UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
 
(Mark One)

  þ Annual report pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2014 or

  o Transition report pursuant to section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
for the transition period from                                                                                          to

Commission file number 001-10382

SYNERGETICS USA, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
 
20-5715943
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

3845 Corporate Centre Drive
 
 
O’Fallon, Missouri
 
63368
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code
(636) 939-5100

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

Title of each class
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock
 
The Nasdaq Capital Market

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
(Title of class)

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

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

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

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

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

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

The aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant, computed by reference to the closing sales price as reported by The Nasdaq Stock Market as of January 31, 2014, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was $66,981,524.

At October 10, 2014, there were 25,364,608 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE 

Portions of the registrant’s Proxy Statement for its 2014 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, expected to be held on December 11, 2014, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K where indicated.
SYNERGETICS USA, INC.
FORM 10-K
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED JULY 31, 2014

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
 
 
Page
 
 
 
 
PART I
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
  3
 
Item 1A.
15
 
Item 1B.
27
 
Item 2.
27
 
Item 3.
27
 
Item 4.
27
 
 
 
 
PART II
 
 
 
 
Item 5.
28
 
Item 6.
29
 
Item 7.
30
 
Item 7A.
42
 
Item 8.
42
 
Item 9.
43
 
Item 9A.
43
 
Item 9B.
43
 
 
 
 
PART III
 
 
 
 
Item 10.
44
 
Item 11.
44
 
Item 12.
44
 
Item 13.
45
 
Item 14.
45
 
 
 
 
PART IV
 
 
 
 
Item 15.
45
 
 
 
 
 
 
71
 
 
 
 
72
 
 
 
 
Exhibit 10.30
Exhibit 10.33
 
 
 
 
 
 

2
SYNERGETICS USA, INC.

PART I

Item 1. Business

Overview

Synergetics USA, Inc. (“Synergetics USA” or “the Company”) is a leading supplier of precision surgical devices. The Company’s primary focus is on the disciplines of ophthalmology and neurosurgery. Our distribution channels include a combination of direct and independent distributor sales organizations, both domestically and internationally, and important strategic alliances with market leaders. The Company’s product lines focus upon precision engineered, disposable and reusable devices, surgical equipment, surgical procedural kits and the delivery of various energy modalities for the performance of surgery, including: (i) laser energy, (ii) ultrasonic energy, (iii) radio frequency energy for electrosurgery and lesion generation and (iv) visible light energy for illumination, and where applicable, simultaneous infusion (irrigation) of fluids into the operative field. Enterprise-wide sales information is included in Note 17 to the audited consolidated financial statements filed as a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The Company is a Delaware corporation incorporated on June 2, 2005, in connection with the reverse merger of Synergetics, Inc. (“Synergetics”) and Valley Forge Scientific Corp. (“Valley Forge”) and the subsequent reincorporation of Valley Forge (the predecessor to Synergetics USA) in Delaware.  Synergetics was founded in 1991. Valley Forge was incorporated in 1980 and became a publicly-held company in November 1989.  The Company’s securities are listed on The NASDAQ Capital Market under the ticker symbol “SURG.”

Recent Developments

We had several developments since fiscal 2012 that we expect will contribute to the growth of our business in the foreseeable future.

On October 27, 2011, the Company announced two new ophthalmic products for the vitrectomy market which were showcased at the 2011 Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.  The Company also announced record sales leads generated from the showcasing of its ophthalmic products.

On December 31, 2011, the Company’s agreements with Codman & Shurtleff, Inc. (“Codman”) were renewed for a period of three years.

On February 9, 2012, Mobius Therapeutics, LLC, a St. Louis-based ophthalmic pharmaceutical company, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) had approved its orphan drug for glaucoma and that Synergetics would be manufacturing the kit for the administration of the drug.

On June 27, 2012, the Company announced that it received 510(k) clearance from the FDA for VersaVITTM, a novel vitrectomy system for the retinal surgery market.  On July 20, 2012, the VersaVITTM vitrectomy system received clearance for the “CE” mark, allowing access to the European market.

On November 28, 2012, the Company announced the signing of the third amendment to its agreement with Stryker Corporation (“Stryker”) for the supply and distribution of a multi-channel ablation generator and accessories, used for minimally invasive pain treatment, extending the termination date until June 30, 2015.

On July 9, 2013, the Company announced that it acquired M.I.S.S. Ophthalmics Limited (“M.I.S.S.”), a private ophthalmology distribution company incorporated in England and Wales, for net cash consideration of $2.8 million.

On September 30, 2013, the Company extended its revolving credit facility and its equipment line of credit through September 30, 2016.
3
On October 1, 2013, the Company announced plans to close its King of Prussia, Pennsylvania facility and consolidate the manufacturing operations into its existing facility in O’Fallon, Missouri.  The Company expects to expense approximately $1.2 million, of which $682,000 was expended during fiscal 2014.  The remaining approximately $500,000 will be expended over the next five months to complete the closure. The Company expects the closure to result in a reduction in operating expense of more than $1.1 million on an annualized basis beginning in fiscal 2016.

On May 3, 2014, the Company acquired a private original equipment manufacturing (“OEM”) company incorporated in the United States for net cash consideration of $1.4 million.

On May 5, 2014, the Company announced the launch of the next generation DirectionalTM Laser Probe.  The DirectionalTM II Laser Probe is a significant improvement as compared to the original DirectionalTM Laser Probe as it incorporates years of feedback from surgeons on the original design.  The improvements include an ergonomic, color-coded handle that emulates our PinnacleTM instrument line and significant enhancements to the mechanism responsible for adjusting the fiber from a straight to curved position.

On May 12, 2014, the Company announced the completion of a cooperative development agreement with Cleveland Clinic to develop the next generation of intraoperative devices.  These devices are expected to lead to improved visualization of surgical sites leading to more precise tissue targeting and improved surgical outcomes.

On June 9, 2014, the Company announced the targeted launch of the next generation vitrectomy system, VersaVIT 2.0TM, in the second-half of June.  VersaVIT 2.0TM offers an improvement over the first generation system by providing high speed cutting in combination with active duty cycle control. Combined, both high speed cutting and duty cycle control provide surgeons with a more efficient way to remove vitreous while simultaneously increasing safety by decreasing traction on retinal tissues when shaving along the base of the retina. Additional features of the VersaVIT 2.0™ system and accessories include LED illumination, pressurized infusion and a silicone oil collection chamber.

Summary of Financial Information

  The following tables present net sales by category and our results of operations (dollars in thousands):

NET SALES BY CATEGORY
 
  
Fiscal Year Ended July 31,
  
 
  
2014
    
Mix
    
2013
    
Mix
  
 
  
   
   
   
 
Ophthalmic
  
$
35,242
      
54.4
%
  
$
35,446
      
56.4
%
OEM(1)
    
28,671
      
44.3
%
    
26,469
      
42.2
%
Other (2)
    
856
      
1.3
%
    
881
      
1.4
%
Total
  
$
64,769
      
100.0
%
  
$
62,796
      
100.0
%
 
(1) Net sales from OEM represent sales of electrosurgery generators, disposable bipolar forceps and related accessories and royalties from Codman, multi-channel ablation generators, disposable ultrasonic aspirator tips and related accessories to Stryker and sales of certain disposable products. In addition, recognition of deferred revenues of $1.3 million from Alcon is included in this category for each of the fiscal years ended July 31, 2014 and 2013.
(2) Net sales from Other represent direct neurosurgery revenues and other miscellaneous revenues.

        The increase in sales during fiscal 2014 compared with fiscal 2013 was primarily due to a $2.2 million increase in OEM sales, partially offset by a $0.2 million decrease in ophthalmic sales.  Currently, disposable product sales account for approximately 86.9 percent of our total product sales.  Overall sales of our disposable products grew $5.3 million, or 10.2 percent, in fiscal 2014 as compared to fiscal 2013. Sales of capital equipment decreased by approximately $3.2 million, or 30.9 percent, in fiscal 2014 as compared to fiscal 2013.
4
Information with respect to the breakdown of revenue for domestic and international sales is included in Note 17 to the audited consolidated financial statements filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
(dollars in thousands)
 
  
Fiscal Year Ended July 31,
  
 
  
2014
    
2013
    
Increase
  
 
  
   
   
(Decrease)
  
Net Sales
  
$
64,769
    
$
62,796
      
3.1
%
Gross Profit
    
36,229
      
32,371
      
11.9
%
Gross Profit Margin %
    
55.9
%
    
51.5
%
    
8.5
%
Commercial Expenses
                        
Research and Development
    
5,158
      
3,643
      
41.6
%
Sales and Marketing
    
14,360
      
13,805
      
4.0
%
General and Administrative
    
10,962
      
10,913
      
0.4
%
Exit costs
    
682
      
--
      
N/M
(1) 
Medical Device Tax
    
486
      
289
      
68.2
%
Operating Income
    
4,581
      
3,721
      
23.1
%
Operating Margin
    
7.1
%
    
5.9
%
    
20.3
%
EBITDA(2)
    
6,629
      
5,520
      
20.1
%
Net Income
    
3,063
      
2,559
      
19.7
%
Earnings per share
    
0.12
      
0.10
      
20.0
%
Operating Return on Average Equity (2)
    
4.9
%
    
4.4
%
    
11.4
%
Operating Return on Average Assets (2)
    
3.7
%
    
3.2
%
    
15.6
%
 
(1) Not Meaningful.
(2) EBITDA, operating return on average equity and operating return on average assets are not financial measures recognized by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).  EBITDA is defined as net income before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization.  Operating return on average equity is defined as net income divided by average equity.  Operating return on average assets is defined as net income plus interest expense divided by average assets.  See disclosure following regarding the use of non-GAAP financial measures.
 
 
  
Fiscal Year Ended July 31,
(dollars in thousands)
  
 
  
2014
    
2013
  
EBITDA Calculation:
  
   
 
Net Income
  
$
3,063
    
$
2,559
  
Interest Expense
    
19
      
28
  
Income Taxes
    
1,498
      
1,130
  
Depreciation
    
1,173
      
1,123
  
Amortization
    
876
      
680
  
EBITDA
  
$
6,629
    
$
5,520
  
Operating Return on Average Equity Calculation:
                
Net Income
  
$
3,063
    
$
2,559
  
Average Equity
                
July 31, 2014
  
$
64,424
          
July 31, 2013
    
60,152
    
$
60,152
  
July 31, 2012
            
56,478
  
Average Equity
  
$
62,288
    
$
58,315
  
Operating Return on Average Equity
    
4.9
%
    
4.4
%
Operating Return on Average Assets Calculation:
                
Net Income
  
$
3,063
    
$
2,559
  
Interest Expense
    
19
      
28
  
Net Income + Interest Expense
  
$
3,082
    
$
2,587
  
Average Assets:
                
July 31, 2014
  
$
84,715
          
July 31, 2013
    
82,693
    
$
82,693
  
July 31, 2012
            
78,763
  
Average Assets
  
$
83,704
    
$
80,728
  
Operating Return on Average Assets:
    
3.7
%
    
3.2
%

5
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
 
We measure our performance primarily through our operating profit.  In addition to our audited consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP, management uses certain non-GAAP measures, including EBITDA, operating return on average equity and operating return on average assets, to measure our operating performance.  We provide a definition of the components of these measurements and reconciliation to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.
 
These non-GAAP measures are presented to enhance an understanding of our operating results and are not intended to represent cash flow or results of operations.  The use of these non-GAAP measures provides an indication of our ability to service debt and measure operating performance.  We believe these non-GAAP measures are useful in evaluating our operating performance compared to other companies in our industry, and are beneficial to investors, potential investors and other key stakeholders, including creditors who use this measure in their evaluation of performance.
 
These non-GAAP measures are not in accordance with, or an alternative to, measures prepared in accordance with GAAP and may be different from non-GAAP measures used by other companies.  In addition, these non-GAAP measures are not based on any comprehensive set of accounting rules or principles.  Non-GAAP measures have limitations in that they do not reflect all of the amounts associated with the Company’s results of operations as determined in accordance with GAAP.  These measures should only be used to evaluate our results of operations in conjunction with the corresponding GAAP measures.

Our Business Strategy

The Company’s strategy is to enhance shareholder value through profitable revenue growth in targeted segments of the ophthalmology and neurosurgery markets. This is accomplished through the identification and development of reusable and disposable devices in collaboration with leading surgeons and OEM partners. We are committed to establishing a strong operational infrastructure and financial foundation within which growth opportunities can be prudently evaluated, financed and pursued. We will remain vigilant and sensitive to new challenges which may arise from changes in the definition and delivery of appropriate healthcare in our fields of interest. In fiscal 2015 and beyond, our strategic priorities are to drive accelerating growth in the ophthalmology business, deliver improved profitability through our enterprise-wide continuous improvement initiatives, manage our neurosurgery and other OEM businesses for stable growth and strong cash flows, demonstrate consistent, solid financial performance and continued growth through strategic acquisitions.
 
Drive Accelerating Growth in our Ophthalmology Business

We are focused on expanding our product platform into larger and faster-growing segments of the vitreoretinal device market. Thus, we have focused our internal research and development efforts on developing innovative technologies that will enable the Company to enhance its value to the vitreoretinal community. We are implementing several focused initiatives to leverage on our recent introduction of VersaVIT 2.0TM and other new products to capitalize on the current macroeconomic environment. In addition, we are also seeking business development opportunities to augment and complement our existing ophthalmic franchise.  Finally, we are improving our sales force productivity. For example, in the U.S., we are focused on enhancing our compensation programs to target the appropriate mix of product. Also, we are focused on rigorous development of our sales force capabilities through enhanced training and customer relationship management. In the international markets, we are working to optimize our sales capabilities and distribution infrastructure.  Our recent acquisition of M.I.S.S. demonstrates our commitment to enhancing our international distribution infrastructure.
6
Deliver Improved Profitability through our Enterprise-Wide Continuous Improvement Initiatives

We have been developing comprehensive enterprise-wide continuous improvement initiatives aimed at creating a more efficient operating platform. We implemented our Enterprise Resource Planning (“ERP”) system in August 2011 which brought us accurate, timely information to more effectively manage our cost savings initiatives.  Prior to fiscal 2014, we believe we have taken over $2.0 million out of our cost basis since we implemented our cost savings efforts.  Through reducing our scrap, more efficient use of our labor force and concentrating our efforts on less costly components, we believe we have saved another $1.1 million in fiscal 2014.  Also, during fiscal 2014, we began our efforts to consolidate our manufacturing operations in O’Fallon, Missouri.  We believe these efforts will result in an additional $1.1 million in operating savings on an annualized basis beginning in fiscal 2016.

Manage our Neurosurgery and OEM Businesses for Stable Growth and Strong Cash Flows

We have long-term relationships established with our two largest OEM partners, Codman and Stryker. These relationships provide high visibility within the neurosurgery and pain control markets. We provide best-in-class technologies with our electrosurgical generators and disposable bipolar forceps being distributed by Codman and our multi-channel ablation generator and ultrasonic aspirator disposables being distributed by Stryker. We are working with both of these OEM partners to provide product line iterations to maintain their technological advantages. We also work with a select number of other potential OEM customers to develop relationships to support our strategic goal.

Demonstrate Consistent, Solid Financial Performance

In the short and long-term, we expect to grow our revenues and increase our profitability. We also will enhance our working capital usages by employing both our enterprise-wide continuous improvement initiatives and our ERP system to derive more free cash flow from the business. We will prudently manage our capital structure to allow for additional growth opportunities and optimal cash deployment.

Continued Growth through Strategic Acquisitions
 
We believe that we can generate substantial revenue and cost synergies through strategic acquisitions and have a history of successfully acquiring and integrating companies that expand our footprint, either geographically or in market sectors that are complementary to our existing operations.  We intend to continue to grow our business and enhance our product offerings through acquisitions that either complement our existing products or provide additional resources or products that will enrich and increase our customer relationships.  We regularly consider and enter into discussions regarding potential acquisitions. Any such transaction would be subject to negotiation of mutually agreeable terms and conditions, receipt of fairness opinions (if required) and approval of the parties’ respective boards of directors and can be effected quickly, may occur at any time and may be significant in size relative to our existing assets or operations.

7
Research and Development (“R&D”) Strategy

Our R&D strategy primarily focuses on developing new products in collaboration with leading retinal surgeons and our OEM partners utilizing our proprietary technology and our expertise in vitreoretinal surgery and neurosurgery.  We are continually engineering new products, systems and instrumentation, as well as enhancements to existing products, to meet the needs of surgeons in the ophthalmology and neurosurgery disciplines.  We have entered into consultation arrangements with leading ophthalmic surgeons, all of whom specialize in vitreoretinal procedures.  In neurosurgery, we have worked closely with our OEM partners to develop ultrasonic aspirator tips and other handheld devices.
 
The Company has historically invested in specific R&D projects.  In fiscal 2014, we spent approximately 80 percent of our R&D expenditures on ophthalmic opportunities and 20 percent on neurosurgery and other OEM opportunities.
 
 
  
Fiscal Year Ended July 31,
  
 
  
2014
    
2013
    
2012
  
R&D expenditures (in thousands)
  
$
5,158
    
$
3,643
    
$
3,642
  
Percentage of net sales
    
8.0
%
    
5.8
%
    
6.1
%

We anticipate ongoing R&D costs in connection with the development of our products.  The Company’s R&D resources include:  an advanced technology group that works on longer-term, highly complex R&D initiatives and a device development group that works on strategically targeted products.  The alignment of our R&D resources into these groups allows us greater flexibility to meet the ever-changing needs of our customers as well as allow the Company to focus on those products and technologies that fit within our strategic plan.

At July 31, 2014, the Company’s development pipeline included 24 active projects in various stages of completion.  The Company completed its most recent top priority ophthalmology R&D project when it introduced the enhanced VersaVIT 2.0TM vitrectomy machine for use in vitreoretinal procedures. The launch of this product strengthens the Company’s position in the estimated annual $336 million vitrectomy machine and $215 million related procedural pack markets. We have begun development work on several of the larger active projects which are a subset of the 24 which we believe will drive future growth in both our ophthalmic and neurosurgery businesses.  In fiscal 2015, our key objective is to continue to commercialize VersaVIT 2.0TM globally.

The Company expects to invest in R&D at a rate of approximately 6 to 8 percent of net sales each fiscal year.  The majority of our R&D is conducted internally.  In fiscal 2015, we expect to fund all of our R&D projects with current assets and cash flows from operations.  We continuously review our R&D initiatives to ensure they remain consistent with and supportive of our strategic growth initiatives.

Marketing

Ophthalmic/Vitreoretinal

Markets
 
Vitreoretinal surgery refers to any surgical procedures involving the posterior portion of the eye, also commonly referred to as “the back of the eye.” Conditions associated with vitreoretinal surgery often require surgical treatment to prevent vision loss. These conditions include proliferative diabetic retinopathy, retinal detachments and tears, macular holes, macular puckers, vitreous hemorrhages and traumatic eye injuries as well as other diseases. The retinal surgeon requires a variety of devices and equipment to perform the surgery, such as a vitrectomy machine and vitrector to remove the vitreous from the eye, a light source and endoilluminator to illuminate the eye and a laser and endolaser probe, which provides focused photocoagulation for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy and related conditions.

Based upon a study performed by Market Scope LLC (“Market Scope”), dated March 2012, there are approximately 2,000 practicing retinal specialists in the United States and an additional 7,600 throughout the rest of the world. It is estimated that approximately 327,000 vitrectomies will be performed in the United States and 1.295 million total vitrectomies will be performed throughout the world in 2014.  Market Scope estimates that these procedures are growing 2.4 percent annually.
8
Our business continues to grow and evolve as market conditions change. Due to the changing needs of the retina community, the Company designed an enhanced version of the VersaVIT 2.0TM vitrectomy machine and vitrectomy packs to provide surgeons with a vitrectomy platform that is efficient, versatile, portable, space-saving, and cost effective. The Company will continue to focus on market needs and market changes to provide surgeons with products that meet their needs.

Marketing and Sales Force
 
In the United States, we have assembled a direct, dedicated sales organization, consisting of 22 sales representatives, nine field sales management/support persons and eight marketing professionals. In fiscal 2014, we expanded our field application specialists by three and our marketing professionals by one to fully implement our VersaVIT 2.0TM launch, and we are also working on additional devices and accessories to complement our VersaVIT 2.0TM vitrectomy system.  Our team sells vitreoretinal surgical products directly to end-users at hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers and surgeon offices throughout the country. We offer over 1,000 separate catalogue items in the vitreoretinal surgical market, 640 of which are manufactured by or for Synergetics. Our vitreoretinal products include a vitrectomy system under the VersaVIT 2.0TM brand, procedural packs under VersaPACKTM and Core EssentialsTM brands, fiberoptic endoilluminators and endolaser probes, a variety of disposable and reusable devices designed for intraocular manipulation of tissues, illumination equipment under the PhotonTM brand, laser equipment for the United States market under Ellex’s SolitaireTM brand, Volk’s line of ophthalmic lenses, Labtician’s scleral buckles and other miscellaneous products.

Internationally, we utilize a hybrid sales network comprised of direct and distributor sales. We have distribution agreements with independent representatives to sell and distribute our ophthalmic surgical products. On July 8, 2013, we acquired our United Kingdom distributor, M.I.S.S., which added five international employees.  At July 31, 2014, we had 15 international direct sales and distribution employees and were represented by over 80 non-U.S. distributors and independent sales representatives. Our vitreoretinal surgical products are offered for sale in approximately 50 countries outside the United States. The terms of sale to our non-U.S. distributors and our non-U.S. end-user customers do not differ materially from those to our domestic end-user customers. Selling prices are established based upon each country’s competitive pricing environment.

Competition
 
Competition in the vitreoretinal market is intense and is expected to increase.  This market is characterized by technological innovation and change.  We compete by providing products and services that are valued by our customers such as:  sales relationships, product innovations, and responses to changing market/business needs.  See Item 1A. “Risk Factors.”

Our ophthalmic surgical devices and equipment compete against manufacturers of similar products, including those sold by our major competitors, Alcon, a subsidiary of Novartis Corporation, Bausch & Lomb, Inc., a subsidiary of Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc., Dutch Ophthalmic Research Center and Iridex Corporation. In addition, our products compete with smaller and larger specialized companies that do not otherwise focus on ophthalmic and vitreoretinal surgery.

OEM Partners and OEM Markets

The Company has material OEM relationships with Codman and Stryker.

In the neurosurgical market, the bipolar electrosurgical system manufactured by Valley Forge prior to the merger has been marketed for over 30 years through a series of distribution agreements with Codman. On April 2, 2009, the Company executed a new, three-year distribution agreement (effective January 1, 2009) with Codman for the continued distribution by Codman of the fourth generation electrosurgical generator, certain other electrosurgery generators, related disposables and accessories. In addition, the Company entered into a three-year license agreement, which provides for the continued licensing of the Company’s Malis® trademark to Codman for use with certain Codman products, including those covered by the distribution agreement. In December 2010, Codman elected to exercise its option of exclusive distribution with respect to the electrosurgical generators and related disposables and accessories in the fields of neurocranial and neurospinal surgery. The agreement expires on December 31, 2014.
9
On November 16, 2009, the Company announced the signing of an addendum to its three-year agreement with Codman. Under the terms of the revised agreement, Codman has the exclusive right to market and distribute the Company’s SpetzlerTM-Malis® branded disposable bipolar forceps produced by Synergetics. Codman began distribution of the disposable bipolar forceps in 2009, domestically, and in 2010, internationally.

The Codman relationship has been proceeding well and is meeting the Company’s expectations for unit and dollar sales volumes. Sales to Codman in the fiscal year ended July 31, 2014 comprised 23.4 percent of the Company’s net sales.

