Form 10-Q

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

 

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

 

  For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2015.

 

OR

 

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

 

  For the transition period from ____ to ____.

 

Commission File Number: 0-6669

 

 

 

FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

New York 13-1950672
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)  

 

477 Rosemary Ave., Suite 219, West Palm Beach, FL 33401 

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

 

(561) 465-0030

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding twelve 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 (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).            Yes ☐            No ☒

 

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

  

Large accelerated filer Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Smaller reporting company

 

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

 

The number of shares outstanding of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share, on May 12, 2015, which is the latest practical date prior to the filing of this report, was 8,556,755 shares.

 

 
 

 

         
FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES  
         
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION   Page
      No.
Item 1. Financial Statements      
  Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2015 (Unaudited) and September 30, 2014   3  
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive (Loss) Income (Unaudited) for the Three and Six Months Ended March 31, 2015 and 2014

  4  
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) for the Six Months Ended March 31, 2015 and 2014

  5  
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations   16  
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk   23  
Item 4. Controls and Procedures   24  
         
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION      
         
Item 1. Legal Proceedings   25  
Item 1A. Risk Factors   25  
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds   25  
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities   25  
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures   25  
Item 5. Other Information   25  
Item 6. Exhibits   26  
  Signatures   27  

 

1
 

 

Note Regarding Use of Certain Terms

 

In this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms have the meanings assigned to them as set forth below:

 

“we”, “our”, and the “Company” refer to Forward Industries, Inc., a New York corporation, together with its consolidated subsidiaries; 

“Forward” or “Forward Industries” refers to Forward Industries, Inc.; 

“common stock” refers to the common stock, $.01 par value per share, of Forward Industries, Inc.; 

“Forward US” refers to Forward Industries’ wholly owned subsidiary Forward Industries (IN), Inc., an Indiana corporation;

“Forward Switzerland” refers to Forward Industries’ wholly owned subsidiary Forward Industries (Switzerland) GmbH, a Swiss corporation;

 “Forward UK” refers to Forward Industries’ former wholly owned subsidiary Forward Ind. (UK) Limited, a limited company of England and Wales;

“Forward China” refers to Forward Industries Asia-Pacific Corporation (f/k/a Seaton Global Corporation), Forward’s exclusive sourcing agent in the Asia-Pacific region;

“GAAP” refers to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States; 

“Commission” refers to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission; 

“Exchange Act” refers to the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended;

“Fiscal 2014” refers to our fiscal year ended September 30, 2014;

“Fiscal 2015” refers to our fiscal year ending September 30, 2015; 

“Europe” refers to the countries included in the European Union;

“EMEA Region” means the geographic area encompassing Europe, the Middle East and Africa;

“APAC Region” refers to the Asia Pacific Region, consisting of Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, India, the Philippines and Vietnam;

“Americas” refers to the geographic area encompassing North, Central, and South America;

“OEM” refers to Original Equipment Manufacturer; and

“Retail” refers to the retail distribution channel.

 

Note Regarding Presentation of Financial Information

 

Certain figures included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q have been subject to rounding adjustments; accordingly, figures shown as totals in certain tables may not be an arithmetic aggregation of the figures that precede them.

 

2
 

 

Part I. Financial Information
       
Item 1. Financial Statements
       
FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
             
    March 31,     September 30,  
    2015     2014  
    (Unaudited)     (Note 1)  
Assets            
Current assets:            
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 2,704,344     $ 6,477,132  
Marketable securities     -       1,051,230  
Accounts receivable     5,657,948       6,124,871  
Inventories     2,415,679       2,374,837  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets     342,414       401,549  
Total current assets     11,120,385       16,429,619  
Property and equipment, net     100,041       98,990  
Other assets     40,962       40,962  
Total assets   $ 11,261,388     $ 16,569,571  
Liabilities and shareholders’ equity                
Current liabilities:                
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities   $ 1,153,162     $ 1,218,541  
Due to Forward China     3,516,939       5,215,768  
Total current liabilities     4,670,101       6,434,309  
Other liabilities     123,162       115,202  
Total liabilities     4,793,263       6,549,511  

6% Senior Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share; 851,154 and    
    1,500,000 shares authorized; 0 and 648,846 shares issued and outstanding;
    aggregate liquidation value of $0 and $1,275,000; as of March 31, 2015 and
    September 30, 2014, respectively

    -       833,365  
                 
Commitments and contingencies                
                 
Shareholders’ equity:                

Preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share; 4,000,000 shares authorized;
    3,048,846 and 2,400,000 undesignated at March 31, 2015 and
    September 30, 2014, respectively:

               
                 

Series A Participating Preferred stock, par value $0.01; 100,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding

    -       -  

Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 40,000,000 shares authorized; 
8,556,755 and 9,159,796 shares issued; 
8,556,755 and 8,453,386 shares outstanding; 
at March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively

    85,568       91,598  
Additional paid-in capital     17,441,548       18,747,371  
Treasury stock, 0 and 706,410 shares at cost at March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, respectively     -       (1,260,057 )
Accumulated deficit     (11,036,874 )     (8,371,806 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (22,117 )     (20,411 )
Total shareholders’ equity     6,468,125       9,186,695  
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   $ 11,261,388     $ 16,569,571  

  

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

 

3
 

 

FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
(UNAUDITED)
                   
    Three Months Ended March 31,     Six Months Ended March 31,  
    2015     2014     2015     2014  
                         
Net sales   $ 7,247,339     $ 6,699,881     $ 15,191,199     $ 15,115,358  
Cost of goods sold     5,895,518       5,296,250       12,276,957       11,866,527  
Gross profit     1,351,821       1,403,631       2,914,242       3,248,831  
                                 
Operating expenses:                                
Sales and marketing     695,628       725,240       1,378,085       1,341,947  
General and administrative     1,337,258       812,207       3,807,683       1,668,723  
Total operating expenses     2,032,886       1,537,447       5,185,768       3,010,670  
(Loss) income from operations     (681,065 )     (133,816 )     (2,271,526 )     238,161  
                                 
Other (income) expense:                                
Interest income     (6 )     (9,212 )     (3,021 )     (17,730 )
(Gain) loss on marketable securities, net     -       (41,407 )     110,001       39,433  
Loss on change in fair value of warrant liability     -       188,166       -       136,258  
Other expense, net     6,637       11,256       9,945       16,001  
Total other expense, net     6,631       148,803       116,925       173,962  
                                 
(Loss) income from continuing operations     (687,696 )     (282,619 )     (2,388,451 )     64,199  
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net     -       (18,395 )     198,963       (13,786 )
Net (loss) income     (687,696 )     (301,014 )     (2,189,488 )     50,413  
Preferred stock dividends and accretion     (1,886 )     (47,572 )     (475,580 )     (96,471 )
Net loss applicable to common equity   $ (689,582 )   $ (348,586 )   $ (2,665,068 )   $ (46,058 )
                                 
Net (loss) income   $ (687,696 )   $ (301,014 )   $ (2,189,488 )   $ 50,413  
Other comprehensive (loss) income:                                
Translation adjustments     (839 )     554       (1,706 )     1,033  
Comprehensive (loss) income   $ (688,535 )   $ (300,460 )   $ (2,191,194 )   $ 51,446  
                                 
Net (loss) income per basic and diluted common shares:                                
(Loss) income from continuing operations   $ (0.08 )   $ (0.04 )   $ (0.34 )   $ (0.01 )
Income from discontinued operations     0.00       0.00       0.03       0.00  
Net (loss) income per basic and diluted common shares   $ (0.08 )   $ (0.04 )   $ (0.31 )   $ (0.01 )
                                 

Weighted average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding:

                               
Basic     8,486,402       8,195,808       8,463,183       8,177,996  
Diluted     8,486,402       8,195,808       8,463,183       8,177,996  

 

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

 

4
 

 

FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
       
    Six Months Ended March 31,  
    2015     2014  
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:            
Net (loss) income   $ (2,189,488 )   $ 50,413  

