UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20459
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One) | |
☒ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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For the quarterly period ended December 31, 2013 |
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or |
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☐ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from _____ to _____
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER: 000-20970
VISION-SCIENCES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware | 13-3430173 |
(State of incorporation) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number) |
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40 Ramland Road South, Orangeburg, NY | 10962 |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
(845) 365-0600
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirement for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate website, if any every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, accelerated filer, non-accelerated filer, or smaller reporting company. See definitions of “accelerated filer”, “large accelerated filer”, and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer ☐ | Accelerated filer ☐ | Non-accelerated filer ☐ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) | Smaller reporting company ☒ |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of February 10, 2014:
Common Stock, par value of $0.01 per share | 47,554,852 |
(Title of Class) | (Number of Shares) |
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VISION-SCIENCES, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS | |
Part I. | Financial Information | |
| Item 1. | Financial Statements | |
| | Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations | 4 |
| | Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets | 5 |
| | Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Deficit | 6 |
| | Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows | 7 |
| | Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements | 8 |
| Item 2. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 18 |
| Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk | 25 |
| Item 4. | Controls and Procedures | 26 |
| | | |
Part II. | Other Information | |
| Item 1. | Legal Proceedings | 27 |
| Item 1A. | Risk Factors | 27 |
| Item 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | 27 |
| Item 3. | Defaults Upon Senior Securities | 27 |
| Item 4. | Mine Safety Disclosures | 27 |
| Item 5. | Other Information | 27 |
| Item 6. | Exhibits | 28 |
| Signatures | 29 |
CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Examples of forward-looking statements include statements about expectations about future financial results, future products and future sales of new and existing products, future expenditures, and capital resources to meet anticipated requirements. Generally, words such as “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “may,” “will,” “plan,” “intend,” “estimate,” “could,” and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are based on our future plans, strategies, projections and predictions and involve risks and uncertainties, and our actual results may differ significantly from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference could include, among others, the availability of capital resources; the availability and adequacy of third-party reimbursement; government regulation; the availability of raw material components; our dependence on certain distributors and customers; our ability to effect expected sales; competition; technological difficulties; product recalls; general economic conditions and other risks detailed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and any subsequent periodic filings we make with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). While we believe the assumptions underlying such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that future events or developments will not cause such statements to be inaccurate. All forward-looking statements contained in this report are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary note.
We do not undertake an obligation to update our forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances, except as may be required by law.
PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
Vision-Sciences, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
| | Three Months Ended December 31, | | | Nine Months Ended December 31, | |
| | 2013 | | | 2012 | | | 2013 | | | 2012 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net sales | | $ | 4,507 | | | $ | 3,952 | | | $ | 12,127 | | | $ | 11,087 | |
Cost of sales | | | 3,129 | | | | 2,820 | | | | 8,474 | | | | 7,973 | |
Gross profit | | | 1,378 | | | | 1,132 | | | | 3,653 | | | | 3,114 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Selling, general, and administrative expenses | | | 2,304 | | | | 2,311 | | | | 7,404 | | | | 8,205 | |
Research and development expenses | | | 552 | | | | 347 | | | | 1,399 | | | | 1,361 | |
Operating loss | | | (1,478 | ) | | | (1,526 | ) | | | (5,150 | ) | | | (6,452 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Interest income | | | - | | | | 1 | | | | 1 | | | | 4 | |
Interest expense | | | (58 | ) | | | (36 | ) | | | (143 | ) | | | (467 | ) |
Other, net | | | (18 | ) | | | (6 | ) | | | (16 | ) | | | (47 | ) |
Debt cost expense | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (272 | ) |
Loss on extinguishment of debt | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (1,244 | ) |
Loss before provision for income taxes | | | (1,554 | ) | | | (1,567 | ) | | | (5,308 | ) | | | (8,478 | ) |
Income tax provision | | | 8 | | | | 10 | | | | 11 | | | | 10 | |
Net loss | | $ | (1,562 | ) | | $ | (1,577 | ) | | $ | (5,319 | ) | | $ | (8,488 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net loss per common share - basic and diluted | | $ | (0.03 | ) | | $ | (0.03 | ) | | $ | (0.12 | ) | | $ | (0.18 | ) |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Weighted average shares used in computingnet loss per common share - basic and diluted | | | 46,163 | | | | 46,051 | | | | 46,139 | | | | 45,902 | |
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
Vision-Sciences, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
| | December 31, 2013 | | | March 31, 2013 | |
| | (unaudited) | | | (audited) | |
ASSETS | | | | | | | | |
Current assets: | | | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 1,122 | | | $ | 788 | |
Accounts receivable, less allowances of $106 and $113, respectively | | | 3,410 | | | | 3,624 | |
Inventories, net | | | 5,394 | | | | 5,158 | |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | | | 313 | | | | 276 | |
Total current assets | | | 10,239 | | | | 9,846 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Machinery and equipment | | | 3,456 | | | | 3,489 | |
Demo equipment | | | 1,268 | | | | 1,101 | |
Furniture and fixtures | | | 225 | | | | 225 | |
Leasehold improvements | | | 372 | | | | 372 | |
Property and equipment, at cost | | | 5,321 | | | | 5,187 | |
Less—accumulated depreciation and amortization | | | 4,142 | | | | 3,733 | |
Total property and equipment, net | | | 1,179 | | | | 1,454 | |
Other assets, net | | | 67 | | | | 77 | |
Total assets | | $ | 11,485 | | | $ | 11,377 | |
| | | | | | | | |
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT | | | | | | | | |
Current liabilities: | | | | | | | | |
Accounts payable | | $ | 1,085 | | | $ | 1,300 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 897 | | | | 728 | |
Accrued compensation | | | 648 | | | | 656 | |
Deferred revenue | | | 183 | | | | 130 | |
Capital lease obligations | | | 34 | | | | 75 | |
Total current liabilities | | | 2,847 | | | | 2,889 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Convertible debt—related party, net | | | 21,804 | | | | 17,000 | |
Deferred revenue, net of current portion | | | 76 | | | | 62 | |
Capital lease obligations, net of current portion | | | - | | | | 22 | |
Total liabilities | | | 24,727 | | | | 19,973 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Commitments and Contingencies | | | | | | | | |
Stockholders’ deficit: | | | | | | | | |
Preferred stock, $0.01 par valueAuthorized—5,000 shares;issued and outstanding—none | | | - | | | | - | |
Common stock, $0.01 par valueAuthorized—75,000 shares;issued and outstanding—47,614 shares and 46,249 shares, respectively | | | 476 | | | | 463 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | | 101,507 | | | | 100,819 | |
Treasury stock at cost, 59 shares and 34 shares of common stock, respectively | | | (78 | ) | | | (50 | ) |
Accumulated deficit | | | (115,147 | ) | | | (109,828 | ) |
Total stockholders’ deficit | | | (13,242 | ) | | | (8,596 | ) |
Total liabilities and stockholders’ deficit | | $ | 11,485 | | | $ | 11,377 | |
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
Vision-Sciences, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Deficit
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
| | Common Stock | | | Additional | | | Treasury Stock | | | | | | | Total | |
| | Number of Shares | | | Par Value | | | Paid-in Capital | | | Number of Shares | | | Cost | | | Accumulated Deficit | | | Stockholders’ Deficit | |
Balance at March 31, 2013 | | | 46,249 | | | $ | 463 | | | $ | 100,819 | | | | 34 | | | $ | (50 | ) | | $ | (109,828 | ) | | $ | (8,596 | ) |
Issuance of restricted stock awards | | | 1,365 | | | | 13 | | | | (13 | ) | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Common stock repurchased | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 25 | | | | (28 | ) | | | - | | | | (28 | ) |
Beneficial conversion feature | | | - | | | | - | | | | 202 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 202 | |
Stock-based compensation expense | | | - | | | | - | | | | 499 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 499 | |
Net loss | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (5,319 | ) | | | (5,319 | ) |
Balance at December 31, 2013 | | | 47,614 | | | $ | 476 | | | $ | 101,507 | | | | 59 | | | $ | (78 | ) | | $ | (115,147 | ) | | $ | (13,242 | ) |
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
Vision-Sciences, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
| | Nine Months Ended December 31, | |
| | 2013 | | | 2012 | |
Cash flows from operating activities: | | | | | | | | |
Net loss | | $ | (5,319 | ) | | $ | (8,488 | ) |
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: | | | | | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 532 | | | | 603 | |
Stock-based compensation expense | | | 499 | | | | 1,209 | |
Provision for (recovery of) bad debt expenses | | | 16 | | | | (4 | ) |
Loss on disposal of fixed assets | | | 5 | | | | 51 | |
Non-cash interest expense | | | 6 | | | | - | |
Debt cost expense | | | - | | | | 272 | |
Loss on extinguishment of debt | | | - | | | | 1,244 | |
Changes in assets and liabilities: | | | | | | | | |
Accounts receivable | | | 198 | | | | (684 | ) |
Inventories | | | (465 | ) | | | (1,062 | ) |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | | | (37 | ) | | | (21 | ) |
Other assets | | | 10 | | | | - | |
Accounts payable | | | (215 | ) | | | 334 | |
Accrued expenses | | | 169 | | | | (325 | ) |
Accrued compensation | | | (8 | ) | | | 192 | |
Deferred revenue | | | 67 | | | | 49 | |
Advances from customers | | | - | | | | (529 | ) |
Net cash used in operating activities | | | (4,542 | ) | | | (7,159 | ) |
Cash flows from investing activities: | | | | | | | | |
Purchases of property and equipment | | | (53 | ) | | | (93 | ) |
Proceeds from disposal of fixed assets | | | 3 | | | | 5 | |
Net cash used in investing activities | | | (50 | ) | | | (88 | ) |
Cash flows from financing activities: | | | | | | | | |
Proceeds from issuance of convertible debt—related party | | | 5,000 | | | | - | |
Proceeds from promissory note—related party | | | - | | | | 5,000 | |
Net proceeds from sale of common stock | | | - | | | | 878 | |
Proceeds from exercise of stock options | | | - | | | | 99 | |
Common stock repurchased | | | (28 | ) | | | (36 | ) |
Payments of capital leases | | | (46 | ) | | | (73 | ) |
Net cash provided by financing activities | | | 4,926 | | | | 5,868 | |
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | | | 334 | | | | (1,379 | ) |
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period | | $ | 788 | | | $ | 2,674 | |
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period | | $ | 1,122 | | | $ | 1,295 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information: | | | | | | | | |
Cash paid during the period for: | | | | | | | | |
Interest | | $ | 11 | | | $ | 589 | |
Income taxes | | $ | 11 | | | $ | 17 | |
| | | | | | | | |
Non-cash financing activities: | | | | | | | | |
Beneficial conversion feature | | $ | 202 | | | $ | - | |
Net transfers of inventory to fixed assets for use as demonstration equipment | | $ | 229 | | | $ | 151 | |
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.
