Forward China  9,475,932   7,713,880 
Deferred income  334,588   438,878 
Current portion of earnout consideration     25,000 
Current portion of operating lease liability  387,222   377,940 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities  694,644   1,153,906 
Total current liabilities  11,468,835   9,977,764 
         
Other liabilities:        
Note payable to Forward China  1,350,000   1,400,000 
Operating lease liability, less current portion  3,149,279   3,249,824 
Earnout consideration, less current portion  30,000   45,000 
Total other liabilities  4,529,279   4,694,824 
Total liabilities  15,998,114   14,672,588 
         
Commitments and contingencies      
         
Shareholders' equity:        
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 40,000,000 shares authorized; 10,061,185 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2022 and September 30, 2022  100,612   100,612 
Additional paid-in capital  20,139,646   20,115,711 
Accumulated deficit  (14,380,171)  (13,949,896)
Total shareholders' equity  5,860,087   6,266,427 
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $21,858,201  $20,939,015 
                     
  For the Three and Six Months Ended March 31, 2023 
                
        Additional       
  Common Stock  Paid-In  Accumulated    
  Shares  Amount  Capital  Deficit  Total 
                
Balance at September 30, 2022  10,061,185  $100,612  $20,115,711  $(13,949,896) $6,266,427 
                     
Share-based compensation        23,935      23,935 
Net loss           (430,275)  (430,275)
                     
Balance at December 31, 2022  10,061,185   100,612   20,139,646   (14,380,171)  5,860,087 
                     
Share-based compensation        14,859      14,859 
Net loss           (870,948)  (870,948)
                     
Balance at March 31, 2023  10,061,185  $100,612  $20,154,505  $(15,251,119) $5,003,998 

  For the Three and Six Months Ended March 31, 2022 
                
        Additional       
  Common Stock  Paid-In  Accumulated    
  Shares  Amount  Capital  Deficit  Total 
                
Balance at September 30, 2021  10,061,185  $100,612  $19,914,476  $(12,571,645) $7,443,443 
                     
Share-based compensation        38,800      38,800 
Net income           180,024   180,024 
                     
Balance at December 31, 2021  10,061,185   100,612   19,953,276   (12,391,621)  7,662,267 
                     
Share-based compensation        66,012      66,012 
Net loss           (356,335)  (356,335)
                     
Balance at March 31, 2022  10,061,185  $100,612  $20,019,288  $(12,747,956) $7,371,944 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

5

FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

         
  For the Six Months Ended March 31, 
  2023  2022 
Operating Activities:        
Net loss $(1,301,223) $(176,311)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities:        
Share-based compensation  38,794   104,812 
Depreciation and amortization  156,131   156,531 
Bad debt expense  43,697   59,635 
Change in fair value of earnout consideration  (40,000)   
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:        
Accounts receivable  (685,854)  15,184 
Inventories  880,048   (1,834,922)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets  (93,415)  (255,178)
Accounts payable and due to Forward China  1,404,239   1,578,086 
Deferred income  (272,483)  432,877 
Net changes in operating lease liabilities  16,367   22,100 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities  (196,293)  257,513 
Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities  (49,992)  360,327 
         
Investing Activities:        
Purchases of property and equipment  (69,817)  (129,500)
Net cash used in investing activities  (69,817)  (129,500)
         
Financing Activities:        
Repayment of note payable to Forward China  (100,000)  (100,000)
Net cash used in financing activities  (100,000)  (100,000)
         
Net (decrease)/increase in cash  (219,809)  130,827 
Cash at beginning of period  2,575,522   1,410,365 
Cash at end of period $2,355,713  $1,541,192 
         
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:        
Cash paid for interest $54,739  $63,669 
Cash paid for taxes $5,385  $6,795 
         
Supplemental Disclosures of Non-Cash Information:        
Operating lease assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities $  $204,881 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

 1

FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(UNAUDITED)

         
  

For the Three Months Ended

December 31,

 
  2022  2021 
       
Revenues, net $10,809,679  $11,613,741 
Cost of sales  8,890,978   8,994,973 
Gross profit  1,918,701   2,618,768 
         
Sales and marketing expenses  690,300   737,677 
General and administrative expenses  1,695,278   1,666,877 

(Loss)/income from operations

  (466,877)  214,214 
         
Fair value adjustment of earnout consideration  (40,000)   
Interest expense  27,958   32,828 
Other (income)/expense, net  (24,560)  1,362 
(Loss)/income before income taxes  (430,275)  180,024 
         
Provision for income taxes      
Net (loss)/income $(430,275) $180,024 
         
(Loss)/earnings per share:        
Basic $(0.04) $0.02 
Diluted $(0.04) $0.02 
         
Weighted average common shares outstanding:        
Basic  10,061,185   10,061,185 
Diluted  10,061,185   10,337,113 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

2

FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

(UNAUDITED)

                     
  For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2022 
                
        Additional       
  Common Stock  Paid-In  Accumulated    
  Shares  Amount  Capital  Deficit  Total 
                
Balance at September 30, 2022  10,061,185  $100,612  $20,115,711  $(13,949,896) $6,266,427 
                     
Share-based compensation        23,935      23,935 
Net loss           (430,275)  (430,275)
                     
Balance at December 31, 2022  10,061,185  $100,612  $20,139,646  $(14,380,171) $5,860,087 

   For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2021 
                     
        Additional       
  Common Stock  Paid-In  Accumulated    
  Shares  Amount  Capital  Deficit  Total 
                     
Balance at September 30, 2021  10,061,185  $100,612  $19,914,476  $(12,571,645) $7,443,443 
                     
Share-based compensation        38,800      38,800 
Net income           180,024   180,024 
                     
Balance at December 31, 2021  10,061,185  $100,612  $19,953,276  $(12,391,621) $7,662,267 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

3

FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

         
  

For the Three Months Ended

December 31,

  2022  2021 
Operating Activities:        
Net (loss)/income $(430,275) $180,024 
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss)/income to net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities:        
Share-based compensation  23,935   38,800 
Depreciation and amortization  77,530   73,384 
Bad debt expense  13,109   393 
Change in fair value of earnout consideration  (40,000)   
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:        
Accounts receivable  (993,522)  (27,719)
Inventories  (337,849)  (909,577)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets  23,262   (69,577)
Other assets      
Accounts payable and due to Forward China  2,070,341   1,143,407 
Deferred income  (104,290)  565,183 
Net changes in operating lease liabilities  8,416   10,544 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities  (459,262)  133,022 
Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities  (148,605)  1,137,884 
         
Investing Activities:        
Purchases of property and equipment  (45,111)  (66,024)
Net cash used in investing activities  (45,111)  (66,024)
         
Financing Activities:        
Repayment of note payable to Forward China  (50,000)  (50,000)
Net cash used in financing activities  (50,000)  (50,000)
         
Net (decrease)/increase in cash  (243,716)  1,021,860 
Cash at beginning of period  2,575,522   1,410,365 
Cash at end of period $2,331,806  $2,432,225 
         
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:        
Cash paid for interest $27,958  $32,828 
         
Supplemental Disclosures of Non-Cash Information:        
Operating lease assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities $  $204,881 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

46 

 

 

FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 1          OVERVIEW

Business

Forward Industries, Inc. (“Forward”, “we”, “our” or the “Company”) is a global design, manufacturing, sourcing and distribution company serving top tier medical and technology customers worldwide. As a result ofThrough the continued expansion ofgrowth in our design development capabilities through our wholly-owned subsidiaries,segment, the Company is able to introduce proprietary products to the market from concepts brought to it from a number of different sources, both inside and outside the Company.

Liquidity

For the threesix months ended DecemberMarch 31 2022,2023, the Company generated a net loss of $430,000,$1,301,000, and used $149,000$50,000 of cash flows in operating activities. Based on our forecasted cash flows, we believe our existing cash balance and working capital will be sufficient to meet our liquidity needs through at least February 29,May 31, 2024. At DecemberMarch 31, 2022,2023, the Company had $1,300,000of borrowing available under its line of credit with a bank that was renewed in March 2023 and has a maturity date of May 31, 20232024 (see Note 10). As this line of credit has been renewed on multiple prior occasions, management expects it will be renewed again. Considering the loss of a significant OEM distribution segment customer (see Note 5) and the retail, management reduced its OEM distribution segment operating losses, management is planning to evaluate the Company’s cost structuresales and implement cost cutting initiatives as deemed necessary. In light of these events, the Companymarketing personnel in March 2023 and is currently assessing the terms of its sourcing agreement with Forward Industries Asia-Pacific Corporation (“Forward China”), which is scheduled to expire on October 22, 2023 (See(see Note 8). Effective April 1, 2023, the Company and Forward China agreed to reduce the fixed portion of the sourcing fee from $100,000 to $83,333 per month for the remaining term of the agreement, which is expected to result in cash savings of $100,000 for the remainder of the 2023 fiscal year. The Company and Forward China have agreed to beginbegun negotiations on a new sourcing agreement early in the third quarter of Fiscal 2023.agreement. While we believe a new agreement will be reached, we cannot provide any assurances that we will be successful. If an agreement cannot be reached, which could have a significant impact on the Company’s operations, we will look at other alternatives for our OEM and retail distribution businesses prior to the expiration of the agreement.

In light of these events, and the continued retail distribution segment operating losses, management is planning to further evaluate the Company’s OEM and retail distribution segment cost structures and implement additional cost cutting initiatives as deemed necessary.

Impact of COVID-19

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to impact our business with higher historicalhigh capitalized inventory costs for inbound ocean freight, and ground transportation, particularly from the Asia-Pacific region.region, and expenses associated with outbound ground transportation. We expect to see the benefits of declining ocean freight costs in future periods. Inflation, in part associated with the pandemic, continues to increase the cost of acquiring and retaining our employees and acquiring inventory. The instability of transportation costs and future inflation are still largely unknown but are expected to continue throughout the fiscal year ended September 30, 2023 (“Fiscal 2023”).