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash used in operating activities:

               
Realized and unrealized loss on marketable securities     110,001       39,432  
Share-based compensation     (39,597 )     128,024  
Depreciation and amortization     29,347       34,011  
Change in fair value of warrant liability     -       136,258  
Deferred rent     7,960       (16,581 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                
Accounts receivable     465,423       (185,257 )
Inventories     (40,842 )     (61,519 )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets     59,135       11,461  

Accounts payable, due to Forward China, accrued expenses and other current liabilities

    (1,764,414 )     (389,652 )
Net cash used in operating activities     (3,362,475 )     (253,410 )
                 
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:                
Proceeds from sales of marketable securities     952,127       5,213,665  
Purchases of marketable securities     (10,898 )     (5,398,477 )
Purchases of property and equipment     (30,398 )     (15,206 )
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities     910,831       (200,018 )
                 
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:                
Redemption of 6% Senior Convertible Preferred Stock     (1,287,737 )     -  
Dividends paid     (21,208 )     (38,145 )
Restricted stock repurchased and retired     (12,199 )     -  
Net cash used in financing activities     (1,321,144 )     (38,145 )
                 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents     (3,772,788 )     (491,573 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period     6,477,132       6,616,995  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   $ 2,704,344     $ 6,125,422  
                 
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:                
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:                
Preferred stock accretion   $ 454,372     $ 58,326  
Retirement of treasury stock   $ 1,260,057     $ -  

  

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

 

5
 

  

FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 1 OVERVIEW

 

Forward Industries, Inc. (“Forward” or the “Company”) was incorporated under the laws of the State of New York and began operations in 1961 as a manufacturer and distributor of specialty and promotional products. The Company designs, markets, and distributes carry and protective solutions, primarily for hand held electronic devices. The Company’s principal customer market is original equipment manufacturers, or “OEMs” (or the contract manufacturing firms of these OEM customers), that either package their products as accessories “in box” together with their branded product offerings, or sell them through their retail distribution channels. The Company’s OEM products include carrying cases and other accessories for medical monitoring and diagnostic kits and a variety of other portable electronic and non-electronic products (such as sporting & recreational products, bar code scanners, smartphones, GPS location devices, tablets, and firearms). The Company’s OEM customers are located in the Americas, the EMEA Region, and the APAC Region. The Company does not manufacture any of its OEM products and sources substantially all of its OEM products from independent suppliers in China (refer to Note 8 – Buying Agency and Supply Agreement).

 

On June 21, 2012, the Company determined to exit its global retail business and focus solely on growing its OEM business. The decision to eliminate the Retail division was primarily driven by the longer than estimated path to bring it to profitability and the strong top line growth and cost rationalizations in the OEM business. The Retail business is presented as discontinued operations.

 

On December 30, 2014, the Company held its 2014 annual meeting of shareholders (the “2014 Annual Meeting”) primarily for the purpose of electing either a slate of directors proposed by the then-incumbent board of directors or a slate of directors proposed by Terence Bernard Wise, a director and significant shareholder in the Company at the time. At the 2014 Annual Meeting, the Company’s shareholders voted for the election of the slate of directors proposed by Mr. Wise, which resulted in the turnover of a majority of the Company’s directors.

 

In the opinion of management, the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q reflect all normal recurring adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position and results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented herein, but are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the year ended September 30, 2015. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, and with the disclosures and risk factors presented herein and therein, respectively. The September 30, 2014 condensed consolidated balance sheet has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements.

 

NOTE 2 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Accounting Estimates

 

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

 

Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Forward Industries, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (Forward US, Forward Switzerland, Forward HK (inactive) and Forward UK (inactive)). All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Reclassifications

 

Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

 

6
 

 

FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 2 ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

 

Income Taxes

 

The Company accounts for its income taxes in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires, among other things, recognition of future tax benefits and liabilities measured at enacted rates attributable to temporary differences between financial statement and income tax bases of assets and liabilities and to net tax operating loss carry-forwards to the extent that realization of these benefits is more likely than not. As of March 31, 2015, there was no change to our assessment that a full valuation allowance was required against all net deferred tax assets. Accordingly, any deferred tax provision was offset by an equal and opposite change to the valuation allowance.

 

6% Senior Convertible Preferred Stock

 

Temporary Equity

 

The 6% Senior Convertible Preferred Stock was classified as temporary equity in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 480-10-s99 - Distinguishing Liabilities from Equity – Overall – SEC Materials and Accounting Series Release (“ASR”) 268 – Presentation in Financial Statements of “Redeemable Preferred Stock”, as the redemption feature was not solely within the control of the Company.

 

Warrants

 

In accordance with ASC 815-40 – Derivatives and Hedging – Contracts in Entity’s Own Equity, the Company’s warrants were initially classified as a liability, at fair value, as a result of a related registration rights agreement that contained certain requirements for registering the underlying common shares, but had no provision for penalties upon the failure to register. At each balance sheet date, this liability’s fair value was re-measured and adjusted with the corresponding change in fair value recorded in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income. As of March 31, 2014, the underlying shares were registered and the liability was marked-to-the-market and reclassified to equity.

 

Preferred Stock Accretion

 

As of the issuance date, the carrying amount of the convertible preferred stock was less than the redemption value. As a result of the Company’s determination that redemption was probable (See Note 4 – Shareholders’ Equity – 6% Senior Convertible Preferred Stock and Warrants), the carrying value was increased by periodic accretions so that the carrying value would equal the redemption amount at the earliest redemption date. Such accretion is recorded as a preferred stock dividend.

 

Revenue Recognition

 

The Company generally recognizes revenue from product sales to its customers when: (1) title and risk of loss are transferred (in general, these conditions occur at either point of shipment or point of destination, depending on the terms of sale); (2) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (3) the Company has no continuing obligations to the customer; and (4) collection of the related accounts receivable is reasonably assured.

 

Share-Based Payment Expense

 

The Company recognizes employee and director share-based compensation in its condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income at the grant-date fair value of stock options and other equity-based compensation. The determination of stock option grant-date fair value is estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model, which includes variables such as the expected volatility of the Company’s share price, the exercise behavior of its grantees, interest rates, and dividend yields. These variables are projected based on the Company’s historical data, experience, and other factors. In the case of awards with multiple vesting periods, the Company has elected to use the graded vesting attribution method, which recognizes compensation cost on a straight-line basis over each separately vesting portion of the award as if the award was, in-substance, multiple awards. Refer to Note 5 – Share Based Compensation. In addition, the Company recognizes share-based compensation to non-employees based upon the fair value, using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, determined at the deemed measurement dates over the related contract service period.

 

7
 

 

FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 2 ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2013-11, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists.” This ASU addresses the requirements regarding the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit within ASC Topic 740 for the purpose of providing consistency between the financial reporting of U.S. GAAP entities. Generally, this ASU provides guidance for the preparation of financial statements and disclosures when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. This ASU is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2013 and did not have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

 

NOTE 3 DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

 

On June 21, 2012, the Company determined to exit its global retail business and focus solely on growing its OEM business. The decision to eliminate the Retail division was primarily driven by the longer than estimated path to bring it to profitability and the strong net sales growth and cost rationalizations in the OEM business. Accordingly, the results of operations for the Retail division have been recorded as discontinued operations in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for the periods presented. The Company has completed its exit of its Retail business. Summarized operating results of discontinued operations are presented in the following table:

 
    For the Three Months Ended     For the Six Months Ended  
    March 31,     March 31,  
    2015     2014     2015     2014  
Net sales   $ -     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Gross loss     -       -       -       (9,700 )
Operating expenses     -       (18,395 )     (1,082 )     (4,030 )
Other income (expense)     -       -       200,045       (56 )
(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net   $ -     $ (18,395 )   $ 198,963     $ (13,786 )

 

The Company had $280,000 of accounts receivable relating to overdue payments pursuant to a Settlement Agreement and General Release (“Settlement Agreement”) executed on July 3, 2013 between the Company and G-Form LLC (“G-Form”) in exchange for certain retail inventories, the Company’s cooperation with certain administrative matters, and a mutual general release. Due to the age of the accounts receivable and G-Form’s non-responsiveness to the Company’s communication related to the matter, the Company established a full reserve for this receivable as of September 30, 2014. In December 2014, the Company recovered $200,000 from a third party, which was recognized as other income during the six months ended March 31, 2015.