Vision-Sciences, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited, in thousands except number of shares and per share amounts)
Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Vision-Sciences, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company,” or “our”, “us” or “we”) designs, develops, manufactures, and markets products for endoscopy – the science of using an instrument, known as an endoscope, to provide minimally invasive access to areas not readily visible to the human eye. Our products are sold throughout the world through direct sales representatives in the United States (“U.S.”) and independent distributors for the rest of the world. With respect to our urology products, we are the exclusive supplier to the Endoscopy Division of Stryker Corporation (“Stryker”). Our largest geographic markets are the U.S. and Europe.
We are incorporated in Delaware, and are the successor to operations begun in 1987. In December 1990, Machida Incorporated (“Machida”) became our wholly-owned subsidiary. We own the trademarks Vision SciencesTM and Slide-OnTM and the registered trademarks EndoSheath®, EndoWipe® and The Vision System®. Not all products referenced in this report are approved or cleared for sale, distribution, or use.
Basis of Presentation and Preparation
We have prepared the condensed consolidated financial statements included herein according to generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and include, in the opinion of management, all adjustments that we consider necessary for a fair presentation of such information. We have condensed or omitted certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements pursuant to those rules and regulations. We believe, however, that our disclosures are adequate to make the information presented not misleading.
The results for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full fiscal year. Please read these condensed consolidated financial statements in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2013.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We have incurred substantial operating losses since our inception and there can be no assurance that we will ever achieve or sustain a profitable level of operations in the future. We anticipate negative cash flows from operations during the remainder of fiscal 2014, driven by continued investment in a direct sales force for the U.S. market, spending for marketing, spending for research and development, and general business operations. As of December 31, 2013, we had cash and cash equivalents totaling approximately $1.1 million. We expect that our cash at December 31, 2013, together with the $1.5 million of capital available as of December 31, 2013 under a $3.5 million revolving convertible promissory note dated September 25, 2013 (the “2013 Note”) and up to $5.0 million of capital to be made available to us, subject to certain conditions and an expiration date of July 1, 2014, under a letter agreement dated June 21, 2013 with Lewis C. Pell, our Chairman (the “Letter Agreement”) (seeNote 5. Convertible Debt – Related Party for additional information), should be sufficient to fund our operations through at least December 31, 2014. However, if our performance expectations fall short (including our failure to generate expected levels of sales) or our expenses exceed expectations, or if the commitments under the 2013 Note or the Letter Agreement become unavailable, we will need to secure additional financing and/or reduce our expenses to continue our operations. Our failure to do so would have a material adverse impact on our prospects and financial condition. There can be no assurance that any contemplated additional financing will be available on terms acceptable to us, if at all. If required, we believe we would be able to reduce our expenses to a sufficient level to continue to operate as a going concern.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Our condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. These accounting principles require us to make certain estimates, judgments and assumptions. We believe that the estimates, judgments and assumptions upon which we rely are reasonable, based upon information available to us at the time that these estimates, judgments and assumptions are made. These estimates, judgments and assumptions can affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the periods presented. To the extent there are any differences (other than nominal differences) between these estimates, judgments or assumptions and actual results, our financial statements will be affected.
The accounting policies that reflect our more significant estimates, judgments, and assumptions and that we believe are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating our reported financial results include the following:
• Revenue recognition;
• Stock-based compensation expense;
• Allowances for doubtful accounts;
• Inventory obsolescence and realization;
• Fair value measurements of convertible debt – related party;
• Obligations under warranties; and
• Other contingencies.
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements reflect the accounts of the Company. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Fair Value Measurements
The carrying amounts reflected in our condensed consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, other current assets, accounts payable, accrued expenses, accrued compensation, and capital lease obligations approximate fair value due to their short-term nature. The fair value of our convertible debt – related party is based on its face value, which is equal to its net carrying value.
In determining the fair value of the convertible debt – related party, we analyzed its attributes (coupon rate, conversion price, and the percentage of market cap the face value of the debt instrument was prior to the announcement of the debt) as compared to public company convertible debt issuances for an eleven (11) to sixteen (16) month period in the healthcare industry. We determined the convertible debt was not issued at a discount as its fair value was equal to its face (carrying) value.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Concentration of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable relates to certain domestic and international customers to whom we make substantial sales. To reduce risk, we routinely assess the financial strength of our customers and, when appropriate, we obtain advance payments for our international sales. As a consequence, we believe that our accounts receivable credit risk exposure is limited. We maintain an allowance for potential credit losses, but historically we have not experienced any significant credit losses related to any individual customer or group of customers in any particular industry or geographic area.
The following table summarizes net sales to our most significant customer during the three and nine months ended December 31, 2013, which is our only customer that accounted for more than 10% of total net sales and total accounts receivable, net, during such periods:
| | Three Months Ended December 31, | | | Nine Months Ended December 31, | |
| | 2013 | | | 2012 | | | 2013 | | | 2012 | |
Customer | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Stryker | | $ | 1,202 | | | $ | 923 | | | $ | 3,548 | | | $ | 1,931 | |
Percentage of total net sales | | | 27 | % | | | 23 | % | | | 29 | % | | | 17 | % |
Percentage of total accounts receivable, net | | | 31 | % | | | 33 | % | | | 31 | % | | | 33 | % |
Note 2. Basic and Diluted Net Loss per Common Share
Basic net loss per share is calculated by dividing the net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. For all periods presented, the diluted net loss per common share is the same as basic net loss per common share, as the inclusion of other shares of stock issuable pursuant to stock options, warrants, and convertible debt would be anti-dilutive.
The following table summarizes equity securities that were excluded from the calculation of fully diluted loss per share as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.
| | December 31, | |
| | 2013 | | | 2012 | |
Convertible debt | | | 18,913,857 | | | | 12,500,000 | |
Stock options | | | 4,341,174 | | | | 5,982,069 | |
Warrants | | | 1,880,620 | | | | 1,880,620 | |
Restricted stock | | | 1,366,652 | | | | 146,825 | |
Total anti-dilutive securities | | | 26,502,303 | | | | 20,509,514 | |
Note 3. Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market using the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method and consist of the following:
| | December 31, 2013 | | | March 31, 2013 | |
Raw materials | | $ | 4,342 | | | $ | 4,352 | |
Work in process | | | 406 | | | | 427 | |
Finished goods | | | 646 | | | | 379 | |
Inventories, net | | $ | 5,394 | | | $ | 5,158 | |
Raw materials include components purchased from independent suppliers. Most purchased components are available from multiple sources, with the exception of certain key components which are supplied to us by key suppliers, with whom we have long-term supply arrangements, but no long-term supply agreements.
Note 4. Supply Agreements
We are the exclusive supplier of the following Stryker-branded flexible endoscopes and co-branded EndoSheath technology:
Market | | Product | | Term |
Urology | | URT-7000 Video Ureteroscope | | 3-year agreement (December 2012 - December 2015) |
| | CST-5000 Video Cystoscope | | 3-year agreement (April 2011 - April 2014) |
| | CST-4000 Fiber Cystoscope | | 3-year agreement (April 2011 - April 2014) |
| | EndoSheath technology (cystoscopy only) | | 3-year agreement (April 2011 - April 2014) |
| | Peripherals and accessories (ureteroscopy) | | 3-year agreement (December 2012 - December 2015) |
| | Peripherals and accessories (cystoscopy) | | 3-year agreement (April 2011 - April 2014) |
Until the expiration dates noted, Stryker has the exclusive rights to distribute products we manufacture in North America, South America, Latin America, China, and Japan. Although Stryker was to receive the exclusive rights for the rest of the world in April 2012, we reached an agreement with Stryker to delay this launch indefinitely. With respect to the products for which the exclusive relationship with Stryker expires in April 2014, there can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully negotiate the continuation of such exclusivity with Stryker beyond the expiration date on favorable terms, if at all.
We also have a development and supply agreement with SpineView, Inc. (“SpineView”) under which we developed and supply a charge-coupled device (CCD) based video surgical endoscope for use with SpineView’s products. In December 2012, SpineView received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”) to use our system for spine applications. With this clearance and the units supplied from the initial stocking order of 50 SpineView surgical endoscope systems, the balance of which was fulfilled during fiscal 2013, SpineView continues to conduct clinical preference trials for minimally invasive spine surgeries. As a result, we do not anticipate any sales to SpineView during the remainder of fiscal 2014.
We received advances from Stryker for future orders and from SpineView for the initial stocking order. All of the advances were fully utilized as of September 30, 2012.
