Back to GetFilings.com
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
-------------------
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1998
-------------------
Commission File Number: 0-11625
MICROFLUIDICS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 04-2793022
--------- ----------
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
incorporation or organization)
30 Ossipee Road, P.0. Box 9101
Newton, Massachusetts 02464-9101
- -------------------------------- ------------------
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (617) 969-5452
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, $.01 par value
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days.
Yes X No
----- -----
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. [ ]
The aggregate market value of Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the
registrant (without admitting that any person whose shares are not included in
determining such value is an affiliate), based upon the closing sale price of
the Common Stock on March 25, 1999 as reported on the Nasdaq National Market was
$2,809,064.
The number of shares outstanding of the registrant's Common Stock as of March
25, 1999 was 6,061,307 shares.
-3-
Item 1. BUSINESS:
Company Overview:
- ----------------
Microfluidics International Corporation ("MFIC" or the "Company"), through
its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Microfluidics Corporation ("Microfluidics") and
MediControl Corporation ("MediControl"), its Microfluidics division, as well as
its recently acquired operating divisions, Epworth Mill and Morehouse-COWLES,
specializes in producing and marketing a broad line of proprietary fluid
materials processing systems used for a variety of grinding, mixing, milling,
and blending applications across a variety of industries and for use in numerous
applications within those industries. Microfluidizer(R) materials processor
systems are produced at the Microfluidics division while dispersers, dissolvers,
colloid mills and vertical media mills are produced at the Morehouse-COWLES
division and horizontal media mills, ball mills are produced at the Epworth Mill
division, which division also sorts and distributes grinding media.
Microfluidizer equipment, produced by the Company's Microfluidics division,
is used to formulate emulsions, dispersions, and liposomes, and is used in cell
disruption. Emulsions are found in a broad variety of common products,
including processed foods, medicines and photographic films. Dispersions are
often employed in products such as inks, pigments and coatings. The Company
believes that the processing technique of the Microfluidizer equipment enhances
the stability and consistency of emulsions and dispersions due to the
equipment's unique ability to consistently produce uniform micron scale
particles in many applications. Liposomes, which are biodegradable cell-like
structures, are used to encapsulate medications or nutrients, and are typically
used in cosmetic or pharmaceutical products. In addition, Microfluidizer
equipment is used in biotechnology applications to harvest, through cell
disruption, is the cultivated product contents of plant and animal cells.
The Epworth Mill and Morehouse-COWLES product lines are used to blend,
emulsify, disperse, deagglomerate and grind fluid formulations. These fluid
formulations may be liquid/liquid or liquid/solid formulations and are generally
prepared in quantities ranging from one gallon to hundreds of gallons in an
industrial environment. In connection with the processing of emulsions and
dispersions, the various pieces of equipment in the product lines may be used in
preparatory steps prior to introduction of the product into the Microfluidizer
system for further processing. Epworth Mill and Morehouse-COWLES equipment is
also used independent of the Microfluidizer equipment in the preparation of many
industrial fluid formulations where the desired product characteristics do not
require Microfluidizer processing.
While the Microfluidizer equipment is generally used in the processing of
expensive, high value added niche end products that require an extremely small
particle size the Epworth Mill and Morehouse-COWLES equipment is used in
broader, lower value added applications requiring less stringent particle size
reduction.
-4-
The combination of product lines from the three divisions results in one of
the broadest offerings of fluid processing equipment in the materials processing
market. The Company has recently integrated its three divisions such that its
corporate marketing and sales group is now responsible for the marketing and
sales of the products from all three divisions. The recent acquisition of the
Epworth Mill and Morehouse-COWLES divisions and the consolidation of marketing
and sales personnel into one group enables the Company to sell stand alone
pieces of equipment to smaller companies that require only limited processing
capability, as well as integrated systems or multiple pieces of equipment from
more than one division to larger customers that have a variety of fluid
processing requirements.
The Company was incorporated in Delaware in 1983. The Company, formerly
named Biotechnology Development Corporation, changed its name effective June 8,
1993 to Microfluidics International Corporation. Its principal executive
offices are located at 30 Ossipee Road, in Newton, Massachusetts, 02464-9101
and its telephone number is (617) 969-5452.
Microfluidizer(R) is a trademark of the Company which has been registered
with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Zinger(TM), Morehouse-
COWLES(TM), Epworth Mill(TM), and Microfluidics(TM) are trademarks of the
Company for which registration applications have been filed with the United
States Patent and Trademark Office. All other trademarks or trade names refered
to herein are the property of their respective owners.
The Technology:
- ---------------
The Company's Microfluidizer device is based on patents and related
technology that were licensed by the Company from Arthur D. Little & Co. in 1983
and subsequently purchased by the Company in 1985. The Company holds two United
States patents related to the apparatus and process used to intimately mix
liquids and disperse particulate solids in microemulsions.
The Company's Microfluidizer device is used in processing industries to mix
materials that are normally very difficult to mix. The Microfluidizer device
allows manufacturers in the chemical, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, cosmetic,
and food processing industries to produce higher quality products with better
characteristics on a more consistent basis than with other blending and mixing
techniques.