 

NOTE 4 SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

6% Senior Convertible Preferred Stock

 

In the event of a liquidation (or deemed liquidation, as described below) of the Company, the holders of the Company’s 6% Senior Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share (“Convertible Preferred Stock”), shall receive in preference to the holders of common stock and any junior securities of the Company an amount (the “Liquidation Preference”) equal to (i) $1.965 (the “Original Issue Price”) per each outstanding share of Convertible Preferred Stock (subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain customary events), plus (ii) any accrued but unpaid dividends. A Change of Control of the Company (as defined in the Certificate of Amendment) will be treated as a liquidation at the option of the holders of a majority of the Convertible Preferred Stock, provided that the amount paid to holders of Convertible Preferred Stock in such event will be equal to 101% of the Original Issue Price, plus accrued but unpaid dividends.

 

8
 

 

FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 4 SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (CONTINUED)

 

6% Senior Convertible Preferred Stock (continued)

 

Dividends on the Convertible Preferred Stock were payable, on a cumulative basis, in cash, at the rate per annum of 6% of the Liquidation Preference (as defined below) and were payable quarterly, in arrears, on each March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31, commencing on September 30, 2013. The Company was prohibited from paying any dividend with respect to shares of common stock or other junior securities in any quarter unless full dividends were paid on the Convertible Preferred Stock in such quarter.

 

At the December 30, 2014 Annual Meeting, the shareholder vote resulted in the turnover of a majority of the Board members, which represented a Change of Control pursuant to the terms of the Convertible Preferred Stock. On December 31, 2014, the Company determined to recognize the balance of the accretion and bring the Convertible Preferred Stock carrying value up to its redemption value due to the likelihood of the holders requesting redemption. On January 9, 2015, the Company received a notice of deemed liquidation from a majority of the outstanding Convertible Preferred Stockholders in which they requested redemption of their Convertible Preferred Stock. On February 23, 2015 the Company paid an aggregate $1,287,737 to the Convertible Preferred Stockholders, in order to redeem all of the outstanding shares of Convertible Preferred Stock.

 

Dividends on the Convertible Preferred Stock totaled approximately $2,000 and $19,000 for each of the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and totaled approximately $21,000 and $38,000 for the six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. These dividends, in addition to the accretion, totaled approximately $2,000 and $48,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $476,000 and $96,000 for the six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. As of March 31, 2015 and September 30, 2014, the carrying value of the Convertible Preferred Stock was $0 and $833,365, respectively, and is included on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets as temporary equity.

 

Stock Repurchase

 

In September 2002 and January 2004, the Board authorized the repurchase of up to an aggregate of 486,200 shares of outstanding common stock. Under those authorizations, through March 31, 2015, the Company repurchased an aggregate of 223,614 shares at a cost of approximately $485,000. In November 2014, the Company repurchased and retired an aggregate of 10,340 shares of its outstanding restricted common stock at a cost of approximately $12,000, in connection with the vesting of employee restricted stock awards, wherein certain employees surrendered a portion of their award in order to fund certain tax withholding obligations.

 

Retirement of Treasury Stock

 

On December 5, 2014, the Board of Directors approved the retirement of 706,410 shares of existing treasury stock.

 

9
 

 

FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 4 SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (CONTINUED)

 

Changes in Shareholders’ Equity

 

Changes in shareholders’ equity for the six months ended March 31, 2015 are summarized below:

                                                                 
                                        Accumulated        
                Additional                       Other        
    Common Stock     Paid-In     Treasury Stock     Accumulated     Comprehensive        
    Shares     Amount     Capital     Shares     Amount     Deficit     Loss     Total  
                                                 
Balance - September 30, 2014     9,159,796     $ 91,598     $ 18,747,371       706,410     $ (1,260,057 )   $ (8,371,806 )   $ (20,411 )   $ 9,186,695  
Restricted stock award issuances     240,000       2,400       (2,400 )     -       -       -       -       -  
Restricted stock award forfeitures     (126,291 )     (1,263 )     1,263       -       -       -       -       -  
Restricted stock repurchased and retired     (10,340 )     (103 )     (12,096 )     -       -       -       -       (12,199 )
Treasury stock retired     (706,410 )     (7,064 )     (1,252,993 )     (706,410 )     1,260,057       -       -       -  
Share-based compensation     -       -       (39,597 )     -       -       -       -       (39,597 )
Preferred stock dividends     -       -       -       -       -       (21,208 )     -       (21,208 )
Preferred stock accretion     -       -       -       -       -       (454,372 )     -       (454,372 )
Foreign currency translation     -       -       -       -       -       -       (1,706 )     (1,706 )
Net loss     -       -       -       -       -       (2,189,488 )     -       (2,189,488 )
Balance - March 31, 2015     8,556,755     $ 85,568     $ 17,441,548       -     $ -     $ (11,036,874 )   $ (22,117 )   $ 6,468,125  

 

NOTE 5 SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

 

Stock Option Awards

 

Effective January 15, 2015, in connection with the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer’s voluntary termination, previously outstanding unvested stock options to purchase an aggregate of 83,334 shares of common stock at exercise prices ranging from $1.59 to $5.31 per share that would have been forfeited pursuant to their original terms were modified such that the options vested on January 28, 2015. In connection with the “improbable to probable” modification, the Company recorded a credit of approximately $(31,000) during the three and six months ended March 31, 2015. See Note 7 for additional details in connection with the termination.

 

The fair value of each stock option on the date of grant was estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing formula applying the following assumptions:

       
    Six Months Ended
    March 31, 2014
Risk free interest rate     1.86 %
Expected term (years)     6.00  
Expected volatility     63.2 %
Expected dividends     0 %
Estimated annual forfeiture rate     10 %

 

There were no options granted during the three and six months ended March 31, 2015. There were no options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2014. During the six months ended March 31, 2014, the Company granted 32,500 stock options at a weighted average grant date fair value of $0.90 per share.

 

10
 

  

FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 5 SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (CONTINUED)

 

Stock Option Awards (continued)

 

The expected term represents the period over which the stock option awards are expected to be outstanding. The Company utilizes the “simplified” method to develop an estimate of the expected term of “plain vanilla” employee option grants. The Company based the risk-free interest rate used in its assumptions on the implied yield currently available on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with a remaining term equivalent to the award’s expected term. The volatility factor used in the Company’s assumptions is based on the historical price of its stock over the most recent period commensurate with the expected term of the award. The Company historically has not paid any dividends on its common stock and had no intention to do so on the date the share-based awards were granted.

 

The Company recognized compensation expense of approximately $(48,000) and $35,000 in continuing operations for stock option awards in its condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $(37,000) and $66,000 for the six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

As of March 31, 2015, there was approximately $6,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock option awards, which is expected to be recognized over the remainder of the weighted average vesting period of 0.9 years.

