VERU INC. - Annual Report: 2014 (Form 10-K)

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION 

Washington, D.C. 20549 

FORM 10-K 

(Mark One) 

 

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014

 

For the transition period from                      to                     

 

Commission file number 1-13602

 

The Female Health Company 

 

(Name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (312) 595-9123

Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Securities registered under 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 ☐ No ☑ 

 

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 ☐ No ☑ 

 

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 ☑ No ☐ 

 

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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes ☑ No ☐

 

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K.  ☐

 

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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.

 

 

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

 

The aggregate market value of the voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of March 31, 2014, was approximately $170.7 million based on the per share closing price as of March 31, 2014 quoted on the NASDAQ Capital Market for the registrant’s common stock, which was $7.76. 

 

There were 28,817,465  shares of the registrant’s common stock, $0.01 par value per share outstanding at November 28, 2014. 

 

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

 

Portions of the Proxy Statement for the 2015 Annual Meeting of the Shareholders of the Registrant are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.

 

As used in this report, the terms “we,” “us,” “our,” “The Female Health Company,” “FHC” and the “Company” mean The Female Health Company and its subsidiaries collectively, unless the context indicates another meaning,  and the term "common stock" means shares of our common stock, par value of $0.01 per share.

 

 

 

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THE FEMALE HEALTH COMPANY

 

FORM 10-K

 

September 30, 2014

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Certain statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K which are not statements of historical fact are intended to be, and are hereby identified as, "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words or phrases such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "expect," "intend," "may," "opportunity," "plan," "predict," "potential," "estimate," "will," "would" or the negative of these terms or other words of similar meaning. These statements are based upon the Company's current plans and strategies, and reflect the Company's current assessment of the risks and uncertainties related to its business, and are made as of the date of this report.  The Company cautions readers that forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, those described under the caption "Risk Factors" in Item 1A. of this report.  The Company undertakes no obligation to make any revisions to the forward-looking statements contained in this report or to update them to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this report.

 

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PART I

 

Item 1. Business

 

General

 

The Female Health Company manufactures, markets and sells the FC2 Female Condom (“FC2”).  FC2 is the only currently available female-controlled product approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and cleared by the World Health Organization (WHO) for purchase by U.N. agencies that provides dual protection against unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections ("STIs"), including HIV/AIDS. FC2 was approved by the FDA as a Class III medical device in 2009.

 

Because FC2 is used for both disease prevention and family planning, the public health sector is the Company’s main market. Within the public health sector, various organizations supply critical products such as FC2, at no cost or low cost, to those who need but cannot afford to buy such products for themselves.

 

The Company has a relatively small customer base, with a limited number of customers who generally purchase in large quantities. Over the past few years, significant customers have included large global agencies, such as the United Nations Population Fund (“UNFPA”) and the United States Agency for International Development (“USAID”), through its facilitator, John Snow, Inc., Sekunjalo Investments Corporation (PTY) Ltd (“Sekunjalo”), the Company’s distributor in the Republic of South Africa (“RSA”), and the Brazil Ministry of Health either through UNFPA or Semina Indústria e Comércio Ltda (“Semina”), the Company’s distributor in Brazil.  Other customers include ministries of health or other governmental agencies, which either purchase directly or via in-country distributors, and non-governmental organizations (“NGOs”). 

 

Since the Company began distributing FC2 in 2007, it has been shipped to 144 countries.  A significant number of countries with the highest demand potential are in the developing world.  The incidence of HIV/AIDS, other STIs and unwanted pregnancy in these countries represents a remarkable potential for significant sales of a product that benefits some of the world’s most underprivileged people.  However, conditions in these countries can be volatile and result in unpredictable delays in program development, tender applications and processing orders.

 

Purchasing patterns vary significantly from one customer to another, and may reflect factors other than simple demand.  For example, some governmental agencies purchase through a formal procurement process in which a tender (request for bid) is issued for either a specific or a maximum unit quantity.  Tenders also define other elements required for a qualified bid submission (such as product specifications, regulatory approvals, clearance by WHO, unit pricing and delivery timetable).  Bidders have a limited period of time in which to submit bids.  Bids are subjected to an evaluation process which is intended to conclude with a tender award to the successful bidder.  The entire tender process, from publication to award, may take many months to complete. A tender award indicates acceptance of the bidder’s price rather than an order or guarantee of the purchase of any minimum number of units.  Many governmental tenders are stated to be “up to” the maximum number of units, which gives the applicable government agency discretion to purchase less than the full maximum tender amount.  Orders are placed after the tender is awarded; there are often no set dates for orders in the tender and there are no guarantees as to the timing or amount of actual orders or shipments.  Orders received may vary from the amount of the tender award based on a number of factors including vendor supply capacity, quality inspections and changes in demand. Administrative issues, politics, bureaucracy, process errors, changes in government leadership, funding priorities and/or other pressures may delay or derail the process and affect the purchasing patterns of public sector customers. As a result, the Company may experience significant quarter-to-quarter sales variations due to the timing and shipment of large orders.

 

In the past few years, the Company’s business model, which includes high gross margins, modest capital expenditures and low expense requirements compared to production volumes, has permitted the Company to sustain profitable operations without debt. Continuation of this in the future periods will be contingent on a number of factors, including the degree and period of sales volatility, the strength of global demand for the Company’s product and competition in the Company’s markets.  

 

The Company currently operates in one industry segment which includes the development, manufacture and marketing of consumer health care products.  Therefore, no segment data is disclosed in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this report.  Information regarding the Company's operations by geographic area is included in Note 10 in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in this report.

 

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Company History

 

The female condom was invented by a Danish physician who obtained a U.S. patent for FC1, the Company’s first generation product, in 1988. The physician subsequently sold certain rights to the condom to Chartex Resources Limited (“Chartex”). In the years that followed, Chartex, with resources provided by a Danish entrepreneur and a nonprofit Danish foundation, developed the manufacturing processes and completed other activities associated with bringing the female condom to market in certain non-U.S. countries. The Wisconsin Pharmacal Company, Inc. (“Wisconsin Pharmacal”, the Company's predecessor) owned certain rights to the female condom in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. Wisconsin Pharmacal pursued the pre-clinical and clinical studies and overall development of the product, necessary for U.S. FDA approval and worldwide distribution of the product.

 

The Female Health Company is the successor to Wisconsin Pharmacal, a company which manufactured and marketed disparate specialty chemical and branded consumer products. Wisconsin Pharmacal was originally incorporated in 1971.

 

In fiscal 1995, the Company's Board of Directors approved a plan to complete a series of actions designed, in part, to maximize the potential of the Female Condom. First, the Company restructured and transferred the Wisconsin Pharmacal name and all of the assets and liabilities of the Company other than those related  to the Female Condom to a newly formed, wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, WPC Holdings, Inc. ("Holdings"). In January 1996, the Company sold Holdings to an unrelated third party. Then, in February 1996, the Company acquired Chartex.  At the same time, the Company was renamed The Female Health Company. As a result of the sale of Holdings and the acquisition of Chartex, The Female Health Company evolved to its current state with its sole business consisting of the manufacture, marketing and sale of the Female Condom.

 

The FDA approved FC1 for distribution in the U.S. in 1993 and approved the Company's U.K. FC1 manufacturing facility in 1994. FC1 was produced from a costly raw material, polyurethane, in a labor intensive manufacturing process in London, England.  To expand women’s access to the female condom, increase sales volume, reduce costs, and significantly increase gross margin, the Company developed its second generation Female Condom, FC2, which was completed in 2005.  The second generation product is made from a less costly raw material, a nitrile polymer. FC2’s production process is more efficient and less labor and capital intensive than that of FC1, making it less costly to produce.  Its price is now approximately 30 percent less than FC1.  FC2 is currently being produced at the Company’s facility in Selangor D.E., Malaysia.  Production in London was discontinued with the final shipment of FC1 in October 2009. As a result of the successful development of FC2, the Company was able to both reduce the price to the public health sector and increase its gross margin.

 

FC2 was first marketed internationally in March 2007 and has been marketed in the U.S. since August 2009. In October 2009, the Company completed the transition from its first generation product, FC1, to its second generation product, FC2, and production of FC1 ceased.  The Company retains ownership of certain world-wide rights, as well as various patents, regulatory approvals and other intellectual property related to FC1.

 

FC2 was approved by the FDA as a Class III medical device on March 10, 2009.  In addition to FDA approval, FC2 has been approved by other regulatory agencies, including the European Union, India and Brazil.  Based on a rigorous scientific review, WHO cleared FC2 for purchase by U.N. agencies in 2006. 

 

Since FC2’s introduction in March 2007 through September 30, 2014, approximately 268 million FC2’s have been distributed in 144 countries. It is marketed to consumers through distributors, global public sector procurement organizations and retailers in 16 countries.  Since the first FDA approval in 1993, the Company has sold approximately 443 million Female Condoms (FC1 and FC2).