 

The effects of COVID-19 may further impact our business in ways we cannot predict, and such impacts could be significant. The current economic conditions may continue to negatively impact our results of operations, cash flows and financial position in future periods as well as that of our customers, including their ability to pay for our services and to choose to allocate their budgets to new or existing projects which may or may not require our services. The long-term financial impact on our business cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. As a result, the effects of COVID-19 may not be fully reflected in our financial results until future periods.

 

Until the effects of the pandemic and associated inflationary impact have fully receded, we expect business conditions to remain challenging.  In response to these challenges, we will continue to focus on those factors that we can control: closely managing and controlling our expenses and inventory levels; aligning our design and development schedules with demand in a proactive manner to minimize our cash operating costs; pursuing further improvements in the productivity and effectiveness of our development, selling and administrative activities and, where appropriate, taking advantage of opportunities to enhance our business growth and strategy.

 

 

 

 57 

 

 

FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 2          ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Forward Industries, Inc. and all of its wholly-owned subsidiaries: Forward Industries (IN), Inc. (“Forward US”), Forward Industries (Switzerland) GmbH (“Forward Switzerland”), Forward Industries UK Limited (“Forward UK”), Intelligent Product Solutions, Inc. (“IPS”) and Kablooe, Inc. (“Kablooe”). The terms “Forward”, “we”, “our” or the “Company” as used throughout this document are used to indicate Forward Industries, Inc. and all of its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

In the opinion of management, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q reflect all normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position and results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented herein but are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the year ending September 30,Fiscal 2023. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, and with the disclosures and risk factors presented therein. The September 30, 2022 condensed consolidated balance sheet has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements.

 

Accounting Estimates

 

The preparation of the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions.

 

Throughout this document, certain dollar amounts and percentages have been rounded to their approximate values.

 

Segment Reporting

 

The Company has three reportable segments: Original Equipment Manufacturing (“OEM”) distribution, retail distribution and design. The OEM distribution segment sources and sells carrying cases and other accessories for medical monitoring and diagnostic kits and a variety of other portable electronic and non-electronic devices directly to OEMs or their contract manufacturers worldwide. The retail distribution segment sources and sells smart-enabled furniture, hot tubs and saunas, and a variety of other products through various online retailer websites to customers predominantly located in the U.S. and Canada. The design segment consists of two operating segments (IPS and Kablooe, which have been aggregated into one reportable segment) that provide a full spectrum of hardware and software product design and engineering services to customers predominantly located in the U.S. See Note 5 for more information on segments.

 

 

 

 68 

 

 

FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Accounts Receivable

 

Accounts receivable consist of unsecured trade accounts with customers in amounts that have been invoiced ($8,900,0008,430,000 and $7,861,000 at DecemberMarch 31, 20222023 and September 30, 2022, respectively) and contract assets as described further below under the heading “Revenue Recognition.” The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts, which is recorded as a reduction to accounts receivable on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Collectability of accounts receivable is estimated by evaluating the number of days accounts are outstanding, customer payment history, recent payment trends and perceived creditworthiness, adjusted as necessary based on specific customer situations. At DecemberMarch 31, 20222023 and September 30, 2022, the Company had no allowances for doubtful accounts for the OEM distribution segment, allowances for doubtful accounts of $32,00048,000 and $20,000, respectively, for the retail distribution segment and $837,000851,000 and $852,000, respectively, for the design segment.

 

The Company has agreements with various retailers which contain different terms for trade discounts, promotional and other sales allowances. At DecemberMarch 31, 20222023 and September 30, 2022, the Company recorded accounts receivable allowances of $110,000153,000 and $55,000, respectively, for the retail distribution segment.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories consist primarily of finished goods and are stated at the lower of cost (determined by the first-in, first-out method) or net realizable value. Based on management’s estimates, an allowance is made to reduce excess, obsolete, or otherwise unsellable inventories to net realizable value. The allowance is established through charges to cost of sales in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations. In determining the adequacy of the allowance, management’s estimates are based upon several factors, including analyses of inventory levels, historical loss trends, sales history and projections of future sales demand. The Company’s estimates of the allowance may change from time to time based on management’s assessments, and such changes could be material. At DecemberMarch 31, 20222023 and September 30, 2022, the allowance for slow-moving inventory, which relates entirely to our retail segment, was $460,000657,000 and $535,000, respectively.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

OEM Distribution Segment

 

The OEM distribution segment recognizes revenue when: (i) finished goods are shipped to its customers (in general, these conditions occur at either point of shipment or point of destination, depending on the terms of sale and transfer of control); (ii) there are no other deliverables or performance obligations; and (iii) there are no further obligations to the customer after the title of the goods has transferred. If the Company receives consideration before achieving the criteria previously mentioned, it records a contract liability, which is classified as a component of deferred income in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. The OEM distribution segment had no contract liabilities at DecemberMarch 31, 2022,2023, September 30, 2022 or September 30, 2021.

Retail Distribution Segment

 

The retail distribution segment sells products primarily through online websites operated by authorized third-party retailers. Revenue is recognized when control (as defined in Accounting Standards Codification, “ASC”, 606, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”) of the related goods is transferred to the retailer, which generally occurs upon shipment to the end customer. Other than product delivery, the retail distribution segment does not typically have other deliverables or performance obligations associated with its products. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration expected to be received in exchange for the products provided, net of allowances taken by retailers for product returns and any taxes collected from customers that will be remitted to governmental authorities. When the Company receives consideration before achieving the criteria previously mentioned, it records a contract liability, which is classified as a component of deferred income in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. The retail distribution segment had no contract liabilities at DecemberMarch 31, 2022,2023, September 30, 2022 or September 30, 2021.

 

 

 

 79 

 

FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Design Segment

The Company applies the “cost to cost” and “right to invoice” methods of revenue recognition to the contracts with customers in the design segment. The design segment typically engages in two types of contracts: (i) time and material and (ii) fixed price. The Company recognizes revenue over time on its time and material contracts utilizing a “right to invoice” method. Revenues from fixed price contracts that require performance of services that are not related to the production of tangible assets are recognized by using cost inputs to measure progress toward the completion of its performance obligations, or the “cost to cost” method. Revenues from fixed price contracts that contain specific deliverables are recognized when the performance obligation has been satisfied or the transfer of goods to the customer has been completed and accepted.

 

Recognized revenues that will not be billed until a later date, or contract assets, are recorded as an asset and classified as a component of accounts receivable in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. The design segment had contract assets of $602,000807,000, $609,000 and $693,000 at DecemberMarch 31, 2022,2023, September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021, respectively. Contracts where collections to date have exceeded recognized revenues, or contract liabilities, are recorded as a liability and classified as a component of deferred income in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. The design segment had contract liabilities of $335,000166,000, $439,000 and $188,000 at DecemberMarch 31, 2022,2023, September 30, 2022 and September 30, 2021, respectively.

 

Goodwill

 

The Company reviews goodwill for impairment at least annually, or more often if triggering events occur. The Company has two reporting units with goodwill (the IPS and Kablooe operating segments) and we perform our annual goodwill impairment test on September 30, the end of the fiscal year, or upon the occurrence of a triggering event. The Company has the option to perform a qualitative assessment to determine if an impairment is more likely than not to have occurred. If the Company can support the conclusion that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the Company would not need to perform a quantitative impairment test for the reporting unit. If the Company cannot support such a conclusion or does not elect to perform the qualitative assessment, then the Company will perform the quantitative assessment by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, no impairment charge is recognized. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an impairment charge will be recognized for the amount by which the reporting unit’s carrying amount exceeds its fair value. A significant amount of judgment is required in performing goodwill impairment tests including estimating the fair value of a reporting unit. Management evaluated and concluded that there were no indications goodwill was impaired at DecemberMarch 31, 2022.2023.

 

Intangible Assets

 

Intangible assets include trademarks and customer relationships, which were acquired as part of the acquisitions of IPS in Fiscal 2018 and Kablooe in Fiscal 2020 and are amortized over their estimated useful lives, which are periodically evaluated for reasonableness.

 

Our intangible assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In assessing the recoverability of our intangible assets, we must make estimates and assumptions regarding future cash flows and other factors to determine the fair value of the respective assets. These estimates and assumptions could have a significant impact on whether an impairment charge is recognized and the magnitude of any such charge. Fair value estimates are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant information. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgments and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates. If these estimates or material related assumptions change in the future, we may be required to record impairment charges related to our intangible assets. Management evaluated and concluded that there were no indications of impairments of intangible assets at DecemberMarch 31, 2022.2023.

 

 

 

 810 

 

 

FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company recognizes future tax benefits and liabilities measured at enacted rates attributable to temporary differences between financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities and to net tax operating loss carryforwards to the extent that realization of these benefits is more likely than not. At DecemberMarch 31, 2022,2023, there was no change to our assessment that a full valuation allowance was required against all net deferred tax assets as it is not probable that such deferred tax assets will be realized. Accordingly, any deferred tax provision or benefit was offset by an equal and opposite change to the valuation allowance. Our income tax provision or benefit is generally not significant due to the existence of significant net operating loss carryforwards.

 

Fair Value Measurements

 

We perform fair value measurements in accordance with the guidance provided by ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurement.” ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received from selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When determining the fair value measurements for assets and liabilities required to be recorded at their fair values, we consider the principal or most advantageous market in which we would transact and consider assumptions that market participants would use when pricing the assets or liabilities, such as inherent risk, transfer restrictions, and risk of nonperformance.