 

The following table summarizes stock option activity during the six months ended March 31, 2015:

                         
                Weighted        
          Weighted     Average        
          Average     Remaining        
    Number of     Exercise     Life     Intrinsic  
    Options     Price     In Years     Value  
Outstanding, September 30, 2014     778,500     $ 2.70              
Granted     -       -              
Exercised     -       -              
Forfeited     (175,000 )     2.18              
Outstanding, March 31, 2015     603,500     $ 3.40       2.3     $ -  
                                 
Exercisable, March 31, 2015     594,875     $ 3.39       2.2     $ -  

 

 

 

The table below provides additional information regarding stock option awards that were outstanding and exercisable at March 31, 2015:

                                         
Options Outstanding     Options Exercisable  
    Weighted           Weighted     Weighted        
    Average     Outstanding     Average     Average     Exercisable  
Exercise   Exercise     Number of     Exercise     Remaining Life     Number of  
Price   Price     Options     Price     In Years     Options  
                               
$1.23 to $1.99   $ 1.42       105,000     $ 1.42       3.6       105,000  
$2.00 to $2.99     2.46       108,500       2.46       3.9       108,000  
$3.00 to $3.99     3.51       310,000       3.50       1.7       301,875  
$4.00 to $5.99     5.31       50,000       5.31       0.0       50,000  
$6.00 to $6.99     6.02       20,000       6.02       1.1       20,000  
$7.00 to $15.91     15.91       10,000       15.91       0.1       10,000  
              603,500                       594,875  

 

 

 

11

 

 

FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

NOTE 5 SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (CONTINUED)

 

Restricted Stock Awards

 

On December 5, 2014, the Company granted an aggregate of 30,000 shares of restricted stock to directors of the Company, pursuant to the 2011 Plan. The shares were scheduled to vest on the one-year anniversary from the date of grant. The aggregate grant date value of $34,800 was scheduled to be recognized proportionate to the vesting period. On January 5, 2015, the aggregate of 30,000 shares of restricted stock were forfeited and retired when the shareholders did not elect these directors.

 

On February 23, 2015, the Company granted an aggregate of 210,000 shares of restricted stock to a former officer (see Note 7 – Commitments and Contingencies – Former CFO Agreement) and current directors of the Company, of which 140,000 shares and 70,000 shares were pursuant to the 2007 Plan and 2011 Plan, respectively. The shares vest as follows: (i) 35,000 shares vest immediately, and (ii) 175,000 shares vest on the one-year anniversary from the date of grant. The aggregate grant date value of $193,200 will be recognized proportionate to the vesting period.

 

The Company recognized compensation expense of approximately $(3,000) and $63,000 in continuing operations for restricted stock awards in its condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $(3,000) and $62,000 for the six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

As of March 31, 2015, there was approximately $153,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to shares of unvested restricted stock, which is expected to be recognized over the remainder of the weighted average vesting period of 0.9 years.

 

The following table summarizes restricted stock activity during the six months ended March 31, 2015:

                   
          Weighted        
          Average     Total  
    Number of     Grant Date     Grant Date  
    Shares     Fair Value     Fair Value  
                   
Non-vested, September 30, 2014     257,581     $ 1.32     $ 340,044  
Granted     240,000       0.95       228,000  
Vested     (177,958 )     1.26       (224,681 )
Forfeited     (126,291 )     1.26       (159,398 )
Non-vested, March 31, 2015     193,332     $ 0.95     $ 183,965  

 

 

NOTE 6 (LOSS) INCOME PER SHARE

 

Basic (loss) income per share data for each period presented is computed using the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each such period. Diluted (loss) income per share data is computed using the weighted-average number of common and dilutive common-equivalent shares outstanding during each period. Dilutive common-equivalent shares consist of (a) shares that would be issued upon the exercise of stock options and warrants, computed using the treasury stock method, (b) shares that would be issued upon the conversion of convertible preferred stock and (c) shares of non-vested restricted stock. Net (loss) income from continuing operations per basic and diluted share for the three and six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 is net of preferred stock cash dividends and accretion.

 

 

12
 

 

FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(Unaudited)

  

NOTE 6 (LOSS) INCOME PER SHARE (CONTINUED)

 

The following securities are excluded from the calculation of weighted average dilutive common shares because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive:

             
    As of March 31,  
    2015     2014  
Options     603,500       901,000  
Warrants     723,846       723,846  
Convertible preferred stock     -       692,919  
Non-vested restricted stock     193,332       327,581  
Total potentially dilutive shares     1,520,678       2,645,346  

 

NOTE 7 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Former CEO Agreement

 

Effective January 15, 2015, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer (“Former CEO”) voluntarily resigned from his position and entered into an agreement with the Company, pursuant to which the Former CEO agreed to waive all payments under his Employment Agreement and all future claims against the Company. Under the agreement, for six months following his termination of active employment, the Former CEO will receive his regular monthly base salary and will remain eligible to participate in medical and dental plans similar to his current coverage level for a period of twelve months. The Former CEO will also receive a cash payment of $7,852 in lieu of shares of restricted stock of the Company that would otherwise vest on November 8, 2015. In addition, the Former CEO will retain certain other ancillary benefits for limited periods. The agreement includes customary confidentiality, non-solicitation, non-competition, non-disparagement and release provisions. As of March 31, 2015, the remaining obligation to the Former CEO of approximately $98,000 is reflected as an accrual in the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

 

Former CFO Agreement

 

On February 16, 2015, the Company entered into a settlement agreement and mutual release with the Company’s former Chief Financial Officer (“Former CFO”), James McKenna, in connection with a lawsuit filed by Mr. McKenna on August 26, 2014 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against the Company and then-directors Frank LaGrange Johnson, Robert Garrett, John F. Chiste, Timothy Gordon and Owen P.J. King (the “SDNY Lawsuit”), alleging purported claims of retaliation for whistleblowing under the Dodd-Frank Act, breach of contract and breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing all as against the Company, and a single claim for tortious interference with contract as against the individual defendants. The complaint sought an unspecified amount of monetary consequential damages and punitive damages. Pursuant to the agreement, Mr. McKenna and the Company have agreed to settle and release all disputes or claims against the other party related to the SDNY Lawsuit and any such disputes or claims arising out of Mr. McKenna’s employment with the Company, without an admission of liability or wrongdoing. Under the Agreement, Mr. McKenna will receive a cash payment of $315,000, representing 18 months’ salary at the rate specified in Mr. McKenna’s Amended Employment Agreement, signed between the Company and Mr. McKenna and dated October 26, 2012. Mr. McKenna will also receive approximately $375,000 in legal fees, back pay, prior out-of-pocket benefits, taxes and penalties on Mr. McKenna’s 401(k) loan, and accrued paid time off, in addition to 35,000 restricted stock units vesting immediately. The Agreement includes customary non-disparagement and release provisions. As of March 31, 2015, the remaining obligation to the Former CFO of approximately $211,000 is reflected as an accrual in the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

 

13
 

 

FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 8 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

New York Office Services Agreement

 

On February 1, 2014, the Company began leasing office space in New York, New York for its Chief Executive Officer at a rate of $2,500 per month from LaGrange Capital Administration, L.L.C. (“LCA”). Frank LaGrange Johnson, the Company’s former Chairman of the Board, serves as the Managing Member of LCA. This lease was month-to-month and was cancellable by either the Company or LCA at any time. Effective April 1, 2014, LCA increased the monthly rental charge (inclusive of rent, allocable share of office assistant, and equipment leases) from $2,500 to approximately $12,700 per month. On January 16, 2015, the Company provided notice to LCA that it was immediately terminating the New York Office Services Agreement. During the three and six months ended March 31, 2015, the Company recognized approximately $12,656 and $50,624, respectively, of rent expense related to the New York office. During the three and six months ended March 31, 2014, the Company recognized approximately $7,000 and $13,000, respectively, of rent expense related to the New York office.

 

Buying Agency and Supply Agreement

 

On March 12, 2012, the Company, entered into a Buying Agency and Supply Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Forward Industries Asia-Pacific Corporation (f/k/a Seaton Global Corporation), a British Virgin Islands corporation (“Forward China”). On March 13, 2014 and March 11, 2015, the Company entered into amendments to the Agreement with Forward China. The Agreement, as amended, provides that, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein, Forward China will act as the Company’s exclusive buying agent and supplier of Products (as defined in the Agreement) in the Asia Pacific region. The Company purchases products at Forward China’s cost and pays a service fee to Forward China. The service fee is calculated at $100K monthly plus 4% of “Adjusted Gross Profit.” “Adjusted Gross Profit” is defined as the selling price less the cost from Forward China. The Agreement, as amended, terminates on September 11, 2015, subject to renewal. Terence Bernard Wise, a director of the Company, is a principal of Forward China. In addition, Jenny P. Yu, a Managing Director of Forward China, owns shares of the Company’s common stock. The Company recognized approximately $376,000 and $249,000, respectively, during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 and $773,000 and $544,000, respectively, during the six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 in service fees paid to Forward China, which are included as a component of costs of goods sold in continuing operations in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income.