 

Strategy

 

The Company’s strategy is to fully develop global markets for FC2 for both contraception and STI prevention, including HIV/AIDS. Since the introduction of its first generation product, FC1, the Company has developed contacts and relationships with global public health sector organizations such as WHO, UNFPA, USAID, the United Nations Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS (“UNAIDS”), country-specific health ministries and NGOs, and commercial partners in various countries. The Company has representatives in various locations around the world to provide technical sales support and assist with its customers’ prevention and family planning programs. 

 

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In July 2014, the Company announced a new growth strategy with two key elements.    The first element seeks to accelerate demand for FC2 by strengthening key customer relationships and creating greater awareness of FC2 in our current markets through sales and marketing efforts.  A portion of our training and education resources have been redeployed to support the sales and marketing activities, and the Company is also examining the potential for FC2 in the U.S. consumer market.  The Company appointed a new executive in July 2014, who has responsibility for directing resources to implement the FC2 growth strategy. The Company remains strongly committed to realizing the market potential for FC2, both in the global public sector and potentially as a consumer product in developed countries, and believes that increased spending on sales and marketing activities will accelerate and grow global demand for FC2. The second element of the Company’s new growth strategy involves product diversification.  The Company is actively evaluating the potential acquisition of additional products, technologies and businesses that are complementary to FC2 in terms of market segment, product category and/or channel presence.

 

Products

 

Currently, there are only two FDA approved and marketed products that prevent the transmission of HIV/AIDS through sexual intercourse: the male condom and FC2.  FC2 is currently the only FDA approved and marketed female-controlled product  that prevents STIs, including HIV/AIDS. Used consistently and correctly, FC2 provides women dual protection against STIs, including HIV/AIDS, and unintended pregnancy.  When used correctly the protection rates against unintended pregnancies and STIs are 95 percent for female condoms compared to 98 percent for male condoms according to the FDA. FC2 is not seen as directly competing with the male condom; it provides an alternative to either unprotected sex or male condom usage.

 

An economic analysis of the cost effectiveness of an FC2 HIV/AIDS prevention program conducted by Dr. David Holtgrave, the chairman of the Department of Health Behavior and Society at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health was featured in the March 26, 2012  issue of AIDS and Behavior.  The study showed that the Washington, D.C. FC2 prevention program, a public-private partnership to provide and promote FC2, prevented enough HIV infections in the first year alone to save over $8 million in avoided future medical care costs (over and above the cost of approximately $445,000 for the program).  This means that for every dollar spent on the program, there was a cost savings of nearly $20.  In the article Dr. Holtgrave concluded, “These results clearly indicate that delivery of, and education about, Female Condoms is an effective HIV prevention intervention and an outstanding public health investment.”  Washington, D.C. began its program in 2010 to fight a disease that is at epidemic levels.  At least 3 percent of Washington, D.C. residents have HIV or AIDS, a prevalence rate that is the highest of any U.S. city. 

 

In May 2014, a business case was published by Global Health Visions, LLC, commissioned by Rutgers WPF, the advocacy partner of the Universal Access to Female Condoms (UAFC) Joint Programme.  Part of the publication was a study comparing total expected costs with total estimated economical benefits and it determined there was an excellent return on investment for female condoms in sub-Saharan Africa.  For example, in Nigeria an investment of $1 offers a $3.20 return on investment to the country’s economy. 

 

Numerous clinical and behavioral studies have been conducted regarding use of the female condom. Studies show that in many cultures, the female condom is found acceptable by women and their partners. Importantly, studies also show that when the female condom is made available as an option along with male condoms there is a significant increase in protected sex acts with a concurrent decrease in STIs. The increase in protected sex acts varies by country and averages between 10 percent and 35 percent.

 

FC2 has basically the same physical design, specifications, safety and efficacy profile as FC1.  Manufactured from a nitrile polymer formulation that is exclusive to the Company, FC2 is produced more economically than FC1, which was made from a more costly raw material, polyurethane.   FC2 consists of a soft, loose fitting sheath and two rings: an external ring of rolled nitrile and a loose internal ring, made of flexible polyurethane, FC2’s soft sheath lines the vagina, preventing skin-to-skin contact during intercourse.  Its external ring remains outside the vagina, partially covering the external genitalia. The internal ring is used for insertion and helps keep the device in place during use.

 

FC2’s primary raw material, a nitrile polymer, offers a number of benefits over natural rubber latex, the raw material most commonly used in male condoms.  FC2’s nitrile polymer is stronger than latex, reducing the probability that the female condom sheath will tear during use. Unlike latex, FC2’s nitrile polymer quickly transfers heat.  FC2 warms to body temperature immediately upon insertion which may enhance the user’s sensation and pleasure. Unlike the male condom, FC2 may be inserted in advance of arousal, eliminating disruption during sexual intimacy. FC2 is also an alternative to latex sensitive users who are unable to use male condoms without irritation. For example, 7 percent to 20 percent of the individuals with significant exposure to latex rubber (i.e., healthcare workers) experience such irritation. To the Company's knowledge, there is no reported allergy to the nitrile polymer.  FC2 is pre-lubricated, disposable and recommended for use during a single sex act.  FC2 is not reusable.

 

Global Market Potential

 

Because FC2 offers a woman dual protection against both unintended pregnancy and STIs, including HIV/AIDS, its market encompasses both family planning and disease prevention.

 

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Disease Prevention.  The first clinical evidence of AIDS was noted more than thirty years ago.  Since then, HIV/AIDS has become the most devastating pandemic facing humankind in recorded history. In November 2009, WHO released statistics indicating that on a world-wide basis, HIV/AIDS is now the leading cause of death in women 15 to 44 years of age.  According to WHO, in 2012 worldwide women comprised 50 percent of all the adults living with HIV and approximately 58 percent of all new adult cases of HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa were women. In the United States the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and FDA both list heterosexual sex as the most common method of HIV transmission in women.

 

For sexually active couples, male condoms and FC2 are the only barrier methods approved by the FDA for preventing sexual transmission of HIV/AIDS.  In recent years, scientists have sought to develop alternative means of preventing HIV/AIDS.   Based on the complexities of such research, a viable prevention alternative is unlikely to be available in the foreseeable future.  To date, it is clear that condoms, male and female, continue to play a key role in the prevention of STIs, including HIV/AIDS.  FC2, when used consistently and correctly, gives a woman control over her sexual health by providing dual protection against STIs, including HIV/AIDS, and unintended pregnancy.

 

In the United States, the CDC continues to report that the HIV/AIDS epidemic is taking an increasing toll on women and girls. Women of color, particularly black women, have been especially hard hit.  Women of color comprise both the majority of new HIV and AIDS cases among women, and the majority of women living with the disease.  In 2010, the CDC lists the rate of new HIV infection for black women as approximately 8 times the rate for white women in the United States. In 2010, in the United States, it estimated that one in 32 black women would be diagnosed with HIV in her lifetime, compared to the one in 526 incidence rate amongst white women. 

 

The CDC estimates there are 19 million new STIs in the U.S. each year. It is also estimated that over 24,000 women each year in the U.S. lose the ability to conceive or carry a pregnancy to term due to undiagnosed or untreated STIs. In March 2008, the CDC announced that a study indicated that 26 percent of female adolescents in the U.S. have at least one of the most common STIs.  Led by the CDC’s Sara Forhan, the study is the first to examine the combined national prevalence of common STIs among adolescent women in the U.S.  In addition to overall STI prevalence, the study found that by race, African American teenage girls had the highest prevalence, with an overall prevalence of 48 percent compared to 20 percent among both whites and Mexican Americans.  Overall, approximately half of all the teens in the study reported ever having sex. Among these girls, the STI prevalence was 40 percent.

 

On November 29, 2012, in conjunction with World AIDS day, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, as part of the President’s Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (“PEPFAR”), issued a blueprint for an AIDS Free Generation.  In the blueprint it states that female condoms are unique in providing a female-controlled HIV prevention option and that PEPFAR will work with partner governments and other donors to promote female condoms wherever effective programs can build a sustained demand.

 

On December 3, 2013, donors pledged $12 billion, which includes $1.5 billion from the U.K. Government, over a 3 year period to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.

 

Contraception.  The feminization of HIV/AIDS has increased the relevance of FC2 for the prevention of unintended pregnancies as well as disease prevention.  Unintended pregnancy may result in maternal and infant death, babies with HIV/AIDS, AIDS orphans and increased health care costs.

 

On July 11, 2012, World Population Day, the U.K. Government and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation held a Summit on Family Planning in London, England (the “London Summit”).  It was attended by public health officials, government officials, and private sector companies that supply contraceptives and related products.  FHC was one of only fourteen companies, and the only condom manufacturer, invited to attend the London Summit.  The primary goal of the London Summit was to increase access to contraceptives to an additional 120 million poor women in 69 developing countries by 2020. 

 

The Condom Market

 

The global public health sector market for male condoms is estimated to be greater than 6-7 billion units annually. The private sector market for male condoms is estimated at 10-15 billion units annually. The combined global male condom market (public and private sector) is estimated at a value of $4.5 billion annually.    The female condom market represents a very small portion of the total global condom market.