The Company supplies a multi-channel ablation generator used for minimally invasive pain control treatment to Stryker pursuant to a supply and distribution agreement dated as of October 25, 2004, as amended.  The agreement expires on June 30, 2015.  The agreement covers the manufacture and supply of the multi-channel ablation generator unit together with certain accessories. The pain control generator can be utilized for facet denervation, rhizotomy, percutaneous cordotomy, dorsal root entry zone lesions, peripheral neuralgia, trigeminal neuralgia and ramus communications. Pain relief is achieved by the controlled heating of the area surrounding the electrode tip. A thermosensor in the probe is used to control tissue temperature. Impedance values are displayed for the user to guard against unsafe conditions. The system provides an electrical stimulator for nerve localization and various coagulating outputs that are selectable based on the procedures undertaken. The pain control generator is designed to produce a bipolar output to minimize current spread, although it can be operated in a monopolar mode as well. The agreement also provides Stryker the right of first refusal for the distribution of other products for use in the field of percutaneous treatment of pain or for use in other fields in conjunction with a generator product having the same features and technical specifications as the products distributed under this agreement.

On March 31, 2010, the Company entered into a supply agreement with Stryker pursuant to which the Company agreed to supply Stryker with disposable ultrasonic aspirator instrument tips and certain other consumable products used in conjunction with Stryker’s ultrasonic aspirator console and handpieces.  The agreement expires on March 31, 2016.

The Stryker relationship has been proceeding well and is meeting the Company’s expectations for unit and dollar sales volumes. Sales to Stryker in the fiscal year ended July 31, 2014 comprised 16.6 percent of the Company’s net sales.

Markets

Neurosurgical procedures on a global basis continue to rise at an estimated 1 to 3 percent growth rate driven by an aging global population, new technologies, advances in surgical techniques and a growing global market resulting from ongoing improvements in healthcare delivery in emerging markets, among other factors. Based significantly upon this growth in procedures, sales of neurosurgical products worldwide are forecasted to increase by approximately 4 percent.

Competition

In the field of neurosurgery, we design, develop and manufacture precision-engineered, surgical devices and instruments. We believe we are the premier manufacturer of bipolar electrosurgical systems for use in neurosurgery. Our neurosurgical bipolar electrosurgical systems and accessories, which are sold by Codman, compete against similar products sold by the Valleylab division of Covidien Ltd., Kirwan Surgical Products, Inc., Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH and the Aesculap division of B. Braun Medical Inc. The ultrasonic aspiration tips and accessories we supply to Stryker compete against similar products sold by Integra Life Sciences Holdings, Corp., the manufacturer of the CUSATM and the SelectorTM ultrasonic aspirator systems, and Misonix, Inc.  Additionally, the products we manufacture compete with smaller and larger specialized companies. These products also compete with other technologies, such as handheld instruments and a variety of tissue removal systems designed for removing skull-based tumors.  See Item 1A. “Risk Factors.”
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Operations

Manufacturing and Supplies

We design, manufacture and assemble the majority of our ophthalmic, direct neurosurgical and certain of our OEM products in our facility in O’Fallon, Missouri.  The bipolar electrosurgical generators (including the neurosurgical, pain control and other generator units) are manufactured in our facility in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.  We are in process of transitioning this manufacturing to O’Fallon, Missouri which we believe will be completed by mid-fiscal 2015.  The SolitaireTM laser and the Volk lenses are purchased by the Company from their respective manufacturers.  Our products are assembled from raw materials and components supplied to us by third parties.  Most of the raw materials and components we use in the manufacture of our products are available from more than one supplier.  For some components, there are relatively few alternate sources of supply.  For a portion of our disposable product line and for several key components of our PhotonTM light sources, our VersaVIT 2.0TM vitrectomy system and our electrosurgical generators, we rely upon single source suppliers or contract manufacturers.
 
During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2014, we continued our improvement journey and have introduced all of our manufacturing lines to a lean methodology.  These manufacturing lines are at varying degrees of maturity with respect to implementing the continuous improvement  methodology.  In fiscal 2015, we expect to continue the maturation process.  Throughout the year, we have been able to increase our sales by 2.2 percent without any significant increase in the manufacturing footprint.

Government Regulations

Medical devices manufactured by the Company are subject to extensive regulation by governmental authorities, including federal, state and non-U.S. governmental agencies.  The principal regulator in the United States is the FDA.  The medical device regulatory scheme in the European Union is driven by the Medical Device Directive.
 
FDA regulations are wide-ranging and govern the development, production and marketing of medical devices, the observance of certain standards with respect to the design, manufacture, testing, labeling and promotion of devices, the maintenance and retention of certain records, the ability to track devices in distribution, the reporting of potential product defects and patient incidents, the export of devices and other matters.
 
All medical devices introduced into the market since May 28, 1976, which include all of our products, are required by the FDA as a condition of sale and marketing to secure either a 510(k) Premarket Notification clearance or an approved Premarket Approval Application (“PMA”) unless specifically exempted by regulation.  A Premarket Notification clearance indicates FDA agreement with an applicant’s determination that the product for which clearance has been sought is substantially equivalent to another medical device that was on the market before 1976 or that has received 510(k) Premarket Notification clearance since that time.  The process of obtaining a Premarket Notification clearance can take several months or potentially years and may require the submission of limited clinical data and supporting information.  The PMA process typically requires the submission of significant quantities of clinical data and manufacturing information and involves significant review costs.  The Company does not anticipate any of our new devices in development at this time will require a PMA.
 
Under FDA regulations, after a device receives 510(k) clearance, any modification that could significantly affect its safety or effectiveness, or that would constitute a major change in the intended use of the device, technology, materials or packaging, requires a new 510(k) clearance.  The FDA requires a manufacturer to make this determination in the first instance, but the FDA can review any such decision.   If the FDA disagrees, it can require a manufacturer to obtain a new 510(k) clearance or it can seek enforcement action against the manufacturer.
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We are also required to register with the FDA as a device manufacturer and to maintain compliance with the FDA’s Quality System Regulations (“QSR”).  The QSR incorporates the requirements of Good Manufacturing Practice as well as other regulatory requirements of the FDA, which mandate detailed quality assurance and record-keeping procedures and subject manufacturers to unscheduled periodic quality system inspections.  We conduct internal quality assurance audits to ensure compliance throughout the manufacturing process.
 
We may not promote or advertise our products for uses not within the scope of our clearances or approvals or make unsupported safety or effectiveness claims.  Further, we are required to comply with various FDA regulations for labeling and promotion.  The Medical Device Reporting regulations require that we provide information to the FDA whenever there is evidence to reasonably suggest that one of our devices may have caused or contributed to a death or serious injury.  In addition, the FDA prohibits us from promoting a medical device before marketing clearance has been received or promoting a cleared device for unapproved indications. Noncompliance with applicable regulatory requirements can result in enforcement action, which is more fully described in Part 1, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
Medical device regulations also are in effect in many of the countries outside the United States in which our products are sold.  These laws range from comprehensive device approval and quality system requirements for some or all of our medical device products to simpler requests for product data or certifications.  The number and scope of these requirements are increasing.  In June 1998, the European Union Medical Device Directives became effective, and all medical devices sold in the European common market must meet the Medical Device Directives standards. The Company sells its products in the European medical device market; as such, we have voluntarily chosen to participate in audits established by the European Union through which we have obtained “CE marking” for many of our products.  The Company is subjected to annual audits at both of our manufacturing facilities for compliance to the quality system standards established by the International Standards Organization (“ISO”) and Medical Device Directives established by European law.  The Company is certified to ISO 13485:2003, the international standard for quality systems as applied to medical devices.  Failure to correct deficiencies discovered during an audit could result in the removal of the CE mark on our products, which would effectively bar the sale of the Company’s products in the European market.  Such a result would have a significant and material negative impact on the Company and its business.  In addition, there are several countries outside the European Union which require additional complex regulatory clearances.
 
Management believes that we are in material compliance with the government regulations governing our business in the countries where we market our products.
 
Safety Approvals

The majority of our capital equipment products also require electrical safety testing, and in some cases electromagnetic emission testing, either as a product registration requirement and/or to gain market acceptance.  Testing to internationally recognized standards is provided by third party vendors, who certify our products’ compliance to these standards.  The primary standard to which our capital equipment must comply requires that we provide detailed risk management documentation to support the electrical safety testing.

Intellectual Property
 
Our continuing technological innovations and superior engineering designs, as well as the goodwill associated with our products, provide us with competitive advantages, many of which are proprietary to the Company.  We protect our proprietary advantages, in large part, by obtaining legal rights in issued patents, the filing of patent applications, maintaining trade secrets and confidential know how, and through the use of trademarks.
 
Patented and/or patent pending technology is used in most of our product lines, from our most recently released surgical equipment, the VersaVIT 2.0TM vitrectomy system and its associated disposables, to our line of Directional Laser ProbeTM devices, our DDMSTM membrane scrapers, our PhotonTM line of illumination technology with complimentary accessories, and further, to the products we make for our OEM partners, such as our Malis® line of bipolar electrosurgical generators, forceps and other accessories, as well as certain surgical ultrasonic aspiration tips.  When deemed appropriate for our business success, we have chosen to and will continue to choose to enforce and defend these patent rights.
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We generally seek patent protection on those technological advancements that are believed to be patentable and are planned or likely to be used in our products or product improvements.  Currently, the Company owns 114 unexpired patents around the world, 40 of which have been issued in the United States.  Our oldest, unexpired patent was issued in the United States about 16 years ago, in 1998.  Given the range of ages of the patents in our portfolio, we expect that patent expiration will be a routine event going forward for some time.  We do not believe that the expiration of any one patent, or the expiration over time of each of our currently unexpired patents, will have a material, adverse effect on our business.  Furthermore, we manage our patent portfolio such that we will purge a patent application or an issued patent from our portfolio when we determine that the offensive and defensive value of such patent or application is outweighed by its costs of maintenance.
 
Through our research and development efforts, we are continually creating new intellectual property, and continue to file patent applications around the world to protect our rights in these developments.  The Company has numerous, pending patent applications in the United States and in other countries.  We believe that these patent applications will mature into issued patents in due course; however, we also know that other legal rights, whether of other inventors or of the public, ultimately may prevent our applications from issuing as patents.
 
We do not rely exclusively on our patents to provide us with intellectual property protections, but we also rely on trade secrets, know-how, and trademarks.  In an effort to protect our trade secrets and know-how, we generally require our employees, consultants, and advisors to enter into confidentiality agreements with us upon the commencement of their respective relationships with us.  These confidentiality agreements typically provide that all confidential information developed or disclosed by us during the course of the relationship must be kept confidential and cannot be used except to further the purposes of the relationship.  To the extent that such confidential information is likely to include inventions, our agreements with our employees, consultants, and advisors may also contain provisions requiring these individuals to assign to us any inventions conceived or reduced to practice in the course of the relationship.

Regarding our trademarks, the Company relies on protections from both formal registrations and common law rights.  Trademark registrations owned by the Company or one of its subsidiaries include Synergetics, Malis, the Malis waveform logo and Bident.  Other trademarks used in association with the Company’s products include the diamond logo, Vision for Life, VersaVIT, VersaPACK, Core Essentials, Bullseye, Corona, Diamond Black, DDMS, Directional Laser Probe, Extendable Directional Laser Probe, Inverted Directional Laser Probe, FullView, I-Pack, Kryoptonite, Maxillum, Microfiber, Microserrated, One-Step, Photon, Photon I, Photon II, P1, P2, Pinnacle, Syntrifugal, Apex, Synerport, TruCurve, Vivid, Burst, Barracuda, Lumenator and TruMicro.  All other trademarks appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are the property of their respective owners.

Backlog
 
As of July 31, 2014, our backlog was approximately $2.2 million, as compared to $1.9 million as of July 31, 2013.  We expect that this backlog will be filled within the current fiscal year.

Employees
 
On July 31, 2014, we had 373 employees, of which the majority were full-time employees.  As part of our continuous improvement philosophy, we currently utilize temporary staffing agencies to provide us with approximately 7 percent of our manufacturing staff in order to remain flexible.  Including the temporary staff and planned replacements, our head count would be approximately 395 employees.   From time to time, we retain temporary employees, part-time employees, engineering consultants, scientists and other consultants.  All full-time employees are eligible to participate in our health benefit plan.  None of our employees are represented by a union or covered by a collective bargaining agreement.  We consider our relationship with our employees to be satisfactory.
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Executive Officers of the Registrant

The following table sets forth certain information, as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, with respect to the executive officers of the Company.
 
Name
Age
Position(s) with the Company
 
 
 
David M. Hable
59
President, Chief Executive Officer & Director
Pamela G. Boone
51
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer & Secretary
Jason J. Stroisch
39
Vice President of Marketing and Technology
Michael R. Fanning
48
Vice President of Domestic Sales
 
David M. Hable joined the Company as its President, Chief Executive Officer and director in January 2009.  Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Hable served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Afferent Corporation, a venture capital backed, medical device company focused on neuro stimulation therapies. Previously, he was Chairman of the Board of ONI Medical Systems, Inc., a developer and marketer of magnetic resonance imaging equipment for extremity applications in non-hospital settings. Mr. Hable also spent over 20 years with Codman, which develops and markets a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic products for the treatment of central nervous system disorders. Mr. Hable was engaged at Codman in several sales and marketing positions.  From 1998 to 2003, Mr. Hable served as Codman’s Worldwide President leading all functions in the company, both domestically and internationally. Mr. Hable has overall responsibility for the management of the Company.
 
Pamela G. Boone joined the Company as its Chief Financial Officer in May 2005. Prior to this, Ms. Boone served as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Maverick Tube Corporation (“Maverick”) from 2001 until January 2005 and as Vice President, Treasurer and acting Chief Financial Officer until May 2005. Maverick, a Missouri-based company, was a leading North American producer of welded tubular steel products used in energy and industrial applications. From 1997 to 2001, Ms. Boone served as Maverick’s Corporate Controller.  Ms. Boone coordinates and supervises the finance, treasury, budgeting, investor relations, accounting and information technology functions of the Company.
 
Jason J. Stroisch joined the Company in the Engineering division in September 1995.  In his 19 years with the Company, Mr. Stroisch has had increasing levels of responsibility within the organization, including International Product Manager, International Sales Manager and Vice President of Ophthalmic Sales.  In April 2009, he was promoted to Vice President of International Sales and Marketing.  In August 2012, oversight of our R&D efforts was added to his responsibilities and he became Vice President of Marketing and Technology.  Mr. Stroisch coordinates and supervises the marketing efforts of the Company and the scientific development of the Company’s products.
 
Michael R. Fanning joined the Company as a territory manager in June 2003.  He was promoted to National Sales Manager in May 2006 and became Vice President of Domestic Sales in April 2009.  Prior to this, Mr. Fanning worked for GE Capital for over ten years.  Mr. Fanning coordinates and supervises the domestic sales and customer service operations of the Company.

Available Information
 
We make available free of charge our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished as required by Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), through our internet website at www.synergeticsusa.com as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).
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Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Exchange Act, provide a safe harbor for forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company. The Company and its representatives may from time to time make written or oral statements that are “forward-looking,” including statements contained in this report and other filings with the SEC and in our reports and presentations to stockholders or potential stockholders. In some cases forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “potential,” “continue” or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements include risks and uncertainties and there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These factors, risks and uncertainties can be found in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors.”

Although we believe the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, it is not possible to foresee or identify all factors that could have a material effect on the future financial performance of the Company. The forward-looking statements in this report are made on the basis of management’s assumptions and analyses, as of the time the statements are made, in light of their experience and perception of historical conditions, expected future developments and other factors believed to be appropriate under the circumstances.

In addition, certain market data and other statistical information used throughout this report are based on independent industry publications. Although we believe these sources to be reliable, we have not independently verified the information and cannot guarantee the accuracy and completeness of such sources.

Except as otherwise required by the federal securities laws, we disclaim any obligation or undertaking to publicly release any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K and the information incorporated by reference in this report to reflect any change in our expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any statement is based.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

In addition to the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we have identified the following risks and uncertainties that may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.  You should carefully consider the risks described below before making an investment decision.

Risks related to Our Business

The medical device industry is highly competitive and subject to technological change.  If our competitors are better able to develop and market products that are safer, more effective, less costly, easier to use, or are otherwise more attractive, we may be unable to compete effectively with other companies.

The medical technology industry is characterized by intense competition and technology change.  We compete with established medical technology companies and early stage companies that have alternative solutions for the markets we serve or intend to serve.  Many of our competitors have several advantages over us; including:

· access to greater financial and human resources for product development, sales and marketing and patent litigation;
· greater name recognition;
· long established relationships with physicians and customers;
· additional lines of products and the ability to offer rebates or bundle products to offer greater discounts or incentives;
· more established sales and marketing programs, and distribution networks; and
· greater experience in conducting R&D, manufacturing, preparing regulatory submissions and obtaining regulatory clearance or approval for products and marketing approved products.
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Our competitive position depends on multiple, complex factors, including our ability to achieve market acceptance for our products, develop new products, implement production and marketing plans, secure regulatory approvals for products under development and protect our intellectual property.  We may need to develop new applications for our products to remain competitive.  Technological advances outside of our field, such as in pharmacology, by one or more of our current or future competitors could render our present or future products obsolete or uneconomical.  Our future success depends, among other things, upon our ability to compete effectively against current technology, as well as to respond effectively to technological advances, and upon our ability to successfully implement our marketing strategies and execute our R&D plan.

In addition, our VersaVIT 2.0TM is complex in design and the manufacturing involves a highly complex and precise process.  As a result of the technical complexity, changes in our or our suppliers’ manufacturing processes or the inadvertent use of defective materials by us or our suppliers could result in a material adverse effect on our ability to achieve acceptable manufacturing yields and product reliability.  To the extent that we do not achieve such yields or product reliability, our business, operating results, financial condition and customer relationships would be adversely affected.

Our products may not be accepted in the market.

We cannot be certain that our current products or any other products we have or may develop or market will achieve or maintain market acceptance.  We cannot be certain that our devices and the procedures they perform will be able to replace established treatments or that physicians or the medical community in general will accept and utilize our devices or any other medical products that we may develop.

Market acceptance of our products depends on many factors, including our ability to:
 
• convince key opinion leaders to provide recommendations regarding our products;
• convince distributors and customers that our technology is an attractive alternative to other technologies;
• price our products competitively in light of the current macroeconomic environment where healthcare systems and healthcare operators are becoming increasingly price sensitive;
• manufacture products in sufficient quantities; and
• supply and service sufficient quantities of our products directly or through marketing alliances.

If we do not introduce new commercially successful products in a timely manner, our products may become obsolete over time, thereby decreasing our revenue and profitability.

Demand for our products may change as a result of evolving customer needs, the introduction of new products and technologies, the discovery of cures for certain medical problems, including pharmacology technologies and discoveries, evolving surgical practices and evolving industry standards.  Without the timely introduction of new commercially successful products and enhancements, our products may become obsolete over time causing our sales and operating results to suffer.  The success of our new products will depend on several factors, including our ability to:

• properly identify and anticipate customer needs;
• obtain regulatory approval for new products;
• achieve positive clinical outcomes;
• commercialize new products in a cost-effective and timely manner;
• manufacture and deliver products in sufficient volumes on time;
• differentiate our products from those of our competitors;
• satisfy the increased demands by health care payers, providers and patients for lower-cost procedures and shorter hospital stays and recovery times;
• innovate and develop product designs and surgical techniques; and
• provide adequate medical and/or customer education relating to new products and attract key surgeons to advocate these new products.
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New products and enhancements usually require a substantial investment in R&D before we can determine the viability of the product.  We currently have 24 active projects in the development pipeline. We spent approximately 8.0 percent of our sales on R&D during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2014, and we expect to spend 6 to 8 percent of our sales for this purpose in future periods.  Our R&D process entails considerable uncertainty.  Moreover, new products and enhancements may not produce revenues in excess of the R&D costs, and they may become obsolete by changing customer preferences or the introduction by our competitors of new technologies or features.  Failure to develop our manufacturing capability may mean that even if we develop promising new products, we may not be able to produce them profitably, as a result of delays and additional capital investment costs.  Any failure in our ability to successfully develop and introduce new products or enhanced versions of existing products could have a material adverse effect on our operating results and would cause our net revenues to decline.

A significant part of our product sales comes from two customers, which makes us vulnerable to the loss of those customers.

During the fiscal year ended July 31, 2014, revenue from sales of our bipolar electrosurgical generators, disposable bipolar forceps, cord tubing sets and royalty payments from Codman represented approximately 23.4 percent of the Company’s total net sales.  Under our existing agreement with Codman, it distributes all contract products on an exclusive basis and has exclusive rights to distribute all monopolar and bipolar generators for use in neurocranial and neurospinal surgery.  The initial term of our existing agreement with Codman expired on December 31, 2011, after which the agreement entered into a single, automatic, three-year renewal term.  The agreement expires on December 31, 2014.  We continue to enhance the contract products and to develop new additions to the disposable bipolar forceps line for Codman which we expect will expand their reach to additional markets.
 
In addition, revenue from the sales of our pain control generators, the ultrasonic aspirator tips and accessories sold by Stryker accounted for 16.6 percent of the Company’s total net sales for fiscal 2014.  Under our existing agreements with Stryker, it distributes the pain control generator and ultrasonic aspirator tips on an exclusive basis.  The pain control generator agreement expires on June 30, 2015, and the ultrasonic aspirator tip agreement expires on March 31, 2016.  We continue to develop new ultrasonic aspirator tips with Stryker which we expect will expand their reach to additional markets.

Our King of Prussia closure plan exposes us to risk, and we may not realize the expected benefits.
 
Transferring manufacturing of medical devices is more expensive, time-consuming and riskier than similar transfers in less regulated industries.  Regulatory approval to sell our products is generally limited to the current manufacturing site, and changing the site requires the approval from regulatory bodies and our OEM partners prior to commercialization.  To satisfy our own quality standards as well as comply with applicable regulations, we must follow strict protocols to confirm that products made at a new site are equivalent to those made at the currently approved site.  Even minor changes in equipment, supplies or processes require validation.  While we have placed a priority on maintaining the continuity and quality of product supply, including increasing our inventory as safety stock during the closure, unanticipated delays or difficulties in the transfer process could interrupt our supply of products.
 
In fiscal 2014, we have expended $682,000 on the closure plan.  The goal of the project is to increase our operating margins by $1.1 million on an annualized basis beginning in fiscal 2016.  We cannot assure that we will achieve the expected benefits of this initiative.

Our international operations subject us to certain operating risks, which could adversely impact our net sales, results of operations and financial condition.

Sales of our products outside the U.S. represented approximately 25 percent of our revenue in 2014. Many of the products we sell to our OEM customers in the U.S. are subsequently shipped to their non-U.S. customers in various countries around the world, but revenue attributable to these sales is included in our domestic revenues. As of July 31, 2014, we sell our ophthalmic products outside the U.S. through five direct sales organizations in Australia, France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom, after our acquisition of M.I.S.S. on July 8, 2013.  The results of operations and the financial position of certain of our foreign operations are reported in the relevant local currencies and then translated into U.S. dollars at the applicable exchange rates for inclusion in our consolidated financial statements, exposing us to translation risk.  Our most significant currency exposures are to the Great Britain Pound (“GBP”) and the euro.  The exchange rates between the GBP and the euro in comparison to the U.S. dollar may fluctuate substantially.  We have not attempted to offset our exposure to these risks by investing in derivatives or engaging in hedging activities.
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In addition to our direct sales outside the U.S., we have over 80 independent distributors selling our products in over 50 countries.  The sales of our products across international borders subject us to extensive U.S. and foreign government trade, import, export and custom regulations and laws.  Compliance with these regulations is costly and may expose us to penalties for non-compliance.  Other laws and regulations that can significantly impact us are various anti-bribery laws including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the U.K. Bribery Act and anti-boycott laws.  Any failure to comply with applicable legal and regulatory obligations could impact us in a variety of ways that include, but are not limited to, significant criminal, civil and administrative penalties, including imprisonment of individuals, fines and penalties, denial of export privileges, seizure of shipments, restrictions of certain business activities and exclusion or debarment from government contracting.  Also, the failure to comply with applicable legal and regulatory obligations could result in delays and other disruptions of our shipping and sales activities.