 

Investment Management Agreement

 

On April 16, 2013, the Company entered into an Investment Management Agreement (the “Investment Management Agreement”) with LCA, pursuant to which the Company retained LCA to manage certain investment accounts funded by the Company (collectively, the “Account”). Operations ceased just prior to December 31, 2014 and the Investment Management Agreement formally terminated effective February 1, 2015.

 

As compensation for its services to the Company, LCA was entitled to advisory fees, comprised of an asset-based fee and a performance fee, as provided in the Investment Management Agreement. The asset-based fee will equal 1% per annum of the average Account Net Asset Value (“Account NAV”). The performance fee was equal 20% of the increase (if any) in the Account NAV over an annual period. No performance fee was payable for any annual period in which the Account NAV at the end of such annual period was below the highest Account NAV at the end of any previous annual period. In addition to such advisory fees, the Company reimbursed LCA for certain investment and operational expenses. The Company didn’t recognize any advisory fee expense during the three and six months ended March 31, 2015, and recognized approximately $3,000 and $6,000, respectively, during the three and six months ended March 31, 2014, related to asset-based or performance fees which are included in continuing operations in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive (loss) income.

 

14
 

 

FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

(Unaudited)

 

NOTE 8 RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (CONTINUED)

  

Investment Management Agreement (continued)

 

There were no new funds invested with LCA during the six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company purchased approximately $0 and $1,296,000, of marketable securities, respectively. During the six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company purchased approximately $11,000 and $5,398,000 of marketable securities, respectively. During the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company sold approximately $0 and $1,282,000 of marketable securities, respectively. During the six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company sold approximately $952,000 and $5,214,000 of marketable securities, respectively. As a result of these activities, the Company recognized net investment gains (losses) of approximately $0 and $41,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and ($110,000) and $(39,000) during the six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

 

NOTE 9 LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

From time to time, the Company may become a party to legal actions or proceedings in the ordinary course of business. As of March 31, 2015, there were no other such actions or proceedings, either individually or in the aggregate, other than described below, that the Company believes would be material to its business, if decided adversely to its interests.

 

On July 15, 2014, Terence Bernard Wise, a director of the Company, filed a derivative complaint in Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, against then-directors (now former directors) Frank LaGrange Johnson, Robert Garrett, John F. Chiste, Timothy Gordon and Owen P.J. King, also naming the Company as a nominal defendant, alleging breaches of fiduciary duty and seeking declaratory and injunctive relief (both preliminary and final), including a temporary restraining order (“TRO”), preventing the Board of the Company from pursuing any extraordinary action that would alter the Company’s capital structure without shareholder approval. The court rejected Mr. Wise’s request for a TRO and Mr. Wise then withdrew his request for preliminary injunctive relief. Mr. Wise subsequently amended his complaint to add additional allegations of breach of fiduciary duties and allegations of breach of director duties under various provisions of New York’s Business Corporation Law. On April 13, 2015, upon motion submitted by the Company’s counsel and counsel to Mr. Wise, the First Department issued a stipulation and order of discontinuance with prejudice to dismiss this case.

 

On August 26, 2014, James McKenna, the Company’s former Chief Financial Officer, filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against the Company and its then-directors (now former directors) Frank LaGrange Johnson, Robert Garrett John F. Chiste, Timothy Gordon and Owen P.J. King, asserting retaliation and whistleblowing claims under the Dodd-Frank Act, claims for breach of contract and breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing against the Company, and a single claim for tortious interference with contract against the individual defendants. The complaint sought an unspecified amount of monetary consequential damages and punitive damages. See Note 7 – Commitments and Contingencies – Former CFO Agreement for the details of the settlement agreement and mutual release.

 

15
 

 

 

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

 

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our unaudited consolidated financial statements, and the notes thereto, and other financial information appearing elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014. The following discussion and analysis compares our consolidated results of operations for the three and six months ended March 31, 2015 (the “2015 Quarter” and “2015 Period”, respectively), with those for the three and six months ended March 31, 2014 (the “2014 Quarter” and “2014 Period”, respectively ). All figures in the following discussion are presented on a consolidated basis. All dollar amounts and percentages presented herein have been rounded to approximate values.

 

Cautionary statement for purposes of the “Safe Harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995

 

The following management’s discussion and analysis includes “forward-looking statements”, as such term is used within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These “forward-looking statements” are not based on historical fact and involve assessments of certain risks, developments, and uncertainties in our business looking to the future. Such forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “intend”, “continue”, or “believe”, or the negatives or other variations of these terms or comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements may include projections, forecasts, or estimates of future performance and developments. Forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are based upon assumptions and assessments that we believe to be reasonable as of the date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Whether those assumptions and assessments will be realized will be determined by future factors, developments, and events, which are difficult to predict and may be beyond our control. Actual results, factors, developments, and events may differ materially from those we assumed and assessed. Risks, uncertainties, contingencies, and developments, including those discussed in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and those identified in “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Forward’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, could cause our future operating results to differ materially from those set forth in any forward-looking statement. There can be no assurance that any such forward-looking statement, projection, forecast or estimate contained can be realized or that actual returns, results, or business prospects will not differ materially from those set forth in any forward-looking statement.

 

Given these uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any such factors or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any of the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments.

 

Business Overview

 

Trends and Economic Environment

 

In June 2012, the Company made the strategic decision to focus solely on its core OEM business. Initially, we implemented several key restructuring measures in order to improve our operating performance and return the Company to profitability. These actions included replacing our legacy sourcing and quality assurance infrastructure with a variable lower cost solution through our use of an exclusive Asia-based sourcing agent (see Note 8 in our Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements) and rationalizing our fixed operating expenses, including office closures and headcount reductions. Our financial results for the 2015 Period and the 2014 Period, reflect the impact of these restructuring measures.

 

We remain challenged by a highly concentrated customer base and product offering, especially with respect to our Diabetic Products line, where we operate in a price sensitive environment in which we continue to experience volatility in demand and downward pricing pressure from our major Diabetic Products customers. We continue to be challenged by rising costs from our China-based supplier base, which causes our gross margins to narrow when we are not able to fully pass cost increases through to customers. Our dedicated Asia-based sourcing agent has made meaningful progress in areas such as quality assurance and overall operational performance, which has better positioned us with our customers. However, there was no expansion of our supplier base during the 2015 Period and 2014 Period. As a result, our ability to effectively push back against such rising material costs may diminish.

 

 

16
 

 

Variability of Revenues and Results of Operation

 

Because a high percentage of our sales revenues is highly concentrated in a few large customers, and because the volumes of these customers’ order flows to us are highly variable, with short lead times, our quarterly revenues, and consequently our results of operations, are susceptible to significant variability over a relatively short period of time.

 

Change of Directors and Officers

 

On December 30, 2014, the Company held its 2014 Annual Meeting primarily for the purpose of electing either a slate of directors proposed by the then-incumbent Board of Directors or a slate of directors proposed by Terence Bernard Wise, a director and significant shareholder in the Company at the time. At the 2014 Annual Meeting, the Company’s shareholders voted for the election of the slate of directors proposed by Mr. Wise, which resulted in the turnover of a majority of the Company’s directors. Following the 2014 Annual Meeting, (a) our incumbent President and Chief Executive Officer voluntarily resigned and we executed an agreement with him which superseded his employment agreement; (b) the new board appointed an Interim President; and (c) we entered into a settlement agreement and mutual release with the Company’s former Chief Financial Officer. In connection with the incumbent Chief Executive Officer’s departure, we cancelled the month-to-month New York Office Services Agreement at a savings of $12,700 per month and we cancelled the Investment Management Agreement.