 

ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. An asset’sasset's or liability’sliability's categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. ASC 820 establishes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

 

 ·Level 1: quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

 ·Level 2: inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities; or

 ·Level 3: unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair values of the assets or liabilities.

 

Leases

 

Lease assets and liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term, using the Company’s incremental borrowing rate commensurate with the lease term, since the Company’s lessors do not provide an implicit rate, nor is one readily available. The Company has certainCertain leases that may include an option to renew and when it is reasonably probable to exercise such option, the Company will include the renewal option terms in determining the lease asset and lease liability. Lease assets represent the Company’s right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the Company’s obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Operating lease assets are shown as right of use assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The current and long-term portions of operating lease liabilities are shown separately as such on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

 

11

FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In November 2019, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2019-11, “Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses.” ASU 2019-11 is an accounting pronouncement that provides clarity to and amends earlier guidance on this topic and would be effective concurrently with the adoption of such earlier guidance. This pronouncement is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the effects of this pronouncement on its condensed consolidated financial statements.

9

FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 3          INTANGIBLE ASSETS AND GOODWILL

 

Intangible Assets

 

The Company’s intangible assets consist of the following: 

Intangible Assets                                                
 December 31, 2022  September 30, 2022  March 31, 2023  September 30, 2022 
 Trademarks  Customer Relationships  Total Intangible Assets  Trademarks  Customer Relationships  Total Intangible Assets  Trademarks  Customer Relationships  Total Intangible Assets  Trademarks  Customer Relationships  Total Intangible Assets 
                          
Gross carrying amount $585,000  $1,390,000  $1,975,000  $585,000  $1,390,000  $1,975,000  $585,000  $1,390,000  $1,975,000  $585,000  $1,390,000  $1,975,000 
Less accumulated amortization  (174,000)  (748,000)  (922,000)  (164,000)  (705,000)  (869,000)  (183,000)  (792,000)  (975,000)  (164,000)  (705,000)  (869,000)
Net carrying amount $411,000  $642,000  $1,053,000  $421,000  $685,000  $1,106,000  $402,000  $598,000  $1,000,000  $421,000  $685,000  $1,106,000 

The Company’s intangible assets resulted from the acquisitions of Kablooe and IPS in Fiscal 2020 and Fiscal 2018, respectively, and relate to the design segment of our business. Intangible assets are amortized over their expected useful lives of 15 years for the trademarks and 8 years for the customer relationships. Amortization expense related to intangible assets was $53,000 for the three months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2023 and 2022, and 2021,$106,000 for the six months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, which is included in general and administrative expenses on the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

 

At DecemberMarch 31, 2022,2023, estimated amortization expense for the Company’s intangible assets is as follows: 

Estimated amortization expense         
Remainder of Fiscal 2023  $160,000  $106,000 
Fiscal 2024   213,000   213,000 
Fiscal 2025   213,000   213,000 
Fiscal 2026   121,000   121,000 
Fiscal 2027   82,000   82,000 
Fiscal 2028   78,000 
Thereafter   186,000   265,000 
Total  $1,053,000  $1,000,000 

 1012 

 

 

FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Goodwill

 

Goodwill represents the future economic benefits of assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified or separately recognized. The Company’s goodwill resulted from the acquisitions of Kablooe and IPS in Fiscal 2020 and Fiscal 2018, respectively. The goodwill associated with the IPS acquisition is not deductible for tax purposes, but the goodwill associated with the Kablooe acquisition is deductible for tax purposes. All of the Company’s goodwill is held under the design segment of our business.

 

NOTE 4          FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

The earnout consideration of $30,000 and $70,000 at DecemberMarch 31, 20222023 and September 30, 2022, respectively, represents the fair value of the contingent earnout consideration related to the acquisition of Kablooe, which provides annual contingent earnout payments based on results of operations through August 2025. The fair value of the earnout liability is measured on a recurring basis at each reporting date using a Black-Scholes valuation model with inputs categorized within level three of the fair value hierarchy. The current and non-current portions of this liability are shown in the corresponding categories on the condensed consolidated balance sheets in each period presented. During the three months ended December 31, 2022, the Company reduced this liability from $70,000 to $30,000 based on changes to the expected likelihood of Kablooe reaching the specified earnings targets. The resulting gain has been recorded as a component of other income on the condensed consolidated statement of operations.

 

NOTE 5          SEGMENTS AND CONCENTRATIONS

 

The Company has three reportable segments: OEM distribution, retail distribution and design. See Note 2 for more information on the composition and accounting policies of our reportable segments.

 

Our chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) regularly reviews revenue and operating income for each segment to assess financial results and allocate resources. For our OEM and retail distribution segments, we exclude general and administrative and general corporate expenses from their measure of profitability as these expenses are not allocated to the segments and therefore not included in the measure of profitability used by the CODM. For the design segment, general and administrative expenses directly attributable to that segment are included in its measure of profitability as these expenses are included in the measure of its profitability reviewed by the CODM. We do not include intercompany activity in our segment results shown below to be consistent with the information that is presented to the CODM. Segment assets consist of accounts receivable and inventory, which are regularly reviewed by the CODM, as well as goodwill and intangible assets resulting from design segment acquisitions.

 

 

 

 1113 

 

 

FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Information by segment and related reconciliations are shown in the tables below: 

Segment operating income (loss)                        
 

For the Three Months Ended

December 31,

  For the Three Months Ended March 31,  For the Six Months Ended March 31, 
 2022  2021  2023  2022  2023  2022 
Revenues:              
OEM distribution $4,377,000  $5,242,000  $4,057,000  $4,676,000  $8,434,000  $9,917,000 
Retail distribution  1,057,000   1,392,000   919,000   649,000   1,976,000   2,041,000 
Design  5,376,000   4,980,000   5,682,000   4,990,000   11,058,000   9,970,000 
Total segment revenues $10,810,000  $11,614,000  $10,658,000  $10,315,000  $21,468,000  $21,928,000 
                        
Operating income/(loss):                        
OEM distribution $112,000  $497,000  $28,000  $326,000  $140,000  $823,000 
Retail distribution  (326,000)  (228,000)  (736,000)  (356,000)  (1,062,000)  (584,000)
Design  433,000   585,000   531,000   389,000   963,000   974,000 
Total segment operating income  219,000   854,000 
Total segment operating (loss)/income  (177,000)  359,000   41,000   1,213,000 
General corporate expenses  (686,000)  (640,000)  (667,000)  (682,000)  (1,352,000)  (1,322,000)
Total (loss)/income from operations  (467,000)  214,000   (844,000)  (323,000)  (1,311,000)  (109,000)
Other (income)/expense, net  (37,000)  34,000   27,000   33,000   (10,000)  67,000 
(Loss)/income before income taxes $(430,000) $180,000  $(871,000) $(356,000) $(1,301,000) $(176,000)
                        
Depreciation and amortization:                        
OEM distribution $2,000  $2,000  $1,000  $3,000  $2,000  $4,000 
Design  76,000   71,000   78,000   80,000   154,000   153,000 
Total depreciation and amortization $78,000  $73,000  $79,000  $83,000  $156,000  $157,000 

 

Schedule of segment assets        
   

December 31,

2022

   

September 30,

2022

 
Segment Assets:        
OEM distribution $5,262,000  $4,276,000 
Retail distribution  3,865,000   3,816,000 
Design  6,346,000   6,116,000 
Total segment assets  15,473,000   14,208,000 
General corporate assets  6,385,000   6,731,000 
Total assets $21,858,000  $20,939,000 

Schedule of segment assets        
  

March 31,
2023

  

September 30,
2022

 
Segment Assets:        
OEM distribution $4,530,000  $4,276,000 
Retail distribution  2,961,000   3,816,000 
Design  6,373,000   6,116,000 
Total segment assets  13,864,000   14,208,000 
General corporate assets  6,424,000   6,731,000 
Total assets $20,288,000  $20,939,000 

 

12

FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Company had certain customers in the OEM distribution segment whose individual percentage of the Company’s consolidated revenues was 10% or greater. Revenues from two customersone customer or theirits affiliates or contract manufacturers represented 25.012.7% and 25.2%, respectively, of the Company’s consolidated net revenues for the three months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2023 and revenues from two customers represented 26.2% of the Company’s consolidated net revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2022. Revenues from two customers or their affiliates or contract manufacturers represented 22.6% and 25.7% of the Company’s consolidated net revenues for the six months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, and 2021, respectively.

14

FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

For the three and six months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2022,2023, the Company had one customer in the design segment whose individual percentage of the Company’s consolidated revenues was 10% or greater. Revenues from this customer represented 14.424.1% and 11.7% of the Company’s consolidated net revenues for the three months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2022. There were no customers in the design segment whose individual percentage2023 and 2022, respectively, and 19.2% and 10.2% of the Company’s consolidated net revenues was 10% or greater duringfor the threesix months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2021.2023 and 2022, respectively.

 

At DecemberMarch 31, 20222023 and September 30, 2022, the Company had customers in the OEM distribution segment whose accounts receivable balance accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s consolidated accounts receivable. Accounts receivable from two customers or their affiliates or contract manufacturers represented 37.031.3% and 28.1%, respectively, of the Company’s consolidated accounts receivable at DecemberMarch 31, 20222023 and September 30, 2022.

 

At DecemberMarch 31, 2022,2023, the Company had one customer in the design segment whose accounts receivable balance accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s consolidated accounts receivable. Accounts receivable from this customer represented 11.519.6% of the Company’s consolidated accounts receivable at DecemberMarch 31, 2022.2023. There were no customers in the design segment whose individual percentage of the Company’s consolidated accounts receivable was 10% or greater at September 30, 2022.