Note 5. Convertible Debt – Related Party
Convertible Promissory Notes
On September 25, 2013 (the “Effective Date”), we entered into the 2013 Note with Mr. Pell, which made $3.5 million of capital available to us. The 2013 Note accrues annual interest, payable annually, at the rate of 1.66%. The 2013 Note must be repaid in full on or before the fifth anniversary of the Effective Date (the “Maturity Date”), but may be prepaid by us at any time without penalty. We will be required to repay all amounts outstanding under the 2013 Note upon an event of default, as defined in the 2013 Note. The outstanding principal amount of the 2013 Note is convertible at any time prior to the Maturity Date, at Mr. Pell’s option, into shares of our common stock at a price of $0.89, the closing bid price of our common stock on the Effective Date. At December 31, 2013, we had outstanding principal borrowings of $2.0 million, gross of the amount recognized as a beneficial conversion feature, under the 2013 Note.
As we draw upon the 2013 Note, a beneficial conversion feature will be recorded if the market price of our common stock increases after the Effective Date. The following table summarizes the beneficial conversion feature amounts recorded as of December 31, 2013:
Date | | Borrowing Amount | | | Convertible Shares | | | Share Price | | | Gross Beneficial Conversion Feature | |
October 7, 2013 | | $ | 1,000 | | | | 1,123,595 | | | $ | 0.95 | | | $ | 67 | |
November 26, 2013 | | | 1,000 | | | | 1,123,595 | | | | 1.01 | | | | 135 | |
| | $ | 2,000 | | | | 2,247,190 | | | | | | | $ | 202 | |
The beneficial conversion feature amounts were recorded as a convertible debt discount with a corresponding increase to additional paid-in capital. The amounts are being amortized over a five-year period from the borrowing date to the Maturity Date. At December 31, 2013, the unamortized convertible debt discount balance was $196 thousand and is expected to be recognized over a period of approximately 4.7 years.
On September 19, 2012 (the “Replacement Note Effective Date”), we entered into a $20.0 million revolving convertible promissory note (the “Replacement Note”) with Mr. Pell. The Replacement Note (i) consolidated and restructured the $15.0 million in aggregate borrowings collectively outstanding under an Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated September 30, 2011, between us and Mr. Pell (the “Original Agreement”) and a separate promissory note, dated July 25, 2012, between us and Mr. Pell, and (ii) provided for up to $5.0 million in additional borrowings.
The Replacement Note accrues annual interest, payable annually, at the rate of 0.84%. The Replacement Note must be repaid in full on or before the fifth anniversary of the Replacement Note Effective Date (the “Replacement Note Maturity Date”), but may be prepaid by us at any time without penalty. We will be required to repay all amounts outstanding under the Replacement Note upon an event of default, as defined in the Replacement Note.
The outstanding principal amount of the Replacement Note is convertible at any time prior to the Replacement Note Maturity Date, at Mr. Pell’s option, into shares of our common stock at a conversion price of $1.20 per share, which was the closing bid price of our common stock on the Replacement Note Effective Date. At December 31, 2013, we had $20.0 million in outstanding principal borrowings under the Replacement Note, which is reflected as convertible debt – related party on our condensed consolidated balance sheet.
The following table is a summary of our convertible debt-related party at December 31, 2013:
Convertible Debt—Related Party | | Gross Principal Amount Outstanding | | | Unamortized Debt Discount | | | Net Amount Outstanding | |
Replacement Note | | $ | 20,000 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 20,000 | |
2013 Note | | | 2,000 | | | | (196 | ) | | | 1,804 | |
| | $ | 22,000 | | | $ | (196 | ) | | $ | 21,804 | |
Pursuant to the Original Agreement, Mr. Pell received warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,880,620 shares of our common stock at a weighted average exercise price of $1.86 per share. All of the warrants are vested and expire on the later of September 30, 2016 or one year after the termination of the Original Agreement and repayment of all amounts due and payable under the Original Agreement.
In connection with the issuance of the Replacement Note and the termination of the Original Agreement, we determined that the transaction should be classified as an extinguishment of debt. Accordingly, we wrote-off the remaining deferred debt cost balance of $1.2 million at September 19, 2012.
We estimated the fair value of all of the stock warrants issued on the date of vesting using a Black-Scholes valuation model that used the weighted average assumptions for the risk-free interest rate, expected life (in years), and expected volatility. We recorded the transaction as a deferred debt cost and amortized to expense over the term of the loan.
Debt cost expense related to the stock warrants and interest expense related to the availability fee, accrued interest on outstanding borrowings, and amortization of the convertible debt discount for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 were recorded in our condensed consolidated statement of operations as follows:
| | Three Months Ended December 31, | | | Nine Months Ended December 31, | |
| | 2013 | | | 2012 | | | 2013 | | | 2012 | |
Debt cost expense | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | - | | | $ | 272 | |
Interest expense | | | 56 | | | | 32 | | | | 137 | | | | 454 | |
At December 31, 2013, we had an aggregate amount of $201 thousand in accrued interest under the Replacement Note and the 2013 Note, which is included in accrued expenses on our condensed consolidated balance sheet.
Letter Agreement
Pursuant to the Letter Agreement, Mr. Pell has agreed to provide financial assistance to us in the amount of up to $5.0 million, if necessary to support our operations, for a period ending on the earlier of (i) July 1, 2014 or (ii) our raising debt or equity capital in the amount of $5.0 million or more. This financial assistance, if drawn by us, would be in the form of an additional loan, share purchase, or financing transaction, on such terms as we and Mr. Pell may determine. As of December 31, 2013, we had not utilized the financial assistance agreement.
Note 6. Common Stock
On April 27, 2012, we entered into a purchase agreement (the “Purchase Agreement”) with Lincoln Park Capital Fund, LLC (“LPC”), pursuant to which we have the right to sell to LPC up to $15.0 million in shares of our common stock from time-to-time over a period of up to three years, subject to certain limitations and conditions set forth in the Purchase Agreement. This total maximum amount of $15.0 million would increase to $21.0 million if the aggregate market value of shares of our common stock held by non-affiliates reached at least $75.0 million during the three-year term of the Purchase Agreement. The Purchase Agreement contains customary representations, warranties and agreements between us and LPC, limitations (market price of our common stock and LPC’s ownership limit) and conditions to completing future sale transactions, indemnification rights and other obligations of the parties. In connection with the initial purchase under the Purchase Agreement, and any future sales under the Purchase Agreement, Mr. Pell waived the repayment requirement under the Original Agreement. On July 26, 2012, we amended the Purchase Agreement with LPC to, among other things, create a threshold price of $3.00 for the sale of our common stock to LPC, as calculated pursuant to the formula provided in the Purchase Agreement.
As consideration for LPC entering into the Purchase Agreement and for its initial purchase of $1.0 million of our common stock in April 2012, we issued to LPC 175,333 shares of our common stock. As consideration for LPC’s remaining future purchases under the Purchase Agreement, we also will issue to LPC, on apro rata basis in connection with each purchase of shares by LPC, up to a total of approximately 215,000 additional shares of our common stock. We did not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of 175,333 shares and will not receive any proceeds upon the issuance of any of the remaining 215,000 shares.
The following table summarizes the common stock issued and cash received in connection with the Purchase Agreement:
Month | | Description | | Number of Shares of Common Stock Issued | | | Share Price | | | Gross Proceeds | |
April 2012 | | Initial purchase shares | | | 599,880 | | | $ | 1.667 | | | $ | 1,000 | |
April 2012 | | Initial commitment shares | | | 160,000 | | | | - | | | | - | |
April 2012 | | Initial additional commitment shares(1) | | | 15,333 | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | | | 775,213 | | | | | | | $ | 1,000 | |
(1)Calculated as follows: ($1.0 million stock purchase divided by $15.0 million total maximum amount) multiplied by 230,000 additional commitment shares.
In connection with the Purchase Agreement, we incurred $122 thousand of costs associated with investment banking fees, legal fees, and expense reimbursement to LPC. Our net proceeds from the sale of the initial purchase shares were $878 thousand.
Note 7. Stock-Based Awards
We maintain the following stockholder-approved equity incentive plans:
| ● | The 2000 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2000 Plan”) authorized the issuance of up to 4,500,000 shares of common stock covering several different types of awards, including stock options, restricted shares, stock appreciation rights, and performance shares. |
| ● | The 2007 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2007 Plan”) authorized the issuance of up to 5,000,000 shares of common stock covering several different types of awards, including stock options, restricted shares, stock appreciation rights, and other stock-based awards. On July 26, 2012, our stockholders approved an amendment to the 2007 Plan further increasing the number of authorized shares issuable under the plan to 7,000,000 shares of common stock. |
| ● | The 2003 Director Option Plan (the “2003 Plan”) authorized the issuance of up to 450,000 shares of common stock covering the annual automatic grant, unless waived, of 10,000 stock options per outside director per year. The 2003 Plan also provides for granting newly elected or appointed outside directors a one-time grant of 10,000 stock options. |
The stock option plans provide that options may be granted at an exercise price of 100% of fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant, may be exercised in full or in installments, at the discretion of our Board of Directors (the “Board”) or its Compensation Committee (the “Compensation Committee”), and must be exercised within ten years from date of grant. We recognize stock-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period based on fair values, generally four years. We use historical data to estimate expected employee behaviors related to option exercises and forfeitures and included these expected forfeitures as a part of the estimate of stock-based compensation expense as of the grant date.
Stock Options
The following table summarizes stock options activity for the nine months ended December 31, 2013:
| | Number of Shares | | | Exercise Price Range | | | Weighted Average Exercise Price | | | Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life | |
Outstanding at March 31, 2013 | | | 5,780,608 | | | $0.79 | – | $4.88 | | | $ | 2.09 | | | | 6.6 | |
Granted | | | 966,000 | | | $0.90 | – | $1.09 | | | | 1.00 | | | | | |
Exercised | | | - | | | | - | | | | | - | | | | | |
Canceled(1) | | | (2,405,434 | ) | | $0.95 | – | $3.62 | | | | 2.21 | | | | | |
Outstanding at December 31, 2013 | | | 4,341,174 | | | $0.85 | – | $4.88 | | | $ | 1.80 | | | | 6.1 | |
Exercisable at December 31, 2013 | | | 3,430,403 | | | $0.85 | – | $4.88 | | | $ | 1.93 | | | | 5.3 | |
Vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2013 | | | 4,259,506 | | | $0.85 | – | $4.88 | | | $ | 1.81 | | | | 6.0 | |
(1) Includes cancellation of unvested stock options granted to our former President and Chief Executive Officer, Cynthia F. Ansari (1,125,000 stock options), and our former VP, Corporate Development and Chief Financial Officer, Katherine L. Wolf (612,458 stock options).