 

The then-incumbent Board of Directors engaged professional services, including a proxy advisory solicitation service and supplementary legal representation, in order to facilitate the election of and promote its slate of director nominees. Such expenses, which were borne by the Company, significantly increased our 2015 first quarter expenses. In addition, the incumbent team was conducting an accelerated search process to identify attractive acquisition targets and the related financing to fund such acquisitions and the professional services associated with that effort also significantly increased our 2015 first quarter expenses.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

This management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is based upon or derived from the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ from those estimates and such differences could be significant.

 

We discuss the material accounting policies that are critical in making these estimates and judgments in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, under the caption “Management’s Discussion and Analysis—Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates”. There has been no material change in critical accounting policies or estimates since September 30, 2014.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists." This ASU addresses the requirements regarding the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit within ASC Topic 740 for the purpose of providing consistency between the financial reporting of U.S. GAAP entities. Generally, this ASU provides guidance for the preparation of financial statements and disclosures when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. This ASU is effective for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods beginning after December 15, 2013 and did not have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements or disclosures.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE 2015 QUARTER COMPARED TO THE 2014 QUARTER

 

Loss from Continuing Operations

 

Loss from continuing operations in the 2015 Quarter was $0.7 million compared to a loss of $0.3 million in the 2014 Quarter. The 2015 Quarter loss is primarily due to an increase in general and administrative expenses, primarily due to costs associated with litigation costs, settlements with the former CFO and CEO, and, to a lesser extent, a decline in gross profit driven by rising product costs and competitive pricing.

 

17
 

 

 

 

Main Components of Loss from Continuing Operations

 

 

 

 

(thousands of dollars)

 

 

2015

 

 

2014

 

 

 

Quarter

 

 

Quarter

 

Increase (Decrease)

Net sales

$

7,247 

 

$

6,700 

 

$

547 

Gross profit

 

1,352 

 

 

1,404 

 

 

(52)

Sales and marketing expenses

 

696 

 

 

725 

 

 

(29)

General and administrative expenses

 

1,337 

 

 

812 

 

 

525 

Other expense, net

 

 

 

149 

 

 

(142)

Loss from continuing operations

$

(688)

 

$

(282)

 

$

(406)

 

Loss from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders per basic and diluted share was $0.08 and $0.04 for the 2015 Quarter and 2014 Quarter, respectively.

 

Net Sales

 

Net sales in the 2015 Quarter increased $0.5 million, or 7%, to $7.2 million from $6.7 million in the 2014 Quarter primarily due to higher sales of Other Products and to a lesser extent Diabetic Products. The tables below set forth sales by channel, product line, and geographic location of our customers for the periods indicated:

 

 

Net Sales for 2015 Quarter

 

(millions of dollars)

 

APAC

 

Americas

 

EMEA

 

Total*

Diabetic products

$

2.2

 

$

1.6

 

$

2.1

 

$

5.9

Other products

 

0.4

 

 

0.6

 

 

0.4

 

 

1.4

Total net sales

$

2.5

 

$

2.2

 

$

2.5

 

$

7.2

                       

 

 

Net Sales for 2014 Quarter

 

(millions of dollars)

 

APAC

 

Americas

 

EMEA

 

Total*

Diabetic products

$

2.4

 

$

1.4

 

$

2.0

 

$

5.8

Other products

 

0.3

 

 

0.5

 

 

0.2

 

 

0.9

Total net sales

$

2.7

 

$

1.9

 

$

2.2

 

$

6.7

 

*Tables may not total due to rounding.

 

Diabetic Product Sales

 

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

 

Sales of Diabetic Products increased $0.1 million to $5.9 million in the 2015 Quarter, from $5.8 million in the 2014 Quarter. This increase was primarily due to higher sales of legacy programs with 3 of our largest Diabetic Products’ customers (Diabetic customers B, C, and D). The increase was offset, in part, by a decline in sales to a major Diabetic Products' customer (Diabetic customer A) and our other Diabetic Products’ customers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

18
 

The following table sets forth our sales by Diabetic Products’ customers for the periods indicated:

 

 

(millions of dollars)

 

2015

 

2014

 

Increase

 

Quarter

 

Quarter

 

(Decrease)

Diabetic Customer A

$

2.0

 

$

2.3

 

$

(0.3)

Diabetic Customer B

 

0.9

 

 

0.8

 

 

0.1 

Diabetic Customer C

 

1.9

 

 

1.6

 

 

0.3 

Diabetic Customer D

 

1.0

 

 

0.8

 

 

0.2 

All other Diabetic Customers

 

0.0

 

 

0.3

 

 

(0.3)

Totals*

$

5.9

 

$

5.8

 

$

0.1 

 

*Tables may not total due to rounding.

 

Sales of Diabetic Products represented 82% of our total net sales in the 2015 Quarter compared to 86% of our total net sales in the 2014 Quarter.

 

Other Product Sales

 

We design and sell cases and protective solutions to OEMs for a diverse array of portable electronic devices (such as bar code scanners, GPS devices, cellular phones, tablets and cameras), as well as a variety of other products (such as sporting and recreational products and firearms) on a made-to-order basis that are customized to fit the products sold by our OEM customers.

 

Sales of Other Products increased approximately $0.5 million to $1.4 million in the 2015 Quarter from approximately $0.9 million in the 2014 Quarter. The increase was primarily due to a rise in sales to two customers, a barcode scanner customer accounted for $0.2 million and an electronics device customer accounted for $0.2 million. Lesser fluctuations in several other customer accounts between 2015 Quarter and 2014 Quarter were not individually material.

 

Sales of Other Products represented 18% of our net sales in the 2015 Quarter compared to 14% of our total net sales in the 2014 Quarter.

 

Gross Profit

 

Gross profit decreased less than $0.1 million, or 4%, to $1.4 million in the 2015 Quarter from $1.4 million in the 2014 Quarter. As a percentage of sales, our gross profit declined to 19% in the 2015 Quarter, compared to 21% in the 2014 Quarter.

 

The gross profit decrease was driven primarily by a year over year decline in sales margins. In the 2015 Quarter, sales in Europe grew 16% to $2.5 million and sales in the Americas’ grew 19% to $2.2 million. However, Asia-Pacific sales decreased 5% to $2.7 million. The deterioration in gross profit is mostly due to competitive pricing and rising product costs.

 

Sales and Marketing Expenses

 

Sales and marketing expenses decreased $29 thousand, or 4 %, to $696 thousand in the 2015 Quarter compared to $725 thousand in the 2014 Quarter, primarily due to reduced spending on office supplies and computer expenses. A sales office in California was closed for restructuring purposes which also provided for savings to a lesser extent. Fluctuations in other components of “Sales and Marketing Expenses” were not material individually or in the aggregate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

19
 

General and Administrative Expenses

 

General and administrative expenses increased $0.5 million, or 65%, to $1.3 million in the 2015 Quarter from $0.8 million in the 2014 Quarter, due primarily to the following:

Fluctuations in other components of “General and Administrative Expenses” were not individually material.

 

Other Expense

 

Other expense, net, consisting primarily of realized and unrealized losses on investments in marketable securities and the change in the fair market value of warrant liabilities, was $7 thousand in the 2015 Quarter compared to $149 thousand in the 2014 Quarter.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE 2015 PERIOD COMPARED TO THE 2014 PERIOD

 

(Loss) Income from Continuing Operations

 

Loss from continuing operations in the 2015 Period was $2.4 million compared to income of $65 thousand in the 2014 Period. The 2015 Period loss is primarily due to an increase in general and administrative expenses, primarily due to costs associated with the proxy contest, litigation costs, settlements with the former CFO and CEO, and, to a lesser extent, a decline in gross profit driven by rising product costs and competitive pricing.