In addition, many countries in which we sell our products are, to some degree, subject to political, economic or social instability.  Our international operations expose us and our distributors to risks inherent in operating in foreign jurisdictions.  These risks include:
 
• changes in foreign medical reimbursement and coverage policies and programs;
• cultural differences;
• shortage of high-quality sales personnel and distributors;
• the ability and motivation of our independent distributors to sell our products;
• pricing pressure from local and regional competitors;
• foreign certification requirements, including the ability to use the “CE” mark in Europe, and other local regulatory requirements;
• difficulties in enforcing or defending our intellectual property rights;
• fluctuations in currency exchange rates and foreign currency translation adjustments;
• unexpected changes in international or local market regulatory requirements, including imposition of currency exchange controls;
• longer accounts receivable collection cycles;
• import or export licensing requirements;
• potentially adverse tax consequences;
• political and economic instability;
• obtaining regulatory approvals for our products;
• end-market and/or regional competition that may have competitive advantages; and
• subjectivity of foreign laws.

Changes in foreign currency exchange rates may reduce the reported value of our foreign currency revenues, net of expenses and cash flows.  We cannot predict changes in currency exchange rates, the impact of exchange rate changes, nor the degree to which we will be able to manage the impact of currency exchange rate changes.

Worldwide macroeconomic slowdowns and related uncertainties could adversely affect our revenues, financial condition or results of operations.

We are subject to macro-economic fluctuations in the U.S. and worldwide economy.  We may be impacted by general economic conditions and factors over which we have no control, such as changes in inflation, interest rates and foreign currency rates, lack of liquidity in certain markets and volatility in capital markets.  Concerns about consumer and investor confidence, volatile corporate profits and reduced capital spending, international conflicts, terrorist and military activity, civil unrest and pandemic illness could reduce customer orders or cause customer order cancellations.  In addition, political and social turmoil related to international conflicts and terrorist acts may put further pressure on economic conditions in the U.S. and abroad.
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Weak economic conditions and declines in consumer spending and consumption may harm our operating results.  During uncertain economic times, customers or potential customers may delay or reduce their purchases of our products, which may impact our business in a numbers of ways:

· lower prices for our products;
· reducing or delaying sales;
· insolvency of key suppliers resulting in product delays; and
· delays in customer payments of outstanding accounts receivables.

We may face manufacturing and quality control challenges which could impact our competitive advantage.

The manufacturing of our surgical equipment and disposable accessories is a highly complex and precise process.  We assemble critical components and sub-assemblies and substantially all our final products at our facilities in O’Fallon, Missouri and King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. We are in process of transitioning this manufacturing to O’Fallon, Missouri which we believe will be completed by mid-fiscal 2015.  We may experience manufacturing difficulties, quality control issues or manufacturing constraints, particularly with regards to new products and increased production demands.  If our sales increase substantially, we may need to increase our production and quality control capacity and may not be able to do so in a timely, effective or cost efficient manner.  We may not be able to manufacture sufficient quantities of our products which may require us to qualify other manufacturers of our products.  Furthermore, we may experience delays, disruptions, capacity constraints or quality control problems in our manufacturing operations and as a result, product shipments to our customers could be delayed, which would negatively impact our net sales.  Also, we may overestimate the demand for our product leading to excess inventory, which would increase our inventory carrying costs and increase the risk of inventory write-downs.  Any of these occurrences would negatively impact our business and operating results.
 
In addition, quality is extremely important to us and our customers due to the serious and costly consequences of product failure.  Our quality certifications are critical to the marketing success of our products.  If we fail to meet these standards, our reputation could be damaged, we could lose customers and our revenue and results of operations could decline.

If any of our single source or limited source suppliers were to cease providing components, we may not be able to produce certain products.
 
Our products are assembled from raw materials and components supplied to us by third parties.  Most of the raw materials and components used in the manufacturing of our products are available from more than one supplier.  For some components, there are relatively few alternate sources of supply.  However, we rely upon single source suppliers or contract manufacturers for a portion of our disposable product lines and for several key components of our PhotonTM light sources, our VersaVIT 2.0TM vitrectomy system and our electrosurgical generators.  In addition, these suppliers must also adhere to the FDA’s rigorous manufacturing standards.  Our profit margins and our ability to develop and deliver products on a timely basis may be adversely affected by the lack of alternative supply in the required timeframe.
 
There are risks associated with the use of independent manufacturers including:

· unavailability of, shortage of or limitations on the ability to obtain supplies of components in the quantities we require;
· delays in delivery or failure of suppliers to deliver critical components on the dates we require;
· failure of suppliers to manufacture our components to our specifications; and
· potentially reduced quality and inability to obtain components at acceptable prices.

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Pursuant to the conflict minerals requirements promulgated by the SEC as part of Dodd-Frank Act, we are required to track and disclose the source of any conflict minerals used in our products, as well as the process we use to determine the source of such materials.  We are required to carry out a diligent effort to determine and disclose the source of these materials.  There can be no assurance we can obtain this information from intermediate producers who are unwilling or unable to provide this information or further identify their sources of supply or to notify us if these sources change.  We may incur expenses as we work with our suppliers to evaluate the source of any conflict minerals in our products, and compliance with these requirements could adversely affect the sourcing, supply and pricing of our raw materials.

The loss of key personnel or failure to integrate replacement personnel could harm our business.

Our future success depends upon the continued service of key management, technical sales and other critical personnel, including Messrs. Hable, Fanning and Stroisch and Ms. Boone, our Chief Executive Officer, our Vice President of Domestic Sales, our Vice President of Marketing and Technology, and our Chief Financial Officer, respectively.  We maintain key person life insurance for Mr. Hable and Ms. Boone.  Our officers and other key personnel are employees-at-will, and we cannot assure you that we will be able to retain them.  The loss of any key employee could result in a disruption to our operations and could materially harm our business.  In addition, the integration of replacement personnel could be time consuming, may cause additional disruptions to our operations, and may be unsuccessful.

Our operating results may fluctuate.

Our operating results have fluctuated in the past and can be expected to fluctuate from time to time in the future. Some of the factors that may cause these fluctuations include, but are not limited to:
 
• general economic uncertainties and political concerns;
• changes in demand for our base ophthalmology and neurosurgery products;
• changes in customer capital availability and customer budgets as a result of, among other things, reimbursement policies of government programs and private insurers for treatments that use our products;
• receipt of necessary regulatory approvals;
• the introduction of new products or product lines;
• product modifications;
• the level of market acceptance of new products;
• the timing of R&D and other expenditures;
• timing of the receipt of orders from, and product shipments to, distributors and customers;
• changes in the distribution arrangements for our products;
• manufacturing or supply delays, including the ability of our sole or limited source suppliers to timely deliver components at the times and prices that we have planned;
• the time needed to educate and train additional sales and manufacturing personnel;
• increased costs associated with product introductions;
• costs associated with defending our intellectual property; and
• product returns from customers.

In addition to these factors, current expenditures are based, in part, on expected future sales.  If sales levels in a particular quarter do not meet expectations, we may be unable to adjust operating expenses quickly enough to compensate for the shortfall of sales, and our results of operations may be adversely affected.  We have historically made a significant portion of each quarter’s product shipments near the end of such quarter.

If we experience decreasing prices for our products and we are unable to reduce our expenses proportionally, our results of operations will suffer.
 
We may experience decreasing prices for our goods and services due to pricing pressure experienced by our customers from managed care organizations and third-party payers, increased market power of our customers as the medical device industry consolidates and increased competition among medical engineering and manufacturing service providers.  If the prices for our products decrease and we are unable to reduce our expenses, our results of operations will be adversely affected.
20
We may have product liability claims, and our insurance may not cover all claims.
 
The development, manufacture, sale and use of medical products entail significant risk of product liability claims.  We maintain product liability coverage at levels we have determined are reasonable.  We cannot assure you that such coverage limits are adequate to protect us from any liabilities we might incur in connection with the development, manufacture, sale or use of our products.  In addition, we may require increased product liability coverage as our sales increase in their current product applications and new applications, and with respect to new products.  Product liability insurance is expensive and in the future may not be available on acceptable terms, if at all.  A successful product liability claim or series of claims brought against us in excess of our insurance coverage could adversely affect our business.

Acquisitions could result in operating difficulties, dilution, and other harmful consequences that may adversely impact our business and results of operations.
 
Acquisitions are an important element of our overall corporate strategy and use of capital, and these transactions could be material to our financial condition and results of operations. We expect to continue to evaluate and enter into discussions regarding a wide array of potential strategic transactions. The process of integrating an acquired company, business, or technology may create unforeseen operating difficulties and expenditures. The areas where we face risks include:
 
• Diversion of management time and focus from operating our business to acquisition integration challenges;
• Failure to successfully further develop the acquired business or technology;
• Implementation or remediation of controls, procedures, and policies at the acquired company;
• Integration of the acquired company’s accounting, human resource, and other administrative systems, and coordination of product, engineering, and sales and marketing functions;
• Transition of operations, users, and customers onto our existing platforms;
• Failure to obtain required approvals on a timely basis, if at all, from governmental authorities, or conditions placed upon approval, which could, among other things, delay or prevent us from completing a transaction, or otherwise restrict our ability to realize the expected financial or strategic goals of an acquisition;
• In the case of foreign acquisitions, the need to integrate operations across different cultures and languages and to address the particular economic, currency, political, and regulatory risks associated with specific countries;
• Cultural challenges associated with integrating employees from the acquired company into our organization, and retention of employees from the businesses we acquire;
• Liability for activities of the acquired company before the acquisition, including patent and trademark infringement claims, violations of laws, commercial disputes, tax liabilities, product liabilities and other known and unknown liabilities; and
• Litigation or other claims in connection with the acquired company, including claims from terminated employees, customers, former stockholders, or other third parties.
 
Our failure to address these risks or other problems encountered in connection with our past or future acquisitions could cause us to fail to realize the anticipated benefits of such acquisitions, incur unanticipated liabilities and harm our business generally.
 
Our acquisitions could also result in dilutive issuances of our equity securities, the incurrence of debt, contingent liabilities, or amortization expenses, or impairment of goodwill and purchased long-lived assets, and restructuring charges, any of which could harm our financial condition or results. Also, the anticipated benefit of many of our acquisitions may not materialize.
21
If our facilities were to experience catastrophic loss, our operations would be seriously harmed.

Our facilities could be subject to catastrophic loss such as fire, flood, tornados or earthquake. A substantial portion of our R&D and manufacturing activities, our corporate headquarters and other critical business operations are located in O’Fallon, Missouri and California near major fault lines which could experience an earthquake. We maintain property and business interruption insurance coverage at levels we have determined are reasonable.  Any such loss at any of our facilities could disrupt our operations, delay production, shipments and revenue and result in large expenses to repair and replace our facilities.

Security breaches and other disruptions could compromise our information and expose us to liability, which would cause our business and reputation to suffer.
 
In the ordinary course of our business, we collect and store sensitive data, including intellectual property, our proprietary business information and that of our customers, suppliers and business partners, and personally identifiable information of our customers and employees, in our data center and on our networks. The secure processing, maintenance and transmission of this information is critical to our operations. Despite our security measures, our information technology and infrastructure may be vulnerable to attacks by hackers or breached due to employee error, malfeasance or other disruptions. Any such breach could compromise our networks and the information stored there could be accessed, publicly disclosed, lost or stolen. Any such access, disclosure or other loss of information could result in legal claims or proceedings, liability under laws that protect the privacy of personal information, disrupt our operations and harm our reputation, which could adversely affect our business, revenues and competitive position.
 
Risks related to Our Financial Condition

We are subject to credit risk from our accounts receivable related to our product sales, which include sales within European and emerging market countries that are currently experiencing economic turmoil.
 
The majority of our accounts receivable arise from product sales in the U.S. Our accounts receivable in the U.S. are primarily due from OEM partners, public and private hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers.  However, we also have receivable balances from customers within the European Union, Turkey, Canada, Japan, Russia and Brazil.  Our accounts receivable outside the U.S. are due from independent distributors and, to a lesser extent, public and private hospitals.  Our historic write-offs of accounts receivable have not been significant.
 
We monitor the financial performance and creditworthiness of our customers so that we can properly assess and respond to changes in their credit profile.  Our independent distributors operate in Spain, Italy and Greece, among other countries, where economic conditions continue to present challenges to our independent distributors’ businesses, and thus, could place at risk the amount due to us from them.

Our cash maintained with a bank may not be fully insured.

We maintain significant amounts of cash and cash equivalents at a financial institution that is in excess of federally insured limits.  Given the current instability of financial institutions, we cannot be assured that we will not experience losses on these deposits.

We have significant goodwill and other intangible assets and potential impairment of goodwill and other intangibles may significantly impact our profitability.

Goodwill and intangible assets represent a significant portion of our total assets.  Finite-lived intangibles assets are subject to an impairment analysis whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable.  Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles assets are tested annually for impairment if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset may be impaired.  If an impairment exists, we would be required to take an impairment charge with respect to the impaired asset.  Events giving rise to impairment are difficult to predict and are an inherent risk in the medical device industry.  As a result of the significance of goodwill and intangible assets, our financial condition and results of operations in a future period could be negatively impacted should such an impairment of goodwill or intangible assets occur.
22
Risks related to the Regulation of our Industry

Uncertainty regarding U.S. healthcare reform measures, other healthcare regulatory changes and changes in third-party coverage and reimbursement policies could adversely affect our revenue and financial condition.
 
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act as modified by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act were enacted into law in March 2010.  Certain provisions of the law will not be effective for a number of years, and there are many programs and requirements for which the details have not yet been fully established or consequences not fully understood.  It is unclear what the full impacts will be from the law.
 
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act imposes an excise tax on domestic sales of class I, II and III medical devices at the rate of 2.3 percent of sales revenue, for which medical device manufacturers became liable beginning in January 2013.  Substantially all of our products are class I and II medical devices.  The inability to offset this tax could have a material impact on results of operations.
 
The law also focuses on a number of Medicare provisions aimed at improving quality and decreasing costs, though we are not certain of the impact that these provisions will have on patient access to new technologies and medical procedures.
 
Additional changes in government legislation or regulation, or changes in private third-party payers’ policies toward reimbursement for procedures employing our products, may prohibit adequate reimbursement.  There have been a number of legislative and regulatory proposals to change the healthcare system, reduce the cost of healthcare and change medical reimbursement policies.  Further proposed legislation or regulation and policy changes affecting third-party reimbursement are likely.  We cannot predict what legislation or regulation, if any, relating to the health care industry or third-party coverage and reimbursement may be enacted in the future, or what the effect of such legislation or regulation may have on us.  However, any changes that lower reimbursement for our products or reduce medical procedure volumes could adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Our industry is experiencing greater scrutiny and regulation by governmental authorities, which may lead to greater governmental regulation in the future.
 
Medical device companies are subject to rigorous regulation, including by the FDA and numerous other federal, state and foreign governmental authorities.  These authorities and members of the United States Congress have been increasing their scrutiny of our industry.  In addition, certain states have recently passed or are considering legislation restricting our interactions with health care providers and requiring disclosure of payments to them.  As a result, the Physician Payment Sunshine Act enacted in 2010 imposes reporting and disclosure requirements on device and drug manufacturers for any “transfers of value” made or distributed to health care providers licensed by certain states and, starting with payments or other transfers of value made on or after August 1, 2013, to all U.S. physicians and U.S. teaching hospitals at the federal level.  Failure to submit this required information may result in significant civil monetary penalties.  While we have developed corporate compliance programs based on what we believe to be current best practices, we cannot assure you that we or our employees or agents are or will be in compliance with all applicable federal, state or foreign regulations and laws.  We anticipate that the various governments will continue to closely scrutinize our industry, and additional regulations by governmental authorities may increase compliance costs, exposure to litigation and other adverse effects to our operations.

23
Delays in the receipt of or our failure to receive regulatory clearances or approvals, the loss of previously received clearances or approvals, or failure to comply with existing or future regulatory requirements could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and future growth prospects.
 
Our R&D activities and the manufacturing, labeling, distribution and marketing of our existing and future products are subject to regulation by governmental agencies in the United States and in other countries.  The FDA and comparable agencies in other countries impose mandatory procedures and standards for the conduct of clinical trials and the production and marketing of products for medical diagnostic and therapeutic use.
 
Products under development are subject to FDA approval or clearance prior to commercial use.  The process of obtaining necessary FDA approvals or clearances is not only costly, but can potentially take years and the outcome may be uncertain.  Our inability to obtain required regulatory approval or clearance in a timely manner could harm our business.  Further, approval or clearance may place substantial restrictions on the indications for which the product may be marketed or to whom it may be marketed.  Additional studies may be required to gain approval or clearance for the use of a product for clinical indications other than those for which the product was initially approved or cleared or for changes to the product.
 
Furthermore, an additional risk relates to the regulatory classification of new products or proposed new uses for existing products.  With each application, we are required to make a judgment about the appropriate form and content of the application.  If the FDA disagrees with our judgment in any particular case and, for example, requires us to file a premarket approval application rather than a Section 510(k) premarket notification or requires clinical data be added to our application, the time and expense required to obtain the approval might be significantly increased and approval may become less likely.
 
Once approved or cleared for marketing, our products are subject to continuing FDA requirements, such as those relating to quality control and quality assurance, maintenance of records, reporting of adverse events and product recalls, documentation and labeling and restrictions on promotion of medical devices.  Failure to precisely follow any of these requirements may lead to unanticipated costs of remediation, a product recall and/or an order to cease production and sales of a product. A recall could divert management’s attention, cause us to incur significant expenses, harm our reputation with customers and negatively affect our future net sales.
 
There can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain necessary clearances or approvals to market any new products, or to market existing products for new intended uses, on a timely basis, if at all.  There can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to market existing products without interruption due to regulatory oversight.
 
Moreover, for the majority of our non-direct, foreign sales, our distributors assist with and control regulatory approval or clearance for product marketing.  We cannot be certain that such approvals or clearances are actually effective.  Nor can we be assured that approval or clearance for product marketing in any given country would continue to be effective for any distributor other than our current distributor in that same country, if any of our current distributors cease to distribute our products.  A change in our distributor in any country could lead to delays in continued sales in that country while regulatory approval or clearances are sought to be renewed.  Such a delay could have significant impacts on our net sales outside the U.S.

We may be subject to penalties and may be precluded from marketing our products if we fail to comply with extensive governmental regulations.

The FDA and non-U.S. regulatory authorities require that our products be manufactured according to rigorous standards.  These regulatory requirements may significantly increase our production costs and may even prevent us from making our products in amounts sufficient to meet market demand.  If we change our approved manufacturing process, the FDA may need to review the process before it may be used.  Failure to comply with applicable regulatory requirements discussed could subject us to enforcement actions, including:
 
• warning letters;
• fines, injunctions and civil penalties against us;
• recall or seizure of our products;
• operating restrictions, partial suspension or total shutdown of our production;
• refusing our requests for premarket clearance or approval of new products;
• withdrawing product approvals already granted; and
• criminal prosecution.
24
The imposition of any of these enforcement actions could have a negative effect on our reputation, business operations and financial condition.

Changes in tax laws or exposure to additional income tax liabilities could have a material impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

We are subject to income taxes as well as non-income based taxes, in both the U.S. and various jurisdictions outside the U.S.  We are subject to ongoing tax audits in various jurisdictions.  Tax authorities may disagree with certain positions we have taken and assess additional taxes and penalties.  We regularly assess the likely outcomes of these audits in order to determine the appropriateness of our tax provision.  However, there can be no assurance that we will accurately predict the outcomes of these audits, and the actual outcomes of these audits could have a material impact on our consolidated earnings and financial condition.  Additionally, changes in tax laws or tax rulings could materially impact our effective tax rate. For example, recent legislation imposed on medical device manufacturers a 2.3 percent excise tax on U.S. sales of medical devices beginning in January 2013. Proposals for fundamental U.S. corporate tax reform, if enacted, could have a material impact on our future results of operations.

Our intellectual property rights may not provide meaningful commercial protection for our products, which could adversely affect our ability to compete in the market.

Our ability to compete effectively depends, in part, on our ability to maintain the proprietary nature of our technologies and manufacturing processes, which includes the ability to obtain, protect and enforce patents on our technology and to protect our trade secrets.  We own patents that cover significant aspects of our products.  Certain patents of ours have expired and others will expire in the future.  Competitors may develop products similar to ours that our patents do not cover.  In addition, our current and future patent applications may not result in the issuance of patents in the United States or other countries.  Further, there is a substantial backlog of patent applications in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the approval or rejection of patent applications may take several years.  In addition, challenges may be made to our patents in the courts or any of various patent offices around the world, and as a result our patents could be narrowed, invalidated or rendered unenforceable.  We may incur substantial costs and resources in applying for and prosecuting these patent, trademark and other intellectual property rights.

Our competitive position depends, in part, upon unpatented trade secrets, which can be difficult to protect. Others may independently develop substantially equivalent proprietary information and techniques or gain access to our trade secrets.  In an effort to protect our trade secrets, we require consultants, advisors and most of our employees to execute confidentiality agreements and certain of them to sign invention assignment agreements upon commencement of employment or a consulting relationship with us.  Some jurisdictions limit the enforceability and scope of these agreements, and these agreements may not provide meaningful protection for our trade secrets or other proprietary information in the event of the unauthorized use or disclosure of confidential information.

In addition, the laws of certain countries in which we market some of our products do not protect our intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the U.S.  If we are unable to protect our intellectual property in these countries, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

25
The intellectual property rights of others may adversely affect our ability to introduce new products or continue to sell existing products.

The medical device industry is characterized by frequent litigation regarding patent and other intellectual property rights.  Companies in the medical device industry have employed intellectual property litigation to gain a competitive advantage.  Numerous patents are held by others, including academic institutions and our competitors.  These patents may be employed to limit our ability to market our products, for example, through patent infringement litigation.  Patent applications generally will be published 18 months after the filing date.  However, since patent applications continue to be maintained in secrecy for at least some period of time, we cannot assure you that our technology does not infringe any patents, patent applications held by third parties, prior patents, or prior art.  We have, from time to time, been notified of, or have otherwise been made aware of, claims that we are infringing upon patents or other proprietary intellectual property owned by others.  If it appears necessary or desirable, we may seek licenses under such patents or proprietary intellectual property.  Although patent holders may offer such licenses, licenses under such patents or intellectual property may not be offered or the terms of any offered licenses may not be reasonable.  Any infringement claims, with or without merit, and regardless of whether we are successful on the merits, could be time-consuming, result in costly litigation and diversion of technical and management personnel, cause shipment delays or require us to develop non-infringing technology or enter into royalty or licensing agreements.  An adverse determination could prevent us from manufacturing or selling our products, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Risks related to Ownership of Our Common Stock

The market price of our stock may be highly volatile.

Our stock price has fluctuated widely.  It ranged from $2.93 to $4.99 per share during the year ended July 31, 2014.  Our stock price could continue to experience significant fluctuations in response to certain factors, some of which are beyond our control, such as:

• our ability to successfully commercialize our products;
• the execution of new agreements and material changes in our relationships with companies with whom we contract;
• quarterly fluctuations in results of operations;
• announcements regarding technological innovations or new commercial products by us or our competitors or the results of regulatory filings;
• market reaction to trends in sales, marketing and R&D and reaction to acquisitions;
• sales of common stock by existing shareholders;
• changes in key personnel;
• economic and political conditions, including worldwide geopolitical events; and
• fluctuations in the United States financial markets.
 
In addition, our common stock may experience an imbalance between supply and demand resulting from low trading volumes, and therefore broad market fluctuations could have a significant impact on the market price of our common stock regardless of our performance.

Synergetics USA, Inc. has anti-takeover defenses that could delay or prevent an acquisition and could adversely affect the price of its common stock.
 