The weighted average fair value of options granted during the three months ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $0.56 and $0.79 per share, respectively. The weighted average fair value of options granted during the nine months ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $0.65 and $0.92 per share, respectively.
The total intrinsic value (the excess of the market price over the exercise price) was approximately $37 thousand for stock options outstanding, $29 thousand for stock options exercisable, and $36 thousand for stock options vested and expected to vest as of December 31, 2013. The total intrinsic value for stock options exercised during the three and nine months ended December 31, 2012 was approximately $2 thousand and $25 thousand, respectively. There were no stock options exercised during the three and nine months ended December 31, 2013.
We do not expect to realize any tax benefits from future disqualifying dispositions, if any, because we currently have a full valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets.
Restricted Stock
The following table summarizes restricted stock activity for the nine months ended December 31, 2013:
| | Number of Shares | | | Weighted Average Grant Price | |
Nonvested at March 31, 2013 | | | 122,044 | | | $ | 2.37 | |
Granted | | | 1,365,000 | | | | 1.00 | |
Vested | | | (120,392 | ) | | | 1.74 | |
Forfeited | | | - | | | | - | |
Nonvested at December 31, 2013 | | | 1,366,652 | | | $ | 1.06 | |
We grant restricted stock awards (“RSA’s”) to our executive officers and management employees (collectively “management”) and members of our Board from time-to-time. There is no direct costs to the recipients of the RSA’s, except for any applicable taxes upon lapsing of the restrictions. In fiscal 2011, the Compensation Committee adopted a performance incentive plan (“PIP”) that provides for the payment of bonuses to management based on the attainment of specified Company performance and individual objectives. Any payments that may be due under the PIP will be paid in shares of restricted stock awarded under our 2007 Plan. The nonvested balance of 207,902 shares represent RSAs awarded to management under the fiscal 2012 PIP and to Board members for the annual grant at our fiscal 2013 annual stockholders meeting. The Compensation Committee did not approve a PIP for fiscal 2013.
On November 26, 2013 (the “Appointment Date”), at the time of his appointment as President and Chief Executive Officer, Howard Zauberman was granted 1,200,000 shares of restricted stock, which is included in the number granted during the three and nine months ended December 31, 2013. The restrictions on Mr. Zauberman’s restricted stock will lapse over four years (subject to further vesting as described below) commencing on the Appointment Date as follows: up to 300,000 shares become unrestricted each year, upon Mr. Zauberman’s achievement of predetermined Company milestones and individual performance objectives (the “Milestones”) based on a plan developed to be by Mr. Zauberman and approved by the Board within 90 days of the Appointment Date (the “Plan”). If a Milestone is not achieved, the shares of restricted stock tied to that Milestone are cancelled.
Those restricted shares for which restrictions have been removed as a result of Mr. Zauberman’s achieving Milestones as described above will then vest in four equal annual installments (each, a “Full Vesting Date”). If prior to a Full Vesting Date, Mr. Zauberman’s service to us is terminated for cause (as defined in his employment agreement), or if Mr. Zauberman voluntarily terminates his service with us, then the restricted shares that have not yet vested will be forfeited (even if a Milestone has previously been achieved with respect to such shares). If Mr. Zauberman is terminated without cause (as defined in his employment agreement), then all restricted shares for which restrictions have been removed will vest, but any restricted shares for which a Milestone has not yet been met shall be cancelled.
Stock-Based Compensation Expense
We account for stock-based awards issued to employees in accordance with the provisions of ASC 718 (Topic 718,Compensation – Stock Compensation). We recognize stock-based compensation expense on a straight-line uniform basis over the service period of the award, which is generally four years for employees. Stock-based awards issued to consultants are accounted for in accordance with the provisions of ASC 718 and ASC 505-50 (Subtopic 50 “Equity-Based Payments to Non-Employees” of Topic 505,Equity). Options granted to consultants are periodically revalued as the options vest, and are recognized as an expense over the related period of service or the vesting period, whichever is longer. Under the provisions of ASC 718, members of the Board are considered employees for calculation of stock-based compensation expense.
We estimated the fair value of the stock options granted on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes valuation model that used the weighted average assumptions noted in the following table. The risk-free interest rate assumption we use is based upon United States Treasury interest rates appropriate for the expected life of the awards. The expected life (estimated period of time that we expect employees, consultants and directors to hold their stock options) was estimated based on historical rates for two group classifications, (i) employees and consultants and (ii) outside directors. Expected volatility was based on historical volatility of our stock price for a period equal to the stock option’s expected life and calculated on a daily basis. The expected dividend rate is zero since we do not currently pay cash dividends on our common stock and do not anticipate doing so in the foreseeable future.
| | Three Months Ended December 31, | | | Nine Months Ended December 31, | |
| | 2013 | | | 2012 | | | 2013 | | | 2012 | |
Risk-free interest rate | | 1.38 | % | | | 0.91 | % | | | 1.21 | % | | | 1.02 | % | |
Expected life (in years) | | 5.1 | | | | 6.3 | | | | 5.4 | | | | 6.4 | | |
Expected volatility | | 73 | % | | | 81 | % | | | 78 | % | | | 84 | % | |
Expected dividend yield | | -- | | | | -- | | | | -- | | | | -- | | |
We determine stock-based compensation expense for performance based restricted stock based upon the fair value of our common stock at the date of grant and recognize expense based upon the most probable outcome as to whether the performance targets will be achieved and the stock-based compensation being earned.
Stock-based compensation expense for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 was recorded in our condensed consolidated statement of operations as follows:
| | Three Months Ended December 31, | | | Nine Months Ended December 31, | |
| | 2013 | | | 2012 | | | 2013 | | | 2012 | |
Cost of sales | | $ | 15 | | | $ | 6 | | | $ | 57 | | | $ | 75 | |
Selling, general, and administrative expenses(1) | | | 150 | | | | 185 | | | | 415 | | | | 1,092 | |
Research and development expenses | | | 6 | | | | 6 | | | | 27 | | | | 42 | |
Total stock-based compensation expense | | $ | 171 | | | $ | 197 | | | $ | 499 | | | $ | 1,209 | |
(1) Reflects reversal of stock-based compensation expense of $289 thousand in the nine months ended December 31, 2013 for the cancellation of unvested stock options granted to our former President and Chief Executive Officer, Cynthia F. Ansari.
At December 31, 2013, unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to stock options was approximately $0.6 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 2.6 years. At December 31, 2013, unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to nonvested (restricted stock) awards was approximately $1.3 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 6.6 years.
Note 8. Treasury Stock
The following table summarizes treasury stock activity for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
Three Months Ended | | Number of Shares Repurchased | | | Cost | | | Weighted Average Purchase Price | |
December 31, 2013 | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
December 31, 2012 | | | 9,912 | | | $ | 12 | | | $ | 1.26 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Nine Months Ended | | | | | | | | | | | | |
December 31, 2013 | | | 25,525 | | | $ | 28 | | | $ | 1.11 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
December 31, 2012 | | | 27,329 | | | $ | 36 | | | $ | 1.32 | |
The shares were purchased from management to cover income tax withholdings upon the lapse of restrictions on their restricted stock awards. Although not required to under our equity incentive plans, we anticipate repurchasing shares in a similar arrangement in the future.
Note 9. Segment Information
We have two reportable segments, medical and industrial. Each of these operating segments has unique characteristics. Management evaluates the revenue and profitability performance of each of our product lines to make operating and strategic decisions. We have no intersegment revenue.
Our medical segment designs, develops, manufactures, and markets our advanced line of endoscopy-based products, including our state-of-the-art flexible endoscopes, and our EndoSheath technology (referred to as a sheath or EndoSheath disposable) for a variety of specialties and markets.
Our industrial segment, through our wholly-owned subsidiary Machida, designs, manufactures, and sells borescopes to a variety of users, primarily in the aircraft engine manufacturing and aircraft engine maintenance industries. A borescope is an instrument that uses optical fibers for the visual inspection of narrow cavities. Our borescopes are used to inspect aircraft engines, casting parts and ground turbines, among other items.