 

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Government Regulation

 

Female condoms as a group were classified by the FDA as a Class III medical device in 1989.  Class III medical devices are deemed by the FDA to carry potential risks with use which must be tested prior to FDA approval, referred to as Premarket Approval (PMA), for sale in the U.S.  As FC2 is a Class III medical device, prior to selling FC2 in the U.S., the Company was required to submit a PMA application containing technical information on the use of FC2 such as pre-clinical and clinical safety and efficacy studies which were gathered together in a required format and content.  The FC2 PMA was approved by the FDA as a Class III medical device in March 2009.

 

FC2 received the CE Mark which allows it to be marketed throughout the European Union.  FC2 has also been approved by regulatory authorities in Brazil, India and other jurisdictions. 

 

The Company believes that FC2’s PMA and FDA classification as a Class III medical device creates a significant barrier to entry in the U.S. market. The Company estimates that it would take up to six years to implement, execute and receive FDA approval of a PMA to market another type of female condom.

 

In the U.S., FC2 is regulated by the FDA. Pursuant to section 515(a)(3) of the Safe Medical Amendments Act of 1990 (the "SMA Act"), the FDA may temporarily suspend approval and initiate withdrawal of the PMA if the FDA finds that FC2 is unsafe or ineffective, or on the basis of new information with respect to the device, which, when evaluated together with information available at the time of approval, indicates a lack of reasonable assurance that the device is safe or effective under the conditions of use prescribed, recommended or suggested in the labeling. Failure to comply with the conditions of FDA approval invalidates the approval order. Commercial distribution of a device that is not in compliance with these conditions is a violation of the SMA Act.  As an FDA approved medical device, the facilities in which FC2 is produced and tested are subject to periodic FDA inspection to ensure compliance with current Good Manufacturing Processes.  The Company’s most recent FDA inspection was completed in September 2010.

 

The FDA’s approval order for FC2 includes conditions that relate to product labeling, including information on the package itself and instructions for use called a “package insert” which accompanies each product.  The Company believes it is in compliance with the FDA approval order.

 

The Company’s facility may also be subject to inspection by UNFPA, USAID, International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and county specific ministries of health. 

 

Significant Customers

 

Because FC2 provides dual protection against both STIs, including HIV/AIDS, and unintended pregnancy, it is an integral part of both HIV/AIDS prevention and family planning programs throughout the world.  These programs are typically supplied by global public health sector buyers who purchase products for distribution, at low cost or no cost, to those who need but cannot afford to buy such products themselves.  Within the global public health sector are large global agencies such as UNFPA, USAID, DFID (U.K.’s Department for International Development), PSI (Population Services International) and other social marketing groups, various government health agencies and NGOs.  The Company’s most significant customers are either global public health sector agencies, country specific ministries of health or those who facilitate their purchases and/or distribution.

 

The Company's four largest customers in fiscal 2014 were UNFPA, USAID, Sekunjalo and Azinor International Lda, a customer in Angola (“Azinor”).  UNFPA accounted for 40 percent of unit sales in fiscal 2014, 62 percent of unit sales in fiscal 2013, and 40 percent of unit sales in fiscal 2012.  USAID accounted for 17 percent of unit sales in fiscal 2014, less than 10 percent of unit sales in fiscal 2013, and 25 percent of unit sales in fiscal 2012.  Sekunjalo accounted for 13 percent of unit sales in fiscal 2014, less than 10 percent of unit sales in fiscal 2013, and 20 percent of unit sales in fiscal 2012.    Azinor accounted for 11 percent of unit sales in fiscal 2014 with no unit sales in fiscal 2013 or fiscal 2012.  No other single customer accounted for more than 10 percent of unit sales in fiscal 2014, 2013 or 2012.  We also sell to the Brazil Ministry of Health either through UNFPA or Semina.  The Company considers its most significant customers to be UNFPA, USAID, Sekunjalo and Brazil Ministry of Health either through UNFPA or Semina.

 

Commercial Markets – Direct to Consumers

 

The Company has distribution agreements and other arrangements with commercial partners which market to consumers through distributors and retailers in 16 countries, including the United States, Brazil, Spain, France, and the United Kingdom. These agreements are generally exclusive for a single country. Under these agreements, the Company sells FC2 to the distributor partners, who market and distribute the product to consumers in the established territory.   

 

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In the U.S., FHC initiated the FC2 College Health Mini-Grant Program in early 2013. The objective is to create awareness and sexual health knowledge that results in online/in store retail purchasing by young women and men. Education and training is the key content element for this program, similar to the public sector. College health and wellness centers were contacted and advised that they could apply to participate in the FC2 Program. If accepted, FHC would provide a mini-grant ($50-$500) and related education and training materials to help start or enhance an on-campus FC2 program. Grants would be awarded based on a school’s intention to (1) raise awareness of FC2 on campus, (2) increase access to FC2 on campus, and (3) enhance students’ capacity to effectively and accurately use FC2. The pilot regions for The FC2 College Campus Program were determined through selection of the following four American College Health Associations Regional Affiliates: New England, New York, South and South West College Health Associations. In total 30 colleges were chosen to receive grants for The FC2 College Campus Program, including Colgate University, Tulane University and Duke University plus student groups from institutions such as Boston College and University of Florida.  Due to the pilot program’s success, the program has been implemented for the 2014 – 2015 academic year with 20 schools chosen to receive grants between $500 and $1,000.

 

Relationships and Agreements with Public Health Sector Organizations

 

The Company’s customers are primarily large global agencies, NGOs, ministries of health and other government agencies which purchase and distribute FC2 for use in HIV/AIDS prevention and family planning programs.  The Company offers uniform, volume-based pricing to such agencies, rather than entering into long-term supply agreements.

 

In the U.S., FC2 is sold to city and state public health clinics as well as not-for-profit organizations such as Planned Parenthood.  Municipal and state departments of health have been increasing access to FC2 within established condom programming. Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York and Washington, D.C., are all examples of cities with programs providing female and male condoms free of charge. In New York City, at September 30, 2014 FC2 has been distributed in 1,625 locations, up 13% over 1,436 locations at September 30, 2013.

 

The Company has encouraged growth in the U.S. through education and program development support.  To make health professional education broadly available, the Company introduced its FC2 On-line Training Program in March 2012. 

 

The National Female Condom Coalition (NFCC) and Universal Access to Female Condoms (UAFC) sponsored the third annual Global Female Condom Day on September 16, 2014. The 2014 Global Female Condom Day drew greater attention and participation than in the previous year. Public events highlighting the need for access to female condoms and promoting their use in family planning and disease prevention were organized around the world and in the U.S., including events specifically initiated or co-sponsored by the Company.  The Company assembled five internationally recognized health experts and sexual health advocates to record their insights on the challenges and opportunities facing female condom use in the U.S. and around the world, which was made available on Global Female Condom Day.

 

Globally, the Company has a multilingual website that provides downloadable training and education information in English, Portuguese, Spanish and French, which is viewed approximately 1,500 times per month.  The Company also has a multilingual YouTube channel for FC2 animation and instructions which has been viewed more than 10 million times since it was launched in December 2012.

 

Outside of the U.S., 184 training and education sessions were held in 7 countries, with an estimated 118,000 people participating in the sessions in 2014.   In addition, persons in 40 countries asked for and received information and advice on training and education. 

 

Employees

 

As of November 28, 2014, the Company had 149 full-time employees, including 12 located in the U.S., 12 in the U.K., 121 in Malaysia and 4 in other countries to implement training and programs, and 1  part-time employee located in the U.S. None of the Company’s employees are represented by a labor union. The Company believes that its employee relations are good.  In Malaysia, a significant proportion of direct labor is supplied by a contracted work force. 

 

Environmental Regulation

 

The Company believes there are no material issues or material costs associated with the Company's compliance with environmental laws related to the manufacture and distribution of FC2.  The Company has not incurred environmental expenses in fiscal 2014, 2013 or 2012, nor does it anticipate environmental expenses in the foreseeable future.

 

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Raw Materials

 

The principal raw material used to produce FC2 is a nitrile polymer. While general nitrile formulations are available from a number of suppliers, the Company has chosen to work closely with the technical market leader in synthetic polymers to develop a grade ideally suited to the bio-compatibility and functional needs of a female condom.  The supplier has agreed that the Company is the sole and exclusive owner of the unique polymer formulation that was developed for FC2.

 

Manufacturing Facilities

 

The Company leases 25,900 sq. ft. of production space in Selangor D.E., Malaysia for the production of FC2.  In 2012, the Company completed the expansion of the facility’s manufacturing capacity by 20 percent to approximately 100 million units annually. The cost was approximately $700,000, which was funded internally.

 

In fiscal 2014 the Company leased an additional 19,900 sq. ft adjacent to its existing Malaysian facility to support future capacity build-outs which provides sufficient space to add manufacturing capacity of up to an additional 100 million units annually. The Company is currently utilizing this facility for warehouse storage.  The Company will consider manufacturing in other locations as the demand for FC2 develops.