Provisions of our certificate of incorporation, bylaws and Delaware law may have the effect of deterring hostile takeovers or delaying or preventing changes in the control of the Company, including transactions in which our shareholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares over then current market prices.  In addition, these provisions may limit the ability of our shareholders to approve transactions that they may deem to be in their best interest.  Also, our Board of Directors is divided into three classes, as nearly equal in size as practicable, with three-year staggered terms.  This provision may deter a potential acquirer from engaging in a transaction with us because it will be unable to gain control of our Board of Directors until at least two annual meetings have been held in which directors are elected by our shareholders.
26
Because we do not intend to pay dividends, stockholders will benefit from an investment in our common stock only if it appreciates in value.
 
We have not paid any dividends on our common stock since inception.  We currently expect to retain any earnings for use to further develop our business, and we do not expect to declare cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future.  The declaration and payment of any such dividends in the future depends upon our earnings, financial condition, capital needs and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors, and may be restricted by agreements with lenders.  As a result, the success of an investment in our common stock will depend entirely upon future appreciation.  There is no guarantee that our common stock will appreciate in value or even maintain the price at which stockholders have purchased their shares.
 
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 2. Properties

Our primary office and manufacturing operations are conducted in a 60,000 square foot building owned by Synergetics’ wholly owned subsidiary, Synergetics Development Company, LLC, a Missouri limited liability company.  The facility is located in O’Fallon, Missouri, approximately 25 miles west of St. Louis, Missouri.  We also lease 19,200 square feet of additional space adjacent to our headquarters in O’Fallon, Missouri, pursuant to a lease that expires on February 29, 2016.  The additional space houses the advanced technology and engineering group as well as the manufacturing and servicing of our capital equipment.
 
We also lease 13,500 square feet of space in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, which is used for office, engineering, and OEM manufacturing activities.  The lease for this facility expires on October 31, 2015.  The closure of the King of Prussia facility is expected to occur by December 31, 2014.
 
Our subsidiary, M.I.S.S., owns a 1,703 square foot building located approximately 90 kilometers outside of London which serves as office and warehouse space for our United Kingdom operations.  We also lease 746 square feet next to the owned facility, which is used as our European warehouse.  The lease expires on November 30, 2015.
 
In addition, we lease a 13,000 square foot building in California which is used for office, OEM manufacturing and distribution activities.  The lease expires on November 30, 2017.
 
We believe that these facilities are suitable and adequate for our current operations.  Given our continuous improvement initiatives, we believe that we have the ability to generate additional production capacity using our existing manufacturing facilities.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings
 
From time to time we may become subject to litigation claims that may greatly exceed our liability insurance limits.  An adverse outcome of such litigation may adversely impact our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.  We record a liability when a loss is known or considered probable and the amount can be reasonably estimated. If a loss is not probable, a liability is not recorded. As of July 31, 2014, the Company has no litigation reserve recorded.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
 
Not applicable.
27
PART II
 
Item 5.
Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
 
The Company’s common stock is listed on The NASDAQ Capital Market under the ticker symbol “SURG.”  The table below sets forth the range of high and low sales prices per share of the Company’s common stock as reported by The NASDAQ Capital Market for each of the quarterly periods within the fiscal years ended July 31, 2014 and 2013.  None of the prices shown reflect retail mark-ups, mark-downs or commissions.  For current price information, you are urged to consult publicly available sources.

 
  
High
    
Low
  
Year ended July 31, 2013
  
   
 
Quarter ended October 31, 2012
  
$
5.13
    
$
3.92
  
Quarter ended January 31, 2013
  
$
5.45
    
$
4.06
  
Quarter ended April 30, 2013
  
$
5.31
    
$
2.95
  
Quarter ended July 31, 2013
  
$
4.37
    
$
2.93
  
 
                
Year ended July 31, 2014
                
Quarter ended October 31, 2013
  
$
4.99
    
$
3.80
  
Quarter ended January 31, 2014
  
$
4.34
    
$
3.24
  
Quarter ended April 30, 2014
  
$
3.59
    
$
2.93
  
Quarter ended July 31, 2014
  
$
3.50
    
$
2.95
  

The number of shareholders of Synergetics USA, Inc. as of October 6, 2014, was approximately 4,500.
 
The Company has not paid a dividend to holders of its common stock.  We currently intend to retain earnings to finance growth and development of our business and do not anticipate paying cash dividends in the near future.  Our revolving credit facility restricts the payment of dividends, if, following the distribution, the fixed charge coverage ratio would fall below the required minimum ratio.

STOCK PERFORMANCE GRAPH

The following graph is not “soliciting material,” is not deemed filed with the SEC, and is not to be incorporated by reference into any of the Company’s filings under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, respectively.

The graph below compares the cumulative total stockholder return on an investment in our common stock, and the stocks of The NASDAQ Composite Stock Market and The NASDAQ Medical Devices, Instruments and Supplies Index for the five-year period ended July 31, 2014.  The graph assumes the value of an investment of $100 in the common stock of each group or entity at August 1, 2009 and the reinvestment of all dividends.
 

28
Item 6. Selected Financial Data

           The selected financial data set forth below should be read in conjunction with Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  The statements of income data for the years ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 and the balance sheet data as of July 31, 2014 and 2013 have been derived from audited consolidated financial statements of the Company included elsewhere in this report.  The consolidated statements of income for the year ended July 31, 2011 and 2010 and the balance sheets data as of July 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 have been derived from audited consolidated financial statements that are not included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  The historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected in the future.

 
  
For the Fiscal Years Ended July 31,
  
 
    
2014*
    
2013**
    
2012***
    
2011
      
2010
  
 
  
(in thousands, except per share data)
  
Statements of Income Data:
                                        
Sales
  
$
64,769
    
$
62,796
    
$
60,014
    
$
55,657
    
$
52,010
  
Cost of sales
    
28,540
      
30,425
      
25,495
      
22,876
      
22,050
  
Gross profit
    
36,229
      
32,371
      
34,519
      
32,781
      
29,960
  
Operating income
    
4,581
      
3,721
      
8,481
      
8,349
      
6,091
  
Income from continuing operations
    
3,063
      
2,559
      
5,968
      
5,669
      
5,767
  
Earnings per common share from income from continuing operations – basic
  
$
0.12
    
$
0.10
    
$
0.24
    
$
0.23
    
$
0.23
  
Earnings per common share from income from continuing operations – diluted
  
$
0.12
    
$
0.10
    
$
0.24
    
$
0.23
    
$
0.23
  
Net income
    
3,063
      
2,559
      
5,586
      
5,633
      
5,733
  
Earnings per common share – Basic
  
$
0.12
    
$
0.10
    
$
0.22
    
$
0.23
    
$
0.23
  
Earnings per common share –Diluted
  
$
0.12
    
$
0.10
    
$
0.22
    
$
0.23
    
$
0.23
  
 
*            In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, we have included the results of operations of our recently acquired private OEM company from May 3, 2014, the date of acquisition.
**      In the second quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company recorded an inventory write-down of approximately $2.1 million, or approximately $0.06 earnings per share, net of tax.  We have included M.I.S.S.’s results of operations in our financial statements from July 9, 2013, the date of acquisition in the fiscal year 2013.
***    In the third quarter of fiscal 2012, the Company recorded an inventory write-down of approximately $367,000, or approximately $0.01 earnings per share, net of tax.
29
 
  
As of July 31,
  
 
  
2014
    
2013
    
2012
    
2011
    
2010
  
 
  
(in thousands)
  
Balance Sheets Data:
  
   
   
   
   
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
15,443
    
$
12,470
    
$
12,680
    
$
18,399
    
$
18,669
  
Current assets
    
48,483
      
44,797
      
42,227
      
44,250
      
41,066
  
Total assets
    
84,715
      
82,693
      
78,763
      
81,310
      
73,095
  
Current liabilities
    
7,049
      
8,011
      
6,467
      
12,586
      
6,349
  
Long-term liabilities
    
13,242
      
14,530
      
15,818
      
18,060
      
22,520
  
Retained earnings
    
36,160
      
33,097
      
30,538
      
24,952
      
19,319
  
Stockholders’ equity
    
64,424
      
60,152
      
56,478
      
50,664
      
44,226
  

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

Overview

The following “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” commonly referred to as MD&A, is intended to help the reader understand Synergetics USA, its operations and its business environment.  MD&A is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, our consolidated audited financial statements and accompanying notes filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  This overview summarizes the MD&A, which includes the following sections:

• Our Business — a general description of the key drivers that affect our business and the industries in which we operate.

• Our Business Strategy — a description of the strategic initiatives on which we focus and the goals we seek to achieve.

• Results of Operations — an analysis of the Company’s results of operations for the three years presented in our financial statements.

• Liquidity and Capital Resources — an analysis of cash flows, sources and uses of cash, currency exchange and an overview of our financial position.

• Contractual Obligations — an analysis of contracts entered into in the normal course of business that will require future payments.

• Use of Estimates and Critical Accounting Policies — a description of critical accounting policies, including those that affect the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.

Our Business

The Company is a medical device company. Through continuous improvement and development of our people, our mission is to design, manufacture and market innovative surgical devices, surgical equipment and consumables of the highest quality in order to assist and enable surgeons who perform surgery around the world to provide a better quality of life for their patients. The Company’s primary focus is on the surgical disciplines of ophthalmology (vitreoretinal) and neurosurgery. Our distribution channels include a combination of direct and independent sales organizations and important strategic alliances with market leaders. The Company’s product lines focus upon precision engineered disposable and reusable devices, surgical equipment, procedural kits and the delivery of laser energy, ultrasound, electrosurgery, aspiration, illumination and irrigation, often delivered in multiple combinations. Enterprise-wide sales information is included in Note 17 to the consolidated audited financial statements.

30
Demand Trends

The Company’s sales increased 3.1 percent during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2014 (including $1.3 million of deferred revenue recognized) compared with the previous fiscal year.  The most significant factor impacting this increase was a $2.2 million increase in OEM sales.  The increased OEM sales were partially offset by a $0.2 million decrease in ophthalmic sales. Currently, disposable product sales account for approximately 86.9 percent of our total product sales.  Overall sales of our disposable products grew $5.3 million, or 10.2 percent, in fiscal 2014 as compared to fiscal 2013. Sales of capital equipment decreased by approximately $3.2 million, or 30.9 percent, in fiscal 2014 as compared to fiscal 2013 due to macroeconomic condition constraints.

A study performed by Market Scope in March 2012 predicts a steady growth of 2.4 percent per year in retinal procedures worldwide driven by an increase in emerging market demand, an increase in the worldwide elderly population, an increase in the number of surgeons, an increase in the number of diseases treated with vitrectomy and an increase in frequency of diabetic complications due to the obesity epidemic.  Based upon this growth in procedures, sales of ophthalmology products worldwide are forecasted to increase by approximately 5.5%.

Neurosurgical procedures on a global basis continue to rise at an estimated 1 to 3 percent growth rate driven by an aging global population, new technologies, advances in surgical techniques and a growing global market resulting from ongoing improvements in healthcare delivery in emerging market countries, among other factors. Based upon this growth in procedures, sales of neurosurgical products worldwide are forecasted to increase by approximately 4 percent.

In addition, the Company believes that the demand for high quality, innovative products and new technologies consistent with the Company’s devices and disposables will continue to favorably impact procedure growth in the ophthalmic and neurosurgical markets.

Pricing Trends

The Company has generally been able to maintain the average selling prices for its products in the face of downward pricing pressure in the healthcare industry. However, increased competition, in combination with customer budget constraints, capital scarcity and the transition of procedures to the ambulatory surgery center, has continued to pressure the Company’s selling prices on these devices. The Company has no major domestic group purchasing agreements.

Economic Trends
 
Economic conditions may continue to negatively impact capital expenditures at the hospital, ambulatory surgical center and physician level. Further, global economic conditions continue to negatively impact the volume and average selling price of the Company’s products in our European markets.

Regulatory Developments
 
In March 2010, significant U.S. healthcare reform legislation, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act as modified by the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, was enacted into law. As a U.S.-headquartered company with significant sales in the United States, this new law will likely have a material impact on our results of operations.  A number of provisions of the new health care reform legislation are not yet finalized and effective, and as such, we are unable to predict the full impact of the laws and regulations promulgated thereunder.
 
Among other matters, the law imposes a 2.3 percent excise tax on all U.S. medical device sales which became effective in January 2013.  Approximately 74% of our consolidated fiscal 2014 sales were in the U.S.  If we are unable to offset the taxes that will be levied on these sales, such as through the increase of efficiencies through our continuous improvement initiatives, we expect that the new tax will materially and adversely affect our business, cash flows and results of operations.
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The law also focuses on a number of Medicare provisions aimed at improving quality and decreasing costs and includes provisions such as value-based payment programs and increased funding of comparative research.  Furthermore, beginning in 2011, the law includes a reduction in the annual rate of inflation as used in reimbursement formulas for hospitals and the establishment of an independent payment advisory board to recommend ways of reducing the rate of growth in Medicare spending beginning in 2014.  We cannot predict what healthcare programs and regulations will be ultimately implemented at the federal or state level, or the effect of any future legislation or regulation.  However, any changes that lower reimbursement for our products or reduce medical procedure volumes could adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Our Business Strategy

The Company’s key strategy is to enhance shareholder value through profitable revenue growth in targeted segments of the ophthalmology and neurosurgery markets. This is accomplished through the identification and development of reusable and disposable devices and surgical equipment in collaboration with leading surgeons and OEM partners. We are committed to establishing a strong operational infrastructure and financial foundation within which growth opportunities can be prudently evaluated, financed and pursued. We will remain vigilant and sensitive to new challenges which may arise from changes in the definition and delivery of appropriate healthcare in our fields of interest. In fiscal 2014 and beyond, our strategic priorities are to drive accelerating growth in the ophthalmology business, deliver improved profitability through our continuous improvement initiatives, manage our neurosurgery and OEM business for stable growth and strong cash flows, demonstrate consistent, solid financial performance and continued growth through strategic acquisitions.  Enterprise-wide sales information is included in Note 17 to the consolidated audited financial statements.  For additional detail on the Company’s Strategy, see Part I, Item 1, “Business – Our Business Strategy.”

Results of Operations

Year Ended July 31, 2014 Compared to Year Ended July 31, 2013

Net Sales

The following table presents net sales by category (dollars in thousands):
 
 
  
Fiscal Year Ended July 31,
  
 
  
2014
    
2013
    
%
  
Net Sales
  
   
   
 
Ophthalmic
  
$
35,242
    
$
35,446
      
(0.6
%)
OEM (1)
    
28,671
      
26,469
      
8.3
%
Other (2)
    
856
      
881
      
(2.8
%)
Total
  
$
64,769
    
$
62,796
      
3.1
%
 
(1) Net sales from OEM represent sales of electrosurgery generators, disposable bipolar forceps and related accessories and royalties from Codman, multi-channel ablation generators, disposable ultrasonic aspirator tips and related accessories to Stryker, and sales of certain disposable products. In addition, recognition of deferred revenues of $1.3 million from Alcon is included in this category for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2014 and 2013.
(2) Net sales from Other represent direct neurosurgery revenues and other miscellaneous revenues.

Ophthalmic sales declined 0.6 percent in fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013. Domestic ophthalmic sales decreased 1.3 percent primarily due to decreased sales of capital equipment and base business disposables partially offset by increased sales of VersaVITTM procedural kits.  International ophthalmic sales increased 0.2 percent primarily due to increased sales from M.I.S.S. and decreased foreign currency losses, partially offset by sales of capital equipment and base business disposables. OEM sales increased by $2.2 million in fiscal 2014 as compared to fiscal 2013. Total OEM sales rose 8.3 percent to $28.7 million in fiscal 2014 (including $1.3 million of deferred revenue recognized) compared with $26.5 million in fiscal 2013 (including $1.3 million of deferred revenue recognized). The increase was primarily due to strong disposable forceps sales to Codman and strong disposable ultrasonic aspirator tips and related accessories to Stryker. Other sales decreased $25,000 in fiscal 2014, or 2.8 percent, compared to fiscal 2013.
32
Currently, disposable product sales account for approximately 86.9 percent of our total product sales.  Overall sales of our disposable products grew $5.3 million, or 10.2 percent, in fiscal 2014 as compared to fiscal 2013. Sales of capital equipment decreased by approximately $3.2 million, or 30.9 percent, in fiscal 2014 as compared to fiscal 2013 due to macroeconomic condition constraints.
 
The following table presents domestic and international net sales (dollars in thousands):
 
 
  
Fiscal Year Ended July 31,
  
 
  
2014
    
2013
    
%
  
Net Sales
  
   
   
 
Domestic
  
$
48,407
    
$
46,489
      
4.1
%
International
    
16,362
      
16,307
      
0.3
%
Total
  
$
64,769
    
$
62,796
      
3.1
%
 
Domestic sales increased 4.1 percent in fiscal 2014 due to increases in OEM sales.  The majority of OEM sales are recorded as domestic sales.  The increase in international sales of 0.3 percent was primarily due to the increased sales from M.I.S.S., partially offset by decreased sales of capital equipment and base business disposables.

Gross Profit

Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 55.9 percent in fiscal 2014, compared to 51.5 percent in fiscal 2013.  Gross profit as a percentage of net sales for fiscal 2014 compared to fiscal 2013 increased 4.4 percentage points due to the following factors which occurred in fiscal 2013:  (i) an approximate $1.6 million increase in the reserve for excess and obsolete inventory and its associated labor and overhead in the second quarter of fiscal 2013 impacted our margin by 2.5 percentage points; (ii) weak demand for our disposable products reduced our ability to absorb labor and overhead by 1.0 percentage point; and (iii) the decreased benefit from deferred revenue negatively impacted margin by 0.3 percentage point.  Gross profit was also negatively impacted by product mix including both the products within our ophthalmology product line and the OEM sales, as they now comprise 44.3% of our sales mix.

Operating Expenses (dollars in thousands)
 
 
  
Fiscal Year Ended July 31,
  
 
  
2014
    
2013
  
 
  
Dollars
    
% of Sales
    
Dollars
    
% of Sales
  
R&D costs
  
$
5,158
      
8.0
%
  
$
3,643
      
5.8
%
Sales and Marketing expenses
    
14,360
      
22.2
%
    
13,805
      
22.0
%
Medical Device Excise tax
    
486
      
0.7
%
    
289
      
0.4
%
Exit Costs
    
682
      
1.1
%
    
-
      
0.0
%
General and Administrative expenses
    
10,962
      
16.9
%
    
10,913
      
17.4
%
Total
  
$
31,648
      
48.9
%
  
$
28,650
      
45.6
%

R&D costs increased $1.5 million to $5.2 million, or 8.0 percent of net sales, for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2014, compared to $3.6 million, or 5.8 percent of net sales, for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2013.  As of July 31, 2014, there were 24 active product development projects in various stages of completion.  The Company’s R&D investment is driven by the opportunities to develop new products to meet the needs of its surgeon customers and reflects the Company’s R&D budget.  This results in an investment rate that is comparable to such spending by other medical device companies.  The Company expects over the next few years to invest in R&D at a rate of approximately 6 to 8 percent of net sales.
 
Sales and marketing expenses, which consist of salaries, commissions and direct expenses, increased $555,000 to $14.4 million, or 22.2 percent of sales, for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2014, compared to $13.8 million, or 22.0 percent of net sales, for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2013.  The Company has added three support personnel and one marketing professional and has incurred other promotional costs as it launches the VersaVIT 2.0TM vitrectomy system and related procedural kits.
33
Medical device excise tax increased $197,000 to $486,000, or 0.8 percent of net sales, for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2014, compared to $289,000 or 0.5 percent of net sales, for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2013 as the Company began paying the medical device excise tax in January 2013.
 
Exit costs were $682,000, or 1.1% of net sales, for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2014 due to the pending closure of the King of Prussia location.  Exit costs consisted primarily of the severance obligations to former employees of this location.
 
General and administrative (“G&A”) expenses increased by approximately $49,000 during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2014 and as a percentage of net sales were 16.9 percent for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2014, as compared to 17.4 percent for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2013.
 
Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, and is recognized over the directors’ and employees’ requisite service periods.  The Company will continue to grant options to its independent directors and officers but uses restricted stock to provide incentive compensation for its non-officer employees.  As of July 31, 2014, the future compensation cost expected to be recognized for currently outstanding options is approximately $324,000 in fiscal 2015, $238,000 in fiscal 2016, $119,000 in fiscal 2017 and $17,000 in fiscal 2018.  However, the major portion of our stock compensation cost arises from our stock option grants to our independent directors, which is recognized pro-ratably over the year as the options vest.  As of July 31, 2014, there was approximately $580,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested restricted stock-based compensation arrangements granted under the Company’s Amended and Restated 2001 Stock Plan.  The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of four years, which is generally the vesting period.

Other Income/Expense

Other expense in fiscal 2014 decreased to $20,000 compared to other expense of $32,000 in fiscal 2013.

Operating Income, Income Taxes and Net Income
 
Operating income for fiscal 2014 was $4.6 million, as compared to operating income of $3.7 million in fiscal 2013. The increase in operating income was primarily the result of a 6.2 percent decrease in cost of goods sold and a 3.1 percent increase in net sales (including $1.3 million of deferred revenue recognized) for a net increase in gross profit of $3.9 million.  In addition, operating income was reduced in fiscal 2014 by an increase of $1.5 million in R&D expenses, exit costs of $682,000, an increase of $555,000 in sales and marketing expenses, an increase of $197,000 in medical device excise tax and an increase of $49,000 in G&A expenses.
 
For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2014, the Company recorded a $1.5 million income tax provision on a pre-tax income of $4.6 million, or 32.8 percent effective tax rate.  The effective tax rate was impacted by the expiration of the Research and Experimentation credit from December 2013 partially offset by the international tax planning the Company performed in fiscal 2014.  For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2013, the Company recorded a $1.1 million income tax provision on pre-tax income of $3.7 million, or 30.6 percent effective tax rate.  The effective tax rate was impacted by the re-enactment of the Research and Experimentation credit from December 2011.
 
Net income increased by $504,000 to $3.1 million for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2014 from $2.6 million for the same period in fiscal 2013.  Basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2014 increased to $0.12 from $0.10 when compared to the fiscal year ended July 31, 2013.  Basic weighted average shares outstanding increased to 25,323,622 at July 31, 2014 from 25,243,010 at July 31, 2013.

34
Year Ended July 31, 2013 Compared to Year Ended July 31, 2012

Net Sales

The following table presents net sales by category (dollars in thousands):
 
 
  
Fiscal Year Ended July 31,
  
 
  
2013
    
2012
    
%
  
Net Sales
  
   
   
 
Ophthalmic
  
$
35,446
    
$
35,240
      
0.6
%
OEM (1)
    
26,469
      
23,973
      
10.4
%
Other (2)
    
881
      
801
      
10.0
%
Total
  
$
62,796
    
$
60,014
      
4.6
%
 
(2) Net sales from OEM represent sales of electrosurgery generators, disposable bipolar forceps and related accessories and royalties from Codman, multi-channel ablation generators, disposable ultrasonic aspirator tips and related accessories to Stryker and sales of certain disposable products. In addition, recognition of deferred revenues of $1.3 million from Alcon is included in this category for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2013.  Recognition of deferred revenues of $266,000 and $1.2 million from Codman and Alcon, respectively, are included in this category for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2012.
(2) Net sales from Other represent direct neurosurgery revenues and other miscellaneous revenues.