The following table presents key financial highlights, by reportable segments:
Three Months Ended | | Medical | | | Industrial | | | Adjustments * | | | Consolidated | |
December 31, 2013 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net sales | | $ | 3,586 | | | $ | 921 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 4,507 | |
Gross profit | | | 996 | | | | 382 | | | | - | | | | 1,378 | |
Operating (loss) income | | | (1,676 | ) | | | 198 | | | | - | | | | (1,478 | ) |
Interest expense, net | | | (58 | ) | | | - | | | | - | | | | (58 | ) |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 168 | | | | 2 | | | | - | | | | 170 | |
Stock-based compensation expense | | | 160 | | | | 11 | | | | - | | | | 171 | |
Total assets | | | 11,736 | | | | 1,591 | | | | (1,842 | ) | | | 11,485 | |
Expenditures for fixed assets | | | 7 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 7 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
December 31, 2012 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net sales | | $ | 2,970 | | | $ | 982 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 3,952 | |
Gross profit | | | 728 | | | | 404 | | | | - | | | | 1,132 | |
Operating (loss) income | | | (1,750 | ) | | | 224 | | | | - | | | | (1,526 | ) |
Interest expense, net | | | (35 | ) | | | - | | | | - | | | | (35 | ) |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 192 | | | | 5 | | | | - | | | | 197 | |
Stock-based compensation expense | | | 182 | | | | 15 | | | | - | | | | 197 | |
Total assets | | | 10,885 | | | | 1,783 | | | | (1,759 | ) | | | 10,909 | |
Expenditures for fixed assets | | | 38 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 38 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Nine Months Ended | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
December 31, 2013 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net sales | | $ | 10,013 | | | $ | 2,114 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 12,127 | |
Gross profit | | | 2,770 | | | | 883 | | | | - | | | | 3,653 | |
Operating (loss) income | | | (5,408 | ) | | | 258 | | | | - | | | | (5,150 | ) |
Interest expense, net | | | (142 | ) | | | - | | | | - | | | | (142 | ) |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 523 | | | | 9 | | | | - | | | | 532 | |
Stock-based compensation expense(1) | | | 469 | | | | 30 | | | | - | | | | 499 | |
Expenditures for fixed assets | | | 53 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 53 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
December 31, 2012 | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net sales | | $ | 8,190 | | | $ | 2,897 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 11,087 | |
Gross profit | | | 2,068 | | | | 1,046 | | | | - | | | | 3,114 | |
Operating (loss) income | | | (6,783 | ) | | | 331 | | | | - | | | | (6,452 | ) |
Interest expense, net | | | (463 | ) | | | - | | | | - | | | | (463 | ) |
Depreciation and amortization | | | 585 | | | | 18 | | | | - | | | | 603 | |
Stock-based compensation expense | | | 1,142 | | | | 67 | | | | - | | | | 1,209 | |
Expenditures for fixed assets | | | 93 | | | | - | | | | - | | | | 93 | |
| | December 31, | |
* Adjustments | | 2013 | | | 2012 | |
Intercompany eliminations | | $ | (1,156 | ) | | $ | (1,073 | ) |
Investment in subsidiaries | | | (686 | ) | | | (686 | ) |
Total adjustments | | $ | (1,842 | ) | | $ | (1,759 | ) |
(1) Reflects reversal of stock-based compensation expense of $289 thousand for the cancellation of unvested stock options granted to our former President and Chief Executive Officer, Cynthia F. Ansari.
The following table presents the reconciliation to loss before provision for income taxes for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
| | Three Months Ended December 31, | | | Nine Months Ended December 31, | |
Reconciliation to loss before provision for income taxes: | | 2013 | | | 2012 | | | 2013 | | | 2012 | |
Operating loss | | $ | (1,478 | ) | | $ | (1,526 | ) | | $ | (5,150 | ) | | $ | (6,452 | ) |
Interest expense, net | | | (58 | ) | | | (35 | ) | | | (142 | ) | | | (463 | ) |
Other, net | | | (18 | ) | | | (6 | ) | | | (16 | ) | | | (47 | ) |
Debt cost expense | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (272 | ) |
Loss on extinguishment of debt | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | (1,244 | ) |
Loss before provision for income taxes | | $ | (1,554 | ) | | $ | (1,567 | ) | | $ | (5,308 | ) | | $ | (8,478 | ) |
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Executive Summary
Business Overview
Vision-Sciences, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company,” or “our”, “us”, or “we”) designs, develops, manufactures, and markets products for endoscopy – the science of using an instrument, known as an endoscope, to provide minimally invasive access to areas not readily visible to the human eye. We operate in two segments: medical and industrial.
Medical Business Segment
Our medical segment designs, manufactures, and sells our advanced line of endoscopy-based products, including our flexible fiber and video endoscopes and our EndoSheath technology, for a variety of specialties and markets. Our flexible endoscopes are unlike conventional endoscopes, and when utilized with our EndoSheath technology, offer a multitude of benefits and advantages to the healthcare practitioner and patient.
We target six market spaces for our endoscopes and our EndoSheath technology:
| ● | Urology – we supply our cystoscopes, ureteroscopes, and EndoSheath technology to the Endoscopy Division of Stryker Corporation (“Stryker”) in North and Latin America, South America, China and Japan. Although Stryker was to receive the exclusive rights for the rest of the world in April 2012, we reached an agreement with Stryker to delay this launch indefinitely. Until we agree with Stryker on the date of such launch, we will continue to manufacture and sell our cystoscopes and EndoSheath technology to our independent distributors for the rest of the world. |
| ● | Pulmonology / Critical Care– we manufacture, market, and sell our bronchoscope (an endoscope that allows detailed viewing of the lungs) and EndoSheath technology to intensivists, pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, and other airway-related physicians. |
| ● | Surgery– we manufacture, market, and sell our TNE (trans-nasal esophagoscopy) endoscope and EndoSheath technology to general surgeons, primarily bariatric and gastroesophageal reflux disease (“GERD”) surgeons. |
| ● | Gastroenterology – we manufacture, market, and sell our TNE endoscopes and EndoSheath technology to gastroenterology (“GI”) physicians, ear, nose, and throat (“ENT”) physicians and others with a GI focus as part of their practice. |
| ● | ENT (ear, nose, and throat) – we manufacture, market, and sell our ENT endoscopes to ENT physicians. |
| ● | Spine – we supply our flexible video surgical endoscope systems to SpineView for use with SpineView’s space creator product to provide direct visualization for minimally invasive spine surgery procedures. |
The following table summarizes the products we sell in each market space and the distribution network we use to market and sell those products:
Market | | Products | | Distribution Network |
Urology | | URT-7000 Video Ureteroscope | | Stryker* |
| | CST-5000 Video Cystoscope | | Stryker*; international distributors |
| | CST-4000 Fiber Cystoscope | | Stryker*; international distributors |
| | DPU-5050 Digital Processing Unit | | International distributors |
| | DPU-7000 Digital Processing Unit | | International distributors |
| | EndoSheath technology (cystoscopy only) | | Stryker*; international distributors |
| | Peripherals and accessories | | Stryker*; international distributors |
| | | | |
| | | | |
ENT | | ENT-5000 Video Endoscope | | U.S. sales force; international distributors |
| | ENT-4500 Fiber Endoscope | | U.S. sales force; international distributors |
| | ENT-4000 Fiber Endoscope | | U.S. sales force; international distributors |
| | DPU-5050 Digital Processing Unit | | U.S. sales force; international distributors |
| | DPU-7000 Digital Processing Unit | | U.S. sales force; international distributors |
| | Peripherals and accessories | | U.S. sales force; international distributors |
| | | | |
| | | | |
TNE | | TNE-5000 Video Endoscope | | U.S. sales force; international distributors |
| | DPU-5050 Digital Processing Unit | | U.S. sales force; international distributors |
| | DPU-7000 Digital Processing Unit | | U.S. sales force; international distributors |
| | EndoSheath technology | | U.S. sales force; international distributors |
| | Peripherals and accessories | | U.S. sales force; international distributors |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Pulmonology | | BRS-5000 Video Bronchoscope | | U.S. sales force; international distributors |
| | BRS-4000 Fiber Bronchoscope | | U.S. sales force; international distributors |
| | DPU-5050 Digital Processing Unit | | U.S. sales force; international distributors |
| | DPU-7000 Digital Processing Unit | | U.S. sales force; international distributors |
| | EndoSheath technology | | U.S. sales force; international distributors |
| | Peripherals and accessories | | U.S. sales force; international distributors |
| | | | |
| | | | |
Spine | | SPV-7000 Video Endoscope | | SpineView |
| | DPU-7000 Digital Processing Unit | | SpineView |
| | Peripherals and accessories | | SpineView |
* North America, South America, Latin America, China, and Japan
Our proprietary reusable flexible endoscope is combined with a single-use, sterile protective EndoSheath disposable, which is placed over the patient contact area of the scope. Our “always sterile” EndoSheath technology reduces the risks of cross-contamination associated with the reuse (or “reprocessing”) of conventional endoscopes, which are difficult, costly, and time consuming to clean and disinfect or sterilize. The use of our EndoSheath technology allows healthcare providers to perform a rapid, simplified reprocessing routine after use, avoiding the elaborate high level disinfection/sterilization routines required by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (the “FDA”) for conventional endoscopes. The FDA requires that all conventional flexible endoscopes be reprocessed according to FDA-cleared manufacturers’ regulations and organizational guidelines, whether they are used in hospitals, clinics or office settings. With our EndoSheath technology we are able to reduce the number of steps to reprocess flexible endoscopes from approximately 27 to three, thereby lowering costs and saving time. This design of “always ready” equipment, which allows for a rapid and less damaging cleaning process, provides a multitude of benefits to healthcare practitioners, such as lower capital equipment investment, less service and maintenance costs of capital equipment, less staff exposure to toxic chemicals, increased patient scheduling flexibility and throughput, improved staff productivity and a more practical implementation of endoscopy.
Our goal is to become a customer-centric organization with a focus on enhancing stockholder value. We are doing this by:
| ● | Enhancing our sales force in the U.S. through continued sales training and development; |
| ● | Targeting office-based clinics and acute care facilities that recognize patient safety and the patient experience as a primary value position; |
| ● | Capitalizing on our extensive and relevant library of published clinical studies and peer reviewed papers on the efficacy and safety of our EndoSheath technology; and |
| ● | Enhancing our professional educational programs to allow healthcare professionals to teach other healthcare professionals. |
As we look forward, we believe that our visualization platform and EndoSheath technology provide a strong platform to drive top-line sales growth, improve our operating efficiency, and increase our margins. At Vision-Sciences, we are guided by our mission to focus on innovative technologies that improve patient care and reduce costs to the healthcare system. We will continue to pursue this goal by working with physicians who strive to improve their patients’ quality of life. We believe that our renewed focus on the areas where we have had historical success will help us to become a more financially secure company.