 

In March 2023, the Company’s contract with one of its major diabetic customers in the OEM distribution segment will expire.expired. Due to increased pricing pressures, the Company willdid not be extendingextend its contract with this customer. Revenue from this customer represented approximately 12% of our consolidated net revenues for both the threesix months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20222023 and 2021.2022. The Company expects the loss of this customer to cause a significant decline in OEM distribution segment revenues in future periods.

 

NOTE 6          SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

 

Stock Options

 

No options were granted during the threesix months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2022. 2023.

In October 2021 and January 2022, the Company granted options to non-employee directors to purchase an aggregate of 58,000 and 83,000shares, respectively, of its common stock at an exercise price of $2.39 and $1.56per share.share, respectively. The options expire five years from the date of grant, approximately half vested immediately and approximately half vested one year from the date of grant. The options hadhave a weighted average grant-date fair value of $1.03 and $0.72 per share, respectively, and each grant has an aggregate grant-date fair value of $60,000, which was recognized ratably over the vesting period.

In January 2022, the Company granted options to one of its employees to purchase an aggregate of 14,000 shares of its common stock at an exercise price of $1.56 per share. The options expire five years from the date of grant, approximately one-third vested immediately, approximately one-third vested one year from the date of grant and approximately one-third vest two years from the date of grant. The options have a weighted average grant-date fair value of $0.73 per share and an aggregate grant-date fair value of $60,00010,000, which was beis recognized ratably over the vesting period.

In February 2022, the Company granted options to one of its non-employee directors to purchase an aggregate of 31,000 shares of its common stock at an exercise price of $1.68 per share. The options vested one year from the date of grant and expire five years from the date of grant. The options have a weighted average grant-date fair value of $0.80 per share and an aggregate grant-date fair value of $25,000, which was recognized ratably over the vesting period.

15

FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

In February 2022, the Company granted options to one of its former non-employee directors to purchase an aggregate of 19,000 shares of its common stock at an exercise price of $1.68 per share. The options vested immediately and expire ten years from the date of grant. The options have a weighted average grant-date fair value of $1.07 per share and an aggregate grant-date fair value of $20,000, which was fully recognized on the grant date.

 

There were no options exercised during the threesix months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20222023 or 2021.2022.

 

The Company recognized compensation expense for stock option awards of $24,00015,000 and $39,00066,000 during the three months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and 2021,$39,000 and $105,000 during the six months ended March 31, 2023, respectively, which was recorded as a component of general and administrative expenses in its condensed consolidated statements of operations. At DecemberMarch 31, 2022,2023, there was $24,0009,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested stock option awards that is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 0.5 years.

13

FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 7          EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

Basic earnings per share data for each period presented is computed using the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each such period. Diluted earnings per share data is computed using the weighted average number of common and dilutive common equivalent shares outstanding during each period. Dilutive common-equivalent shares consist of shares that would be issued upon the exercise of stock options and warrants, computed using the treasury stock method. A reconciliation of basic and diluted earnings per share is as follows:

Schedule of earnings (loss) per share        
  

For the Three Months Ended

December 31,

 
  2022  2021 
Numerator:      
Net (loss)/income $(430,000) $180,000 
Denominator:        
Weighted average common shares outstanding  10,061,000   10,061,000 
Dilutive common share equivalents     276,000 
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding  10,061,000   10,337,000 
         
(Loss)/earnings per share:        
Basic $(0.04) $0.02 
Diluted $(0.04) $0.02 

Schedule of earnings (loss) per share            
  For the Three Months Ended March 31,  For the Six Months Ended March 31, 
  2023  2022  2023  2022 
Numerator:            
Net loss $(871,000) $(356,000) $(1,301,000) $(176,000)
Denominator:                
Weighted average common shares outstanding  10,061,000   10,061,000   10,061,000   10,061,000 
Dilutive common share equivalents            
Weighted average diluted shares outstanding  10,061,000   10,061,000   10,061,000   10,061,000 
                 
Loss per share:                
Basic $(0.09) $(0.04) $(0.13) $(0.02)
Diluted $(0.09) $(0.04) $(0.13) $(0.02)

 

The following securities were excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share in each period because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive:

Schedule of antidilutive securities excluded        
  

For the Three Months Ended

December 31,

 
  2022  2021 
Options  1,075,000   58,000 
Warrants  151,000    
Total potentially dilutive shares  1,226,000   58,000 

Schedule of antidilutive securities excluded                
  For the Three Months Ended March 31,  For the Six Months Ended March 31, 
  2023  2022  2023  2022 
Options  1,040,000   1,110,000   1,040,000   1,110,000 
Warrants  151,000   151,000   151,000   151,000 
Total potentially dilutive shares  1,191,000   1,261,000   1,191,000   1,261,000 

 

 

 

 1416 

 

 

FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 8          RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

Buying Agency and Supply Agreement

 

The Company has a Buying Agency and Supply Agreement (the “Supply Agreement”) with Forward China. The Supply Agreement provides that, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein, Forward China will act as the Company’s exclusive buying agent and supplier of Products (as defined in the Supply Agreement) in the Asia-Pacific region. The Company purchases products at Forward China’s cost and pays Forward China a monthly service fee equal to the sum of: (i) $100,000 and (ii) 4% of “Adjusted Gross Profit”, which is defined as the selling price less the cost from Forward China. The Supply Agreement expires October 22, 2023. Terence Wise, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Company, is the owner of Forward China. In addition, Jenny P. Yu, a Managing Director of Forward China, beneficially owns more than 5% of the Company’s common stock. The Company recorded service fees to Forward China of $344,000 349,000and $362,000 350,000during the three months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and 2021,$694,000 and $712,000 during the six months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, which are included as a component of cost of sales upon sales of the related products. Considering the loss of a significant OEM distribution customer (see Note 5), effective April 1, 2023, the Company and Forward China agreed to reduce the fixed portion of the sourcing fee from $100,000 to $83,333 per month for the remaining term of the Supply Agreement, which is expected to result in cash savings of $100,000 for the remainder of Fiscal 2023. The Company and Forward China have agreed to beginbegun negotiations on a new sourcing agreement early in the third quarter of Fiscal 2023.agreement. While we believe a new agreement will be reached, we cannot provide any assurances that we will be successful. If an agreement cannot be reached, which could have a significant impact on the Company’s operations, we will look at other alternatives for our OEM and retail distribution businesses prior to the expiration of the agreement.

 

The Company has prepayments to Forward China for inventory purchases of $20,000 at DecemberMarch 31, 20222023 and September 30, 2022, which are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

 

Promissory Note

 

On January 18, 2018, the Company issued a $1,600,000 unsecured promissory note payable to Forward China to fund the acquisition of IPS. The promissory note bears an interest rate of 8% per annum and had an original maturity date of January 18, 2019. Monthly interest payments commenced on February 18, 2018, with the principal due at maturity. The Company incurred and paid interest associated with this note of $28,00026,000 and $32,00031,000, respectively, in the three months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and 2021,$54,000 and $63,000 in the six months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The maturity date of this note was extended to December 31, 2024. The maturity date of this note has been extended on several occasions to assist the Company with liquidity. The Company made principal payments of $50,000100,000 on this note during the threesix months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2022,2023, and this note has a remaining balance of $1,350,0001,300,000 at DecemberMarch 31, 2022.2023.

 

Other Related Party Activity

 

In October 2020, theThe Company began sellingsells smart-enabled furniture, which is sourced by Forward China and sold in the U.S. under the Koble brand name. The Koble brand is owned by The Justwise Group Ltd. (“Justwise”), a company owned by Terence Wise, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Company. The Company recognized revenues from the sale of Koble products of $497,000543,000 and $540,000441,000 in the three months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and 2021,$1,041,000 and $981,000 in the six months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Company entered intohas an agreement with Justwise effective March 1, 2022, under which (i) Justwise will perform design and marketing services related to the Koble products sold by the Company and (ii) the Company was granted a license to sell Koble products. In exchange for such services, the Company will pay Justwise $10,000 per month plus 1% of the cost of Koble products purchased from Forward China. This agreement is effective until August 31, 2023, may be extended thereafter for a mutually agreed upon term and can be terminated thereafter by either party giving three months’ notice. The Company incurred costs of $33,000 and $65,000under this agreement for the three and six months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2022,2023, respectively, of which $30,000 and $60,000, respectively, were included in selling and marketing expenses and $3,000 and $5,000, respectively, are included as a component of cost of sales upon sales of the related products. The Company incurred costs of $10,000 under this agreement for the three and six months ended March 31, 2022, which were included in selling and marketing expenses. The Company had accounts payable to Justwise of $1,000 and $15,000 at DecemberMarch 31, 20222023 and September 30, 2022, respectively.

 

17

FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Company recorded revenue from a customer whose principal owner is an immediate family member of Jenny P. Yu, a shareholder of the Company and managing director of Forward China. The Company recognized revenue from this customer of $134,000251,000 and $266,000135,000 for the three months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and 2021,$385,000 and $401,000 for the six months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. The Company had no accounts receivable from this customer at DecemberMarch 31, 20222023 or September 30, 2022.

15

FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

NOTE 9          LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

From time to time, the Company may become a party to legal actions or proceedings in the ordinary course of its business. At DecemberMarch 31, 2022,2023, there were no such actions or proceedings, either individually or in the aggregate, that, if decided adversely to the Company’s interests, the Company believes would be material to its business.

 

NOTE 10         LINE OF CREDIT

 

The Company, specifically IPS, has a $1,300,000revolving line of credit with a bank which was renewed in February 2022.March 2023. The line of credit has a maturity date of May 31, 20232024, is guaranteed by the Company and is secured by all of IPS’ assets. The interest rate on the line of credit is 0.75% above The Wall Street Journal prime rate. The effective interest rate was 8.258.75% and 7.0% at DecemberMarch 31, 20222023 and September 30, 2022, respectively. At DecemberMarch 31, 2022,2023, the Company had $1,300,000available under the line of credit. The Company is subject to certain debt-service ratio requirements which are measured annually. At September 30, 2022, the Company was in compliance with such covenants.