Ophthalmic sales grew 0.6 percent in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012. Domestic ophthalmic sales decreased 0.3 percent primarily due to decreased sales of base business capital equipment and disposables, partially offset by increased sales of VersaVITTM vitrectomy systems and procedural kits.  International ophthalmic sales increased 1.7 percent primarily due to increased sales of VersaVITTM vitrectomy systems and procedural kits and decreased foreign currency losses, partially offset by sales of base business capital equipment and disposables. OEM sales increased by $2.5 million in fiscal 2013 as compared to fiscal 2012. Total OEM sales rose 10.4 percent to $26.5 million in fiscal 2013 (including $1.3 million of deferred revenue recognized) compared with $24.0 million in fiscal 2012 (including $1.5 million of deferred revenue recognized). The increase was primarily due to strong disposable forceps and electrosurgical generator sales to Codman and strong multi-channel ablation generator sales to Stryker. Other sales increased $80,000 in fiscal 2013, or 10.0 percent, compared to fiscal 2012.
 
Disposable product sales accounted for approximately 80.5 percent of our total product sales in fiscal 2013.  Overall sales of our disposable products grew $2.2 million, or 4.4 percent, in fiscal 2013 as compared to fiscal 2012. Sales of capital equipment increased by approximately $839,000, or 8.8 percent, in fiscal 2013 as compared to fiscal 2012.
 
The following table presents domestic and international net sales (dollars in thousands):
 
 
  
Fiscal Year Ended July 31,
  
 
  
2013
    
2012
    
%
  
Net Sales
  
   
   
 
Domestic
  
$
46,489
    
$
44,047
      
5.5
%
International
    
16,307
      
15,967
      
2.1
%
Total
  
$
62,796
    
$
60,014
      
4.6
%
 
Domestic sales increased 5.5 percent in fiscal 2013 due to increases in OEM sales.  All OEM sales were recorded as domestic sales during fiscal 2013 and 2012.  The increase in international sales of 2.1 percent was primarily due to the increased sales of VersaVITTM vitrectomy systems and procedural kits and decreased foreign currency losses, partially offset by decreased sales of base business capital equipment and disposables.
35
Gross Profit

Gross profit as a percentage of net sales was 51.5 percent in fiscal 2013, compared to 57.5 percent in fiscal 2012.  Gross profit as a percentage of net sales for fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012 decreased 6.0 percentage points due to the following factors:  (i) an approximate $1.6 million increase in the reserve for excess and obsolete inventory and its associated labor and overhead in the second fiscal quarter impacted our margin by 2.5 percentage points; (ii) weak demand for our disposables reduced our ability to absorb labor and overhead by 1.0 percentage point; and (iii) the decreased benefit from deferred revenue negatively impacted margin by 0.3 percentage point.  Gross profit was also negatively impacted by product mix including both the products within our ophthalmology product line and the OEM sales, as they comprised 42.2% of our sales mix.

Operating Expenses (dollars in thousands)
 
 
  
Fiscal Year Ended July 31,
  
 
  
2013
    
2012
  
 
  
Dollars
    
% of Sales
    
Dollars
    
% of Sales
  
R&D costs
  
$
3,643
      
5.8
%
  
$
3,642
      
6.1
%
Sales and Marketing expenses
    
13,805
      
22.0
%
    
11,881
      
19.8
%
Medical Device Excise tax
    
289
      
0.4
%
    
-
      
0.0
%
G&A expenses
    
10,913
      
17.4
%
    
10,515
      
17.5
%
Total
  
$
28,650
      
45.6
%
  
$
26,038
      
43.4
%

R&D costs remained flat at $3.6 million for fiscal 2013 when compared to fiscal 2012.
 
Sales and marketing expenses, which consist of salaries, commissions and direct expenses, increased $1.9 million to $13.8 million, or 22.0 percent of sales, for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2013, compared to $11.9 million, or 19.8 percent of net sales, for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2012.  The Company added three territory managers and incurred other promotional costs in connection with the launching of the VersaVITTM vitrectomy system and related procedural kits.
 
Medical device excise tax was $289,000, or 0.4 percent of net sales, for fiscal 2013, as the Company began paying the medical device excise tax in January 2013.
 
G&A expenses increased by approximately $398,000 during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2013 and as a percentage of net sales were 17.4 percent for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2013 as compared to 17.5 percent for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2012.  The increase in G&A expenses was primarily due to stock compensation granted to directors, executive officers and senior managers of the Company in December 2012 and various other cost increases.

Other Income/Expense

Other expense in fiscal 2013 increased to $32,000 compared to $14,000 in fiscal 2012.

Operating Income, Income Taxes and Net Income

Operating income for fiscal 2013 was $3.7 million, as compared to operating income of $8.5 million in fiscal 2012. The decrease in operating income was primarily the result of a 19.3 percent increase in the cost of goods sold, partially offset by a 4.6 percent increase in net sales (including $1.3 million of deferred revenue recognized) for a net decrease in gross profit of $2.1 million.  In addition, operating income was reduced in fiscal 2013 by an increase of $1.9 million in sales and marketing expenses, $289,000 in medical device excise tax and an increase of $398,000 in G&A expenses.
 
For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2013, the Company recorded a $1.1 million income tax provision on a pre-tax income of $3.7 million, or 30.6 percent effective tax rate.  The effective tax rate was impacted by the re-enactment of the Research and Experimentation credit from December 2011.  For the fiscal year ended July 31, 2012, the Company recorded a $2.5 million income tax provision on pre-tax income of $8.5 million, or 29.5 percent effective tax rate.  The effective tax rate was primarily due to the favorable impact of the Company’s state tax planning strategies implemented and recorded in fiscal 2012.
36
Income from continuing operations decreased by $3.4 million to $2.6 million for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2013 from $6.0 million for the same period in fiscal 2012.  Basic and diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2013 decreased to $0.10 from $0.24 when compared to the fiscal year ended July 31, 2012.  Basic weighted average shares outstanding increased to 25,243,010 at July 31, 2013 from 25,100,064 at July 31, 2012.
 
The Company also experienced a $382,000 loss in fiscal 2012, or $0.02 basic and diluted earnings per share, from the discontinued operations of its plastic injection molding operations.
 
Net income was $2.6 million, or $0.10 basic and diluted earnings per share, for fiscal 2013 as compared to $5.6 million, or $0.22 basic and diluted earnings per share, for fiscal 2012.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company had $15.4 million in cash and cash equivalents and no interest-bearing debt as of July 31, 2014.
 
Working capital, including the management of inventory and accounts receivable, is a management focus. At July 31, 2014, the Company had an average of 82 days of sales outstanding (“DSO”) in accounts receivable.  The 82 days of DSO at July 31, 2014 was 2 days favorable when compared to July 31, 2013 and 10 days unfavorable when compared to July 31, 2012 utilizing the trailing 12 months of sales. The DSO was impacted by the sales progression during the 2014 fourth quarter and the fiscal year.
 
At July 31, 2014, the Company had 194 days of inventory on hand.  The inventory on hand was unfavorable by 16 days when compared to July 31, 2013 and favorable by 30 days when compared to July 31, 2012 utilizing the trailing 12 months of cost of sales.  The Company had invested approximately $3.7 million in inventory for new products and new product launches at the end of fiscal 2014.  However, the Company had $2.2 million in backlog as of July 31, 2014.
 
Cash flows provided by operating activities were $5.7 million for the year ended July 31, 2014, compared to cash flows provided by operating activities of approximately $3.7 million for the comparable fiscal 2013 period.  The improvement in cash flows of approximately $2.0 million was primarily attributable to the decrease in accounts receivable of $2.1 million, the decrease in deferred taxes of $1.9 million and $0.9 million in various other adjustments. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in accounts payable of $1.7 million and decrease in accrued expenses of $1.2 million.
 
Cash flows used by investing activities were $2.6 million for the year ended July 31, 2014, compared to cash used by investing activities of $3.8 million for the comparable fiscal 2013 period.  During the year ended July 31, 2014, the Company invested $1.4 million in the acquisition of a private OEM company.  During the year ended July 31, 2013, the Company invested $2.8 million net cash in the acquisition of M.I.S.S.  In addition, during the year ended July 31, 2014, cash additions to property and equipment and patents were $0.9 million and $0.3 million, respectively, compared to $0.5 million and $0.4 million for fiscal 2013, respectively.
 
Cash flows provided by financing activities were approximately $0.1 million for the year ended July 31, 2014, compared to cash provided by financing activities of $0.1 million for the year ended July 31, 2013.  The Company received proceeds of $59,000 and a $38,000 income tax benefit from the exercise of stock options compared to proceeds of $65,000 and a $72,000 income tax benefit for fiscal 2013, respectively.
 
The Company had the following committed financing arrangements as of July 31, 2014:
 
Revolving Credit Facility: The Company has a credit facility with a bank which allows for borrowings of up to $9.5 million with an interest rate based on either the one-, two- or three-month LIBOR plus 1.75 percent and adjusting each quarter based upon our leverage ratio. As of July 31, 2014, interest under the facility is charged at 1.98 percent. The unused portion of the facility is charged at a rate of 0.20 percent. There were no borrowings under this facility at July 31, 2014. Outstanding amounts are collateralized by the Company’s domestic receivables and inventory. This credit facility was amended on September 30, 2013, to extend the termination date through September 30, 2016.
37
The facility has two financial covenants: a maximum leverage ratio of 2.25 times and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.25 times. As of July 31, 2014, the Company’s leverage ratio was zero, as there is no outstanding debt as of July 31, 2014, and the minimum fixed charge coverage ratio was 352 times, as interest expense was minimal. The facility restricts the payment of dividends if, following the distribution, the fixed charge coverage ratio would fall below the required minimum.
 
Equipment Line of Credit: Under this credit facility, the Company may borrow up to $1.0 million, with interest currently at one-month LIBOR plus 3.0 percent. Pursuant to the terms of the equipment line of credit, under no circumstance shall the rate be less than 3.5 percent per annum. The unused portion of the facility is not charged a fee. There were no borrowings under this line as of July 31, 2014. The equipment line of credit was amended on September 30, 2013 to extend the maturity date to September 30, 2016.
 
Management believes that cash flows from operations, together with available cash, will be sufficient to meet the Company’s working capital and capital expenditure needs for the next 12 months.  In addition, the remaining deferred revenue from the Alcon settlement will flow through our statement of income over approximately the next 12 years.  However, as the cash has already been collected, it will not impact our future liquidity.  See “Use of Estimates and Critical Accounting Policies – Deferred Revenue” below.

Contractual Obligations

The Company has entered into contracts with various third parties in the normal course of business that will require future payments.  The following illustrates the Company’s contractual obligations as of July 31, 2014 (in thousands):

 
  
Payments due by Period
  
 
Contractual Obligations
  
 
Total
    
Less than
1 Year
    
 
1-3 Years
    
 
4-5 Years
    
More than
5 Years
  
Operating Leases (1)
  
$
668
    
$
394
    
$
248
    
$
26
      
--
  
Total Contractual Obligations
  
$
668
    
$
394
    
$
248
    
$
26
    
$
--
  

(1) We enter into operating leases in the normal course of business.  Some lease agreements provide us with the option to renew the lease.  Our future cash payments would change if we exercised these renewal options or if we entered into additional operating lease agreements.

Use of Estimates and Critical Accounting Policies

The financial results of the Company are affected by the selection and application of accounting policies and methods. Significant accounting policies which require management’s judgment are discussed below.

Revenue Recognition

The Company primarily records revenue from product sales when the revenue is realized and the product is shipped from its facilities.  This includes satisfying the following criteria: the arrangement with the customer is evident, usually through receipt of a purchase order; the sales price is fixed and determinable; delivery to the carrier has occurred; and collectability is reasonably assured.  Freight and shipping billed to customers is included in net sales, and the cost of shipping is included in cost of sales.  Sales tax billed to customers is included as a liability as products are shipped.
 
The terms and conditions of sales to both our domestic and international distributors do not differ materially from the terms and conditions of sales to our domestic and international end-user customers.

38
Service revenue substantially relates to repairs of products and is recognized when the service has been completed.  Revenue from royalty fees is recorded as the products bearing the trademark are shipped.

Deferred Revenue
 
On April 23, 2010, the Company entered into a Settlement and License Agreement with Alcon  pursuant to which Alcon paid to the Company $32.0 million. The net proceeds to the Company were $21.4 million after contingency payments to attorneys. The Company recognized a gain from this agreement of $2.4 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2010. The remaining $19.0 million has been accounted for as an up-front license fee under the Confidential Settlement and License Agreement and was deferred and recognized as earned over a period estimated to be 15 years based upon estimated shipments to Alcon under a related Supply Agreement executed pursuant to the settlement.  On February 13, 2012, Alcon informed the Company that it had decided to cancel the project, orders and forecasts covering the two products to have been supplied under the Supply Agreement. However, the Supply Agreement remains in effect and the Company has continuing performance obligations associated with the Supply Agreement. Therefore, the Company plans on recognizing the remaining deferred revenue associated with the Supply Agreement ratably over the next 12 years, which is the remaining life of the patents and associated Supply Agreement. The Company recognized $1.3 million, $1.3 million and $1.2 million of this deferred revenue for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Inventories

Inventories, consisting of purchased materials, direct labor and manufacturing overhead, are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost being determined using the first-in, first-out method. The Company’s inventory is very dynamic and new products are added frequently.  Thus, the Company reviews the valuation of its inventory on a quarterly basis and determines if a valuation allowance is necessary for items, including any excess quantities and identified obsolescence.  The Company monitors inventory activity by product type and uses both quantitative and qualitative factors to access the need for a reserve. The inventory analysis takes into account historical experience, the inventory’s length of time on hand, historical sales, product life cycle and product obsolescence. To the extent that the Company determines there are some excess quantities based on its projected levels of sales and other requirements, or obsolete material in inventory, the Company records a valuation reserve against all or a portion of the value of the related parts or products. If future cost valuations, future demand or market conditions are different from the Company’s projections, a change in recorded inventory reserve may be required and would be reflected in cost of sales in the period the revision is made.

Amortization Periods

The Company records amortization of intangible assets using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of these assets.  It bases the determination of these useful lives on the period over which it expects the related assets to contribute to its cash flows or in the case of patents, their legal life, whichever is shorter.  If the Company’s assessment of the useful lives of intangible assets changes, it may change future amortization expense (see “Impairment of Long-Lived Assets”).

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
 
The Company evaluates the collectability of accounts receivable based on a combination of factors. In circumstances where a specific customer is unable to meet its financial obligations to the Company, the Company records an allowance against amounts due to reduce the net recognized receivable to the amount that management reasonably expects to collect. For all other customers, the Company records allowances for doubtful accounts based on the length of time the receivables are past due, the current business environment and historical experience. Accounts receivable are written off when deemed uncollectible.  Recoveries of accounts receivable previously written off are recorded when received.  The Company generally does not charge interest on past-due amounts in accounts receivable.  The Company has a history of minimal uncollectible accounts.  If the financial condition of customers or the length of time that receivables are past due were to change, the Company may change the recorded amount of allowances for doubtful accounts in the future.
39
Patents and Research and Development

Incremental legal and other costs to obtain patents are capitalized to a patent asset.  Salaries, benefits and other direct costs of product development are expensed as operating expenses in R&D costs.  Patents are amortized to operations under the straight-line method over the shorter of the remaining statutory life of the patent or the cash flow stream associated with that patent.

Goodwill

As of July 31, 2014, we have recorded $12.7 million of goodwill.  We perform purchase price allocations including recognition of intangible assets when we have a business combination.  The excess of the purchase price after the allocation of fair values to tangible assets, liabilities and identifiable intangibles is allocated to goodwill.  We make judgments and estimates in conjunction with the carrying value of these assets, including determination of amounts to be capitalized and whether the assets have finite or indefinite lives for amortization purposes.  Currently, we have one reporting unit.
 
Carrying values for goodwill are reviewed annually in the fourth quarter and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount may be impaired in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 350, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other” (“ASC 350”).  We have adopted the provisions of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-08, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other:  Testing Goodwill for Impairment,” which permits us to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether or not the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the estimated fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. We have determined, based upon the qualitative factors, that it is more likely than not that goodwill is not impaired and no further testing was performed.  If we determine that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of such an intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, then we are not required to perform any additional tests for assessing intangible assets for impairment. However, if we conclude otherwise or elect not to perform the qualitative assessment, then we are required to perform a quantitative impairment test that involves a comparison of the estimated fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying value. If the carrying value of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.
 
If further testing is required, our tests may include three approaches to determine the fair value of our reporting unit.  The first approach is discounted cash flows methodology, which focuses on our expected cash flows available for common equity owners.  Net cash flows to equity is defined as our earnings plus depreciation, amortization and interest expense, or EBITDA, less our estimated usage of cash for debt, capital expenditures and working capital changes.  The resulting net cash flows and the terminal value (our value of invested capital at the end of the five year projection period) are then discounted to derive an indication of the present value of the Company’s invested capital.  Interest-bearing debt is then subtracted to arrive at the Company’s fair value of equity.  This valuation method is dependent upon management’s assumptions made regarding future cash flow and cash requirements and the discount factor used to determine the present value of our future cash flows.  If necessary, we would also analyze two additional valuation methods:  the Guideline Company approach and the Market Capitalization approach.
 
Future changes in the judgments, assumptions and estimates that are used in our impairment testing for goodwill, including discount and tax rates or future cash flow projections, could result in significantly different estimates of the fair values.  A significant reduction in the estimated fair values could result in impairment charges that could materially affect our financial statements.

Other Intangibles

As of July 31, 2014, we have recorded $5.9 million of indefinite-lived intangible assets for the Malis® trademark.  The life of a trademark is inextricably related to the life of the product bearing the mark or the life of the business entity owning the trademark.  The Company intends to use the trademark indefinitely, and therefore, its useful life is not limited to any specific product.
40
Carrying values for intangibles are reviewed annually in the fourth quarter and whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount may be impaired in accordance with the ASC 350.  We have adopted the provisions of ASU No. 2012-02, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other:  Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment,” which permits us to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether or not the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that the estimated fair value of an intangible asset is less than its carrying amount.  We have determined, based upon the qualitative factors that it is more likely than not that intangible assets are not impaired and no further testing was performed.  If we determine that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of such an intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, then we are not required to perform any additional tests for assessing intangible assets for impairment. However, if we conclude otherwise or elect not to perform the qualitative assessment, then we are required to perform a quantitative impairment test that involves a comparison of the estimated fair value of the intangible asset with its carrying value. If the carrying value of the intangible asset exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss is recognized in an amount equal to that excess.
 
If further testing is required, we utilize the discounted cash flow methodology, which focuses on our expected cash flows derived from the use of the intangible asset.  With respect to the trademark, the expected cash flows are reduced by the related income taxes and debt.  Significant and unanticipated changes to the market for the Malis® branded products or our contract licensing the use of the Malis® trademark could require a provision for impairment in a future period.
 
Future changes in judgments, assumptions and estimates that are used in our impairment testing for intangibles, including discount and tax rates or future cash flow projections, could result in significantly different estimates of the fair values. Significant and unanticipated changes to either the market for the Malis® branded products or our contract licensing the use of the Malis® trademark could require a provision for impairment in a future period.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
 
Long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangible assets to be held and used are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such asset may not be recoverable.  Determination of recoverability is based on an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the group of assets and their eventual disposition.  Measurement of an impairment loss for long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangible assets that management expects to hold and use is based on the fair value of the asset. Long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangible assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.

Tax Assets and Liabilities

We account for income taxes in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes” (“ASC Topic 740”), which requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities be recognized using enacted tax rates for the effect of temporary differences between the book and tax bases of recorded assets and liabilities.  ASC Topic 740 also requires that deferred tax assets be reduced by a valuation allowance if its “more likely than not” that some portion or all of the deferred tax asset may not be realized.  In our annual evaluation of the need for a valuation allowance, we take into account various factors, including the expected level of future taxable income in our tax jurisdictions and available tax planning strategies.  If actual results differ from these assumptions made in our annual evaluation of our valuation allowance, we may record a change in valuation allowance through income tax expense in the period this determination is made.  At July 31, 2014, we had deferred tax assets related to net foreign operating loss carryforwards with a tax value of $1.7 million.  These net foreign operating loss carryforwards have various expiration dates, depending on the country and period in which they occurred.  The Company has established a full valuation allowance for these deferred tax assets in conjunction with its overall income tax strategy including the inclusion of its foreign losses on our U.S. tax return.
41
In addition, the calculations of our tax liabilities involve dealing with uncertainties in the application of complex tax regulation.  On August 1, 2007, we adopted the provisions of ASC Topic 740 related to uncertain tax positions.  It is inherently difficult and subjective to estimate such amounts, as we have to determine the probability of certain outcomes.  We reevaluate these positions on a quarterly basis, including an analysis of changes in facts or circumstances, changes in tax law, effectively settled issues or net audit activity.  Such a change in recognition or measurement would result in the recognition of an additional charge to the tax provision.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company utilizes FASB ASC Topic 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation” in accounting for its employee stock options.  Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award and is recognized over the directors’ and employees’ requisite service period.  Compensation expense is calculated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.  Of the inputs into the Black-Scholes option pricing model, the one that can impact the value of the options the most is the volatility factor.  For awards occurring in fiscal year ended July 31, 2014, the Company has utilized a volatility factor of 68.6 percent in this calculation.  In addition, the Company utilized an expected average risk-free interest rate of 2.90 percent, an expected average life of 10 years and no expected dividends.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Information about recent accounting pronouncements is included in Note 20 to the consolidated audited financial statements.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
 
The Company’s primary market risks include fluctuations in interest rates and exchange rate variability.

The Company has $15.4 million in cash and cash equivalents with a substantial portion of this cash held in short-term money market funds bearing interest at 20 basis points. Interest income from these funds is subject to market risk in the form of fluctuations in interest rates. A reduction in the interest on these funds to 10 basis points would decrease the amount of interest income from these funds by approximately $15,000.

The Company currently has a revolving credit facility and an equipment line of credit facility in place. The revolving credit facility had no outstanding balance at July 31, 2014, bearing interest at a current rate of LIBOR plus 1.75 percent. The equipment line of credit facility had no outstanding balance at July 31, 2014, bearing interest at one-month LIBOR plus 3.0 percent. Interest expense from these credit facilities is subject to market risk in the form of fluctuations in interest rates. Because the current levels of borrowings are zero, there would be no market risk associated with the interest rates. The Company does not perform any interest rate hedging activities related to these two facilities.

Additionally, the Company has exposure to foreign currency fluctuations through export sales to international accounts. As approximately 11.3 percent of our sales revenue is denominated in foreign currencies, we estimate that a change in the relative strength of the dollar to foreign currencies would not have a material impact on the Company’s results of operations. The Company does not conduct any hedging activities related to foreign currency.

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Financial statements and financial statement schedules specified by this Item, together with the report thereon by UHY LLP, are filed pursuant to Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Information on quarterly results of operations is set forth in Note 19, “Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)” to our consolidated audited financial statements.
42
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures — We maintain disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, reviewed and evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of July 31, 2014.  Based upon such review and evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the date of such evaluation to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
 
Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting — Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting.  Our internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with U.S. GAAP.  All internal control systems, no matter how well designed, have inherent limitations.  Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

We conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”).  This evaluation included review of the documentation of controls, evaluation of the design effectiveness of controls, testing of the operating effectiveness of controls and a conclusion of this evaluation.  Based on its evaluation, management has concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of July 31, 2014 to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of consolidated financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
 
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting — There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Rule 13a-15 or 15d-15 of the Exchange Act that occurred during the fiscal quarter ended July 31, 2014 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Attestation Report of Registered Public Accounting Firm — This Annual Report on Form 10-K includes an attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B. Other Information

None.
43
PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

The information under the heading, “Executive Officers of the Registrant” in Part I, Item I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated herein by reference. In addition, certain information required by this Item 10 will be included in the Company’s definitive proxy materials to be filed with the SEC within 120 days after the end of the Company’s fiscal year covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K (the “2014 Proxy Statement”) and is incorporated herein by reference.  The following sections of such proxy materials are herein incorporated by reference:  “Proposal 1 -- Election of Directors,” information regarding the Audit Committee of the Company included in the section “Corporate Governance – Audit Committee,” and “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance.”
 