 

Competition

 

FC2 participates in the same market as male condoms; however, it is not seen as directly competing with male condoms. Rather, studies show that providing FC2 is additive in terms of prevention and choice. Male condoms cost less and have brand names that are more widely recognized than FC2. In addition, male condoms are generally manufactured and marketed by companies with significantly greater financial resources than the Company.

 

Other parties have developed and marketed female condoms.  None of these female condoms marketed or under development by other parties have secured FDA approval. FDA approval is required to sell female condoms in the U.S. The Cupid female condom became the second female condom design to successfully complete the WHO prequalification process in July 2012 and be cleared for purchase by U.N. agencies. FC2 has also been competing with other female condoms in markets that do not require either FDA approval or WHO prequalification.  We have experienced increasing competition in the global public sector, and competitors including Cupid received part of the last South African tender.  Increasing competition in FC2’s markets may put pressure on pricing for FC2 or adversely affect sales of FC2, and some customers, particularly in the global public sector, may prioritize price over other features where FC2 may have an advantage.  It is also possible that other female condoms may receive FDA approval or complete the WHO prequalification process, which would increase competition from other female condoms in FC2’s markets.

 

Patents and Trademarks

 

FC2 patents have been issued by the United States, Europe, Canada, Australia, South Africa, the People’s Republic of China,  Japan, Mexico and the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO), which includes Botswana, Gambia, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.  Further, the European patent for FC2 has been validated in the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Spain, Finland, France, United Kingdom, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Slovenia, Slovakia, and Turkey.  The patents cover the key aspects of FC2, including its overall design and manufacturing process.  In addition, patent applications for FC2 are pending in a number of other countries around the world.  There can be no assurance that pending patent applications provide the Company with protection against copycat products entering markets during the pendency of the applications.

 

The Company has a registration for the trademark “FC2 Female Condom” in the United States.  Furthermore, the Company has filed applications or secured registrations in 40 countries or jurisdictions around the world to protect the various names and symbols used in marketing FC2.  These encompass 14 different trademarks, including "femidom," "femy," "Reality" and others.  In addition, the experience that has been gained through years of manufacturing its Female Condoms (FC1 and FC2) has allowed the Company to develop trade secrets and know-how, including certain proprietary production technologies, that further protect its competitive position.

 

Backlog

 

Unfilled product orders totaled $9,848,220 at November 28, 2014 and $2,940,710 at November 29, 2013.  Unfilled orders materially fluctuate from quarter-to-quarter, and the amount at November 28, 2014 includes orders with requested delivery dates later in fiscal 2015. The Company expects current unfilled orders to be filled during fiscal 2015. 

 

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Available Information

 

The Company maintains a corporate website for investors at www.fhcinvestor.com and it makes available, free of charge, through this website its annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports that the Company files with or furnishes to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), as soon as reasonably practicable after it electronically files such material with, or furnishes it to, the SEC.  Information on the Company's website is not part of this report.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

You should carefully consider the risks described below, together with all of the other information included in this Annual Report and our other SEC filings, in considering our business and prospects.  The risks described below are not the only risks we face.  Additional risks that we do not yet know of or that we currently think are immaterial may also impair our business operations.  If any of the events or circumstances described in the following risks occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially adversely affected.  In such cases, the trading price of our common stock could decline.

 

Our success is dependent upon the success of FC2.

 

At this time, we derive our revenues from sales of our only current product, FC2.  The ultimate level of demand for FC2 is uncertain, and we may not be able to grow our business if demand for FC2 does not increase.  We also depend on public sector agencies around the world to continue to include FC2 in their STI prevention and family planning programs; and on our commercial sector distribution partners to successfully market and distribute FC2.  A decline in demand for FC2 would reduce our net revenues and profitability.

 

Our business may be affected by contracting risks with government and other international health agencies.

 

Our customers are primarily large international agencies and government health agencies which purchase and distribute FC2 for use in family planning and HIV/AIDS prevention programs.  Sales to such agencies may be subject to government contracting risks, including the appropriations process and funding priorities, potential bureaucratic delays in awarding contracts under governmental tenders, process errors, politics or other pressures, and the risk that contracts may be subject to cancellation, delay or restructuring.  A governmental tender award indicates acceptance of the bidder’s price rather than an order or guarantee of the purchase of any minimum number of units.  Many governmental tenders are stated to be “up to” the maximum number of units, which gives the applicable government agency discretion to purchase less than the full maximum tender amount.  As a result government agencies may order and purchase fewer units than the full maximum tender amount and there are no guarantees as to the timing or amount of actual orders or shipments under government tenders.  Orders received may vary from the amount of the tender award based on a number of factors including vendor supply capacity, quality inspections and changes in demand.  These contracting risks may cause significant quarter-to-quarter variations in our operating results and could adversely affect our net revenues and profitability.  Budget issues, spending cuts and global health spending priorities affecting government health agencies may also adversely affect demand for our product and our net revenues.

 

Competition from other products, including other female condoms, may have an adverse effect on our net revenues and profit margins.

 

We may be unable to compete successfully against current and future competitors, and competitive pressures could have a negative effect on our net revenues and profit margins.  Other parties have developed and marketed female condoms, although only one such product has WHO pre-clearance and none of these female condoms have been approved by the FDA.  FDA approval is required to sell female condoms in the U.S., and WHO pre-clearance is required to sell female condoms to U.N. agencies.  FC2 has also been competing with other female condoms in markets that do not require either FDA approval or WHO prequalification.  We have experienced increasing competition in the global public sector, and competitors received part of the last South African tender.  Increasing competition in FC2’s markets may put pressure on pricing for FC2 or adversely affect sales of FC2, and some customers, particularly in the global public sector, may prioritize price over other features where FC2 may have an advantage.  It is also possible that other companies will develop a female condom, and such companies could have greater financial resources and customer contacts than us.  In addition, other contraceptive methods may compete with FC2 for funding and attention in the global public sector. 

 

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We may experience difficulties in implementing our growth initiatives.

 

We have announced new initiatives to increase our investment in sales and marketing activities.  We may face a number of obstacles to successfully implementing these initiatives, such as the costs associated with entering new markets or expanding current markets, retaining adequate numbers of effective sales and marketing personnel, developing and implementing effective marketing efforts, and establishing and maintaining appropriate regulatory compliance.  We cannot assure you that we will be successful in implementing our growth strategies or that such strategies, even if implemented, will lead to the successful achievement of our objectives.  Even if we are able to increase our sales as a result of our growth initiatives, we may not be able to achieve an adequate return on the amount we invest in these initiatives. 

 

An inability to identify or complete future acquisitions could adversely affect our future growth.

 

As part of our growth initiatives, we intend to pursue acquisitions of new products, technologies and/or businesses that are complementary to FC2 and enable us to leverage our competitive strengths.  While we continue to evaluate potential acquisitions, we may not be able to identify and successfully negotiate suitable acquisitions, obtain financing for future acquisitions on satisfactory terms, obtain regulatory approval for acquisitions where required or otherwise complete acquisitions in the future.  An inability to identify or complete future acquisitions could limit our future growth.

 

We may experience difficulties in integrating strategic acquisitions.

 

The integration of acquired companies and their operations into our operations involves a number of risks, including:

 

 

Additionally, we may borrow funds to finance strategic acquisitions.  Debt leverage resulting from future acquisitions could adversely affect our operating margins and limit our ability to capitalize on future business opportunities.  Such borrowings may also be subject to fluctuations in interest rates.

 

We depend on three major customers for a significant portion of our net revenues.

 

The Company's three largest customers currently are UNFPA, USAID and Sekunjalo.  UNFPA accounted for 40 percent of unit sales in fiscal 2014, 62 percent of unit sales in fiscal 2013, and 40 percent of unit sales in fiscal 2012.  USAID accounted for 17 percent of unit sales in fiscal 2014, less than 10 percent of unit sales in fiscal 2013, and 25 percent of unit sales in fiscal 2012.  Sekunjalo accounted for 13 percent of unit sales in fiscal 2014, less than 10 percent of unit sales in fiscal 2013, and 20 percent of unit sales in fiscal 2012.  We also sell to the Brazil Ministry of Health either through UNFPA or Semina.  An adverse change in our relationship with our largest customers could have a material adverse effect on our net revenues and profitability.

 

Since we sell product in foreign markets, we are subject to international business risks that could adversely affect our operating results.

 

Our international operations subject us to risks, including:

 

 

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Any of these risks might disrupt the supply of our products, increase our expenses or decrease our net revenues.  The cost of compliance with trade and foreign tax laws increases our expenses, and actual or alleged violations of such laws could result in enforcement actions or financial penalties that could result in substantial costs.

 

Increases in the cost of raw materials, labor and other costs used to manufacture our product could increase our cost of sales and reduce our gross margins.