 

NOTE 11         LEASES

 

The Company’s operating leases are primarily for engineering, corporate sales and administrative office space. Total operating lease expense for the three months ended December 31, 2022 was $148,000, of which $1,000 was recorded in sales and marketing expenses and $147,000 was recorded in general and administrative expenses on the condensed consolidated statement of operations. Total operating lease expense for the three months ended December 31, 2021 was $156,000, of which $14,000 was recorded in sales and marketing expenses and $142,000 was recorded in general and administrative expenses on the condensed consolidated statement of operations. Cash paid for amounts included in operating lease liabilities for the threesix months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20222023 and 2021,2022, which have been included in cash flows from operating activities, was $143,000286,000 and $149,000294,000, respectively. Details of operating lease expense are as follows:

 

Schedule of operating lease expense                
  For the Three Months Ended March 31,  For the Six Months Ended March 31, 
  2023  2022  2023  2022 
Operating lease expense included in:                
Sales and marketing expense $2,000  $13,000  $3,000  $27,000 
General and administrative expense  162,000   141,000   309,000   283,000 
Total $164,000  $154,000  $312,000  $310,000 

At DecemberMarch 31, 2022,2023, the Company’s operating leases had a weighted average remaining lease term of 8.28.0 years and a weighted average discount rate of 5.7%.

 

At December 31, 2022, future minimum payments under non-cancellable operating leases were as follows: 

Schedule of future minimum payments under operating leases    
Remainder of Fiscal 2023 $433,000 
Fiscal 2024  592,000 
Fiscal 2025  556,000 
Fiscal 2026  510,000 
Fiscal 2027  419,000 
Thereafter  1,979,000 
Total future minimum lease payments  4,489,000 
Less imputed interest  (953,000)
Present value of lease liabilities  3,536,000 
Less current portion of lease liabilities  (387,000)
Long-term portion of lease liabilities $3,149,000 

 

 

 1618 

 

 

FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

At March 31, 2023, future minimum payments under non-cancellable operating leases were as follows:

Schedule of future minimum payments under operating & financial leases    
Remainder of Fiscal 2023 $290,000 
Fiscal 2024  592,000 
Fiscal 2025  556,000 
Fiscal 2026  510,000 
Fiscal 2027  419,000 
Thereafter  1,979,000 
Total future minimum lease payments  4,346,000 
Less imputed interest  (902,000)
Present value of lease liabilities  3,444,000 
Less current portion of lease liabilities  (397,000)
Long-term portion of lease liabilities $3,047,000 

 

NOTE 12         ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

 

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities at DecemberMarch 31, 20222023 and September 30, 2022 are as follows:

Schedule of accrued expenses and other accrued liabilities        
  December 31,  September 30, 
  2022  2022 
Accrued commissions/bonuses $258,000  $722,000 
Paid time off  199,000   228,000 
Other  238,000   204,000 
Total $695,000  $1,154,000 

Schedule of accrued expenses and other accrued liabilities        
  March 31  September 30, 
  2023  2022 
Accrued commissions/bonuses $474,000  $722,000 
Paid time off  288,000   228,000 
Other  196,000   204,000 
Total $958,000  $1,154,000 

 1719 

 

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

 

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, and the notes thereto, and other financial information appearing elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022.  The following discussion and analysis compares our consolidated results of operations for the three and six months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20222023 (the “2023 Quarter”) and “2023 Period”, respectively) with those for the three and six months ended DecemberMarch 31, 20212022 (the “2022 Quarter”) and “2022 Period”, respectively). All dollar amounts and percentages presented herein have been rounded to approximate values.

 

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

 

This report contains “forward-looking statements”, as such term is used within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  These statements include, among other things, statements regarding our liquidity, plans on repaying outstanding debt obligations, expectations regarding the effect of the pandemic and inflation on our business, as well as other statements regarding our future operations, financial condition and prospects, and business strategies. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “predicts,” “projects,” “will"anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "predicts," "projects," "will be,” “will" "will continue,” “will" "will likely result," and similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties, which could cause our actual results to differ materially and adversely from those reflected in the forward-looking statements. These risks include the inability to expand our customer base, loss of additional customers, pricing pressures, lack of success of our sales people, failure to develop products at a profit, failure to commercialize products that we develop, continued supply chain issues, inability of our design division’s customers to pay for our services, unanticipated issues with our affiliated sourcing agent, issues at Chinese factories that source our products as a result of the pandemic or otherwise, and failure to obtain acceptance of our products. No assurance can be given that the actual results will be consistent with the forward-looking statements. Investors should read carefully the factors described in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s filings with the SEC, including the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2022 for information regarding risk factors that could affect the Company’s results. We undertake no obligation to revise or publicly release the results of any revision to these forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Given these risks and uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

 

Business Overview

 

Forward Industries, Inc. is a global design, manufacturing, sourcing and distribution company serving top tier medical and technology customers worldwide. As a result ofThrough the continued expansion ofgrowth in our design development capabilities through our wholly-owned subsidiaries, IPS and Kablooe,segment, we are now able to introduce proprietary products to the market from concepts brought to us from a number of different sources, both inside and outside the Company.

 

Our design divisionsegment provides hardware and software product design and engineering services to customers predominantly located in the U.S. Our OEM distribution divisionsegment sources and sells carrying cases and other accessories for medical monitoring and diagnostic kits as well as a variety of other portable electronic and non-electronic devisesdevices to OEMs, or their contract manufacturers worldwide, that either package our products as accessories “in box” together with their branded product offerings or sell them through their retail distribution channels. Our retail distribution divisionsegment sources and sells smart-enabled furniture, hot tubs and saunas, and various other products through online retailer websites to customers predominately located in the U.S. and Canada.

 

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic continue to impact our business with higher historicalhigh capitalized inventory costs for inbound ocean freight, and ground transportation, particularly from the Asia-Pacific region.region, and expenses associated with outbound ground transportation. We expect to see the benefits of declining ocean freight costs in future periods. Inflation, in part associated with the pandemic, continues to increase the cost of acquiring and retaining our employees and acquiring inventory. The instability of transportation costs and future inflation are still largely unknown but are expected to continue throughout Fiscal 2023.

 

 

 

 1820 

 

 

The effects of COVID-19 may further impact our business in ways we cannot predict, and such impacts could be significant. The current economic conditions may continue to negatively impact our results of operations, cash flows and financial position in future periods as well as that of our customers, including their ability to pay for our services and to choose to allocate their budgets to new or existing projects which may or may not require our services. The long-term financial impact on our business cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. As a result, the effects of COVID-19 may not be fully reflected in our financial results until future periods.

 

Until the effects of the pandemic and associated inflationary impact have fully receded, we expect business conditions to remain challenging.  In response to these challenges, we will continue to focus on those factors that we can control: closely managing and controlling our expenses and inventory levels; aligning our design and development schedules with demand in a proactive manner to minimize our cash operating costs; pursuing further improvements in the productivity and effectiveness of our development, selling and administrative activities and, where appropriate, taking advantage of opportunities to enhance our business growth and strategy.

 

Variability of Revenues and Results of Operations

 

A significant portion of our revenue is concentrated with several large customers, some of which are the same and some of which change over time. Orders from some of these customers can be highly variable, with short lead times, which can cause our quarterly revenues, and consequently our results of operations, to vary over a relatively short period of time.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

We discussed the material accounting policies that are critical in making the estimates and judgments in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022, under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis—Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates”. There has been no material change in critical accounting policies or estimates during the period covered by this report.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

For information on recent accounting pronouncements and impacts, see Note 2 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBERMARCH 31, 20222023 COMPARED TO THE THREE MONTHS ENDED DECEMBERMARCH 31, 20212022

 

Consolidated Results

 

The table below summarizes our consolidated results of operations for the 2023 Quarter as compared to the 2022 Quarter:

 

 Consolidated Results of Operations  Consolidated Results of Operations 
 2023 Quarter  2022 Quarter  Change ($)  Change (%)  2023 Quarter  2022 Quarter  Change ($)  Change (%) 
Revenues, net $10,810,000  $11,614,000  $(804,000)  (6.9%) $10,658,000  $10,315,000  $343,000   3.3% 
Cost of sales  8,891,000   8,995,000   (104,000)  (1.2%)  9,146,000   8,063,000   1,083,000   13.4% 
Gross profit  1,919,000   2,619,000   (700,000)  (26.7%)  1,512,000   2,252,000   (740,000)  (32.9%)
Sales and marketing expenses  690,000   738,000   (48,000)  (6.5%)  773,000   704,000   69,000   9.8% 
General and administrative expenses  1,696,000   1,667,000   29,000   1.7%   1,583,000   1,871,000   (288,000)  (15.4%)
(Loss)/income from operations  (467,000)  214,000   (681,000)  (318.2%)
Other (income)/expense, net  (37,000)  34,000   (71,000)  (208.8%)
Loss from operations  (844,000)  (323,000)  (521,000)  161.3% 
Other expense, net  27,000   33,000   (6,000)  (18.2%)
Provision for income taxes                        
Net (loss)/income $(430,000) $180,000  $(610,000)  (338.9%)
Net loss $(871,000) $(356,000) $(515,000)  144.7% 

 

 

 

 1921 

 

 

The discussion that follows below provides further details about our results of operations for the 2023 Quarter as compared to the 2022 Quarter.

 

Net revenues declinedincreased in the OEMdesign and retail distribution segments but these declines were partially offset by higherlower revenues in the designOEM distribution segment.