 

 

 

Main Components of (Loss) Income from Continuing Operations

 

 

(thousands of dollars)

 

2015

 

2014

 

 

 

Period

 

Period

 

Increase (Decrease)

Net sales

$

15,191 

 

$

15,115

 

$

76 

Gross profit

 

2,914 

 

 

3,249

 

 

(335)

Sales and marketing expenses

 

1,378 

 

 

1,342

 

 

36 

General and administrative expenses

 

3,808 

 

 

1,668

 

 

2,140 

Other expense, net

 

117 

 

 

174

 

 

(57)

(Loss) income from continuing operations

$

(2,389)

 

$

65

 

$

(2,454)

 

Loss from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders per basic and diluted share was $0.34 and $0.01 for the 2015 Period and 2014 Period, respectively.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

20
 

Net Sales

 

Net sales in the 2015 Period increased $0.1 million, or 1 %, to $15.2 million from $15.1 million in the 2014 Period primarily due to higher sales of Diabetic Products, which was offset, in part, by lower sales of Other Products. The tables below set forth sales by channel, product line, and geographic location of our customers for the periods indicated:

 

 

Net Sales for 2015 Period

 

(millions of dollars)

 

APAC

 

Americas

 

EMEA

 

Total*

Diabetic products

$

5.1

 

$

3.0

 

$

4.7

 

$

12.7

Other products

 

0.7

 

 

1.2

 

 

0.6

 

$

2.5

Total net sales

$

5.8

 

$

4.2

 

$

5.2

 

$

15.2

                       

 

Net Sales for 2014 Period

 

(millions of dollars)

 

APAC

 

Americas

 

EMEA

 

Total*

Diabetic products

$

5.0

 

$

3.1

 

$

4.1

 

$

12.2

Other products

 

1.0

 

 

1.2

 

 

0.7

 

 

2.9

Total net sales

$

6.0

 

$

4.4

 

$

4.8

 

$

15.1

 

*Tables may not total due to rounding.

 

Diabetic Product Sales

 

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

 

Sales of Diabetic products increased $0.5 million, to $12.7 million in the 2015 Period, from $12.2 million in the 2014 Period. This increase was primarily due to higher sales of legacy programs to 3 major diabetic customers (Diabetic Customer A, Diabetic Customer C, and Diabetic Customer D). The increase was offset, in part, by a decline in sales of legacy programs to a major Diabetic Products’ customer (Diabetic customer B) and our other Diabetic Products’ customers.

 

The following table sets forth our sales by Diabetic Products customer for the periods indicated.

 

 

(millions of dollars)

 

2015

 

2014

 

Increase

 

Period

 

Period

 

(Decrease)

Diabetic Customer A

$

4.8

 

$

4.6

 

$

0.2 

Diabetic Customer B

 

1.7

 

 

2.0

 

 

(0.3)

Diabetic Customer C

 

3.9

 

 

3.1

 

 

0.8 

Diabetic Customer D

 

2.3

 

 

2.0

 

 

0.3 

All other Diabetic Customers

 

0.1

 

 

0.5

 

 

(0.4)

Totals*

$

12.7

 

$

12.2

 

$

0.5 

 

*Tables may not total due to rounding.

 

Sales of carrying cases for blood glucose monitoring kits represented 84% and 81% of our total net sales in the 2015 Period and 2014 Period, respectively.

 

 

 

 

 

 

21
 

 

Other Product Sales

 

We design and sell cases and protective solutions to OEMs for a diverse array of portable electronic devices (such as smartphones, tablets, GPS devices, and bar code scanners), as well as a variety of other products (such as firearms, sporting, and other recreational products) on a made-to-order basis that are customized to fit the products sold by our OEM customers.

 

Sales of Other Products decreased approximately $0.4 million to $2.5 million in the 2015 Period from $2.9 million in the 2014 Period. This decrease was primarily due to a $0.3 million decline in sales to a GPS customer, which contributed $0.2 million to net sales in the 2015 Period. In addition, a $0.2 million decline in sales to both a recreational products customer and a camera customer, which contributed $0.2 million and $0.3 million, respectively, to net sales in the 2015 Period, also contributed to the decrease in Other Products sales. These declines were offset, in part, by an increase in sales to an electronics devices customer of $0.3 million, which contributed $0.3 million to net sales in the 2015 Period. Lesser fluctuations in several other customer accounts between 2015 Period and 2014 Period were not individually material.

 

Sales of Other Products represented 16% and 19% of our net sales in the 2015 Period and 2014 Period, respectively.

 

Gross Profit

 

Gross profit decreased $0.3 million, or 10%, to $2.9 million in the 2015 Period from $3.2 million in the 2014 Period. As a percentage of sales, our gross profit declined to 19% in the 2015 Period, compared to 21% in the 2014 Period.

 

The gross profit decrease was driven primarily by a year over year decline in sales margins. In the 2015 Period, sales in Europe grew 9% to $5.2 million. However, Americas’ sales decreased 5% to $5.8 million and Asia-Pacific sales decreased 4% to $4.2 million. The deterioration in gross profit is mostly due to competitive pricing and rising product costs.

 

Sales and Marketing Expenses

 

Sales and marketing expenses increased $0.1 million, or 3%, to $1.4 million in the 2015 Period compared to $1.3 million in the 2014 Period. This increase was primarily due to higher personnel costs, and higher travel and entertainment costs. Personnel costs increased $20 thousand, or 2%, in the 2015 Period primarily as a result of the accrual for severance packages for the individuals affected by the reduction in workforce. Travel and entertainment expenses increased $20 thousand, or 13%, in the 2015 Period primarily due to increased intercontinental travel for sales support and development. Increases in other components of “Sales and Marketing Expenses” were not material, individually, or in the aggregate.

 

General and Administrative Expenses

 

General and administrative expenses increased $2.1 million, or 128% to $3.8 million in the 2015 Period from $1.7 million in the 2014 Period due primarily to the following:

Fluctuations in other components of “General and Administrative Expenses” were not individually material.

 

Other Expense

 

Other expense, net, consisting primarily of realized and unrealized losses on investments in marketable securities and the change in the fair market value of warrant liabilities, was $117 thousand in the 2015 Period compared to $174 thousand in the 2014 Period.

 

RESULTS OF DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS FOR THE 2015 PERIOD COMPARED TO THE 2014 PERIOD

 

Income from discontinued operations was $199 thousand in the 2015 Period compared to a loss of $14 thousand in the 2014 Period. In the 2015 Period, we assigned our rights to a judgment against G-Form for a cash payment of $0.2 million.

 

 

 

22
 

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

Our primary potential sources of liquidity are our operations and financing activities. The primary go forward demands on our working capital should be: i) operating losses, should they occur, and ii) accounts receivable and inventories arising in the ordinary course of business. Historically, our sources of liquidity have been adequate to satisfy working capital requirements arising in the ordinary course of business. We anticipate that our liquidity and financial resources for the next twelve months will be adequate to manage our operating and financial requirements.

 

However, in the near term, we anticipate having to fund approximately $0.3 million of remaining severance and related benefits to our former CEO and former CFO.

 

At March 31, 2015, our current ratio (current assets divided by current liabilities) was 2.4; our quick ratio (current assets less inventories divided by current liabilities) was 1.9; and our working capital (current assets less current liabilities) was $6.5 million. As of such date, we had no short or long-term debt outstanding.

 

During the six months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, our sources and use of cash were as follows:

 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

 

During the 2015 Period, we used $3.4 million of cash from operations, which is derived from a net loss of $2.2 million, offset by $0.1 million for non-cash credits, plus net cash used in working capital items of $1.3 million. Cash used for working capital items consisted primarily of pay downs of accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities (including due to Forward China) of $1.8 million, partially offset by an increase in accounts receivable of $0.5 million.