 

We may experience increased costs of raw materials, including the nitrile polymer used in FC2, and increased labor costs.  We may not be able to pass along such cost increases to our customers.  As a result, an increase in the cost of raw materials, labor or other costs associated with manufacturing FC2 could increase our cost of sales and reduce our gross margins.

 

Currency exchange rate fluctuations could increase our expenses.

 

Because we manufacture FC2 in a leased facility located in Malaysia, a portion of our operating costs are denominated in a foreign currency.  While a material portion of our future sales of FC2 are likely to be in foreign markets, all sales of FC2 are denominated in U.S. dollars.  Manufacturing costs are subject to normal currency risks associated with fluctuations in the exchange rate of the Malaysian ringgit (MYR) relative to the U.S. dollar.  Historically, we have not hedged our foreign currency risk.

 

We rely on a single facility to manufacture FC2, which subjects us to the risk of supply disruptions.

 

We manufacture FC2 in a single leased facility located in Malaysia.  Difficulties encountered by this facility, such as fire, accident, natural disaster or an outbreak of a contagious disease, could halt or disrupt production at the facility, delay the completion of orders or cause the cancellation of orders.  Any of these risks could increase our expenses or reduce our net revenues.

 

Our product is subject to substantial government regulation which exposes us to risks that we will be fined or exposed to civil or criminal liability, receive negative publicity or be prevented from selling our product.    

 

FC2 is subject to regulation by the FDA under the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, and by foreign regulatory agencies.  Under the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, medical devices must receive FDA clearance before they can be sold.  FDA regulations also require us to adhere to "Good Manufacturing Practices," which include testing, quality control and documentation procedures.  Our compliance with applicable regulatory requirements is monitored through periodic inspections by the FDA and foreign regulatory agencies.  If we fail to comply with applicable regulations, we could:

 

 

Uncertainty and adverse changes in the general economic conditions may negatively affect our business.

 

If general economic conditions in the U.S. and other global markets in which we operate decline, or if consumers fear that economic conditions will decline, consumers may reduce expenditures for products such as our product.  Adverse changes may occur as a result of adverse global or regional economic conditions, fluctuating oil prices, declining consumer confidence, unemployment, fluctuations in stock markets, contraction of credit availability or other factors affecting economic conditions generally.  These changes may negatively affect the sales of our product, increase the cost and decrease the availability of financing, or increase costs associated with producing and distributing our product.  In addition, a substantial portion of the sales of FC2 are made in the public market to government agencies, including USAID and other government agencies around the world.  Worsening economic conditions as well as budget deficits and austerity measures may cause pressures on government budgets and result in a reduction in purchases of FC2 by governmental agencies. Sales of our product fluctuate, which causes our operating results to vary from quarter-to-quarter.

 

Sales of our product fluctuate based upon demand from our commercial partners and the public sector and the nature of government procurement processes.  Historically, our net revenues and profitability have varied from quarter–to-quarter due to such buying patterns.  Quarterly variations in operating results may cause us to fail to meet our earnings guidance or market expectations for our operating results and may tend to depress our stock price during such quarters.

 

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Material adverse or unforeseen legal judgments, fines, penalties or settlements could have an adverse impact on our profits and cash flows.

 

We may, from time to time, become a party to legal proceedings incidental to our business, including, but not limited to, alleged claims relating to product liability, environmental compliance, patent infringement, commercial disputes and employment matters.  Future litigation could require us to record reserves or make payments which could adversely affect our profits and cash flows.  Even the successful defense of legal proceedings may cause us to incur substantial legal costs and may divert management's attention and resources away from our business.

 

Our success depends, in part, on our ability to protect our intellectual property.

 

We rely on our patented and other proprietary technology relating to FC2.  The actions taken by us to protect our proprietary rights may not be adequate to prevent imitation of our product, processes or technology.  We cannot assure you that our proprietary technology will not become known to competitors, or that others will not independently develop a substantially equivalent or better female condom that does not infringe on our intellectual property rights, or will not challenge or assert rights in, and ownership of, our patents and other proprietary rights.

 

A limited number of our shareholders can exercise substantial influence over our company.

 

As of November 28, 2014, our directors and executive officers and their affiliates beneficially owned in the aggregate approximately 23.6 percent of the outstanding shares of our common stock.  If these shareholders were to vote together as a group, they would have the ability to exert significant influence over our Board of Directors and policies.  For instance, these shareholders would be able to exert a significant influence over the outcome of all shareholder votes, including votes concerning director elections, amendments to our articles of incorporation and possible mergers, corporate control contests and other significant corporate transactions.

 

There are provisions in our charter documents, Wisconsin law and change of control agreements with our officers that might prevent or delay a change in control of our company.

 

We are subject to a number of provisions in our charter documents, Wisconsin law and change of control agreements that may discourage, delay or prevent a merger or acquisition that a shareholder may consider favorable.  These provisions include the following:

 

 

The trading price of our common stock has been volatile, and investors in our common stock may experience substantial losses.

 

The trading price of our common stock has been volatile and may become volatile again in the future.  The trading price of our common stock could decline or fluctuate in response to a variety of factors, including:

 

 

You may be unable to sell your stock at or above your purchase price.

 

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Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

 

Not Applicable

 

Item 2. Properties

 

The Company leases approximately 5,100 square feet of office space at 515 North State Street, Suite 2225, Chicago, IL 60654.  The lease expires October 31, 2016.  The Company utilizes warehouse space and sales fulfillment services of an independent public warehouse located in Wood Dale, IL for storage and distribution of FC2.   In June 2010, the Company entered a new lease agreement for 6,400 square feet of office space located in London, England.  The lease, which expires in June 2020, includes an option by the Company to terminate the lease in 2015.  The Company manufactures and warehouses FC2 within a leased facility with 45,800 sq. ft. of production and warehouse space, in Selangor D.E., Malaysia.  The FDA-approved manufacturing process is subject to periodic inspections by the FDA as well as the U.K. based “notified body”, which is responsible for CE and ISO accreditation. The lease currently has an expiration date of September 1, 2016 and is renewable at the option of the Company for an additional three year term. The Company’s Malaysian production capacity is approximately 100 million units annually.

 

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

 

The Company is not currently involved in any pending legal proceedings.

 

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not Applicable

 

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PART II

 

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

 

Shares of our common stock trade on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol "FHCO".  The approximate number of record holders of our common stock at November 28, 2014 was 272.  In January 2010, the Board of Directors adopted a quarterly cash dividend policy and declared the first cash dividend in the Company's history, which was paid in February 2010.  In total, the Board has declared eighteen quarterly dividends, the most recent of which was paid in May 2014.  All dividends have been paid from the Company's cash on hand.  On July 14, 2014, the Company announced that its Board of Directors elected to suspend the payment of quarterly cash dividends in order to devote operating cash flows towards strategic growth initiatives. Under the Company's credit facility with Heartland Bank, dividends and share repurchases are permitted as long as after giving effect to the dividend or share repurchase the Company has a ratio of total liabilities to total stockholders' equity of not more than 1:1.  Information regarding the high and low reported closing prices for our common stock and dividends paid on our common stock for the quarters indicated is set forth in the table below.

 

 

Stock Repurchase Program

 

The Company has had a Stock Repurchase Program in effect since January 2007.  The Stock Repurchase Program currently authorizes a total of 3,000,000 shares to be acquired through December 31, 2014. From the program’s onset through September 30, 2014, the total number of shares repurchased by the Company is 2,183,454.  The Stock Repurchase Program authorizes purchases in privately negotiated transactions as well as in the open market. 

 

In October 2008 the Company's Board of Directors authorized repurchases in private transactions under the Stock Repurchase Program of shares issued under the Company's equity compensation plans to directors, employees and other service providers at the market price on the effective date of the repurchase request. Total repurchases under this provision currently are limited to an aggregate of 450,000 shares per calendar year and to a maximum of 50,000 shares annually per individual.  Private repurchase transactions for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012 were 4,000,  45,625 and 34,000 shares, respectively.  Open market repurchase transactions for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012 were 165,000,  10,000, and 10,000 shares, respectively.

 

 

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Performance Graph

 

The performance graph set forth below shows the value of an investment of $100 on September 30, 2009 in each of The Female Health Company, the NASDAQ Composite Index and NASDAQ Health Care Index.  All values assume reinvestment of the pre-tax value of dividends paid by FHC and the companies included in the indices, and are calculated as of September 30 each year.  The historical stock price performance of FHC is not necessarily indicative of future stock performance. 

 

 

 

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Item 6. Selected Financial Data

 

The data set forth below should be read in conjunction with Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  The Consolidated Statement of Income Data for the years ended September 30, 2014, 2013 and 2012, and the Consolidated Balance Sheet Data as of September 30, 2014 and 2013, are derived from the Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this report.  The Consolidated Statement of Income Data for the years ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, and the Consolidated Balance Sheet Data as of September 30, 2012, 2011 and 2010, are derived from Consolidated Financial Statements that are not included in this report.  The historical results are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for future periods.

 

 

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

 

Overview

 

The Company manufactures, markets and sells FC2.  FC2 is the only currently available female-controlled product approved by the FDA that provides dual protection against unintended pregnancy and STIs, including HIV/AIDS.