New Product Releases
7000 Series Vision System®
In April 2013, we introduced our next generation video processor platform, the 7000 Series Vision System®, at the annual Combined Otolaryngology Spring Meeting (“COSM”) in Orlando, Florida. Designed to provide users with a powerful, efficient, and easy-to-use system, the 7000 Series Vision System is the first endoscopy platform to include video, audio, archiving, and workflow enhancements in a single standalone unit. The all-in-one, “plug-and-play” platform provides vibrant, high-resolution imaging that can be effortlessly recorded for future assessment or on-the-spot review with the patient post-procedure, enhancing both the practice workflow and the patient experience.
The 7000 Series Vision System includes a new, simplified user interface, programmable user preference controls, expanded on-screen notifications, and easy-to-maintain patient lists, all of which allow end-users to improve productivity and workflow by customizing the operation of the system to the day-to-day needs of the practice. Additionally, the system incorporates a “one-touch” integrated keyboard to ensure quick activation of functions, including full control of video playback options, such as frame-by-frame review or historical image comparison, both of which are ideal for patient progress review.
Flexible Ureteroscope
In December 2012, Stryker began to ship a new flexible ureteroscope, the URT-7000 video ureteroscope, to its customers, and customer feedback has been strong. This flexible ureteroscope is primarily used in the operating room, which represents approximately 30% of the overall urology market. Stryker added dedicated sales specialists, augmenting its 250-person endoscopy sales force that currently promotes our urology products.
Industrial Business Segment
Our industrial segment, through our wholly-owned subsidiary Machida, designs, manufactures, and sells borescopes to a variety of users, primarily in the aircraft engine manufacturing and aircraft engine maintenance industries. A borescope is an instrument that uses optical fibers for the visual inspection of narrow cavities. Our borescopes are used to inspect aircraft engines, casting parts and ground turbines, among other items. Machida’s quality line of borescopes includes a number of advanced standard features normally found only in custom designed instruments.
Patents
We hold 17 U.S. patents, and we have 10 U.S. patent applications pending. In addition, we have 16 foreign patents issued and have 6 foreign patent applications pending. These patents relate to disposable sheaths for endoscopes and reusable flexible endoscopes, as well as other various products, endoscopy and non-endoscopy related. The issued patents will expire on various dates in the years 2014 through 2029.
Trademark Property
We own the trademarks Vision SciencesTM and Slide-OnTM and the registered trademarks EndoSheath®, EndoWipe® and The Vision System®. Not all products referenced in this report are approved or cleared for sale, distribution, or use.
Debt Arrangements – Related Party
Convertible Promissory Notes
On September 25, 2013 (the “Effective Date”), we entered into a $3.5 million revolving convertible promissory note (the “2013 Note”) with Mr. Pell. The 2013 Note accrues annual interest, payable annually, at the rate of 1.66%. The 2013 Note must be repaid in full on or before the fifth anniversary of the Effective Date (the “Maturity Date”), but may be prepaid by us at any time without penalty. We will be required to repay all amounts outstanding under the 2013 Note upon an event of default, as defined in the 2013 Note. The outstanding principal amount of the 2013 Note is convertible at any time prior to the Maturity Date, at Mr. Pell’s option, into shares of our common stock at a price of $0.89, the closing bid price of our common stock on the Effective Date. At December 31, 2013, we had outstanding principal borrowings of $2.0 million under the 2013 Note.
On September 19, 2012 (the “Replacement Note Effective Date”), we entered into a $20.0 million revolving convertible promissory note (the “Replacement Note”) with Mr. Pell. The Replacement Note (i) consolidated and restructured the $15.0 million in aggregate borrowings collectively outstanding under an Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, dated September 30, 2011, between us and Mr. Pell (the “Original Agreement”) and a separate promissory note, dated July 25, 2012, between us and Mr. Pell, and (ii) provided for up to $5.0 million in additional borrowings.
The Replacement Note accrues annual interest, payable annually, at the rate of 0.84%. The Replacement Note must be repaid in full on or before the fifth anniversary of the Replacement Note Effective Date (the “Replacement Note Maturity Date”), but may be prepaid by us at any time without penalty. We will be required to repay all amounts outstanding under the Replacement Note upon an event of default, as defined in the Replacement Note.
The outstanding principal amount of the Replacement Note is convertible at any time prior to the Replacement Note Maturity Date, at Mr. Pell’s option, into shares of our common stock at a conversion price of $1.20 per share, which was the closing bid price of our common stock on the Replacement Note Effective Date. At December 31, 2013, we had $20.0 million in outstanding principal borrowings under the Replacement Note, which is reflected as convertible debt – related party on our condensed consolidated balance sheet.
The following table is a summary of our convertible debt-related party at December 31, 2013:
Convertible Debt—Related Party | | Gross Principal Amount Outstanding | | | Unamortized Debt Discount | | | Net Amount Outstanding | |
Replacement Note | | $ | 20,000 | | | $ | - | | | $ | 20,000 | |
2013 Note | | | 2,000 | | | | (196 | ) | | | 1,804 | |
| | $ | 22,000 | | | $ | (196 | ) | | $ | 21,804 | |
Pursuant to the Original Agreement, Mr. Pell received warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,880,620 shares of our common stock at a weighted average exercise price of $1.86 per share. All of the warrants are vested and expire on the later of September 30, 2016 or one year after the termination of the Original Agreement and repayment of all amounts due and payable under the Original Agreement.
In connection with the issuance of the Replacement Note and the termination of the Original Agreement, we determined that the transaction should be classified as an extinguishment of debt. Accordingly, we wrote-off the remaining deferred debt cost balance of $1.2 million at September 19, 2012.
We estimated the fair value of all of the stock warrants issued on the date of vesting using a Black-Scholes valuation model that used the weighted average assumptions for the risk-free interest rate, expected life (in years), and expected volatility. We recorded the transaction as a deferred debt cost and amortized to expense over the term of the loan.
Letter Agreement
Pursuant to a letter agreement dated June 21, 2013, Mr. Pell has agreed to provide financial assistance to us in the amount of up to $5.0 million, if necessary to support our operations, for a period ending on the earlier of (i) July 1, 2014 or (ii) our raising debt or equity capital in the amount of $5.0 million or more. This financial assistance, if drawn by us, would be in the form of an additional loan, share purchase, or financing transaction, on such terms as we and Mr. Pell may determine. As of December 31, 2013, we had not utilized the financial assistance agreement.
Results of Operations (in thousands, except percentages)
Net Sales
In our medical segment, we track sales of our endoscopes and EndoSheath technology by market. We also track sales of peripherals and accessories which can be sold to more than one market. Net sales by operating segment and by market/category for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
| | Three Months Ended December 31, | | | | | | | Nine Months Ended December 31, | | | | | |
Market/Category | | 2013 | | | 2012 | | | Change | | | 2013 | | | 2012 | | | Change | |
Urology | | $ | 2,097 | | | $ | 1,421 | | | | 48 | % | | $ | 5,614 | | | $ | 3,365 | | | | 67 | % |
ENT | | | 386 | | | | 398 | | | | -3 | % | | | 1,128 | | | | 1,417 | | | | -20 | % |
TNE | | | 361 | | | | 385 | | | | -6 | % | | | 944 | | | | 895 | | | | 5 | % |
Pulmonology | | | 276 | | | | 238 | | | | 16 | % | | | 757 | | | | 525 | | | | 44 | % |
Spine | | | - | | | | - | | | n/a | | | | - | | | | 440 | | | | -100 | % |
Repairs, peripherals, and accessories | | | 466 | | | | 528 | | | | -12 | % | | | 1,570 | | | | 1,548 | | | | 1 | % |
Total medical sales | | | 3,586 | | | | 2,970 | | | | 21 | % | | | 10,013 | | | | 8,190 | | | | 22 | % |
Borescopes | | | 723 | | | | 743 | | | | -3 | % | | | 1,543 | | | | 2,216 | | | | -30 | % |
Repairs | | | 198 | | | | 239 | | | | -17 | % | | | 571 | | | | 681 | | | | -16 | % |
Total industrial sales | | | 921 | | | | 982 | | | | -6 | % | | | 2,114 | | | | 2,897 | | | | -27 | % |
Net sales | | $ | 4,507 | | | $ | 3,952 | | | | 14 | % | | $ | 12,127 | | | $ | 11,087 | | | | 9 | % |
Net sales increased $0.6 million (14%) in the third quarter of fiscal 2014 to $4.5 million compared to $4.0 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2013. During the third quarter of fiscal 2014, our medical segment’s net sales of $3.6 million increased by $0.6 million (21%), primarily attributable to higher international sales of our endoscopes and EndoSheath technology in the urology market. Our industrial segment’s net sales of $0.9 million decreased by $0.1 million (6%), primarily attributable to lower repair revenue.
Net sales increased $1.0 million (9%) in the first nine months of fiscal 2014 to $12.1 million compared to $11.1 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2013. During the first nine months of fiscal 2014, our medical segment’s net sales of $10.0 million increased by $1.8 million (22%), primarily attributable to higher sales of our endoscopes and EndoSheath technology in the urology market. Our industrial segment’s net sales of $2.1 million decreased by $0.8 million (27%), primarily attributable to lower demand of our 2mm video-based borescopes and engine turning tools.