 

Our gross profit decreased across all segments and our gross margin declined from 22.6%21.8% in the 2022 Quarter to 17.8%14.2% in the 2023 Quarter, driven by continued pricing pressures from our customers, higherhigh product, importation and logistics costs, additional retail inventory reserves and inflation. Management believes there will be continued volatility in OEM and retail distribution cost of sales for the remainder of Fiscal 2023.

Sales and marketing expenses decreasedincreased in the 2023 Quarter primarily due to a decrease in advertisingsales related severance costs and sales commissions in the OEM distribution segment and retail distributions segments, partially offset by higher sales related expensesadvertising and commission expense in ourthe design segment. Sales and marketing as a percentage of revenues remained flat at 6.4%increased to 7.3% in the 2023 Quarter from 6.8% in the 2022 Quarter. If revenues from the retail distribution segment grow to comprise a significantly larger portion of the overall business, management expects sales and marketing costs, both in total and as a percentage of revenues, to increase in future periods.

General and administrative expenses increaseddecreased in the 2023 Quarter, primarily related to increaseslower bad debt expense in corporate expenses, which were partially offset by declines inthe design segment expenses. These increase in corporate expenses were primarily driven by higher payroll costs and professional fees, partially offset by lower equity compensation for non-employee board members.segment. Management continues to monitor the various components of general and administrative expenses and how these costs are affected by inflationary and other factors. We intend to adjust these costs as needed based on the overall needs of the business.

 

We recorded net other income of $37,000The decrease in the 2023 Quarter compared to net other expense of $34,000 in the 2022 Quarter. The variance is primarily due to fair value adjustments of $40,000 in the 2023 Quarter to reduce to the fair value of the earnout consideration related to the Kablooe acquisition, $18,000 of net duty drawback income received in the 2023 Quarter, foreign currency fluctuations and a decrease in interest expense resulting from a reduction in the amount of debt outstanding.

 

We generated a net loss of $430,000$871,000 and net income of $180,000$356,000 in the 2023 Quarter and 2022 Quarter, respectively. We maintain significant net operating loss carryforwards and do not recognize a significant income tax expense or benefit as our deferred tax provision is typically offset by a full valuation allowance on our net deferred tax asset.

 

Consolidated basic and diluted (loss)/earningsloss per share were $(0.04)was $0.09 and $0.02$0.04 for the 2023 Quarter and the 2022 Quarter, respectively.

 

Segment Results

 

The discussion that follows below provides further details about the results of operations for each segment as compared to the prior year quarter.

 

 Segment Results of Operations  Segment Results of Operations 
 

OEM

Distribution

  Retail Distribution  Design  Corporate Expenses  Consolidated  

OEM

Distribution

  Retail Distribution  Design  Corporate Expenses  Consolidated 
2023 Quarter revenues $4,377,000  $1,057,000  $5,376,000  $  $10,810,000  $4,057,000  $919,000  $5,682,000  $  $10,658,000 
2022 Quarter revenues  5,242,000   1,392,000   4,980,000      11,614,000   4,676,000   649,000   4,990,000      10,315,000 
Change $(865,000) $(335,000) $396,000  $  $(804,000) $(619,000) $270,000  $692,000  $  $343,000 
                                        
2023 Quarter operating income/(loss) $112,000  $(326,000) $433,000  $(686,000) $(467,000) $28,000  $(736,000) $531,000  $(667,000) $(844,000)
2022 Quarter operating income/(loss)  497,000   (228,000)  585,000   (640,000)  214,000   326,000   (356,000)  389,000   (682,000)  (323,000)
Change $(385,000) $(98,000) $(152,000) $(46,000) $(681,000) $(298,000) $(380,000) $142,000  $15,000  $(521,000)

 2022 

 

OEM Distribution Segment

 

NetThe decrease in net revenues in the OEM distribution segment decreasedresulted from lower sales volume from both diabetic customers, as well aswhich was partially offset by increased revenue from other OEM customers. As consumer demand increases for diabetic testing products which require no carrying case, we expect diabetic product sales to continue to represent a smaller portion of our OEM distribution revenue. In March 2023, a contract with one of our major diabetic customers will expire.expired. Due to increased pricing pressures, we willdid not be extendingextend our contract with this customer. Revenue from this customer represented approximately 12% of our consolidated net revenues in both the 2023 Quarter and the 2022 Quarter. We expect the loss of this customer to cause a significant decline in OEM distribution segment revenues in future periods.

 

The following tables set forth revenues by product line of our OEM distribution segment customers for the periods indicated:

 

   OEM Revenues by Product Line 
   

2023

Quarter

   

2022

Quarter

   Change ($)   Change (%) 
Diabetic products $3,985,000  $4,234,000  $(249,000)  (5.9%)
Other products  392,000   1,008,000   (616,000)  (61.1%)
Total net revenues $4,377,000  $5,242,000  $(865,000)  (16.5%)

  OEM Revenues by Product Line 
  2023 Quarter  2022 Quarter  Change ($)  Change (%) 
Diabetic products $3,374,000  $4,159,000  $(785,000)  (18.9%)
Other products  683,000   517,000   166,000   32.1% 
Total net revenues $4,057,000  $4,676,000  $(619,000)  (13.2%)

 

Diabetic Product Revenues

Our OEM distribution segment manufactures to the order of, and sells carrying cases for, blood glucose diagnostic kits directly to OEMs (or their contract manufacturers). The OEM customer or its contract manufacturer packages our carry cases “in box” as a custom accessory for the OEM’s blood glucose testing and monitoring kits, or to a lesser extent, sells them through their retail distribution channels.

 

Revenues from diabetic products decreased due to lower volumes from one major customer in the 2023 Quarter resulting from lower demand and the loss of one product to a competitor. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in volumes from another customer that was timing related. As mentioned above, management believes that revenues from diabetic customers will decline in future periods. Revenues from diabetic products represented 83% of net revenues for the OEM distribution segment in the 2023 Quarter compared to 89% in the 2022 Quarter.

Other Product Revenues

Our OEM distribution segment also sources and sells cases and protective solutions for a diverse array of portable electronic and non-electronic products (such as sporting and recreational products, bar code scanners, GPS devices, tablets and firearms) on a made-to-order basis that are customized to fit the products sold by our OEM customers.

Revenues from other products increased due to higher sales volume with some existing customers, which was partially offset by lower sales volume from some other customers. We will continue to focus on our sales and sales support teams in our continued efforts to expand and diversify our other products customer base.

Operating Income

Operating income for the OEM distribution segment decreased and operating income margin decreased from 7.0% in the 2022 Quarter to 0.7% in the 2023 Quarter, driven by lower gross margins due to lower revenues and a shift in the mix of revenue, coupled with sales related severance costs. While diabetic revenues decreased overall, the decrease was mostly from more profitable products, thus driving overall gross margins down. The cost of importing all products from China has increased and both the diabetic and other OEM product lines have experienced pricing pressures from customers.

23

Considering the loss of a significant diabetic customer, management reduced its OEM distribution segment sales and marketing personnel in March 2023 and is currently assessing the terms of its sourcing agreement with Forward China, which is scheduled to expire on October 22, 2023 (See Note 8 to the condensed consolidated financial statements). Effective April 1, 2023, the Company and Forward China agreed to reduce the fixed portion of the sourcing fee from $100,000 to $83,333 per month for the remaining term of the sourcing agreement, which is expected to result in cash savings of $100,000 for the remainder of the 2023 fiscal year. The Company and Forward China have begun negotiations on a new sourcing agreement.  While we believe a new agreement will be reached, we cannot provide any assurances that we will be successful.  If an agreement cannot be reached, which could have a significant impact on the Company’s operations, we will look at other alternatives for our OEM and retail distribution businesses prior to the expiration of the agreement. Management is planning to further evaluate the OEM distribution segment cost structure and implement additional cost cutting initiatives as deemed necessary.

Retail Distribution Segment

The increase in net revenues in the 2023 Quarter was driven by higher sales volumes and additional product offerings with existing retailers, and, to a lesser extent, business from new retailers, which was partially offset by price reductions on certain products. As inflation continues to increase the cost of products and constrain consumer spending, profitability continues to be challenging in the retail segment. We plan to focus our sales and sales support teams on efforts to match our product offerings with consumer demand, sell off slow-moving inventory to reduce storage and other inventory holding costs, strategically increase the volume of revenue from more profitable products, attempt to negotiate lower costing for these products, and expand these product offerings through additional retailer websites.

The cost of importation, storage, and other logistics services, coupled with additional inventory reserves, outpaced revenue leading to a decline in gross margin from the 2022 Quarter to the 2023 Quarter. This was partially offset by slightly lower sales and marketing expenses driven by a reduction in commission expense resulting from a change in the mix of revenue. The operating loss margin increased from 54.9% in the 2022 Quarter to 80.1% in the 2023 Quarter. Management continues to evaluate plans to reduce costs in efforts to improve operating results in the retail distribution segment, including the consolidation of warehouse facilities and selling off slow-moving inventory to reduce storage costs.

Design Segment

The increase in net revenues in the design segment was primarily driven by an increase in revenue from one major customer, coupled with an increase in projects from new and other existing customers, which was partially offset by declines in revenues from certain prior year customers.