The Board of Directors has determined that Ms. Juanita Hinshaw, one of the Company’s independent directors, qualifies as the Audit Committee financial expert because she has served in an oversight role in finance and accounting.

We have established a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applicable to all of the Company’s employees, officers and directors that is designed to deter wrongdoing and promote honest and ethical conduct and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is available on the Company’s website at www.synergeticsusa.com and is also available to stockholders in print upon request.  We intend to disclose future amendments to certain provisions of the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, or waivers of such provisions granted to executive officers and directors, on the Company’s website within four business days following the date of such amendment or waiver.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, there were no material changes to the procedures by which stockholders may recommend nominees to the Board.

Item 11. Executive Compensation
 
Information required pursuant to this Item 11 will be included in the Company’s 2014 Proxy Statement under the sections “Executive Compensation,” “Director Compensation,” “Change in Control Agreements” and “Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation” and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
 
Certain information required pursuant to this Item 12 will be included in the Company’s 2014 Proxy Statement under the section “Principal Stockholders” and is incorporated herein by reference.

EXISTING EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION

The table below shows information with respect to all of our equity compensation plans as of July 31, 2014.
Plan Category
  
Number of Securities
to be Issued Upon
Exercise of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights
    
Weighted Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding
Options, Warrants
and Rights
    
Number of Securities
Remaining Available
for Future Issuance
Under Equity
Compensation Plans
(Excluding Securities
Reflected in the First
Column)
  
 
  
   
   
 
Equity Compensation Plans Approved By Security Holders
    
815,162
    
$
4.25
      
914,484
  
Equity Compensation Plans Not Approved By Security Holders
    
—
      
—
      
—
  
Total
    
815,162
    
$
4.25
      
914,484
  

44
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
 
Information required pursuant to this Item 13 concerning certain relationships and related transactions, as applicable, will be included in the Company’s 2014 Proxy Statement under the section “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” and is incorporated herein by reference.  Information required pursuant to this Item 13 concerning director independence will be included in the Company’s 2014 Proxy Statement under the section “Corporate Governance – Director Independence” and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Information required pursuant to this Item 14 concerning our principal accountant fees and services will be included in our 2014 Proxy Statement under the section Proposal 3 – “Ratification of the Appointment of the Company’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

(a) The following documents are filed as part of this report.

 
1.
Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
 
The consolidated financial statements and supplemental schedule of Synergetics USA, Inc. and subsidiaries, together with the report thereon of the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm, are included following Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  See Index to Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules on page F-1, herein.
 
 
 
 
2.
Financial Statement Schedules
 
 
 
 
 
Schedule II — Valuation Allowances and Qualifying Accounts is included in Note 21 to the consolidated financial statements, which are included following Item 15 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
 
 
 
3.
Exhibits
 
 
 
 
 
The exhibits required to be filed as part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K are listed in the attached Index to Exhibits.

(b) The exhibits filed with this Annual Report on Form 10-K are listed in the attached Index to Exhibits.

(c) None.

45
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

Audited Financial Statements
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 47
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of July 31, 2014 and 2013
 49
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the years ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
 50
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the years ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
 51
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
 52
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 53
 
Financial Statement Schedules
Schedule II - Valuation Allowances and Qualifying Accounts
 70

46
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Synergetics USA, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Synergetics USA, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of July 31, 2014 and 2013 and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended July 31, 2014.  Synergetics USA, Inc.’s management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Synergetics USA, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of July 31, 2014 and 2013, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended July 31, 2014, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Synergetics USA, Inc.’s and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of July 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commissions (COSO), and our report dated October 14, 2014 expressed an unqualified opinion.
 
/s/ UHY LLP

St. Louis, Missouri
October 14, 2014

47
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Synergetics USA, Inc.

We have audited Synergetics USA, Inc. and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of July 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). Synergetics USA, Inc.’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting in Part II, Item 9A of this Form 10-K. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk.  Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

In our opinion, Synergetics USA, Inc. and Subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of July 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (1992) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows of Synergetics USA, Inc. and Subsidiaries, and our report dated October 14, 2014 expressed an unqualified opinion.

/s/ UHY LLP
St. Louis, Missouri
October 14, 2014
48
Synergetics USA, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Balance Sheets
July 31, 2014 and 2013
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
 
  
2014
    
2013
  
Assets
  
   
 
Current Assets
  
   
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  
$
15,443
    
$
12,470
  
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $722 and $495, respectively
    
14,641
      
14,425
  
Inventories
    
15,134
      
14,825
  
Income taxes refundable
    
--
      
254
  
Prepaid expenses
    
1,223
      
996
  
Deferred income taxes
    
2,042
      
1,827
  
Total current assets
    
48,483
      
44,797
  
Property and Equipment, net
    
8,785
      
8,962
  
Intangible and Other Assets
                
Goodwill
    
12,738
      
12,155
  
Other intangible assets, net
    
11,911
      
11,715
  
Deferred income taxes
    
1,219
      
3,557
  
Patents, net
    
1,472
      
1,411
  
Cash value of life insurance
    
107
      
96
  
Total assets
  
$
84,715
    
$
82,693
  
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
                
Current Liabilities
                
Accounts payable
  
$
2,530
    
$
3,237
  
Accrued expenses
    
2,845
      
3,486
  
Income taxes payable
    
386
      
--
  
Deferred revenue
    
1,288
      
1,288
  
Total current liabilities
    
7,049
      
8,011
  
Long-Term Liabilities
                
Deferred revenue
    
13,242
      
14,530
  
Total long-term liabilities
    
13,242
      
14,530
  
Total liabilities
    
20,291
      
22,541
  
Commitments and Contingencies (Notes 11 and 18)
                
Stockholders’ Equity
                
Common stock at July 31, 2014 and July 31, 2013, $0.001 par value, 50,000,000 shares authorized; 25,364,608 and 25,292,960 shares issued and outstanding, respectively
    
25
      
25
  
Additional paid-in capital
    
28,594
      
27,489
  
Retained earnings
    
36,160
      
33,097
  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss:
                
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    
(355
)
    
(459
)
Total stockholders’ equity
    
64,424
      
60,152
  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  
$
84,715
    
$
82,693
  
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
49
Synergetics USA, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income
Years Ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share data)
 
 
  
2014
    
2013
    
2012
  
Net sales
  
$
64,769
    
$
62,796
    
$
60,014
  
Cost of sales
    
28,540
      
30,425
      
25,495
  
Gross profit
    
36,229
      
32,371
      
34,519
  
Operating expenses
                        
Research and development
    
5,158
      
3,643
      
3,642
  
Sales and marketing
    
14,360
      
13,805
      
11,881
  
Medical device excise tax
    
486
      
289
      
--
  
Exit costs
    
682
      
--
      
--
  
General and administrative
    
10,962
      
10,913
      
10,515
  
 
    
31,648
      
28,650
      
26,038
  
Operating income
    
4,581
      
3,721
      
8,481
  
Other income (expenses)
                        
Investment income
    
10
      
31
      
40
  
Interest expense
    
(19
)
    
(28
)
    
(43
)
Miscellaneous
    
(11
)
    
(35
)
    
(11
)
 
    
(20
)
    
(32
)
    
(14
)
Income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes
    
4,561
      
3,689
      
8,467
  
Provision for income taxes
    
1,498
      
1,130
      
2,499
  
Income from continuing operations
  
$
3,063
    
$
2,559
    
$
5,968
  
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income tax benefit of $--, $-- and $193, respectively
    
--
      
--
      
382
  
Net income
  
$
3,063
    
$
2,559
    
$
5,586
  
Earnings per share:
                        
Basic
                        
Income from continuing operations
  
$
0.12
    
$
0.10
    
$
0.24
  
Loss from discontinued operations
    
--
      
--
      
(0.02
)
Net income
  
$
0.12
    
$
0.10
    
$
0.22
  
Diluted
                        
Income from continuing operations
  
$
0.12
    
$
0.10
    
$
0.24
  
Loss from discontinued operations
    
--
      
--
      
(0.02
)
Net income
  
$
0.12
    
$
0.10
    
$
0.22
  
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding
    
25,323,622
      
25,243,010
      
25,100,064
  
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
    
25,393,264
      
25,337,525
      
25,256,584
  
Net income
  
$
3,063
    
$
2,559
    
$
5,586
  
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    
104
      
47
      
(595
)
Comprehensive income
  
$
3,167
    
$
2,606
    
$
4,991
  
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
50
Synergetics USA, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity
Years Ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
(Dollars in thousands, except share data)
 
 
  
Number of
Shares
    
Common
Stock
    
Additional
Paid in
Capital
    
Retained
Earnings
    
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    
Total
  
Balance August 1, 2011
    
24,970,884
    
$
25
    
$
25,598
    
$
24,952
    
$
89
    
$
50,664
  
Net income
    
--
      
--
      
--
      
5,586
      
--
      
5,586
  
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    
--
      
--
      
--
      
--
      
(595
)
    
(595
)
Restricted stock grants
    
166,707
      
--
      
336
      
--
      
--
      
336
  
Stock-based compensation
    
5,593
      
--
      
428
      
--
      
--
      
428
  
Proceeds from stock options exercised
    
16,885
      
--
      
35
      
--
      
--
      
35
  
Tax benefit associated with stock options exercised
    
--
      
--
      
24
      
--
      
--
      
24
  
Balance, July 31, 2012
    
25,160,069
    
$
25
    
$
26,421
    
$
30,538
    
$
(506
)
  
$
56,478
  
Net income
    
--
      
--
      
--
      
2,559
      
--
      
2,559
  
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    
--
      
--
      
--
      
--
      
47
      
47
  
Restricted stock grants
    
58,272
      
--
      
293
      
--
      
--
      
293
  
Stock-based compensation
    
15,309
      
--
      
638
      
--
      
--
      
638
  
Proceeds from stock options exercised
    
59,310
      
--
      
65
      
--
      
--
      
65
  
Tax benefit associated with stock options exercised
    
--
      
--
      
72
      
--
      
--
      
72
  
Balance, July 31, 2013
    
25,292,960
    
$
25
    
$
27,489
    
$
33,097
    
$
(459
)
  
$
60,152
  
Net Income
    
--
      
--
      
--
      
3,063
      
--
      
3,063
  
Foreign currency translation adjustment
    
--
      
--
      
--
      
--
      
104
      
104
  
Restricted stock grants
    
7,000
      
--
      
426
      
--
      
--
      
426
  
Stock-based compensation
    
14,648
      
--
      
582
      
--
      
--
      
582
  
Proceeds from stock options exercised
    
50,000
      
--
      
59
      
--
      
--
      
59
  
Tax benefit associated with stock options exercised
    
--
      
--
      
38
      
--
      
--
      
38
  
Balance, July 31, 2014
    
25,364,608
    
$
25
    
$
28,594
    
$
36,160
    
$
(355
)
  
$
64,424
  
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
51
Synergetics USA Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years Ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
(Dollars in thousands)
 
 
  
2014
    
2013
    
2012
  
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
  
   
   
 
Net income
  
$
3,063
    
$
2,559
    
$
5,586
  
Plus: Loss from discontinued operations – net of tax
    
--
      
--
      
382
  
Income from continuing operations
    
3,063
      
2,559
      
5,968
  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
                        
Depreciation
    
1,173
      
1,123
      
1,093
  
Amortization
    
876
      
680
      
600
  
Provision for doubtful accounts receivable
    
338
      
207
      
50
  
Stock-based compensation
    
1,008
      
931
      
764
  
Deferred income taxes
    
1,836
      
(49
)
    
153
  
(Gain) loss on sale of equipment
    
(10
)
    
35
      
--
  
Changes in assets and liabilities
                        
(Increases) decreases in:
                        
Accounts receivable
    
(406
)
    
(2,553
)
    
(843
)
Inventories
    
179
      
1,191
      
(3,695
)
Prepaid expenses
    
(221
)
    
(130
)
    
93
  
Income taxes refundable
    
254
      
(254
)
    
219
  
Increase (decrease) in:
                        
Accounts payable
    
(849
)
    
845
      
615
  
Accrued expenses
    
(667
)
    
603
      
(183
)
Deferred revenue
    
(1,288
)
    
(1,288
)
    
(1,494
)
Income taxes payable
    
380
      
(235
)
    
(5,848
)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    
5,666
      
3,665
      
(2,508
)
Net cash provided by discontinued operations
    
--
      
--
      
59
  
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    
5,666
      
3,665
      
(2,449
)
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
                        
Proceeds on the sale of equipment
    
18
      
55
      
--
  
Purchase of property and equipment
    
(922
)
    
(550
)
    
(1,809
)
Acquisition of patents and other intangibles
    
(258
)
    
(412
)
    
(214
)
Acquisitions, less cash acquired
    
(1,387
)
    
(2,848
)
    
--
  
Increase in cash value of life insurance
    
(11
)
    
(3
)
    
(11
)
Net cash used in investing activities
    
(2,560
)
    
(3,758
)
    
(2,034
)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
                        
Payment on debt incurred for acquisition of trademark
    
--
      
--
      
(313
)
Principal payments on long-term debt
    
--
      
--
      
(740
)
Tax benefit associated with the exercise of non-qualified stock options
    
38
      
72
      
24
  
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock
    
59
      
65
      
35
  
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    
97
      
137
      
(994
)
Foreign exchange rate effect on cash and cash equivalents
    
(230
)
    
(254
)
    
(242
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    
2,973
      
(210
)
    
(5,719
)
Cash and cash equivalents
                        
Beginning
    
12,470
      
12,680
      
18,399
  
Ending
  
$
15,443
    
$
12,470
    
$
12,680
  
 
                        
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information
                        
Cash paid for:
                        
Interest
  
$
19
    
$
28
    
$
63
  
Income taxes (received) paid
    
(1,009
)
    
1,568
      
7,950
  
Supplemental Schedule of Non-cash Investing and Financing Activity
                        
Purchase of equipment included in accounts payable
    
17
      
120
      
--
  
 
See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
52
Synergetics USA, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1. Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of business: Synergetics USA, Inc. (“Synergetics USA” or the “Company”) is a Delaware corporation incorporated on June 2, 2005, in connection with the reverse merger of Synergetics, Inc. (“Synergetics”) and Valley Forge Scientific Corp. (“Valley Forge”) and the subsequent reincorporation of Valley Forge (the predecessor to Synergetics USA) in Delaware. Synergetics USA is a leading supplier of precision surgical devices.  Through continuous improvement and development of its people, the Company’s mission is to design, manufacture and market innovative surgical devices, surgical equipment and consumables of the highest quality in order to assist and enable surgeons who perform surgery around the world to provide a better quality of life for their patients.   The Company’s primary focus is on targeted segments within the surgical disciplines of ophthalmology and neurosurgery. Its distribution channels include a combination of direct and independent distributor sales organizations and important strategic alliances with market leaders. The Company is located in O’Fallon, Missouri, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, California and Corby, United Kingdom.  During the ordinary course of its business, the Company grants unsecured credit to its domestic and international customers.

A summary of the Company’s significant accounting policies follows:

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

Principles of consolidation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Synergetics USA and its wholly owned subsidiaries: Synergetics, Synergetics IP, Inc., Synergetics Development Company, LLC and Synergetics Delaware, Inc.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Cash and cash equivalents: For purposes of the consolidated statements of cash flows, the Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.

Accounts receivable: During the ordinary course of its business, the Company grants unsecured credit to its domestic and international customers.  Accounts receivable are carried at original invoice amount less an estimate made for doubtful accounts based on a review of all outstanding amounts on a monthly basis.  Collateral is not generally required on the Company’s accounts receivable.  Accounts receivable are generally considered past due based upon their specific terms.  Management determines the allowance for doubtful accounts by regularly evaluating individual customer receivables and considering a customer’s financial condition, credit history and current economic conditions.  Accounts receivable are written off when deemed uncollectible.  Recoveries of accounts receivable previously written off are recorded when received.  The Company generally does not charge interest on past-due amounts in accounts receivable.  The Company has a history of minimal uncollectible accounts.

Concentration of credit risk: Financial instruments, which potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk, consist principally of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable.  The Company’s cash and cash equivalents are primarily held in a money market account in a bank and currently exceed the FDIC insurance limit.  Generally these deposits can be redeemed upon demand and therefore, bear minimal risk.

53
Inventories: Inventories, consisting of purchased materials, direct labor and manufacturing overhead, are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost being determined using the first-in, first-out method. The Company’s inventory is very dynamic and new products are added frequently.  Thus, the Company reviews the valuation of its inventory on a quarterly basis and determines if a valuation allowance is necessary for items, including any excess quantities and identified obsolescence.  The Company monitors inventory activity by product type and uses both quantitative and qualitative factors to access the need for a reserve. The inventory analysis takes into account historical experience, the inventory’s length of time on hand, historical sales, product life cycle and product obsolescence. To the extent that the Company determines there are some excess quantities based on its projected levels of sales and other requirements, or obsolete material in inventory, the Company records a valuation reserve against all or a portion of the value of the related parts or products. If future cost valuations, future demand or market conditions are different from the Company’s projections, a change in recorded inventory reserve may be required and would be reflected in cost of sales in the period the revision is made.

During the second quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company completed a detailed analysis of its inventory and recorded a reserve for excess inventory of approximately $1.6 million.  In its continuous effort to manage its inventory, the Company had previously conducted an inventory analysis of obsolete inventory and recorded a provision for same in the third quarter of fiscal 2012.   The reserve was necessary to reflect not only the Company’s changing base ophthalmic business but also to reflect the appropriate level and mix identified in accordance with the Company’s continuous improvement methodology with respect to its inventory

Property and equipment: Property and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives as follows:

 
Useful lives (in years)
Building and improvements
7-39
Machinery and equipment
5-7
Furniture and fixtures
5-7
Software
3-10

Goodwill and other intangibles: Absent any impairment indicators, goodwill is tested for impairment on an annual basis.  The Company performs its goodwill impairment tests during the fourth fiscal quarter.  The Company has adopted the provisions of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2011-08, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other:  Testing Goodwill for Impairment” and ASU No. 2012-12, “Intangibles – Goodwill and Other:  Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment,” which permits the Company to assess qualitative factors to determine whether the existence of events or circumstances leads to a determination that it is more likely than not that goodwill and other intangibles have been impaired.  The Company has determined, based upon an assessment of qualitative factors, that it is more likely than not that goodwill and other intangibles have not been impaired and no further testing was performed as of July 31, 2014.  Other intangible assets, consisting of licensing agreements, proprietary know-how and customer relationships, are amortized to operations under the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives or statutory lives, whichever is shorter.  These periods range from three to fifteen years.  The life of a trademark is inextricably related to the life of the product bearing the mark or the life of the business entity owning the trademark.  The Company intends to use the Malis® trademark indefinitely, and therefore, its useful life is not limited to any specific product. The trademark constitutes an indefinite-lived intangible that will be used in perpetuity.  Proprietary know-how consists of the patented technology which is included in the Company’s core product lines, bipolar electrosurgical generators. The Company also recorded intangible assets related to proprietary know-how and customer relationships in relation to its two recent acquisitions. Proprietary technology and expertise are distinguishing features of the Company’s products and represent a valuable intangible asset.

Patents: Incremental legal and other costs to obtain the patent are capitalized to a patent asset.  Salaries, benefits and other direct costs of product development are expensed as operating expenses in research and development (“R&D”) costs.  Patents are amortized to operations under the straight-line method over the remaining statutory life of the patent.
54
Deferred revenue: During the second quarter of fiscal 2011, the Company received a payment from Codman & Shurtleff, Inc. (“Codman”), an original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) partner, to establish exclusivity on certain generator products and accessories.  Revenue from the agreement has been deferred and is being amortized over its expected term.  The Company recognized $0, $0 and $266,000 in revenue for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, under the terms of the exclusivity agreement.

On April 23, 2010, the Company entered into a Settlement and License Agreement with Alcon, Inc. (“Alcon”)  pursuant to which Alcon paid to the Company $32.0 million. The net proceeds to the Company were $21.4 million after contingency payments to attorneys. The Company recognized a gain from this agreement of $2.4 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2010. The remaining $19.0 million has been accounted for as an up-front license fee under the Confidential Settlement and License Agreement and was deferred and recognized as earned over a period estimated to be 15 years based upon estimated shipments to Alcon under a related Supply Agreement.  On February 13, 2012, Alcon informed the Company that it had decided to cancel the project, orders and forecasts covering the two products to have been supplied under the Supply Agreement. However, the Supply Agreement remains in effect and the Company has continuing performance obligations associated with the Supply Agreement. Therefore, the Company plans to recognize the remaining deferred revenue associated with the Supply Agreement ratably over the next 12 years which is the remaining life of the patents and associated Supply Agreement. The Company recognized $1.3 million, $1.3 million and $1.2 million of this deferred revenue for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 
  
July 31, 2014
    
July 31, 2013
  
Deferred revenue – Alcon settlement
  
$
14,530
    
$
15,818
  
Less:  Short-term
    
1,288
      
1,288
  
Long-term portion
  
$
13,242
    
$
14,530
  

Impairment of long-lived assets (excluding goodwill and other intangibles): The Company reviews long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset.  Measurement of an impairment loss for long-lived assets and certain identifiable assets that management expects to hold and use is based on the fair value of the asset.  Assets to be sold are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or the fair value less costs to sell.

Product warranty: The Company provides a warranty against manufacturing and workmanship defects. Under the Company’s general terms and conditions of sale, liability during the warranty period (typically three years) is limited to repair or replacement of the defective item. The Company’s warranty cost is not material.

Income taxes: The Company accounts for income taxes under Accounting Standards Codification Topic 740, “Income Taxes” (“ASC Topic 740”).  Under ASC Topic 740, the deferred tax provision is determined using the liability method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and operating loss, tax credit carry-forwards and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences.  Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases.  Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and rates on the date of enactment.

In addition, under ASC Topic 740, the Company may recognize tax liabilities when, despite the Company’s belief that its tax return positions are supported, the Company believes that certain positions may not be fully sustained upon review by tax authorities.  The Company has identified no uncertain tax positions subsequent to the adoption of this standard on August 1, 2007.
55
The Company’s policy is to recognize interest and penalties through income tax expense.  As of July 31, 2014, the 2011 to 2013 tax years remain subject to examination by major tax jurisdictions.  There are no federal income tax audits in process as of July 31, 2014. There is one state audit currently in progress.

Fair value of financial instruments: The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued expenses.  As of July 31, 2014, and 2013, the carrying amounts of financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses, approximate fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments.

Non-financial assets such as goodwill, intangible assets and property, plant and equipment are measured at fair value when there is an indicator of impairment and recorded at fair value only when impairment is recognized.  No impairment indicators existed as of July 31, 2014.

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  The fair value hierarchy distinguishes between (1) market participant assumptions developed based on market data obtained from independent sources (observable inputs) and (2) an entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (unobservable inputs).  The fair value hierarchy consists of these broad levels, which gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3).  The Company’s Level 1 financial assets are money market funds, whose fair values are based on quoted market prices. The Company does not have any Level 2 or Level 3 financial assets.

Foreign currency translation:  All balance sheet accounts have been translated using the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date.  Statement of income amounts have been translated using the average exchange rate for the year.  The gains and losses resulting from the changes in exchange rates from year to year have been reported in other comprehensive income (loss).  The foreign currency translation adjustment is the only component of accumulated other comprehensive loss.  Foreign currency translation adjustments exclude income tax expense (benefit) given that the Company’s investments in foreign subsidiaries are deemed to be reinvested for an indefinite period of time.

Revenue recognition: The Company primarily records revenue from product sales when the revenue is realized and the product is shipped from its facilities.  This includes satisfying the following criteria: the arrangement with the customer is evident, usually through the receipt of a purchase order; the sales price is fixed and determinable; delivery to the carrier has occurred; and collectability is reasonably assured. Freight and insurance billed to customers is included in net sales, and the cost of freight and insurance is included in cost of sales.  Sales tax billed to customers is included as a liability as products are shipped.