 

Because FC2’s primary usages are for disease prevention and family planning, the public health sector is the Company’s main market. Within the public health sector, various organizations supply critical products such as FC2, at no cost or low cost, to those who need but cannot afford to buy such products for themselves.

 

FC2 has been distributed in 144 countries.  A significant number of countries with the highest demand potential are in the developing world.  The incidence of HIV/AIDS, other STIs and unwanted pregnancy in these countries represents a remarkable potential for significant sales of a product that benefits some of the world’s most underprivileged people.  However, conditions in these countries can be volatile and result in unpredictable delays in program development, tender applications and processing orders.

 

The Company has a relatively small customer base, with a limited number of customers who generally purchase in large quantities. Over the past few years, major customers have included large global agencies, such as UNFPA and USAID.  Other customers include ministries of health or other governmental agencies, which either purchase directly or via in-country distributors, and NGOs. 

 

Purchasing patterns vary significantly from one customer to another, and may reflect factors other than simple demand.  For example, some governmental agencies purchase through a formal procurement process in which a tender (request for bid) is issued for either a specific or a maximum unit quantity.  Tenders also define the other elements required for a qualified bid submission (such as product specifications, regulatory approvals, clearance by WHO, unit pricing and delivery timetable).  Bidders have a limited period of time in which to submit bids.  Bids are subjected to an evaluation process which is intended to conclude with a tender award to the successful bidder.  The entire tender process, from publication to award, may take many months to complete. A tender award indicates acceptance of the bidder’s price rather than an order or guarantee of the purchase of any minimum number of units.  Many governmental tenders are stated to be “up to” the maximum number of units, which gives the applicable government agency discretion to purchase less than the full maximum tender amount.  Orders are placed after the tender is awarded; there are often no set dates for orders in the tender and there are no guarantees as to the timing or amount of actual orders or shipments.  Orders received may vary from the amount of the tender award based on a number of factors including vendor supply capacity, quality inspections and changes in demand.  Administrative issues, politics, bureaucracy, process errors, changes in leadership, funding priorities and/or other pressures may delay or derail the process and affect the purchasing patterns of public sector customers.  As a result, the Company may experience significant quarter-to-quarter sales variations due to the timing and shipment of large orders.

 

In the past few years, the Company’s business model, which includes high gross margins, modest capital expenditures and low expense requirements compared to production volumes, has permitted the Company to sustain profitable operations without debt. Continuation of these accomplishments in the future periods will be contingent on a number of factors, including the degree and period of sales volatility and on the strength of global demand for the Company’s product.

 

During fiscal 2011, the Company's unit shipments, revenues and net income were adversely affected by bureaucratic delays and other timing issues involving the receipt and shipment of large orders from Brazil and RSA. Significant orders for both countries were received in the first quarter of fiscal 2012. The 20 million unit order received for shipment to Brazil was the largest order in the Company’s history. Receipt of these orders positively impacted fiscal 2012 and 2013 results. 

 

In October 2014, we announced that Semina, our distributor in Brazil, has been awarded an exclusive contract under a public tender.  The contract is valid through August 20, 2015, and the Brazil Ministry of Health may place orders against this tender in its discretion.  We expect orders under this contract to commence in the first quarter of fiscal 2015, although the timing and amounts of orders under the contract is uncertain.

 

Details of the quarterly unit sales for the last five fiscal years are listed below:

 

 

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Revenues.  The Company's revenues are derived from sales of FC2, and are recognized upon shipment of the product to its customers.

 

The Company's strategy is to further develop a global market and distribution network for its product by maintaining relationships with public health sector groups and completing partnership arrangements with companies with the necessary marketing and financial resources and local market expertise.  

 

The Company’s most significant customers are either global public health sector agencies or those who facilitate their purchases and/or distribution of FC2 for use in HIV/AIDS prevention and/or family planning.  The Company's four largest customers currently are UNFPA, USAID, Sekunjalo and Azinor.  UNFPA accounted for 40 percent of unit sales in fiscal 2014, 62 percent of unit sales in fiscal 2013, and 40 percent of unit sales in fiscal 2012.  USAID accounted for 17 percent of unit sales in fiscal 2014, less than 10 percent of unit sales in fiscal 2013, and 25 percent of unit sales in fiscal 2012.  Sekunjalo accounted for 13 percent of unit sales in fiscal 2014, less than 10 percent of unit sales in fiscal 2013, and 20 percent of unit sales in fiscal 2012.  Azinor accounted for 11 percent of unit sales in fiscal 2014 with no unit sales in fiscal 2013 or fiscal 2012.  No other single customer accounted for more than 10 percent of unit sales in fiscal 2014, 2013 or 2012.  We also sell to the Brazil Ministry of Health either through UNFPA or Semina.  In the U.S., FC2 is sold to city and state public health clinics as well as to not-for-profit organizations such as Planned Parenthood.

 

Because the Company manufactures FC2 in a leased facility located in Malaysia, a portion of the Company's operating costs are denominated in foreign currencies. While a material portion of the Company's future sales are likely to be in foreign markets, all sales are denominated in the U.S. dollar. Effective October 1, 2009, the Company’s U.K. and Malaysia subsidiaries adopted the U.S. dollar as their functional currency, further reducing the Company’s foreign currency risk.

 

Expenses.  The Company manufactures FC2 at its facility located in Selangor D.E., Malaysia.  The Company's cost of sales consists primarily of direct material costs, direct labor costs and indirect production and distribution costs.  Direct material costs include raw materials used to make the FC2, principally a nitrile polymer.  Indirect product costs include logistics, quality control and maintenance expenses, as well as costs for helium, nitrogen, electricity and other utilities.  All of the key components for the manufacture of FC2 are essentially available from either multiple sources or multiple locations within a source. 

 

The Company's operating expenses include costs for sales, marketing, education and training relating to FC2.  During the London Summit, the Company announced a program to support the London Summit's goal to provide contraceptives to an additional 120 million women by 2020.  This program includes a plan for the Company to invest up to $14 million over the period from 2013 through 2018 in reproductive health and HIV/AIDS prevention education and training in collaboration with global agencies.  Such investment in education and training may increase the Company’s operating expenses in future periods, although the Company has not set a specific timetable for any such increased spending on education and training.  In connection with the London Summit, the Company implemented a volume purchasing incentive program to award major public sector purchasers with FC2 equal to 5 percent of their total annual units purchased, at no-cost. The Company reserves for the no-cost product as a cost of sales, which may affect the Company’s gross margin.    

 

Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2014 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2013

 

Operating Highlights.   The Company had net revenues of $24,490,586 during fiscal 2014, compared to $31,456,778 in fiscal 2013. The Company’s fiscal 2014 unit sales were 22 percent lower than fiscal 2013.  The average sales price of FC2 increased 0.3 percent in fiscal 2014 from fiscal 2013.

 

The Company generated cash flow from operations of $3,663,596 for fiscal 2014 compared to $11,793,081 for fiscal 2013.

 

The Company had net income of $2,433,061, or $0.08 per diluted share, in fiscal 2014 compared to net income of $14,342,598, or $0.50 per diluted share, in fiscal 2013.

 

Results of Operations. The Company had net revenues of $24,490,586 and net income of $2,433,061, or $0.08 per diluted share, in fiscal 2014, compared to net revenues of $31,456,778 and net income of $14,342,598, or $0.50 per diluted share, in fiscal 2013.  Net revenues decreased  $6,966,192, or 22 percent, in fiscal 2014 compared to prior fiscal year.  Results in fiscal 2013 were in part impacted by the receipt and shipment of Brazil orders delayed from fiscal 2011.  The delayed orders were shipped in fiscal 2012 and 2013 and did not continue in fiscal 2014.

 

Cost of sales decreased $2,583,312, or 19 percent, to $11,369,108 in fiscal 2014 from $13,952,420 in fiscal 2013.  The decrease is primarily due to a reduction in material costs due to lower unit sales partially offset by increased costs of quality control testing, a net increase in rent due to the leased warehouse facility and an increase in insurance costs.

 

Gross profit decreased  $4,382,880, or 25 percent, to $13,121,478 in fiscal 2014 from $17,504,358 in fiscal 2013. Gross profit as a percentage of net revenues decreased to 54 percent in fiscal 2014 from 56 percent in fiscal 2013.

 

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Advertising expenses decreased  $163,597 to $58,121 in fiscal 2014 from $221,718 in fiscal 2013. The decrease is primarily due to a program launched in fiscal 2013 which did not recur in fiscal 2014.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased  $1,646,402 to $9,139,445 in fiscal 2014 from $7,493,043 in fiscal 2013. The increase was primarily due to increased spending in sales, marketing, training and education.    The majority of the increased spending relates to payments to our Brazilian distributor for programming related to the 2012 tender and for management fees for the recently announced 2014 tender.

 

Total operating expenses increased  $1,482,805 to $9,197,566 in fiscal 2014 from $7,714,761 in fiscal 2013. 