The following table summarizes net sales by market/category and by product for our medical operating segment for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
| | Three Months Ended December 31, | | | | | | | Nine Months Ended December 31, | | | | | |
Market/Category | | 2013 | | | 2012 | | | Change | | | 2013 | | | 2012 | | | Change | |
Urology | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Endoscopes | | $ | 1,219 | | | $ | 610 | | | | 100 | % | | $ | 3,206 | | | $ | 1,546 | | | | 107 | % |
EndoSheath technology | | | 878 | | | | 811 | | | | 8 | % | | | 2,408 | | | | 1,819 | | | | 32 | % |
Total urology market | | | 2,097 | | | | 1,421 | | | | 48 | % | | | 5,614 | | | | 3,365 | | | | 67 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
ENT | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Endoscopes | | | 386 | | | | 398 | | | | -3 | % | | | 1,128 | | | | 1,417 | | | | -20 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
TNE | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Endoscopes | | | 309 | | | | 348 | | | | -11 | % | | | 788 | | | | 781 | | | | 1 | % |
EndoSheath technology | | | 52 | | | | 37 | | | | 41 | % | | | 156 | | | | 114 | | | | 37 | % |
Total TNE market | | | 361 | | | | 385 | | | | -6 | % | | | 944 | | | | 895 | | | | 5 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Pulmonology | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Endoscopes | | | 245 | | | | 211 | | | | 16 | % | | | 633 | | | | 417 | | | | 52 | % |
EndoSheath technology | | | 31 | | | | 27 | | | | 15 | % | | | 124 | | | | 108 | | | | 15 | % |
Total pulmonology market | | | 276 | | | | 238 | | | | 16 | % | | | 757 | | | | 525 | | | | 44 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Spine | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Endoscopes | | | - | | | | - | | | n/a | | | | - | | | | 440 | | | | -100 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Repairs, peripherals, and accessories | | | 466 | | | | 528 | | | | -12 | % | | | 1,570 | | | | 1,548 | | | | 1 | % |
Total medical sales | | $ | 3,586 | | | $ | 2,970 | | | | 21 | % | | $ | 10,013 | | | $ | 8,190 | | | | 22 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Product | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Endoscopes | | $ | 2,159 | | | $ | 1,567 | | | | 38 | % | | $ | 5,755 | | | $ | 4,601 | | | | 25 | % |
EndoSheath technology | | | 961 | | | | 875 | | | | 10 | % | | | 2,688 | | | | 2,041 | | | | 32 | % |
Repairs, peripherals, and accessories | | | 466 | | | | 528 | | | | -12 | % | | | 1,570 | | | | 1,548 | | | | 1 | % |
Total medical sales | | $ | 3,586 | | | $ | 2,970 | | | | 21 | % | | $ | 10,013 | | | $ | 8,190 | | | | 22 | % |
Net sales to the urology market during the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2014 increased by $0.7 million (48%) and $2.2 million (67%), respectively, compared to the same periods in fiscal 2013. The year-over-year increase was primarily attributable to the higher sales of our endoscopes and EndoSheath technology products to Stryker and our international distributors. Net sales to Stryker were up $0.3 million (34%) and $1.5 million (90%) in the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2014, respectively. We also achieved solid growth of 72% ($0.4 million) and 50% ($0.8 million) in our international markets during the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2014, respectively, compared to the same periods in fiscal 2013. The adoption of our EndoSheath technology in these markets continues to be strong and a growth driver for our business.
Net sales to the ENT market during the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2014 decreased by $12 thousand (3%) and $289 thousand (20%), respectively, compared to the same periods in fiscal 2013. We recently renewed our sales effort in the ENT market after spending the second half of fiscal 2013 and most of the first quarter of fiscal 2014 focusing on the TNE and pulmonology market opportunities. We believe this change will enable us to grow this product line’s sales over the next several quarters.
Net sales to the TNE (surgical and GI) market during the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2014 decreased by $24 thousand (6%) and increased by $49 thousand (5%), respectively, compared to the same periods in fiscal 2013. We are encouraged by the utilization of our EndoSheath technology in this market as evidenced by the unit volume growth of 35% and 29% during third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2014, respectively, compared to the same periods in fiscal 2013.
Net sales to the pulmonology (critical care) market during the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2014 increased by $38 thousand (16%) and $232 thousand (44%), respectively, compared to the same periods in fiscal 2013. The increases were primarily attributable to higher demand of our critical care platform (BRS-5000 video bronchoscope and digital processing unit) in the U.S. and fiber bronchoscopes worldwide. We continue to focus our efforts on increasing our installed base to drive further adoption of our EndoSheath technology in this market.
Net sales to SpineView during the first nine months of fiscal 2014 decreased by $440 thousand (100%) compared to the same period in fiscal 2013. There were no sales to SpineView in the third quarter of fiscal 2014 or 2013. In December 2012, SpineView received 510(k) clearance from the FDA to use our system for spine applications. With this clearance and the units supplied from the initial stocking order, the balance of which was fulfilled during fiscal 2013, SpineView continues to conduct clinical preference trials for minimally invasive spine surgeries. As a result, we do not anticipate any sales to SpineView during the remainder of fiscal 2014.
Net sales of repairs, peripherals, and accessories during the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2014 decreased by $62 thousand (12%) and increased by $22 thousand (1%), respectively, compared to the same periods in fiscal 2013. The year-over-year decline in the third quarter of fiscal 2014 was primarily attributable to a decrease in sales of our peripherals and accessories ($47 thousand, or 15%).
Gross Profit (Net Sales Less Cost of Sales)
Gross profit by operating segment for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
| | Three Months Ended December 31, | | | | | | | Nine Months Ended December 31, | | | | | |
Gross Profit | | 2013 | | | 2012 | | | Change | | | 2013 | | | 2012 | | | Change | |
Medical | | $ | 996 | | | $ | 728 | | | | 37 | % | | $ | 2,770 | | | $ | 2,068 | | | | 34 | % |
As percentage of net sales | | | 27.8 | % | | | 24.5 | % | | | 3.3 | % | | | 27.7 | % | | | 25.3 | % | | | 2.4 | % |
Industrial | | | 382 | | | | 404 | | | | -5 | % | | | 883 | | | | 1,046 | | | | -16 | % |
As percentage of net sales | | | 41.5 | % | | | 41.1 | % | | | 0.4 | % | | | 41.8 | % | | | 36.1 | % | | | 5.7 | % |
Gross profit | | $ | 1,378 | | | $ | 1,132 | | | | 22 | % | | $ | 3,653 | | | $ | 3,114 | | | | 17 | % |
Gross margin percentage | | | 30.6 | % | | | 28.6 | % | | | 2.0 | % | | | 30.1 | % | | | 28.1 | % | | | 2.0 | % |
The gross margin percentage was 30.6% in the third quarter of fiscal 2014 compared to 28.6% in the third quarter of fiscal 2013. The gross margin percentage was 30.1% in the first nine months of fiscal 2014 compared to 28.1% in the first nine months of fiscal 2013. The year-over-year improvement in our gross margin percentage was primarily attributable to favorable manufacturing absorption from higher production of our urology endoscopes and EndoSheath technology (gross margin percentage impact of 2.5% and 1.7% in the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2014, respectively).
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses by operating segment for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
| | Three Months Ended December 31, | | | | | | | Nine Months Ended December 31, | | | | | |
Operating Expenses | | 2013 | | | 2012 | | | Change | | | 2013 | | | 2012 | | | Change | |
SG&A expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Medical | | $ | 2,120 | | | $ | 2,131 | | | | -1 | % | | $ | 6,779 | | | $ | 7,490 | | | | -9 | % |
Industrial | | | 184 | | | | 180 | | | | 2 | % | | | 625 | | | | 715 | | | | -13 | % |
Total SG&A expenses | | | 2,304 | | | | 2,311 | | | | 0 | % | | | 7,404 | | | | 8,205 | | | | -10 | % |
R&D expenses | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Medical | | | 552 | | | | 347 | | | | 59 | % | | | 1,399 | | | | 1,361 | | | | 3 | % |
Industrial | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | | | | - | |
Total R&D expenses | | | 552 | | | | 347 | | | | 59 | % | | | 1,399 | | | | 1,361 | | | | 3 | % |
Total operating expenses | | $ | 2,856 | | | $ | 2,658 | | | | 7 | % | | $ | 8,803 | | | $ | 9,566 | | | | -8 | % |
Selling, General, & Administrative (“SG&A”) Expenses
SG&A expenses were flat during the third quarter of fiscal 2014 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2013. During the first nine months of fiscal 2014, SG&A expenses decreased by $0.8 million (10%) compared to the same period in fiscal 2013. The year-over-year decrease was primarily attributable to the following:
| ● | Lower stock-based compensation expense of $0.7 million. The fiscal 2014 period benefited from the reversal of stock-based compensation expense for our former President and Chief Executive Officer, Cynthia F. Ansari ($0.3 million); and |
| ● | Lower corporate salaries and benefits expenses of $0.3 million. We recorded a one-time severance pay of $0.3 million for our former our former VP, Corporate Development and Chief Financial Officer, Katherine L. Wolf, in the second quarter of fiscal 2013, which was not repeated in the current fiscal year. |
Research & Development (“R&D”) Expenses
R&D expenses during the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2014 increased by $205 thousand (59%) and $38 thousand (3%), respectively, compared to the same periods in fiscal 2013. The increases were primarily attributable to the following:
| ● | Higher R&D materials used in the development of our next generation bronchoscope ($46 thousand and $40 thousand in the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2014, respectively); |
| ● | Higher engineering costs of $80 thousand in the third quarter of fiscal 2014. We improved the stability and reliability of our next generation digital processing unit, the DPU-7000, which we launched in March 2013 and introduced at a trade show in April 2013; and |
| ● | The reversal of a relocation allowance of $31 thousand for a former management employee, which was not repeated in the current fiscal year. |
Other (Expense) Income
Other (expense) income for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
| | Three Months Ended December 31, | | | | | | | Nine Months Ended December 31, | | | | | |
Other (Expense) Income | | 2013 | | | 2012 | | | Change | | | 2013 | | | 2012 | | | Change | |
Interest income | | $ | - | | | $ | 1 | | | | -100 | % | | $ | 1 | | | $ | 4 | | | | -75 | % |
Interest expense | | | (58 | ) | | | (36 | ) | | | 61 | % | | | (143 | ) | | | (467 | ) | | | -69 | % |
Other, net | | | (18 | ) | | | (6 | ) | | | 200 | % | | | (16 | ) | | | (47 | ) | | | -66 | % |
Debt cost expense | | | - | | | | - | | | n/a | | | | - | | | | (272 | ) | | | -100 | % |
Loss on extinguishment of debt | | | - | | | | - | | | n/a | | | | - | | | | (1,244 | ) | | | -100 | % |
Other expense | | $ | (76 | ) | | $ | (41 | ) | | | 85 | % | | $ | (158 | ) | | $ | (2,026 | ) | | | -92 | % |
Other expense during the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2014 increased by $35 thousand (85%) and decreased by $1.9 million (92%), respectively, compared to the same periods in fiscal 2013. In the same periods in fiscal 2013, we recognized a loss on the extinguishment of debt as a result of the $20.0 million convertible debt with Mr. Pell and the termination of the previous debt arrangements with him. This one-time charge was not repeated in the current fiscal year.