The terms and conditions of sales to both the Company’s domestic and international distributors do not differ materially from the terms and conditions of sales to its domestic and international end-user customers.

Service revenue substantially relates to repairs of products and is recognized when the service has been completed.  Revenue from royalty fees is recorded as the products bearing the trademark are shipped.

Advertising: The Company follows the policy of charging the costs of advertising to expense as incurred. Advertising expense was approximately $197,000, $146,000 and $153,000 for the years ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Royalties: The Company pays royalties to doctors and medical institutions for providing assistance in the design and development of various devices and components.  Royalties are paid quarterly based on the sales of the instrument or components.  Royalty expense was approximately $346,000, $331,000 and $282,000 for the years ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
56
Stock compensation: The Company has a stock plan for employees and consultants allowing for the grant of incentive and non-qualified stock options, restricted stock and stock awards. In addition, the Company has a stock option plan for non-employee directors allowing for non-qualified stock options.  Options under this plan have been granted to all non-employee directors.  Stock-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized over the directors’ and employees’ requisite service periods. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options and grant-date market value to determine the fair value of the restricted stock awards.

Earnings per share: Basic earnings per share data has been computed on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period presented.  Diluted earnings per share data has been computed on the basis of the assumed conversion, exercise or issuance of all potential common stock instruments, unless the effect is to reduce the loss or increase the net income per common share (dollars in thousands, except share and per share data):

 
  
Year Ended July 31,
  
 
  
2014
    
2013
    
2012
  
Numerator:
  
   
   
 
Income from continuing operations
  
$
3,063
    
$
2,559
    
$
5,968
  
Loss from discontinued operations net of income tax
    
--
      
--
      
382
  
Net income
    
3,063
      
2,559
      
5,586
  
Denominator:
                        
Weighted average common shares and denominator for basic calculation
    
25,323,622
      
25,243,010
      
25,100,064
  
Stock options
    
69,642
      
94,515
      
156,520
  
Denominator for diluted calculation
    
25,393,264
      
25,337,525
      
25,256,584
  
Earnings per share – basic
                        
Income from continuing operations
  
$
0.12
    
$
0.10
    
$
0.24
  
Loss from discontinued operations
    
--
      
--
      
(0.02
)
Net income
  
$
0.12
    
$
0.10
    
$
0.22
  
Earnings per share – diluted
                        
Income from continuing operations
  
$
0.12
    
$
0.10
    
$
0.24
  
Loss from discontinued operations
    
0.00
      
0.00
      
(0.02
)
Net income
  
$
0.12
    
$
0.10
    
$
0.22
  
 
Stock option shares excluded from computation of dilutive income per share because the effect would be antidilutive for the years ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 were 650,579, 533,079 and 215,734, respectively.
 
Segment reporting: Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise about which separate financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by the chief decision maker or group in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance.  The Company’s chief decision maker reviews the results of operations and requests for capital expenditures based on one industry segment: producing and selling products and procedures for surgery, primarily for vitreoretinal surgery and neurosurgery.  The Company’s entire revenue is generated through this segment.  Revenues are attributed to countries based upon the location of end-user customers or distributors.

Reclassifications: Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year financial statements to conform to the current year’s presentation.

57
Note 2.  Exit Costs

    On October 1, 2013, the Company announced plans to close its King of Prussia, Pennsylvania facility and consolidate the manufacturing operations into its existing facility in O’Fallon, Missouri. The Company expects to complete the closure by mid-fiscal 2015. Costs are recognized in “Exit costs” in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.  As of July 31, 2014, the Company had a current liability of $112,000 for employee termination benefits in accrued expenses.

 
(dollars in thousands)
  
Twelve Months
Ended July 31,
    
Cumulative
as of July 31,
    
Total
Expected to
  
 
  
2014
    
2013
    
2014
    
be Incurred
  
Employee termination costs
  
$
615
    
$
--
    
$
615
    
$
1,085
  
Other associated costs
    
67
      
--
      
67
      
79
  
 
  
$
682
    
$
--
    
$
682
    
$
1,164
  

 
  
Termination Costs
  
 
  
 
Exit liabilities at August 1, 2013
  
$
--
  
Additions
    
682
  
Payments/settlements
    
(570
)
Exit liabilities at July 31, 2014
  
$
112
  

Note 3.  Acquisitions

On May 3, 2014, the Company acquired a private original equipment manufacturing company incorporated in the United States for net cash consideration of $1.4 million.

The Company has preliminarily allocated the purchase price to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition resulting in the recognition of $0.8 million of intellectual property and $0.4 million of goodwill, including the impact of deferred income taxes.  The results of operations for the acquired company have been included in the Consolidated Statements of Income from the date of acquisition.

On July 8, 2013, the Company acquired M.I.S.S. Ophthalmics Limited (“M.I.S.S.”), a private ophthalmology distribution company incorporated in England and Wales, for net cash consideration of $2.8 million.  M.I.S.S. was the Company’s distributor of ophthalmic products in the United Kingdom, and its wholesale distribution activities contributed approximately $1.1 million in revenue to the Company in fiscal 2013.  M.I.S.S. generated total revenue of approximately $3.2 million during its fiscal year ended March 31, 2013.

The Company allocated the purchase price to the tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on their estimated fair value at the date of acquisition resulting in the recognition of $0.9 million of intellectual property and $1.5 million of goodwill.  The results of operations for M.I.S.S. have been included in the Consolidated Statements of Income from the date of acquisition.

No supplemental pro-forma information is presented for the acquisitions due to the immaterial effect of the acquisitions on the Company's financial statements. The Company recognized $64,000 and $70,000 of transaction related costs that were expensed in the years ended July 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
58
Note 4.  Discontinued Operations
 
In September 2011, the Company adopted a plan to close its plastic injection molding operations and transitioned this production to an outside vendor.  During the Company’s first quarter of fiscal 2012, substantially all operational activities of this unit were discontinued, and the Company classified them as discontinued operations.  The Company completed the sale of these assets prior to the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2012.  The assets included in the disposal group were primarily equipment.  The following table summarizes the results of the discontinued operations fiscal years ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 (dollars in thousands):

 
  
Year Ended July 31
  
 
  
2014
    
2013
    
2012
  
Net sales
  
$
--
    
$
--
    
$
23
  
Operating costs
    
--
      
--
      
(191
)
Impairment, restructuring and other charges
    
--
      
--
      
(253
)
Write-off of goodwill
    
--
      
--
      
(29
)
Loss on sale of fixed assets
    
--
      
--
      
(125
)
Loss from discontinued operations before benefit for income taxes
    
--
      
--
      
(575
)
Income tax benefit
    
--
      
--
      
193
  
Loss from discontinued operations
  
$
--
    
$
--
    
$
(382
)

Note 5. OEM Partner Agreements

The Company sells all of its generators and a majority of its neurosurgery instruments and accessories to two U.S. based national and international OEM partners as described below:

Codman

In the neurosurgical market, the bipolar electrosurgical system manufactured by Valley Forge prior to the merger has been sold for over 30 years through a series of distribution agreements with Codman, an affiliate of Johnson & Johnson.  On April 2, 2009, the Company executed a new, three-year distribution agreement with Codman for the continued distribution by Codman of certain bipolar generators and related disposables and accessories, effective January 1, 2009.  In addition, the Company entered into a new, three-year license agreement, which provides for the continued licensing of the Company’s Malis® trademark to Codman for use with certain Codman products, including those covered by the distribution agreement.  Both agreements expired on December 31, 2011 and have renewed for three years.  In December 2010, Codman elected to exercise its option of exclusive distribution with respect to the bipolar generators and related disposables and accessories.
 
On November 16, 2009, the Company announced the signing of an addendum to its three-year agreement with Codman.  Under the terms of the revised agreement, Codman has the exclusive right to market and distribute the Company’s Malis® branded disposable bipolar forceps produced by Synergetics.  Codman began distribution of the disposable bipolar forceps on December 1, 2009, domestically, and on February 1, 2010, internationally.
 
Total sales to Codman and its respective percent of the Company’s net sales for the years ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, including the historical sales of generators, accessories and disposable cord tubing that the Company has supplied in the past, as well as the disposable bipolar forceps sales resulting from the addendum to the existing distribution agreement, were as follows (dollars in thousands):

 
  
Year Ended July 31,
  
 
  
2014
    
2013
    
2012
  
Net sales
  
$
15,173
    
$
14,097
    
$
11,150
  
Percent of net sales
    
23.4
%
    
22.4
%
    
18.6
%

Stryker Corporation (“Stryker”)

The Company supplies a multi-channel ablation generator, used for minimally invasive pain treatment, to Stryker pursuant to a supply and distribution agreement dated as of October 25, 2004, as amended.  The agreement expires on June 30, 2015.
59
On March 31, 2010, the Company entered into a supply agreement with Stryker pursuant to which the Company agreed to supply Stryker with disposable ultrasonic aspirator instrument tips and certain other consumable products used in conjunction with Stryker’s ultrasonic aspirator console and handpieces.  The agreement expires on March 31, 2016.
 
Total sales to Stryker and its respective percent of the Company’s net sales for the years ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, including the historical sales of pain control generators, and accessories that the Company has supplied in the past, as well as the disposable ultrasonic aspirator instrument tips sales and certain other consumable products resulting from the new agreements, were as follows (dollars in thousands):

 
  
Year Ended July 31,
  
 
  
2014
    
2013
    
2012
  
Net sales
  
$
10,779
    
$
10,815
    
$
10,398
  
Percent of net sales
    
16.6
%
    
17.2
%
    
17.3
%

No other customer comprises more than 10 percent of sales in any given year.

Note 6. Inventories

Inventories as of July 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (dollars in thousands):

 
  
2014
    
2013
  
Raw material and component parts
  
$
5,900
    
$
7,418
  
Work in progress
    
2,077
      
1,133
  
Finished goods
    
7,157
      
6,274
  
 
  
$
15,134
    
$
14,825
  

Note 7.  Property and Equipment

Property and equipment as of July 31, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
 
  
2014
    
2013
  
Land
  
$
984
    
$
730
  
Building and improvements
    
6,650
      
6,365
  
Machinery and equipment
    
9,023
      
8,665
  
Furniture and fixtures
    
1,182
      
1,058
  
Software
    
1,113
      
1,107
  
Construction in progress
    
153
      
177
  
 
    
19,105
      
18,102
  
Less accumulated depreciation
    
10,320
      
9,140
  
 
  
$
8,785
    
$
8,962
  
 
Depreciation expense is included in both cost of sales, selling and general and administrative expenses.  There are minimal long-lived assets outside of the United States.  Depreciation expense for the years ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was approximately $1.2 million, $1.1 million and $1.1 million, respectively.

60
Note 8.  Other Intangible Assets

Information regarding the Company’s other intangible assets is as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
 
  
Gross Carrying
Value
    
Accumulated
Amortization
    
Net
  
 
  
July 31, 2014
  
Proprietary know-how
  
$
4,208
    
$
2,208
    
$
2,000
  
Trademark
    
5,944
      
--
      
5,944
  
Licensing agreement
    
5,694
      
2,895
      
2,799
  
Other intangibles
    
1,279
      
111
      
1,168
  
Patents
    
2,375
      
903
      
1,472
  
 
  
$
19,500
    
$
6,117
    
$
13,383
  
 
                        
 
  
July 31, 2013
  
Proprietary know-how
  
$
3,707
    
$
1,936
    
$
1,771
  
Trademark
    
5,938
      
--
      
5,938
  
Licensing agreement
    
5,694
      
2,626
      
3,068
  
Other intangibles
    
938
      
--
      
938
  
Patents
    
2,087
      
676
      
1,411
  
 
  
$
18,364
    
$
5,238
    
$
13,126
  
 
Goodwill of $439,000 and other intangibles of $765,000 are a result of the acquisition of the private ophthalmic manufacturing company completed on May 3, 2014.  Goodwill of $1.5 million and other intangibles of $0.9 million are a result of the acquisition of M.I.S.S completed on July 8, 2013.  Goodwill of $10.7 million and proprietary know-how of $3.7 million are a result of the reverse merger transaction completed on September 21, 2005.  The Company did not incur costs to renew or extend the term of acquired intangible assets during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2014.
 
Amortization is included in general and administrative expense and was $876,000, $680,000 and $600,000 for the years ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  Amortization for the next five years is expected to approximate $975,000 annually.

Note 9. Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses as of July 31, 2014 and 2013 consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):

 
  
2014
    
2013
  
Payroll, commissions and employee benefits
  
$
1,402
    
$
1,737
  
Operations/services
    
832
      
1,421
  
Taxes other than income
    
611
      
328
  
 
  
$
2,845
    
$
3,486
  

Note 10.  Pledged Assets, Short and Long-Term Debt

Revolving Credit Facility: The Company has a credit facility with a bank which allows for borrowings of up to $9.5 million with an interest rate based on either the one-, two- or three-month LIBOR plus 1.75 percent and adjusting each quarter based upon our leverage ratio. As of July 31, 2014, interest under the facility is charged at 1.98 percent. The unused portion of the facility is charged at a rate of 0.20 percent. There were no borrowings under this facility at July 31, 2014. Outstanding amounts are collateralized by the Company’s domestic receivables and inventory. This credit facility was amended on September 30, 2013, to extend the termination date through September 30, 2016.

The facility has two financial covenants: a maximum leverage ratio of 2.25 times and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.25 times. As of July 31, 2014, the Company’s leverage ratio was zero, as there is no outstanding debt as of July 31, 2014, and the minimum fixed charge coverage ratio was 352 times, as interest expense was minimal. The facility restricts the payment of dividends if, following the distribution, the fixed charge coverage ratio would fall below the required minimum.
61
Equipment Line of Credit: Under this credit facility, the Company may borrow up to $1.0 million, with interest currently at one-month LIBOR plus 3.0 percent. Pursuant to the terms of the equipment line of credit, under no circumstance shall the rate be less than 3.5 percent per annum. The unused portion of the facility is not charged a fee. There were no borrowings under this line as of July 31, 2014. The equipment line of credit was amended on September 30, 2013 to extend the maturity date to September 30, 2016.

Note 11. Operating Leases

The Company leases various equipment, a portion of its facilities in O’Fallon, Missouri, the facility in California and the facility in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania under operating leases.  The O’Fallon, Missouri lease expires in February 2016, the California lease expires in November 2017 and the King of Prussia, Pennsylvania lease expires in October 2015.

The approximate minimum rental commitment under non-cancelable operating leases as of July 31, 2014 is due as follows (dollars in thousands):

Year Ending July 31,
  
Amount
  
2015
  
$
394
  
2016
    
173
  
2017
    
75
  
2018
    
26
  
2019
    
--
  
 
  
$
668
  
 
Rent expense incurred and charged to cost of sales and selling, general and administrative expenses was approximately $457,000, $364,000 and $353,000 for the years ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Note 12. Income Tax Matters

The Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries file as a single entity for income tax reporting purposes.  The net deferred income tax amounts included in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of July 31, 2014 and 2013 include the following amounts as deferred income tax assets and liabilities (dollars in thousands):
 
 
  
2014
    
2013
  
Deferred tax assets:
  
   
 
Accounts receivable
  
$
204
    
$
119
  
Inventories
    
1,002
      
847
  
Accrued liabilities
    
173
      
186
  
Deferred revenue
    
5,456
      
5,940
  
Other
    
172
      
133
  
Loss on foreign subsidiaries
    
1,720
      
2,080
  
Valuation allowance
    
(1,720
)
    
--
  
 
    
7,007
      
9,305
  
Deferred tax liability
                
Property and equipment
    
960
      
1,561
  
Other intangible assets
    
2,786
      
2,360
  
 
    
3,746
      
3,921
  
 
  
$
3,261
    
$
5,384
  
 
The Company recorded a valuation allowance of the losses of its foreign subsidiaries in conjunction with its overall income tax strategy including the inclusion of its foreign losses on its U.S. tax return.
62
The deferred tax amounts noted above have been classified on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of July 31, 2014 and 2013, as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
 
  
2014
    
2013
  
Current assets
  
$
2,042
    
$
1,827
  
Long-term asset
    
1,219
      
3,557
  
 
  
$
3,261
    
$
5,384
  
 
The provision for income taxes for the years ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):
 
 
  
2014
    
2013
    
2012
  
Current (receivable) payable
  
$
(338
)
  
$
1,179
    
$
2,153
  
Deferred
    
1,836
      
(49
)
    
153
  
 
  
$
1,498
    
$
1,130
    
$
2,306
  
 
Reconciliation of the Company’s income tax at the statutory rate to the Company’s effective rate is as follows:
 
 
  
2014
    
2013
    
2012
  
Computed at the statutory rate
    
34.0
%
    
34.0
%
    
34.0
%
State taxes, net of federal tax benefit
    
2.4
      
2.5
      
2.4
  
Foreign rate differential
    
(3.2
)
    
--
      
--
  
Production deduction for domestic manufacturers
    
(2.0
)
    
(4.3
)
    
(2.9
)
Research and experimentation
    
(1.6
)
    
(5.3
)
    
(0.8
)
Other
    
3.2
      
3.7
      
(3.2
)
 
    
32.8
%
    
30.6
%
    
29.5
%
 
Note 13. Employee Benefit Plan

The Company has a 401(k) savings plan, which covers employees who have attained the age of 18 and who have been credited with at least one year of service.  Company contributions are made at the discretion of the Board of Directors.  The Company contributed $120,000, $203,000 and $79,000 to the plan for the years ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.

Note 14. Stock-Based Compensation Plans

Stock Option Plans

In addition to the historical options outstanding for Synergetics prior to the merger, the Company has options outstanding under two existing active option plans and two terminated plans of Valley Forge.  Under the Amended and Restated Synergetics USA, Inc. 2001 Stock Plan (the “2001 Plan”), 2,000,000 shares of common stock are authorized for issuance to employees, officers and consultants of the Company.  There were 629,484 options and restricted shares not yet awarded at July 31, 2014 under the 2001 Plan.  Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Synergetics USA, Inc. 2005 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan, as amended (the “Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan”), 700,000 shares of common stock are authorized for issuance to non-employee directors.  There were 285,000 options available for future grants at July 31, 2014 under the Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan.  Generally, options are granted with an exercise price equal to market value at the date of grant and expire ten years from the date of the grant.  Generally, stock options granted under these plans vest over a three to five-year period, with the exception of the non-employee director options, which vest over a 12-month period.

63
A summary of the status of the fixed awards at July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 and changes during the years ended on those dates is as follows:
 
 
  
Shares
    
Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
    
Weighted
Average Fair
Value
  
Options outstanding, July 31, 2011
    
517,029
    
$
2.68
    
$
2.16
  
                       
Granted
    
235,734
    
$
6.21
    
$
4.75
  
Forfeited
    
(56,133
)
  
$
4.11
    
$
3.22
  
Exercised
    
(16,885
)
  
$
2.07
    
$
1.99
  
Options outstanding, July 31, 2012
    
679,745
    
$
3.80
    
$
2.98
  
                       
Granted
    
142,227
    
$
4.52
    
$
3.42
  
Forfeited
    
(15,000
)
  
$
4.54
    
$
3.66
  
Exercised
    
(59,310
)
  
$
1.10
    
$
0.95
  
Options outstanding, July 31, 2013
    
747,662
    
$
3.23
    
$
4.17
  
 
Granted
    
117,500
    
$
3.64
    
$
2.72
  
Forfeited
    
--
      
--
      
--
  
Exercised
    
(50,000
)
  
$
1.17
    
$
0.97
  
Options outstanding July 31, 2014
    
815,162
    
$
4.25
    
$
3.27
  
 
                        
Options exercisable, July 31, 2014
    
582,299
    
$
4.10
    
$
3.18
  
 
A further summary of the awards outstanding at July 31, 2014 is as follows:
 
 
  
Shares
    
Weighted Average
Grant Date Value
  
Unvested options, beginning of period
    
233,211
    
$
3.84
  
Granted
    
117,500
    
$
2.72
  
Vested
    
(117,848
)
  
$
3.40
  
Forfeited
    
--
      
--
  
Unvested options, period end
    
232,863
    
$
3.50
  
 
Proceeds, related tax benefits realized from options exercised and the intrinsic value of options exercised were as follows (dollars in thousands), except exercise price:
 
 
  
Fiscal Year Ended
  
 
  
July 31, 2014
    
July 31, 2013
    
July 31, 2012
  
Proceeds of options exercised
  
$
59
    
$
65
    
$
35
  
Related tax benefit recognized
    
38
      
72
      
24
  
Intrinsic value of options exercised
    
48
      
56
      
34
  
 
The following table provides information about options outstanding and exercisable options at July 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

 
  
Options
Outstanding
    
Exercisable
Options
  
Number
    
815,162
      
582,299
  
Weighted average exercise price
  
$
4.25
    
$
4.10
  
Aggregate intrinsic value
  
$
3,464
    
$
2,387
  
Weighted average contractual term
  
6.5 years
    
5.8 years
  

64
The weighted average remaining life for options outstanding and weighted average exercise price per share for exercisable options at July 31, 2014 were as follows:
 
  
Options Outstanding
  
Exercisable Options
 
Shares
  
Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Life (in
years)
  
Shares
  
Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual Life (in
years)
<$ 2.00
    
124,583
  
5.0 years
    
117,583
  
5.0 years
$ 2.01 to $3.00
    
40,000
  
3.3 years
    
40,000
  
3.3 years
$ 3.01 to $4.00
    
157,500
  
7.6 years
    
64,792
  
5.1 years
$ 4.01 to $5.00
    
257,345
  
6.8 years
    
196,800
  
6.5 years
$ 5.01 to $6.21
    
235,734
  
6.8 years
    
163,124
  
6.6 years
Total
    
815,162
  
6.5 years
    
582,299
  
5.8 years
 
During the second quarter of fiscal 2014, there were options to purchase 60,000 shares of common stock granted to the Company’s independent directors, which vest pro-ratably on a quarterly basis over the next year of service.  Each independent director receives an option to purchase 10,000 shares of the Company’s common stock each year in which he or she is elected, appointed, or re-elected to serve, or continues to serve as a director pursuant to the Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan. These options vest pro-ratably on a quarterly basis over the next year of service on the Board.
 
During the second quarter of fiscal 2014, there were options to purchase 57,500 shares of common stock granted to the officers of the Company.  These options were granted in conjunction with the Company’s annual review of compensation as of August 1, 2013 and vest on a quarterly basis over the next four years of service. The Company recorded $24,000 of compensation expense for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2014, related to these options.
 
The Company expects to issue new shares as options are exercised. As of July 31, 2014, the future compensation cost expected to be recognized for currently outstanding stock options is approximately $324,000 in fiscal 2015, $238,000 in fiscal 2016, $119,000 in fiscal 2017 and $17,000 in fiscal 2018.
 
The following table provides the assumptions used in the Black-Scholes model:

 
  
Fiscal Year Ended July 31,
  
 
  
2014
    
2013
    
2012
  
Expected average risk-free interest rate
    
2.90
%
    
1.72
%
    
1.92
%
Expected average life (in years)
    
10
      
10
      
10
  
Expected volatility
    
68.6
%
    
70.5
%
    
71.4
%
Expected dividend yield
    
0.0
%
    
0.0
%
    
0.0
%

The expected average risk-free rate is based on 10-year U.S. treasury yield curve in December of 2013.  The expected average life represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding giving consideration to vesting schedules, historical exercise and forfeiture patterns.  Expected volatility is based on historical volatilities of Synergetics USA, Inc.’s common stock.  The expected dividend yield is based on historical information and management’s plan.