Operating income for the design segment increased and operating income margin increased from 7.8% in the 2022 Quarter to 9.3% in 2023 Quarter. The impact of better utilization, increased billing rates and lower general and administrative expenses, driven by lower bad debt expense, was partially offset by higher direct labor costs, driven by inflationary pressures, and slightly higher sales and marketing expenses.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 COMPARED TO THE SIX MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2022

Consolidated Results

The table below summarizes our consolidated results of operations for the 2023 Period as compared to the 2022 Period:

  Consolidated Results of Operations 
  2023 Period  2022 Period  Change ($)  Change (%) 
Revenues, net $21,468,000  $21,928,000  $(460,000)  (2.1%)
Cost of sales  18,037,000   17,057,000   980,000   5.7% 
Gross profit  3,431,000   4,871,000   (1,440,000)  (29.6%)
Sales and marketing expenses  1,464,000   1,442,000   22,000   1.5% 
General and administrative expenses  3,278,000   3,538,000   (260,000)  (7.3%)
Loss from operations  (1,311,000)  (109,000)  (1,202,000)  1102.8% 
Other (income)/expense, net  (10,000)  67,000   (77,000)  (114.9%)
Provision for income taxes            
Net loss $(1,301,000) $(176,000) $(1,125,000)  639.2% 

24

The discussion that follows below provides further details about our results of operations for the 2023 Period as compared to the 2022 Period.

Net revenues declined in the OEM and retail distribution segments but were partially offset by higher revenues in the design segment.

Our gross profit decreased across all segments and our gross margin declined from 22.2% in the 2022 Period to 16.0% in the 2023 Period, driven by continued pricing pressures from our customers, high product, importation and logistics costs, additional retail inventory reserves and inflation. Management believes there will be continued volatility in OEM and retail distribution cost of sales for the remainder of Fiscal 2023.

Sales and marketing expenses increased slightly in the 2023 Period as sales related severance costs in the OEM distribution segment and higher advertising and commission expenses in the design segment were partially offset by lower retail sales commissions resulting from a change in the mix of revenue. Sales and marketing as a percentage of revenues increased slightly from 6.6% in the 2022 Period to 6.8% in the 2023 Period. If revenues from the retail distribution segment grow to comprise a significantly larger portion of the overall business, management expects sales and marketing costs, both in total and as a percentage of revenues, to increase in future periods.

General and administrative expenses decreased in the 2023 Period, primarily related to timinglower bad debt expense in the design segment. Management continues to monitor the various components of orders relativegeneral and administrative expenses and how these costs are affected by inflationary and other factors. We intend to adjust these costs as needed based on the overall needs of the business.

We recorded net other income of $10,000 in the 2023 Period compared to net other expense of $67,000 in the 2022 Period. The variance is due to fair value adjustments of $40,000 in the 2023 Period to reduce to the fair value of the earnout consideration related to the Kablooe acquisition, $18,000 of net duty drawback income received in the 2023 Period, foreign currency fluctuations and a decrease in interest expense resulting from a reduction in the amount of debt outstanding.

We generated a net loss of $1,301,000 and $176,000 in the 2023 Period and 2022 Period, respectively. We maintain significant net operating loss carryforwards and do not recognize a significant income tax expense or benefit as our fiscal quartersdeferred tax provision is typically offset by a full valuation allowance on our net deferred tax asset.

Consolidated basic and diluted loss per share was $0.13 and $0.02 for the 2023 Period and the 2022 Period, respectively.

Segment Results

The discussion that follows below provides further details about the results of operations for each segment as compared to the prior year period.

  Segment Results of Operations 
  

OEM

Distribution

  Retail Distribution  Design  Corporate Expenses  Consolidated 
2023 Period revenues $8,434,000  $1,976,000  $11,058,000  $  $21,468,000 
2022 Period revenues  9,917,000   2,041,000   9,970,000      21,928,000 
Change $(1,483,000) $(65,000) $1,088,000  $  $(460,000)
                     
2023 Period operating income/(loss) $140,000  $(1,062,000) $963,000  $(1,352,000) $(1,311,000)
2022 Period operating income/(loss)  823,000   (584,000)  974,000   (1,322,000)  (109,000)
Change $(683,000) $(478,000) $(11,000) $(30,000) $(1,202,000)

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OEM Distribution Segment

Net revenues in the OEM distribution segment decreased from lower sales volume from both diabetic customers as well as other OEM customers. As consumer demand increases for diabetic testing products which require no carrying case, we expect diabetic product sales to continue to represent a smaller portion of our OEM distribution revenue. In March 2023, a contract with one of our major diabetic customers expired. Due to increased pricing pressures, we did not extend our contract with this customer. Revenue from this customer represented approximately 12% of our consolidated net revenues in both the 2023 Period and 2022 Period. We expect the loss of this customer to cause a significant decline in OEM distribution segment revenues in future periods.

The following tables set forth revenues by product line of our OEM distribution segment customers for the periods indicated:

  OEM Revenues by Product Line 
  2023 Period  2022 Period  Change ($)  Change (%) 
Diabetic products $7,359,000  $8,393,000  $(1,034,000)  (12.3%)
Other products  1,075,000   1,524,000   (449,000)  (29.5%)
Total net revenues $8,434,000  $9,917,000  $(1,483,000)  (15.0%)

Diabetic Product Revenues

Our OEM distribution segment manufactures to the order of, and sells carrying cases for, blood glucose diagnostic kits directly to OEMs (or their contract manufacturers). The OEM customer or its contract manufacturer packages our carry cases “in box” as a custom accessory for the OEM’s blood glucose testing and monitoring kits, or to a lesser extent, sells them through their retail distribution channels.

Revenues from diabetic products decreased due to lower demand from one major customer and the loss of one product to a competitor. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in demand from another customer, which was also timing related. As mentioned above, management believes that revenues from diabetic customers will decline in future periods. Revenues from diabetic products represented 91%87% of net revenues for the OEM distribution segment in the 2023 QuarterPeriod compared to 81%85% in the 2022 Quarter.Period.

Other Product Revenues

Our OEM distribution segment also sources and sells cases and protective solutions for a diverse array of portable electronic and non-electronic products (such as sporting and recreational products, bar code scanners, GPS devices, tablets and firearms) on a made-to-order basis that are customized to fit the products sold by our OEM customers.

 

Revenues from other products decreased due to lower sales volume with several existing customers, partially driven by the delayed rollout of certain customer product lines and reduced demand from some customers. We will continue to focus on our sales and sales support teams in our continued efforts to expand and diversify our other products customer base.

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Operating Income

Operating income for the OEM distribution segment decreased and operating income margin decreased from 9.5%8.3% in the 2022 QuarterPeriod to 2.6%1.7% in the 2023 Quarter,Period, driven by lower gross margins due to lower revenues and a shift in the mix of revenue in each period.revenue. While revenues decreased in both diabetic and other products, a higher portion of revenuethe decrease in the 2023 Quarter was generated from sales to diabetic customers, which yield a lower gross margin, while a lower portion of revenue was generatedmostly from other OEM customers, which yield a highermore profitable products, thus driving overall gross margin.margins down. The cost of importing all products from China has increased and both the diabetic and other OEM product lines have experienced pricing pressures from customers. Sales related severance costs had a lesser impact in the 2023 Period as they were mostly offset by savings in other sales related expenses.

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Considering the loss of a significant diabetic customer, management reduced its OEM distribution sales and expected performancemarketing personnel in the OEMMarch 2023 and retail distribution segments, the Company is currently assessing the terms of its sourcing agreement with Forward China, which is scheduled to expire on October 22, 2023 (See Note 8 to the condensed consolidated financial statements). Effective April 1, 2023, the Company and Forward China agreed to reduce the fixed portion of the sourcing fee from $100,000 to $83,333 per month for the remaining term of the sourcing agreement, which is expected to result in cash savings of $100,000 for the remainder of Fiscal 2023. The Company and Forward China have agreed to beginbegun negotiations on a new sourcing agreement early in the third quarter of Fiscal 2023.agreement.  While we believe a new agreement will be reached, we cannot provide any assurances that we will be successful.  If an agreement cannot be reached, which could have a significant impact on the Company’s operations, we will look at other alternatives for our OEM and retail distribution businesses prior to the expiration of the agreement. Management is planning to further evaluate the OEM distribution segment cost structure and implement additional cost cutting initiatives as deemed necessary.

 

Retail Distribution Segment

Net revenues decreased slightly in the 2023 Quarter primarily due to a reduction inPeriod as lower sales volume with one existing retailer, which was partiallyvolumes and price reductions on certain products were mostly offset by new business and higher sales volumes fromand additional product offerings with other retailers, and, to a lesser extent, business with new retailers. As inflation continues to increase the cost of products increases and inflation continues to reduceconstrain consumer spending, profitability becomes morecontinues to be challenging in the retail segment. We plan to focus our sales and sales support teams on efforts to match our product offerings with consumer demand, sell off slow-moving inventory to reduce storage and other inventory holding costs, strategically increase the volume of revenue from more profitable products, attempt to negotiate lower costing for these products, and expand these product offerings through additional retailer websites.

 

The rising cost of freight,importation, storage and other logistics services, coupled with additional inventory reserves, outpaced revenue leading to a decline in gross margin from the 2022 QuarterPeriod to the 2023 Quarter.Period. This was partially offset by lower sales and marketing expenses driven by lower sales commissionsa reduction in commission expense resulting from a change in the decrease inmix of revenue. The operating loss margin increased from 16.4%28.6% in the 2022 QuarterPeriod to 30.8%53.7% in the 2023 Quarter.Period. Management continues to evaluate plans to reduce costs in efforts to improve operating results in the retail distribution segment.segment including the consolidation of warehouse facilities and selling off slow-moving inventory to reduce storage costs.

 

Design Segment

The increase in net revenues in the design segment was driven by an increase in revenue from one major customer, coupled with an increase in projects from new and existing customers, which was partially offset by declines in revenues from certain prior year customers.