Net Loss
Net loss for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 was as follows:
| | Three Months Ended December 31, | | | | | | | Nine Months Ended December 31, | | | | | |
Net Loss | | 2013 | | | 2012 | | | Change | | | 2013 | | | 2012 | | | Change | |
Loss before provision for income taxes | | $ | (1,554 | ) | | $ | (1,567 | ) | | | -1 | % | | $ | (5,308 | ) | | $ | (8,478 | ) | | | -37 | % |
Income tax (benefit) provision | | | 8 | | | | 10 | | | | -20 | % | | | 11 | | | | 10 | | | | 10 | % |
Net loss | | $ | (1,562 | ) | | $ | (1,577 | ) | | | -1 | % | | $ | (5,319 | ) | | $ | (8,488 | ) | | | -37 | % |
Net loss improved during the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2014 by $15 thousand (1%) and $3.2 million (37%), respectively, compared to the same periods in fiscal 2013. Lower operating expenses of $0.8 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2014 and the loss on the extinguishment of debt of $1.2 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2013 that was not repeated in the current fiscal year were the primary drivers for the year-over-year net loss improvement for the first nine months of fiscal 2014.
Liquidity, Capital Resources, and Outlook
The following table summarizes selected financial information and statistics as of December 31, 2013 and March 31, 2013:
| | December 31, 2013 | | | March 31, 2013 | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 1,122 | | | $ | 788 | |
Accounts receivable, net | | $ | 3,410 | | | $ | 3,624 | |
Inventories, net | | $ | 5,394 | | | $ | 5,158 | |
Working capital | | $ | 7,392 | | | $ | 6,957 | |
At December 31, 2013, our principal source of liquidity was working capital of approximately $7.4 million, including $1.1 million in cash and cash equivalents. Our cash and cash equivalents increased $0.3 million during the first nine months of fiscal 2014. The increase was primarily attributable to the cash proceeds from the convertible debt arrangement with Mr. Pell, partially offset by the cash used to fund our operations and cover the net loss of $5.3 million sustained during the period.
In the first nine months of fiscal 2014, we used $4.5 million of net cash in our operating activities compared to $7.2 million in the same period last fiscal year. The improvement in cash used in operations was primarily attributable to higher accounts receivable collections during the first nine months of fiscal 2014 (a favorable change of $0.9 million) and reduced spend on inventories (a favorable change of $0.6 million) compared to the same period in fiscal 2013. In addition, since the beginning of fiscal 2013, management has made a concerted effort to control costs and reduce operating expenses as evidenced by the 20% improvement in operating loss ($5.2 million in the nine-month period of fiscal 2014 compared to $6.5 million in the same period last fiscal year) and lower cash usage (as described above) during the first nine months of fiscal 2014.
In the first nine months of fiscal 2014, we used $50 thousand of net cash in our investing activities compared to $88 thousand in the same period last fiscal year. Lower capital expenditures during the first nine months of fiscal 2014 were the primary driver for the decrease in cash used (a favorable change of $40 thousand) compared to the same period in fiscal 2013.
In the first nine months of fiscal 2014, we provided $4.9 million of net cash from our financing activities compared to $5.9 million in the same period last fiscal year. The decrease was primarily attributable to the net proceeds received from the sale of common stock to Lincoln Park Capital ($0.9 million) during the same period of fiscal 2013, which was not repeated in fiscal 2014.
We have incurred substantial operating losses since our inception and there can be no assurance that we will ever achieve or sustain a profitable level of operations in the future. We anticipate negative cash flows from operations during the remainder of fiscal 2014, driven by continued investment in a direct sales force for the U.S. market, spending for marketing, spending for research and development, and general business operations. As of December 31, 2013, we had cash and cash equivalents totaling approximately $1.1 million. We expect that our cash at December 31, 2013, together with the $1.5 million of capital available as of December 31, 2013 under the 2013 Note and up to $5.0 million of capital to be made available to us, subject to certain conditions and an expiration date of July 1, 2014, under a letter agreement dated June 21, 2013 with Lewis C. Pell, our Chairman (the “Letter Agreement”) (seeDebt Arrangements – Related Party for additional information), should be sufficient to fund our operations through at least December 31, 2014. However, if our performance expectations fall short (including our failure to generate expected levels of sales) or our expenses exceed expectations, or if the commitments under the 2013 Note or the Letter Agreement become unavailable, we will need to secure additional financing and/or reduce our expenses to continue our operations. Our failure to do so would have a material adverse impact on our prospects and financial condition. There can be no assurance that any contemplated additional financing will be available on terms acceptable to us, if at all. If required, we believe we would be able to reduce our expenses to a sufficient level to continue to operate as a going concern.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures, or capital resources.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are a smaller reporting company, as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act, and are not required to provide the information required by this item.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
For the quarterly period ended December 31, 2013, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and our Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer (“PFO”), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as of the end of the period covered by this report.
Our management, including our CEO and our PFO, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures will prevent all errors or fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met and our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide this reasonable assurance. Based upon the evaluation discussed above, our CEO and our PFO concluded that, as of December 31, 2013, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at providing such reasonable assurance.
Changes in Internal Controls Over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the nine months ended December 31, 2013 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal controls over financial reporting.
PART II—OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
None
Item 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes from the information discussed in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors, on page 13 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2013,except for the information discussed below. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties we discussed in our Form 10-K and the risks described below in this quarterly report before deciding to invest in, or retain, shares of our common stock. These are not the only risks and uncertainties that we face. Additional risks and uncertainties that we do not currently know about or that we currently believe are immaterial, or that we have not predicted, may also harm our business operations or adversely affect us. If any of these risks or uncertainties actually occurs, our business, financial condition, operating results, or liquidity could be materially harmed.
We have a history of operating losses and we may not achieve or maintain profitability in the future
We have incurred substantial operating losses since our inception and there can be no assurance that we will ever achieve or sustain a profitable level of operations in the future. We anticipate negative cash flows from operations during the remainder of fiscal 2014, driven by continued investment in a direct sales force for the U.S. market, spending for marketing, spending for research and development, and general business operations. As of December 31, 2013, we had cash and cash equivalents totaling approximately $1.1 million. We expect that our cash at December 31, 2013, together with the $1.5 million of capital available as of December 31, 2013 under a revolving convertible promissory note dated September 25, 2013 (the “2013 Note”) and up to $5.0 million of capital to be made available to us, subject to certain conditions and an expiration date of July 1, 2014, under a letter agreement dated June 21, 2013 with Lewis C. Pell, our Chairman (the “Letter Agreement”) (seeNote 5. Convertible Debt – Related Party for additional information), should be sufficient to fund our operations through at least December 31, 2014. However, if our performance expectations fall short (including our failure to generate expected levels of sales) or our expenses exceed expectations, or if the commitments under the 2013 Note or the Letter Agreement become unavailable, we will need to secure additional financing and/or reduce our expenses to continue our operations. Our failure to do so would have a material adverse impact on our prospects and financial condition. There can be no assurance that any contemplated additional financing will be available on terms acceptable to us, if at all. If required, we believe we would be able to reduce our expenses to a sufficient level to continue to operate as a going concern.
Our officers and directors have the ability to exercise significant control over the Company
As of December 31, 2013, our officers and directors owned an aggregate of approximately 38.9% of our outstanding common stock. Under a convertible note dated September 19, 2012 (the “Replacement Note”), Mr. Pell, at his option, has the right to convert the unpaid principal balance thereof, which was $20.0 million as of December 31, 2013, into 16,666,666 shares of our common stock. Under a convertible note dated September 25, 2013 (the “2013 Note”), Mr. Pell, at his option, has the right to convert the unpaid principal balance thereof, which was $2.0 million as of December 31, 2013, into 2,247,191 shares of our common stock. The conversion of the Replacement Note and the 2013 Note would increase the aggregate ownership of our officers and directors to approximately 56.3% of our common stock. As such, our directors and officers exercise significant control over all matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of directors and approval of significant corporate transactions. This concentration of ownership may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of the Company or forcing management to change its operating strategies, which may be to the benefit of management but not in the interest of the stockholders.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
None
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
None
Item 5. Other Information
None
Item 6. Exhibits
Exhibits | | |
10.1 | † | Employment Letter dated November 26, 2013 between the Company and Howard I. Zauberman (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registration’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 27, 2013) |
10.2 | † | Restricted Stock Agreement dated November 26, 2013 between the Company and Howard I. Zauberman (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registration’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 27, 2013) |
31.1 | | Certifications of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
31.2 | | Certifications of Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 |
32 | | Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 |
| | |
101.INS* | | XBRL Instance |
101.SCH* | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema |
101.CAL* | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation |
101.DEF* | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition |
101.LAB* | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels |
101.1PRE* | | XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation |
| | |
* | | XBRL information is furnished and not filed or a part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections. |
† | | Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| VISION-SCIENCES, INC. | |
| | |
Date: February 14, 2014 | /s/ Howard I. Zauberman | |
| Howard I. Zauberman President and Chief Executive Officer (Duly Authorized Officer) | |
| | |
Date: February 14, 2014 | /s/ Keith J. C. Darragh | |
| Keith J. C. Darragh VP, Finance, Principal Financial Officer, and Principal Accounting Officer | |
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