Restricted Stock Plans

Under the Company’s 2001 Plan, the Company’s common stock may be granted at no cost to certain employees and consultants of the Company.  Certain plan participants are entitled to cash dividends and voting rights for their respective shares.  Restrictions limit the sale or transfer of these shares during a vesting period whereby the restrictions lapse either pro-ratably over a three-year or five-year vesting period or at the end of the third or fifth year.  These shares also vest upon a change of control event.  Upon issuance of stock under the 2001 Plan, unearned compensation equivalent to the market value at the date of the grant is charged to stockholders’ equity and subsequently amortized to expense over the applicable restriction period.  As of July 31, 2014, there was approximately $580,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the Company’s 2001 Plan.  The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of four years which is generally the vesting period.
65
In addition, during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2014, 14,648 shares were granted to advisory consultants under the 2001 Plan.  Compensation expense related to these shares was $55,000 for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2014.
 
The following table provides information about restricted stock awards during the fiscal year ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
 
 
  
Number of Shares
    
Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair Value
  
Balance as of August 1, 2011
    
310,707
    
$
2.38
  
Granted
    
202,072
    
 
6.37
  
Forfeited
    
(39,384
)
  
 
5.88
  
Vested
    
(41,617
)
  
 
3.47
  
Balance as of July 31, 2012
    
431,778
    
 
3.82
  
Granted
    
70,307
    
 
4.52
  
Forfeited
    
(10,160
)
  
 
3.47
  
Vested
    
(86,677
)
  
 
4.57
  
Balance as of July 31, 2013
    
405,248
    
 
3.79
  
Granted
    
7,000
    
 
3.38
  
Forfeited
    
(2,335
)
  
 
3.88
  
Vested
    
(134,366
)
  
 
4.52
  
Balance as of July 31, 2014
    
275,547
    
 
3.42
  
 
Compensation expense associated with stock-based compensation plans as of July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was as follows (dollars in thousands):
 
 
  
July 31, 2014
    
July 31, 2013
    
July 31, 2012
  
Stock Options:
  
   
   
 
Directors
  
$
163
    
$
230
    
$
217
  
Employees
    
364
      
233
      
154
  
Total
  
$
527
    
$
463
    
$
371
  
Restricted Stock
                        
Employees
  
$
426
    
$
413
    
$
357
  
Advisors
    
55
      
55
      
36
  
Total
    
481
      
468
      
393
  
Total Compensation Expense
  
$
1,008
    
$
931
    
$
764
  
Income Tax benefits from Share-based Compensation
  
$
331
    
$
285
    
$
225
  
 
As a result of the King of Prussia facility closure and resulting acceleration of vesting of stock compensation, $201,000 of this compensation expense is included in Exit Costs for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2014.

Note 15.  Stockholders’ Equity
 
Upon completion of the reverse merger between Valley Forge and Synergetics on September 22, 2005, the Company reincorporated in Delaware, decreased the par value of common stock from $0.01 2/3 to $0.001, increased the authorized common shares to 50,000,000 and eliminated the outstanding treasury shares.
66
The holders of common stock have no preemptive rights and the common stock has no redemption, sinking fund or conversion provisions.  Each share of common stock is entitled to one vote on any matter submitted to the holders and to equal rights in the assets of the Company upon liquidation.  All of the outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and nonassessable.

Note 16. Research and Development Costs

R&D costs related to both future and present products are charged to operations as incurred.  The Company incurred approximately $5.2 million, $3.6 million and $3.6 million of R&D costs during the years ended July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Note 17. Enterprise-wide Sales Information
 
Enterprise-wide sales information as of July 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):
 
 
  
Fiscal Year Ended July 31,
  
 
  
2014
    
2013
    
2012
  
Net Sales
  
   
   
 
Ophthalmic
  
$
35,242
    
$
35,446
    
$
35,240
  
OEM (1)
    
28,671
      
26,469
      
23,973
  
Other (2)
    
856
      
881
      
801
  
Total
  
$
64,769
    
$
62,796
    
$
60,014
  
 
 
  
Fiscal Year Ended July 31,
  
 
  
2014
    
2013
    
2012
  
Net Sales
  
   
   
 
Domestic
  
$
48,407
    
$
46,489
    
$
44,047
  
International
    
16,362
      
16,307
      
15,967
  
Total
  
$
64,769
    
$
62,796
    
$
60,014
  
 
(1) Net sales from OEM represent sales of electrosurgery generators, disposable bipolar forceps and related accessories and royalties from Codman, multi-channel generators, disposable ultrasonic tips and related accessories to Stryker, and sales of certain disposable products. Recognition of deferred revenues of $1.3 million from Alcon is included in this category for the fiscal years ended July 31, 2014 and 2013, and recognition of deferred revenues of $266,000 and $1.2 million from Codman and Alcon, respectively, are included in this category for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2012.
 
(2) Net sales from Other represent direct neurosurgery revenues and other miscellaneous revenues.

Note 18. Commitments and Contingencies

The Company has entered into change of control agreements with each of its President and Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Vice President of Domestic Sales and Vice President of Marketing and Technology.  The change in control agreements with its executive officers provide that if employment is terminated within one year for cause or disability following a change in control (as each term is defined in the change in control agreements), as a result of the officers’ death, or by the officer other than as an involuntary termination (as defined in the change in control agreements), the Company shall pay the officer all compensation earned or accrued through his or her employment termination date, including (i) base salary; (ii) reimbursement for reasonable and necessary expenses; (iii) vacation pay; (iv) bonuses and incentive compensation; and (v) all other amounts to which they are entitled under any compensation or benefit plan of the Company (“Standard Compensation Due”).
67
If the officer’s employment is terminated within one year following a change in control without cause and for any reason other than death or disability, including an involuntary termination, and provided the officer enters into a separation agreement within 30 days of his or her employment termination, he or she  shall receive the following: (i) all Standard Compensation Due and any amount payable as of the termination date under the Company’s objectives-based incentive plan, the sum of which shall be paid in a lump sum immediately upon such termination; and (ii) an amount equal to one times his or her annual base salary at the rate in effect immediately prior to the change in control, to be paid in 12 equal monthly installments beginning in the month following his or her employment termination. Furthermore, all of the officer’s awards of shares or options shall immediately vest and be exercisable for one year after the date of his or her employment termination.
 
Various claims, incidental to the ordinary course of business, are pending against the Company.  In the opinion of management, after consultation with legal counsel, resolution of these matters is not expected to have a material effect on the accompanying financial statements.
 
The Company is subject to regulatory requirements throughout the world. In the normal course of business, regulatory agencies may require companies in the medical industry to change their products or operating procedures, which could affect the Company.  The Company regularly incurs expenses to comply with these regulations and may be required to incur additional expenses.  Management is not able to estimate any additional expenditures outside the normal course of operations which will be incurred by the Company in future periods in order to comply with these regulations.

Note 19. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

The following table provides the Company’s quarterly information as presented in the Form 10-Q (dollars in thousands except share and per share data):

Quarters ended:
  
July 31,
2014*
    
April 30,
2014
    
January 31,
2014
    
October 31,
2013
  
Net sales
  
$
18,008
    
$
16,135
    
$
15,096
    
$
15,530
  
Gross profit
    
9,995
      
8,912
      
8,398
      
8,924
  
Operating income
    
2,156
      
1,411
      
(377
)
    
1,391
  
Net income
    
1,410
      
943
      
(225
)
    
935
  
Earnings per share - basic
  
$
0.06
    
$
0.04
    
$
(0.01
)
  
$
0.04
  
Earnings per share - diluted
  
$
0.06
    
$
0.04
    
$
(0.01
)
  
$
0.04
  
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding
    
25,352,326
      
25,331,925
      
25,309,641
      
25,294,020
  
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
    
25,400,341
      
25,392,782
      
25,309,641
      
25,389,940
  

Quarters ended:
  
July 31,
2013**
    
April 30,
2013
    
January 31,
2013
    
October 31,
2012
  
Net sales
  
$
17,857
    
$
16,264
    
$
14,055
    
$
14,620
  
Gross profit
    
9,676
      
9,051
      
5,171
***
    
8,473
  
Operating income
    
2,212
      
1,721
      
(2,153
)
    
1,941
  
Net income
    
1,439
      
1,150
      
(1,382
)
    
1,352
  
Earnings per share – basic
  
$
0.06
    
$
0.05
    
$
(0.05
)
  
$
0.05
  
Earnings per share – diluted
  
$
0.06
    
$
0.05
    
$
(0.05
)
  
$
0.05
  
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding
    
25,290,882
      
25,299,131
      
25,230,142
      
25,160,757
  
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
    
25,367,558
      
25,362,923
      
25,230,142
      
25,286,184
  
 
*        The acquisition of the private OEM company has been reflected in our results of operations from May 3, 2014, the date of the acquisition.
**      The M.I.S.S. acquisition has been reflected in our results of operations from July 8, 2013, the date of the acquisition.
***    In the second quarter of fiscal 2013, the Company recorded an inventory write-down of approximately $2.1 million, or approximately $0.06 per share, net of tax.
68
Note 20. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In March 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued an accounting standard update requiring an entity to release into net income the entire amount of a cumulative translation adjustment related to its investment in a foreign entity when as a parent it either sells a part or all of its investment in the foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets within the foreign entity. This accounting standard update is effective for the Company as of the first quarter of fiscal 2015. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard update on its consolidated financial statements.

In July 2013, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that provides explicit guidance on the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward or a tax credit carryforward exists. Under the new standard update, unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, is to be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward or a tax credit carryforward. This accounting standard update will be effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter fiscal 2015 and applied prospectively with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard update on its consolidated financial statements.

In April 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standard update increasing the threshold for a disposal to qualify as a discontinued operation and require new disclosures of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation.  The standard will be effective for the Company beginning in the second quarter fiscal 2015.  The adoption of the pronouncement may affect the Company’s presentation of future dispositions.

In May 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that provides explicit guidance on the recognition of revenue based upon the entity’s contracts with customers to transfer goods or services.  Under the new standard update, an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services.  This accounting standard update will be effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2018.  The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this accounting standard update on its consolidated financial statements.

In June 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standard update that provides explicit guidance on whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern.  Before the issuance of this update, there was no guidance in U.S. GAAP about management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern or to provide related footnote disclosures. This guidance is expected to reduce the diversity in the timing and content of footnote disclosures. The guidance requires management to assess an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern by incorporating and expanding upon certain principles that are currently in U.S. auditing standards as specified in the guidance. The guidance becomes effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016 and for annual and interim periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effects of adopting this guidance on its consolidated financial statements but the adoption is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
 
The Company has reviewed all other recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting pronouncements and does not believe any such pronouncements will have a material impact on its financial statements.

69
Note 21. Valuation Allowances and Qualifying Accounts

Schedule II — Valuation Allowances and Qualifying Accounts
(dollars in thousands)
 
Classifications
  
Balance at
Beginning
of Year
    
Charges to
Cost and
Expenses
    
Charges to
Other
Accounts
    
Deduction
from
Reserves
    
Balance at
End of
Year
  
Year ended July 31, 2012
  
   
   
   
   
 
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts & Returned Goods
  
$
282
    
$
37
    
$
--
    
$
--
    
$
319
  
Allowance for Excess and Obsolete Inventory
  
$
82
    
$
384
    
$
--
    
$
--
    
$
466
  
Year ended July 31, 2013
                                        
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts & Returned Goods
  
$
319
    
$
207
    
$
--
    
$
31
    
$
495
  
Allowance for Excess and Obsolete Inventory
  
$
466
    
$
1,368
    
$
--
    
$
--
    
$
1,834
  
Year ended July 31, 2014
                                        
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts & Returned Goods
  
$
495
    
$
338
    
$
--
    
$
111
    
$
722
  
Allowance for Excess and Obsolete Inventory
  
$
1,834
    
$
383
    
$
--
    
$
--
    
$
2,217
  
70
SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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.
 
 
Synergetics USA, Inc.
 
(registrant)
October 14, 2014
 
 
/s/ David M. Hable
 
David M. Hable, President and Chief
 
Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
October 14, 2014
/s/ Pamela G. Boone
 
Pamela G. Boone, Executive Vice President, Chief
 
Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer (Principal
 
Financial and Accounting Officer)

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
October 14, 2014
 
 
/s/ David M. Hable
 
David M. Hable, President and Chief
 
Executive Officer and Director
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
October 14, 2014
/s/ Pamela G. Boone
 
Pamela G. Boone, Executive Vice President, Chief
 
Financial Officer, Secretary and Treasurer (Principal
 
Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
 
October 14, 2014
 
 
/s/ Robert H. Dick
 
Robert H. Dick, Chairman of the Board of Directors
 
 
October 14, 2014
 
 
/s/ Robert Blankemeyer
 
Robert Blankemeyer, Director
 
 
October 14, 2014
/s/ Lawrence C. Cardinale
 
Lawrence C. Cardinale, Director
 
 
October 14, 2014
/s/ Guy R. Guarch
 
Guy Guarch, Director
 
 
October 14, 2014
/s/ Juanita H. Hinshaw
 
Juanita H. Hinshaw, Director
 
October 14, 2014
/s/ D. Graeme Thomas
 
D. Graeme Thomas, Director
71
Index to Exhibits
 
Exhibit
Number
 
Description
2.1
Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among Valley Forge Scientific Corp. (“Valley Forge”), Synergetics Acquisition Corporation and Synergetics, Inc. dated May 2, 2005. (Filed as Exhibit 2.1 to Valley Forge’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 4, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
2.2
Amendment No. 1 to Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among Valley Forge, Synergetics Acquisition Corporation and Synergetics, Inc. dated June 2, 2005. (Filed as Exhibit 2.1 to Valley Forge’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 3, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
2.3
Amendment No. 2 to Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among Valley Forge, Synergetics Acquisition Corporation and Synergetics, Inc. dated July 15, 2005. (Filed as Exhibit 2.1 to Valley Forge’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 15, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
2.4
Agreement and Plan of Reincorporation Merger, dated as of September 22, 2005, between Valley Forge and VFSC Delaware, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 27, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
3.1
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant. (Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 27, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
3.2
Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Registrant. (Filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 27, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
4.1
Form of common stock certificate of the Registrant. (Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 27, 2005 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
10.1**
Second Amended and Restated Synergetics USA, Inc. 2001 Stock and Performance Incentive Plan. (Filed as Appendix A to the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement filed on November 12, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
10.2**
Form of Employee Restricted Stock Agreement for the Amended and Restated Synergetics USA, Inc. 2001 Stock Plan. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
10.3**
Valley Forge Scientific Corp. 2000 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan. (Filed as Exhibit 4.3 to Valley Forge’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, Registration No. 333-72134 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
10.4**
Valley Forge Scientific Corp. 1988 Non-Qualified Employee Stock Option Plan, as amended. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Valley Forge’s Registration Statement on Form S-8, Registration No. 333-63637 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
10.5**
Amended and Restated Synergetics USA, Inc. 2005 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan. (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
10.6**
Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Synergetics USA, Inc. 2005 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 29, 2009, and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
10.7**
Amendment No. 2 to Amended and Restated Synergetics USA, Inc. 2005 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan.  (Filed as Appendix A to the Registrant’s Proxy Statement on Schedule 14Afiled on November 14, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference.)
72
10.8**
401(k) and Profit-Sharing Plan. (Filed as Exhibit 10(x) to Valley Forge’s Registration Statement on Form S-18, Registration No. 33-35668-NY and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
10.9**
Change of Control Agreement between Synergetics USA, Inc. and David M. Hable (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 3, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
10.10**
Change in Control Agreement effective as of August 1, 2009 by and between Jerry Malis, MD and Synergetics USA, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 15, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
10.11**
Change in Control Agreement effective as of August 1, 2010 by and between Pamela G. Boone and Synergetics USA, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.10 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on October 12, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
10.12**
Change in Control Agreement effective as of August 1, 2010 by and between Michael Fanning and Synergetics USA, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on March 9, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
10.13**
Change in Control Agreement effective as of August 1, 2010 by and between Jason Stroisch and Synergetics USA, Inc. (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on March 9, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
10.14**
Retirement Agreement between Synergetics USA, Inc. and Dr. Jerry L. Malis, dated December 21, 2013. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on March 3, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
10.15
Assignment of Malis® Trademark, dated June 30, 1989. (Filed as Exhibit 10(j) to Valley Forge’s Registration Statement on Form S-18, Registration No. 33-31008-NY and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
10.16
Assignment of Patents — Bipolar Electrosurgical Systems, June 30, 1989. (Filed as Exhibit 10(h) to Valley Forge’s Registration Statement on Form S-18, Registration No. 33-31008-NY and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
10.17
Assignment of Patents — Binocular Magnification System, June 30, 1989. (Filed as Exhibit 10(i) to Valley Forge’s Registration Statement on Form S-18, Registration No. 33-31008-NY and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
10.18
Assignment of Malis® Trademark, dated June 30, 1989. (Filed as Exhibit 10(j) to Valley Forge’s Registration Statement on Form S-18, Registration No. 33-31008-NY and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
10.19
Supply and Distribution Agreement with Stryker Corporation dated October 25, 2004. (Filed as Exhibit 10.13 to Valley Forge’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2004 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
10.20
Addendum No. 1 to Supply and Distribution Agreement by and between Synergetics USA, Inc. and Stryker Instruments Division of Stryker Corporation dated November 15, 2006.  (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 28, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
10.21#
Addendum No. 2 to Supply and Distribution Agreement by and between Synergetics USA, Inc. and Stryker Instruments Division of Stryker Corporation dated August 1, 2007.  (Filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 28, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
10.22
Acknowledgement of Amendment of Solicitation/Modification of Contract by and between Synergetics USA, Inc. and Stryker Corporation dated January 9, 2012.  (Filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 28, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference.)
73
10.23
Acknowledgement of Amendment of Solicitation/Modification of Contract by and between Synergetics USA, Inc. and Stryker Corporation dated March 19, 2012.  (Filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 28, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
10.24
Acknowledgement of Amendment of Solicitation/Modification of Contract by and between Synergetics USA, Inc. and Stryker Corporation dated as of June 26, 2012.  (Filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 28, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
10.25
Acknowledgement of Amendment of Solicitation/Modification of Contract by and between Synergetics USA, Inc. and Stryker Instruments Division of Stryker Corporation, dated as of October 25, 2012.  (Filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 28, 2012, and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
10.26#
Addendum No. 3 to Supply and Distribution Agreement by and between Synergetics USA, Inc. and Stryker Instruments Division of Stryker Corporation dated November 27, 2012.  (Filed as Exhibit 10.7 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 28, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
10.27#
Supply Agreement by and between Synergetics, Inc. and Stryker Corporation dated March 31, 2010. (Filed as Exhibit 10.26 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on October 1, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
10.28#
Amendment No. 1 to Supply Agreement by and between Synergetics, Inc. and Stryker Corporation dated November 28, 2011. (Filed as Exhibit 10.27 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on October 1, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
10.29#
Amendment No. 2 to Supply Agreement by and between Synergetics, Inc. and Stryker Corporation dated June 30, 2012. (Filed as Exhibit 10.28 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on October 1, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
Amendment No. 3 to Supply Agreement by and between Synergetics, Inc. and Stryker Corporation dated October 28, 2013.
 
 
10.31#
Product Development and Marketing Agreement by and between Synergetics USA, Inc. and Codman & Shurtleff, Inc. dated January 1, 2009. (Filed as Exhibit 10.29 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on October 1, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
10.32#
Amendment No. 1 to Product Development and Marketing Agreement by and between Synergetics USA, Inc. and Codman & Shurtleff, Inc. dated October 21, 2009. (Filed as Exhibit 10.30 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on October 1, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
Amendment No. 2 to Product Development and Marketing Agreement by and between Synergetics USA, Inc. and Codman & Shurtleff, Inc. dated May 12, 2014.
 
 
10.34#
Trademark License Agreement by and between Synergetics IP, Inc. and Codman & Shurtleff, Inc. dated January 1, 2009. (Filed as Exhibit 10.31 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on October 1, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
10.35
Agreement of Lease between Liberty Property Limited Partnership and Valley Forge. (Filed as Exhibit 10.16 to Valley Forge’s to Registration Statement on Form S-4, Registration No. 333-125521 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
10.36
Amendment to Agreement of Lease between Liberty Property Limited Partnership and Synergetics USA, Inc. dated March 26, 2009. (Filed as Exhibit 10.23 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
10.37
Amendment to Agreement of Lease between Liberty Property Limited Partnership and Synergetics USA, Inc. dated July 19, 2012.  (Filed as Exhibit 10.20 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended July 31, 2012 and incorporated herein by reference.)
74
10.38
Letter Agreement between Synergetics, Inc. and Regions Bank, dated February 22, 2006 (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 2, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
10.39
Credit and Security Agreement among Synergetics USA, Inc., Synergetics, Inc. and Regions Bank, dated March 13, 2006.  (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 15, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
10.40
First Amendment to Credit and Security Agreement by and among Synergetics, Inc., Synergetics USA, Inc., Regions Bank, as Agent and Lender, and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Lender, dated September 26, 2006.  (Filed as Exhibit 10.52 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
10.41
Second Amendment to Credit and Security Agreement by and among Synergetics, Inc., Synergetics USA, Inc., Regions Bank, as Agent and Lender, and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Lender, dated December 8, 2006. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 8, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
10.42
Third Amendment to Credit and Security Agreement by and among Synergetics, Inc., Synergetics USA, Inc. and Regions Bank, as Lender, dated June 7, 2007.  (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 8, 2007 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
10.43
Letter Agreement between Synergetics, Inc. and Regions Bank, dated September 28, 2006.  (Filed as Exhibit 10.55 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended July 31, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
10.44
Fourth Amendment to Credit and Security Agreement by and among Synergetics, Inc. and Synergetics USA, Inc. as Borrowers and Regions Bank as Lender, dated as of January 31, 2008. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 11, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
10.45
Fifth Amendment to Credit and Security Agreement by and among Synergetics, Inc. and Synergetics USA, Inc. as Borrowers and Regions Bank as Lender, dated December 1, 2008 (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 3, 2008 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
10.46***
Seventh Amendment to Credit and Security Agreement by and among Synergetics, Inc. and Synergetics USA, Inc. as Borrowers and Regions Bank as Lender, dated November 30, 2009 (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 3, 2009 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
10.47
Eighth Amendment to Credit and Security Agreement by and among Synergetics, Inc. and Synergetics USA, Inc. as Borrowers and Regions Bank as Lender, dated November 30, 2010 (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 6, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
10.48
Ninth Amendment to Credit and Security Agreement by and among Synergetics, Inc. and Synergetics USA, Inc. as Borrowers and Regions Bank as Lender, dated November 30, 2011 (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 2, 2011 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
10.49
Tenth Amendment to Credit and Security Agreement by and among Synergetics, Inc. and Synergetics USA, Inc. as Borrowers and Regions Bank as Lender, dated September 30, 2013 (Filed as Exhibit 10.46 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on October 1, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
10.50
Third Amended and Restated Revolving Note from Synergetics, Inc. and Synergetics USA, Inc. in favor of Regions Bank, dated September 30, 2013 (Filed as Exhibit 10.47 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on October 1, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
10.51
Second Amended and Restated 2008 Equipment Purchase Note from Synergetics, Inc. and Synergetics USA, Inc. in favor of Regions Bank dated September 30, 2013 (Filed as Exhibit 10.48 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on October 1, 2013 and incorporated herein by reference.)
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10.52#
Confidential Settlement and License Agreement between Synergetics USA, Inc. and Alcon, Inc., Alcon Laboratories, Inc. and Alcon Research Ltd. (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference.)
 
 
10.53#
Supply Agreement between Synergetics, Inc. and Alcon Research Ltd. (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 30, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
 
Subsidiaries of Registrant.
 
 
Consent of UHY LLP.
 
 
Certification of the Registrant’s Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
Certification of the Registrant’s Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Of 2002.
 
 
Certification of the Registrant’s Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
 
Certification of the Registrant’s Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
* Filed herewith.
** Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
*** The Company did not enter into a sixth amendment to credit agreement.
# Portions of these exhibits have been omitted pursuant to requests for confidential treatment filed with the Commission.  Omitted material for which confidential treatment has been requested has been filed separately with the Commission.
 
 
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