 

During the 2014 Period, we used $0.3 million of cash in operations, which consisted of net income of $50 thousand, supplemented by $0.3 million of non-cash credits (primarily change in the fair value of the warrant liability and share based compensation), and a net use of cash for working capital items of $0.6 million. Cash used for working capital items consisted of a pay down of accounts payable of $0.4 million, plus increases in accounts receivable and inventories of $0.2 million and $60 thousand, respectively.

 

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

 

In the 2015 Period, net cash provided by investing activities was $0.9 million, which was primarily related to the liquidation of marketable equity securities due to the cancellation of the Investment Management Agreement.

 

In the 2014 Period, net investing activities used $0.2 million, which primarily consisted of $5.4 million used for purchases of marketable equity securities and $5.2 million generated from sales of marketable equity securities.

 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

 

In the 2015 Period, net financing activities used $1.3 million, which primarily consisted of $1.3 million used to fully redeem the 6% Senior Convertible Preferred Stock.

 

In the 2014 Period, net financing activities used $38 thousand to pay dividends on the 6% Senior Convertible Preferred Stock.

 

ITEM 3.            QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Not applicable

 

 

 

 

 

 

23
 

ITEM 4.            CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining a system of disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act) that is designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the issuer’s management, including its principal executive officer or officers and principal financial officer or officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

In accordance with Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(b), our management, under the supervision and with the participation of our Principal Executive and Financial Officer, performed an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the fiscal quarter covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s Principal Executive and Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective, as of the end of the 2015 Quarter, to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the Company’s reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms.

 

Changes in Internal Control

 

Our management, with the participation of our Principal Executive and Financial Officer, performed an evaluation required by Rule 13a-15(d) of the Exchange Act as to whether any change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) occurred during the 2015 Period. Based on that evaluation, our Principal Executive and Financial Officer concluded that there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the 2015 Period.

 

Limitations of the Effectiveness of Controls and Procedures

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

24
 

 

PART II.         OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1.            LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

From time to time, we may become a party to legal actions or proceedings in the ordinary course of business. As of March 31, 2015, there were no other such actions or proceedings, either individually or in the aggregate, other than described below, that we believe would be material to our business, if decided adversely to our interests.

 

On July 15, 2014, Terence Bernard Wise, one of our directors, filed a derivative complaint in Supreme Court of the State of New York, New York County, against then-directors (now former directors) Frank LaGrange Johnson, Robert Garrett, John F. Chiste, Timothy Gordon and Owen P.J. King, also naming us as a nominal defendant, alleging breaches of fiduciary duty and seeking declaratory and injunctive relief (both preliminary and final), including a temporary restraining order ("TRO"), preventing our now-former Board from pursuing any extraordinary action that would alter our capital structure without shareholder approval. The court rejected Mr. Wise's request for a TRO and Mr. Wise then withdrew his request for preliminary injunctive relief. Mr. Wise subsequently amended his complaint to add additional allegations of breach of fiduciary duties and allegations of breach of director duties under various provisions of New York’s Business Corporation Law. On April 13, 2015, upon motion submitted by our counsel and counsel to Mr. Wise, the First Department issued a stipulation and order of discontinuance with prejudice to dismiss this case.

 

On August 26, 2014, James McKenna, our former Chief Financial Officer, filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against us and our then-directors (now former directors) Frank LaGrange Johnson, Robert Garrett John F. Chiste, Timothy Gordon and Owen P.J. King, asserting retaliation and whistleblowing claims under the Dodd-Frank Act, and claims for breach of contract and breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing against us, and a single claim for tortious interference with contract against the individual defendants.

 

On February 16, 2015, we entered into a settlement agreement and mutual release (the “Settlement Agreement”) with Mr. McKenna in connection with this lawsuit. Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, we agreed with Mr. McKenna to settle and release all disputes or claims against each other related to the lawsuit and any such disputes or claims arising out of Mr. McKenna’s employment with us, without an admission of liability or wrongdoing. Under the Settlement Agreement, Mr. McKenna received a cash payment of $315,000, representing 18 months' salary at the rate specified in Mr. McKenna’s Amended Employment Agreement, signed between us and Mr. McKenna and dated October 26, 2012. Mr. McKenna also received approximately $375,000 in legal fees, back pay, prior out-of-pocket benefits, taxes and penalties on his 401(k) loan, and accrued paid time off, in addition to 35,000 restricted stock units vesting immediately. The Settlement Agreement includes customary non-disparagement and release provisions.

 

ITEM 1A.          RISK FACTORS

 

Please review our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2014, for a complete statement of “Risk Factors” that pertain to our business. Please refer to ITEM 2. “CAUTIONARY STATEMENT FOR PURPOSES OF THE “SAFE HARBOR” PROVISIONS OF THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995 on page 16 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as well as Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for further discussion of certain of such risk factors.

 

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

 

Unregistered sales of equity securities

 

None.

 

Purchases of equity securities

 

None.

 

ITEM 3.            DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

None.

 

ITEM 4.            MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Not Applicable.

 

ITEM 5.            OTHER INFORMATION

 

Not Applicable.

 

25
 

 

ITEM 6.            EXHIBITS

 

 

10.

 

Material Contracts

 

 

 

 

10.1**

Settlement Agreement, dated as of February 14, 2015, by and between Forward Industries, Inc. and James O. McKenna.

 

 

 

 

10.2**

Amendment No. 2 to Amended and Restated Buying Agency and Supply Agreement, between Forward Industries, Inc. and Forward Industries (Asia-Pacific) Corporation (f/k/a Seaton Global Corporation), dated as of February 17, 2015.

 

 

 

 

10.3

Employment Agreement, effective as of January 20, 2015, by and between Forward Industries, Inc. and Michael Luetkemeyer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report, Form 8-K as filed with the Commission on March 17, 2015).

 

 

 

31.

 

Certifications Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) (Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley)

 

 

 

 

31.1**

Certification of Michael Luetkemeyer

 

 

 

32.

 

Certifications Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b)  and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 (Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley)

 

 

 

 

32.1*

Certification of Michael Luetkemeyer

     

101.INS**

 

XBRL Instance Document.

 

 

 

101.SCH**

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.

 

 

 

101.CAL**

 

XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document.

 

 

 

101.DEF**

 

XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document.

 

 

 

101.LAB**

 

XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document.

 

 

 

101.PRE**

 

XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document.

 

* Furnished and not filed herewith

** Filed herewith

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

26
 

 

 

Signatures

 

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

 

Dated:  May 14, 2015

 

FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. (Registrant)

 

 

 

By: /s/ Michael Luetkemeyer
       Michael Luetkemeyer
       Interim President

      (Principal Executive, Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

27
 

 

EXHIBIT INDEX

10.

 

Material Contracts

 

 

 

 

10.1**

Settlement Agreement, dated as of February 14, 2015, by and between Forward Industries, Inc. and James O. McKenna.

 

 

 

 

10.2**

Amendment No. 2 to Amended and Restated Buying Agency and Supply Agreement, between Forward Industries, Inc. and Forward Industries (Asia-Pacific) Corporation (f/k/a Seaton Global Corporation), dated as of February 17, 2015.

 

 

 

 

10.3

Employment Agreement, effective as of January 20, 2015, by and between Forward Industries, Inc. and Michael Luetkemeyer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report, Form 8-K as filed with the Commission on March 17, 2015).

 

 

 

31.

 

Certifications Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) (Section 302 of Sarbanes-Oxley)

 

 

 

 

31.1**

Certification of Michael Luetkemeyer

 

 

 

32.

 

Certifications Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b)  and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 (Section 906 of Sarbanes-Oxley)

 

 

 

 

32.1*

Certification of Michael Luetkemeyer

     

101.INS**

 

XBRL Instance Document.

 

 

 

101.SCH**

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.

 

 

 

101.CAL**

 

XBRL Taxonomy Calculation Linkbase Document.

 

 

 

101.DEF**

 

XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document.

 

 

 

101.LAB**

 

XBRL Taxonomy Label Linkbase Document.

 

 

 

101.PRE**

 

XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document.

 

* Furnished and not filed herewith

** Filed herewith