 

The Company's operating income decreased  $5,865,685 to $3,923,912 in fiscal 2014 from $9,789,597 in fiscal 2013.  The decrease is primarily due to lower unit sales and the increased spending in sales, marketing, training and education.  

 

The Company recorded non-operating income of $33,279 in fiscal 2014 compared to $144,257 in fiscal 2013. The decrease is primarily due to the distribution upon demutualization of an insurance carrier received in fiscal 2013.  The impact of the foreign currency transactions was a loss of $83,844 in fiscal 2014 compared to a loss of $101,288 in fiscal 2013.

 

Income tax expense increased  $5,932,874 to $1,524,130 in fiscal 2014 compared to an income tax benefit of $4,408,744 in fiscal 2013.  The increase is primarily due to the Company no longer recognizing an income tax benefit associated with reducing the Company’s valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets related to net operating loss carryforwards.  During the year ended September 30, 2013, the valuation allowance on the Company’s deferred tax assets was fully realized and as a result the Company does not expect to recognize such tax benefits to any significant extent in its consolidated statements of income for periods after September 30, 2013.  However the Company’s net operating loss carryforwards will be utilized to reduce cash payments for income taxes based on the statutory rate in effect at the time of such utilization.  Actual income taxes paid are reflected on the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows.

 

Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2013 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2012

 

Operating Highlights.   The Company had net revenues of $31,456,778 during fiscal 2013, compared to $35,033,897 in fiscal 2012. The Company’s fiscal 2013 unit sales were 11 percent lower than fiscal 2012 due to the receipt and shipment of large orders from Brazil and the RSA in fiscal 2012.  The average sales price of FC2 increased 1 percent in fiscal 2013 from fiscal 2012.

 

The Company generated cash flow from operations of $11,793,081 for fiscal 2013 compared to $10,356,054 for fiscal 2012.

 

The Company had net income of $14,342,598, or $0.50 per diluted share, in fiscal 2013 compared to net income of $15,299,321, or $0.53 per diluted share, in fiscal 2012.

 

During fiscal 2013, the Company continued to pay quarterly dividends, raising the quarterly dividend rate from $0.06 per share to $0.07 per share mid-year. The Company remains debt free.

 

Results of Operations. The Company had net revenues of $31,456,778 and net income of $14,342,598, or $0.50 per diluted share, in fiscal 2013, compared to net revenues of $35,033,897 and net income of $15,299,321, or $0.53 per diluted share, in fiscal 2012.  Net revenues decreased $3,577,119, or 10 percent, in fiscal 2013 compared to the prior fiscal year.  Results in fiscal 2012 were in part impacted by the receipt of Brazil and RSA orders delayed from fiscal 2011.  This catch up factor did not repeat in fiscal 2013 negatively impacting the comparison to fiscal 2012.

 

Cost of sales decreased $460,464, or 3 percent, to $13,952,420 in fiscal 2013 from $14,412,884 in fiscal 2012. The decrease is primarily due to a reduction in material costs due to lower sales units partially offset by increased costs as a result of an investment for storage materials due to increased inventory, additional quality control testing to conform to the requirements of a major customer and the Company’s volume purchasing incentive program.

 

Gross profit decreased $3,116,655, or 15 percent, to $17,504,358 in fiscal 2013 from $20,621,013 in fiscal 2012. Gross profit as a percentage of net revenues decreased to 56 percent in fiscal 2013 from 59 percent in fiscal 2012.

 

Advertising expenses increased $168,769 to $221,718 in fiscal 2013 from $52,949 in fiscal 2012. The increase is due to the expansion of the U.S. training and education program.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $2,135,091 to $7,493,043 in fiscal 2013 from $9,628,134 in fiscal 2012. The decrease was primarily due to a reduction in incentive payments partially offset by increased spending in education and training and consulting expenses. 

 

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Total operating expenses decreased $1,966,322 to $7,714,761 in fiscal 2013 from $9,681,083 in fiscal 2012.

 

The Company's operating income decreased $1,150,333 to $9,789,597 in fiscal 2013 from $10,939,930 in fiscal 2012. The decrease is primarily due to the lower unit sales.

 

The Company recorded non-operating income of $144,257 in fiscal 2013 compared to non-operating expense of $147,907 in fiscal 2012. The increase is primarily due to the distribution upon demutualization of an insurance carrier.  The impact of the foreign currency transactions was a loss of $101,288 in fiscal 2013 compared to a loss of $148,269 in fiscal 2012.

 

An entity is able to recognize a tax benefit for current or past losses when it can demonstrate that the tax loss carryforward will be utilized before expiration.  Management believes that the Company’s recent and projected future growth and profitability has made it more likely than not that the Company will utilize a portion of its net operating loss carryforwards in the future. The Company recorded a deferred tax benefit in the amount of $5.3 million during fiscal 2013 compared to $4.9 million for fiscal 2012 as a result of the decrease in the valuation allowance on these assets.

 

Liquidity and Sources of Capital

 

We generally fund our operations and working capital needs through cash generated from operations.  Our operating activities generated cash of $3.7 million in fiscal 2014, $11.8 million in fiscal 2013, and $10.4 million in fiscal 2012.  The decrease of $8.1 million in cash generated from operating activities in fiscal 2014 as compared to fiscal 2013 was primarily due to the reduction in net revenues and the timing of orders shipped in the fourth quarter.  In fiscal 2014, investing activities consumed about $0.1 million.  Financing activities used a net of $6.7 million, most of which was used to pay quarterly cash dividends.  The increase of $1.4 million in cash generated from operating activities in fiscal 2013 as compared to fiscal 2012 was primarily due to the decrease in the amount of outstanding accounts receivable at year end and the reduction in incentive payments.  In fiscal 2013, investing activities consumed about $0.3 million for the purchase of fixed assets related to the expansion of the Company’s Malaysian facility.  Financing activities used a net of $7.8 million, most of which was used to pay quarterly cash dividends.

 

At September 30, 2014, the Company had working capital of $9.7 million and stockholders' equity of $28.1 million compared to working capital of $13.4 million and stockholders' equity of $31.4 million as of September 30, 2013.

 

Since the Company’s Board of Directors instituted a quarterly cash dividend program in January 2010, the Company has paid a total of 18 consecutive dividends, the most recent of which was paid on May 7, 2014.  The first 9 quarterly dividends were paid at the rate of $0.05 per share through February 9, 2012, 4 were paid at a quarterly rate per share of $0.06 from May 9, 2012 through February 6, 2013 and 5 were paid at a quarterly rate per share of $0.07 from May 8, 2013 through May 7, 2014.  A cumulative total of $29.4 million has been paid since the program’s initiation.

 

On July 14, 2014, the Company announced that its Board of Directors has elected to suspend the payment of quarterly cash dividends in order to devote operating cash flows towards strategic growth initiatives.

 

The Company believes its current cash position is adequate to fund operations of the Company in the next 12 months, although no assurances can be made that such cash will be adequate. If the Company needs additional cash, it may sell equity securities to raise additional capital and may borrow funds under its Heartland Bank credit facility.

 

On August 1, 2014, the Company entered into an amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Loan Agreement (as amended, the “Loan Agreement”) with Heartland Bank to extend the term of the Company’s revolving line of credit to August 1, 2015. The credit facility consists of a single revolving note for up to $2 million with Heartland Bank, with borrowings limited to a borrowing base determined based on 70 percent to 80 percent of eligible accounts receivable plus 50 percent of eligible inventory. Significant restrictive covenants in the Loan Agreement include prohibitions on any merger, consolidation or sale of all or a substantial portion of the Company’s assets and limits on the payment of dividends or the repurchase of shares. The Loan Agreement does not contain any financial covenants that require compliance with ratios or amounts.  Dividends and share repurchases are permitted as long as after giving effect to the dividend or share repurchase the Company has a ratio of total liabilities to total stockholders’ equity of no more than 1:1.  Borrowings on the revolving note bear interest at the national prime rate published by the Wall Street Journal (3.25 percent at September 30, 2014). The note is collateralized by substantially all of the assets of the Company. No amounts were outstanding under the revolving note at either September 30, 2014 or 2013.

 

As of November 28, 2014, the Company had approximately $5.1 million in cash, net trade accounts receivable of $4.1 million and current trade accounts payable of $0.9 million. Presently, the Company has no required debt service obligations. 

 

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The following table includes information relating to our contractual obligations as of September 30, 2014 in future fiscal years:

 

 

Critical Accounting Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and use assumptions that affect certain reported amounts and disclosures. Critical accounting estimates include the deferred income tax valuation allowance. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

 

The Company files separate income tax returns for its foreign subsidiaries. ASC Topic 740 requires recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements or tax returns.  Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statements and tax bases of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred tax assets are also provided for carryforwards for income tax purposes. In addition, the amount of any future tax benefits is reduced by a valuation allowance to the extent such benefits are not expected to be realized.

 

The Company accounts for income taxes using the liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets or liabilities for the tax-effected temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities, and for net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards.