 

Operating income for the design segment decreased and operating income margin decreased from 11.7%9.8% in the 2022 QuarterPeriod to 8.1%8.7% in 2023 Quarter.Period. The impact of higher direct labor costs driven by inflationary pressures, coupled with higher sales and marketing expenses, was slightly offset by better utilization and increased billing rates.rates and lower general and administrative expenses, driven by lower bad debt expense.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

Our primary source of liquidity is our operations. The primary demand on our working capital has historically been (i) operating losses, (ii) repayment of debt obligations, and (iii) any increases in accounts receivable and inventories arising in the ordinary course of business. Historically, our sources of liquidity have been adequate to satisfy working capital requirements arising in the ordinary course of business. At DecemberMarch 31, 2022,2023, our working capital was $3,919,000$3,066,000 compared to $4,359,000 at September 30, 2022, the decrease primarily due to higher payables and lower inventories, partially offset by higher accounts receivable balances. At January 31,April 30, 2023, we had approximately $2,100,000$2,800,000 cash on hand and $1,300,000 available under our line of credit with a bank which was renewed in March 2023 and matures May 31, 2023. As this line of credit has been renewed on multiple prior occasions, management expects it will be renewed again.2024. Considering the loss of a significant OEM distribution segment customer (see Note 5 to the condensed consolidated financial statements), which led to the April 2023 reduction in the sourcing fee to Forward China, and the continued retail distribution segment operating losses, management reduced its OEM segment sales and marketing personnel in March 2023 and is planning to further evaluate the Company’s OEM and retail cost structure and implement additional cost cutting initiatives as deemed necessary.

 

 

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Forward China, our largest vendor and an entity owned by our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, holds a $1,600,000 promissory note (the “FC Note”) issued by us which matures on December 31, 2024 (see Note 8 to the condensed consolidated financial statements). The balance of the FC Note was reduced to $1,350,000$1,300,000 after we made principal payments of $250,000$300,000 through DecemberMarch 31, 2022.2023. We made additional principal payments on this note of $50,000 subsequent to March 31, 2023. Although the FC Note has been extended on multiple occasions to assist us with our liquidity position, we plan on funding the repayment at maturity using existing cash balances and/or obtaining an additional credit facility as deemed necessary. Additionally, Forward China has extended payment terms on our outstanding payables due to them when necessary. At March 31, 2023, our accounts payable due to Forward China was $8,977,000. We can provide no assurance that (i) Forward China will extend the FC Note again if we request an extension, (ii) Forward China will continue to extend payment terms on outstanding payables when we need them, or (iii) any additional credit facility will be available on terms acceptable to us or at all.

 

We anticipate that our liquidity and financial resources for the 12 months following the date of this report will be adequate to manage our operating and financial requirements. If we have the opportunity to make a strategic acquisition (as we have in the past with the acquisitions of IPS and Kablooe) or an investment in a product or partnership, we may require additional capital beyond our current cash balance to fund the opportunity. If we seek to raise additional capital, there is no assurance that we will be able to raise funds on terms that are acceptable to us or at all. In the current environment of rising interest rates, any future borrowing is expected to result in higher interest expense.

 

Although we do not anticipate the need to purchase additional material capital assets in order to carry out our business, it may be necessary for us to purchase equipment and other capital assets in the future, depending on need.

 

Cash Flows

 

During the 2023 QuarterPeriod and 2022 Quarter,Period, our sources and uses of cash were as follows:

Operating Activities

During the 2023 Quarter,Period, cash used in operating activities of $149,000$50,000 resulted from a net loss of $430,000,$1,301,000, an increase in accounts receivable of $994,000, an increase in inventories of $338,000,$686,000, a decrease in accrued expenses and other current liabilities of $459,000$196,000, a decrease in deferred income of $272,000 and the net change in other operating assets and liabilities of $73,000,$78,000, partially offset by a decrease in inventories of $880,000, an increase in accounts payable and amounts due to Forward China of $2,070,000$1,404,000 and non-cash expenses of $75,000$199,000 related to fair value adjustments, depreciation, amortization, share-based compensation and bad debt expense.

 

During the 2022 Quarter,Period, cash provided by operating activities of $1,138,000$360,000 primarily resulted from net income of $180,000, an increase in accounts payable, accrued expenses and amounts due to Forward China of $1,276,000, an$1,836,000, and increase in deferred income of $565,000$433,000 and non-cash expenses of $112,000$321,000 for depreciation, amortization, and share-based compensation and bad debt expense, partially offset by an operating loss of $109,000, an increase in inventories of $910,000$1,835,000, a decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets of $255,000 and the net change in other operating assets and liabilities of $85,000.$31,000.

 

Investing Activities

Cash used in investing activities in the 2023 QuarterPeriod and the 2022 QuarterPeriod of $45,000$70,000 and $66,000,$130,000, respectively, resulted from purchases of property and equipment.

Financing Activities

Cash used in financing activities in the 2023 QuarterPeriod and the 2022 QuarterPeriod of $50,000$100,000 consisted of principal payments on the promissory note held by Forward China.

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Related Party Transactions

 

For information on related party transactions and their financial impact, see Note 8 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contained herein.

 

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ITEM 3.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 4.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Our management carried out an evaluation, with the participation of our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, required by Rule 13a-15 and Rule 15d-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”) of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act. Based on their evaluation, our management has concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective as of the end of the period covered by this report to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and Rule 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act that occurred during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

Limitations of the Effectiveness of Controls and Procedures. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Because of the inherent limitations of any control system, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues, if any, within a company have been detected.

 

 

 

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PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

From time to time, the Company may become a party to legal actions or proceedings in the ordinary course of its business. At DecemberMarch 31, 2022,2023, there were no such actions or proceedings, either individually or in the aggregate, that, if decided adversely to the Company’s interests, the Company believes would be material to its business.

 

ITEM 1A.RISK FACTORS

 

While we attempt to identify, manage, and mitigate risks and uncertainties associated with our business to the extent practical under the circumstances, some level of risk and uncertainty will always be present. Item 1A - “Risk Factors” in the Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022 describes some of the risks and uncertainties associated with our business, which we strongly encourage you to review. These risks and uncertainties have the potential to materially affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, projected results, and future prospects. There have been no material changes in our risk factors from those disclosed in the Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2022.

 

ITEM 2.UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

There were no unregistered sales of the Company’s equity securities during the three months ended DecemberMarch 31, 2022,2023, that were not previously disclosed in a Current Report on Form 8-K.

 

ITEM 3.DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

None.

 

ITEM 4.MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Not Applicable.

 

ITEM 5.OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

 

ITEM 6.EXHIBITS

 

The exhibits listed in the accompanying “IndexIndex to Exhibits”Exhibits are filed or incorporated by reference as part of this Form 10-Q.

 

 

 

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Signatures

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, hereunto duly authorized.

 

Dated:  February 14,May 12, 2023

 

 FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC.
  
  
 

By: /s/ Terence Wise

Terence Wise

Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

By: /s/Anthony Camarda

Anthony Camarda

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

  Incorporated by
Reference
Filed or
Furnished
Exhibit No.Exhibit DescriptionFormDateNumberHerewith
2.1Stock Purchase Agreement dated January 18, 2018 - Intelligent Product Solutions, Inc.+8-K1/18/182.1 
2.2Asset Purchase Agreement by and among Forward Industries, Inc., Kablooe, Inc., Kablooe Design, Inc. and Tom KraMer dated August 17, 2020+8-K8/17/202.1 
3.1Restated Certificate of Incorporation10-K12/8/103(i) 
3.2Certificate of Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation, April 26, 20138-K4/26/133.1 
3.3Certificate of Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation, June 28, 20138-K7/3/133.1 
3.4Third Amended and Restated Bylaws, as of May 28, 201410-K12/10/143(ii) 
4.1Promissory Note dated January 18, 2018 – Forward Industries (Asia-Pacific) (as amended and restated)10-K12/16/224.2 
10.1Consultancy Agreement dated September 1, 2022 – Justwise Group Ltd.10-K12/16/2210.1 
31.1CEO Certification (302)   Filed
31.2CFO Certification (302)   Filed
32.1CEO and CFO Certifications (906)   Furnished
101.INSXBRL Instance Document   Filed
101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document   Filed
101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document   Filed
101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document   Filed
101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document   Filed
101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document   Filed
104Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted in inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)   Filed

     Incorporated by Reference  
Exhibit
No.
 Exhibit Description Form Date Number Filed or
Furnished
Herewith
2.1  Stock Purchase Agreement dated January 18, 2018 - Intelligent Product Solutions, Inc.+ 8-K 1/18/18 2.1  
2.2  Asset Purchase Agreement by and among Forward Industries, Inc., Kablooe, Inc., Kablooe Design, Inc. and Tom KraMer dated August 17, 2020+ 8-K 8/17/20 2.1  
3.1  Restated Certificate of Incorporation 10-K 12/8/10 3(i)  
3.2  Certificate of Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation, April 26, 2013 8-K 4/26/13 3.1  
3.3  Certificate of Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation, June 28, 2013 8-K 7/3/13 3.1  
3.4  Third Amended and Restated Bylaws, as of May 28, 2014 10-K 12/10/14 3(ii)  
4.1  Promissory Note dated January 18, 2018 – Forward Industries (Asia-Pacific) (as amended and restated) 10-K 12/16/22 4.2  
10.1  Consultancy Agreement dated September 1, 2022 – Justwise Group Ltd. 10-K 12/16/22 10.11  
31.1  CEO Certification (302)       Filed
31.2  CFO Certification (302)       Filed
32.1  CEO and CFO Certifications (906)       Furnished
101.INS  XBRL Instance Document       Filed
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document       Filed
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document       Filed
101.DEF  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document       Filed
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document       Filed
101.PRE  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document       Filed
104  Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted in inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)       Filed

 

Copies of this filing (including the financial statements) and any of the exhibits referred to above will be furnished at no cost to our shareholders who make a written request to Forward Industries, Inc.; 700 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Suite 100, Hauppauge, NY 11788; Attention: Corporate Secretary.

 

 

 

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