 

The Company completes a detailed analysis of its deferred income tax valuation allowance on an annual basis or more frequently if information comes to our attention that would indicate that a revision to its estimates is necessary.  In evaluating the Company’s ability to realize its deferred tax assets, management considers all available positive and negative evidence on a country by country basis, including past operating results and forecast of future taxable income.  In determining future taxable income, management makes assumptions to forecast U.S. federal and state, U.K. and Malaysia operating income, the reversal of temporary differences, and the implementation of any feasible and prudent tax planning strategies. These assumptions require significant judgment regarding the forecasts of the future taxable income in each tax jurisdiction, and are consistent with the forecasts used to manage the Company’s business. It should be noted that the Company realized significant losses through 2005 on a consolidated basis. Since fiscal 2006, the Company has consistently generated taxable income on a consolidated basis, providing a reasonable future period in which the Company can reasonably expect to generate taxable income. In management’s analysis to determine the amount of the deferred tax asset to recognize, management projected future taxable income for each tax jurisdiction.

 

Although management uses the best information available, it is reasonably possible that the estimates used by the Company will be materially different from the actual results. These differences could have a material effect on the Company's future results of operations and financial condition.

 

Our effective tax rates have differed from the statutory rate primarily due to the tax impact of foreign operations, state taxes, certain benefits realized related to equity-based awards, and reversal of the valuation allowance against the NOL carryforwards. Our future effective tax rates could be adversely affected by earnings being lower than anticipated in countries where we have lower statutory rates and higher than anticipated in countries where we have higher statutory rates, changes in the valuation of our deferred tax assets or liabilities, or changes in tax laws, regulations, and accounting principles. In addition, we are subject to the continuous examination of our income tax returns by the IRS and other tax authorities. We regularly assess the likelihood of adverse outcomes resulting from these examinations to determine the adequacy of our provision for income taxes.

 

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Impact of Inflation and Changing Prices

 

Although the Company cannot accurately determine the precise effect of inflation, the Company has experienced increased costs of product, supplies, salaries and benefits, and increased general and administrative expenses. The Company has, where possible, increased selling prices to offset such increases in costs.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

The Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements as defined in Item 303(a) (4) of Regulation S-K.

 

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Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

The Company's exposure to market risk is limited to fluctuations in raw material commodity prices, particularly the nitrile polymer used to manufacture FC2, and foreign currency exchange rate risk associated with the Company's foreign operations.  The Company does not utilize financial instruments for trading purposes or to hedge risk and holds no derivative financial instruments which would expose it to significant market risk.  Effective October 1, 2009, the Company's U.K. subsidiary and Malaysia subsidiary each adopted the U.S. dollar as its functional currency.  The consistent use of the U.S. dollar as the functional currency across the Company reduces its foreign currency risk and stabilizes its operating results.  The Company currently has no significant exposure to interest rate risk.  The Company has a line of credit with Heartland Bank, consisting of a revolving note for up to $2 million with borrowings limited to a percentage of eligible accounts receivable and eligible inventory.  Outstanding borrowings under the line of credit will incur interest at a rate equal to the national prime rate published by the Wall Street Journal.  As the Company has had no outstanding borrowings in the last five years, it currently has no significant exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates.  Should the Company incur future borrowings under its line of credit, it would be subject to interest rate risk related to such borrowings.

 

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

 

The response to this item is submitted in a separate section of this report. See “Index to Consolidated Financial Statements” for a list of the financial statements being filed herein.

 

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

 

As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer and the Company's Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Based on this evaluation, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective. It should be noted that in designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. The Company has designed its disclosure controls and procedures to reach a level of reasonable assurance of achieving desired control objectives and, based on the evaluation described above, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective at reaching that level of reasonable assurance.

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

There was no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) during the Company's most recently completed fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

 

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

The report of management required under this Item 9A is contained on page F-1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the heading "Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting."

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

The attestation report required under this Item 9A is contained on page F-2 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the heading "Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm."

 

Item 9B. Other Information

 

None.

 

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PART III

 

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

 

Information with respect to this item is incorporated herein by reference to the discussion under the headings “Proposal 1: Election of Directors,” “Executive Officers,” “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance,” “Corporate Governance Matters-Director Nominations” and “Audit Committee Matters – Audit Committee Financial Expert” in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed with the SEC on or before January 28, 2015.  Information regarding the Company’s Code of Business Ethics is incorporated herein by reference to the discussion under “Corporate Governance Matters –Code of Business Ethics” in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed with the SEC on or before January 28, 2015. 

 

The Audit Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors is an “audit committee” for purposes of Section 3(a)(58)(A) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. 

 

Item 11. Executive Compensation

 

Information with respect to this item is incorporated herein by reference to the discussion under the headings “Director Compensation and Benefits,” and “Executive Compensation” in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed with the SEC on or before January 28, 2015.  The information under the subsection "Executive Compensation – Compensation Committee Report" is not deemed to be "soliciting material" or to be "filed" with the SEC or subject to Regulation 14A under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or to be the liabilities of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent it is specifically incorporated by reference into such a filing.

 

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

 

Information with respect to this item is incorporated herein by reference to the discussion under the heading “Security Ownership” in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed with the SEC on or before January 28, 2015.

 

Equity Compensation Plan Information

 

The following table summarizes share information, as of September 30, 2014, for the Company's equity compensation plans and arrangements. The plans and arrangements dated prior to July 2007 were not required to be approved by the Company's shareholders, and, accordingly, none of these plans or arrangements have been approved by the Company's shareholders.  In March 2008, the Company’s shareholders approved the 2008 Stock Incentive Plan and authorized 2 million shares (subject to adjustment in the event of stock splits and other similar events) for issuance under the plan.

 

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(1)Includes rights to receive a total of 66,750 shares contingent on continued employment.

 

The Company's equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders consists of the 1997 Stock Option Plan. Options granted under the 1997 Stock Option Plan are nonqualified stock options under the Internal Revenue Code. Options expire at such time as the Board of Directors determines, provided that no stock option may be exercised later than the tenth anniversary of the date of its grant. Options cannot be exercised until the vesting period, if any, specified by the Board of Directors. Options are not transferable other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution, and may be exercised during the life of the participant only by him or her. The option price per share is determined by the Board of Directors, but cannot be less than 100 percent of the fair market value of the common stock on the date such option is granted. The 1997 Stock Option Plan expired as of December 31, 2006, thus no further shares can be issued under this plan.

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Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

 

Information with respect to this item is incorporated herein by reference to the discussion under the heading “Certain Relationships and Related Transactions” in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed with the SEC on or before January 28, 2015.  Information regarding director independence is incorporated by reference to the discussions under “Corporate Governance Matters – Director Independence” in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed with the SEC on or before January 28, 2015.

 

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

 

Information with respect to this item is incorporated herein by reference to the discussion under the heading “Audit Committee Matters – Fees of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” in the Company’s Proxy Statement for the 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed with the SEC on or before January 28, 2015.    

 

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PART IV

 

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

 

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

 

1.Financial Statements

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.Financial Statement Schedules

 

All schedules for which provision is made in the applicable accounting regulations of the SEC are not required under the related instructions, are inapplicable or the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto, and therefore, have been omitted.

 

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3.Exhibits

 

____________

 

 

   The response to this portion of Item 15 is submitted as a separate section of this report.

 

(c)  Financial Statement Schedules

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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.

 

 

POWER OF ATTORNEY

 

Each person whose signature appears below hereby appoints Karen King and Michele Greco, and each of them individually, his true and lawful attorney-in-fact, with power to act with or without the other and with full power of substitution and resubstitution, in any and all capacities, to sign any or all amendments to the Form 10-K and file the same with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or their substitutes, may lawfully cause to be done by virtue hereof.

 

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 date indicated.

 

 

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The Female Health Company

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

 

 

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Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended).  The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company’s management and Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.  The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

 

(i)            pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;

 

(ii)            provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. 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

 

(iii)            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. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.  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.

 

Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2014.  In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework in 1992.  Based on its assessment, management believes that, as of September 30, 2014, the Company's internal control over financial reporting was effective based on those criteria.

 

The effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2014 has been audited by McGladrey LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report.  See ”Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm,” which appears on page F-2 of this report.

 

December 2, 2014

 

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders

The Female Health Company

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of The Female Health Company and Subsidiaries (the Company) as of September 30, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the three-year period ended September 30, 2014.  We also have audited The Female Health Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 1992.  The Female Health Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting 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 audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.  Our audits of the financial statements included examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.  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 audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

 

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 (a) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (b) 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 (c) 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, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of The Female Health Company as of September 30, 2014 and 2013, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the three-year period ended September 30, 2014, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  Also in our opinion, The Female Health Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in 1992.

 

/s/ McGladrey LLP

Chicago, Illinois

December 2, 2014

 

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THE FEMALE HEALTH COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2014 AND 2013

 

 

 

 

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THE FEMALE HEALTH COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2014, 2013 AND 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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