-5-
The Company's Epworth Mill division's products consist of ball mills and
horizontal media mills. The division is also engaged in the sale and
distribution of grinding media. The division's ball mills are used in coarse
grinding applications of liquid slurries or dry materials such as ore from mines
or coarse slurries of material that will later be processed into finer slurries.
The ball mills use large media in a horizontal rotating cylindrical vessel to
crush and grind the product being processed. The Epworth Mill division's
patented Zinger horizontal media mill utilizes a unique design for grinding and
dispersing solid materials in a liquid carrying medium. The design is based upon
established rotating, horizontal shaft technology but adds the unique capability
of enhanced mechanical activity between the grinding media and the product
formulation. The enhanced mechanical activity is achieved through a unique
combination of rotating discs and a specially designed containment vessel. In
comparison to traditional horizontal media mills, the Zinger technology has
demonstrated improved productivity in terms of greater volumes of product
processed at acceptable quality than the comparably sized and priced horizontal
media mills.
The Company's Morehouse-COWLES products consist of vertical, rotary shaft
technology which can be fitted with various blades, discs or mixing devices and
are used for variety of blending, mixing, deagglomerating and dispersing
applications in a variety of industries including the protective and conductive
coatings, ink and pigment, pharmaceutical, and food industries.
Commercial Applications:
- ------------------------
The Microfluidizer equipment can be used to mix and formulate emulsions,
dispersions and liposomes, and for cell disruption.
Emulsions are homogenous mixtures of oil and water components (or other
normally immiscible components), which, if mixed properly, do not readily
separate. Emulsions comprise many products, such as processed foods, medicines,
photographic films, hydraulic fluids and polymers. The Company believes that,
generally, an emulsion processed with Microfluidizer equipment will exhibit
improved stability and require reduced concentrations of costly emulsifying
agents that are otherwise needed to enhance product stability.
Dispersions are mixtures of fine solids suspended in liquid so that the two
do not separate readily after processing. Similar to emulsions, dispersions are
used in a variety of consumer and industrial products, including pigments for
paints and inks, iron oxide for magnetic tapes and mascara, phosphorescent
coatings for TV screens and fluorescent lamps, barium titanate for capacitors,
toners and inks.
Liposomes are biodegradable cell-like structures, formed from materials
such as cholesterol and lecithin, that can be used to encapsulate medications or
nutrients. Pharmaceutical and cosmetic manufacturers use liposomes as a
delivery system to target active ingredients for specific anatomical sites and
to prolong their efficacy. To date, liposomes have been used commercially in
two applications: medical diagnostic agents and cosmetics. Applications
include the encapsulation of dye to be used as a marker in medical diagnostic
tests and the encapsulation of ingredients for deeper skin penetration, or time
release control, as well as pharmaceutical, food and specialized agricultural
applications.
In the biotechnology industry, Microfluidizer equipment is currently used
to harvest, by cell rupture, the contents of plant or animal cells. The
precision with which the Microfluidizer can be used to break up materials allows
the encapsulating cell wall to be ruptured without damage to or contamination of
the cell contents. As a result, the Microfluidizer equipment minimizes the
amount and presence of cell wall debris, thus resulting in maximum yields.
-6-
The Microfluidizer equipment is generally used in commercial applications
where a scientist, formulator or chemist is trying to develop or improve a
product formulation for an expensive, high value-added end product.
Microfluidizer equipment is initially employed in a research laboratory to
enable such product development or reformulation, with the equipment
subsequently being used in scaleup to pilot scale production of products,
and ultimately, for full production scale volumes as the new or improved product
comes to market. From laboratory to production, the volume of product processed
ranges from 1/2 liter to 200 liters per minute.
The Epworth Mill and Morehouse-COWLES products are generally used for
blending, mixing, deagglomeration and dispersion of paints and coatings, inks,
adhesives, sealants, and pigment dispersions. These applications are generally
less technically demanding, the formulations are less expensive to produce and
the volumes of product produced are large.
The Products:
- ------------
A. The Microfluidics division currently manufactures and markets the
following lines of equipment:
The HC Series: The HC Series, also known as "Homogenizers," is a
laboratory-scale series of equipment that is intended to impart moderate levels
of energy into a customer's product with greater flow rates than the more energy
intensive Microfluidizer devices. Operating pressures of products in the
Company's HC Series can range from under 500 psi to as high as 8,000 psi, and
can process as much as two liters of fluid per minute.
The M-110 Series: The M-110 Series, a laboratory product line, is designed
primarily for research and development applications. Standard models can operate
at pressures as high as 25,000 psi and have a flow rate that exceeds one-half of
a liter of product per minute. The most recent introduction in this line is the
M-110EHI model designed for "non-sanitary" industrial applications such as
paint, coatings, pigments and other chemical/industrial applications. This
model is constructed from epoxy painted carbon steel rather than from standard
stainless steel that the Company uses in other models. The M-110EHI includes an
on-board hydraulic pump system for high performance "lab scale" micro-mixing at
processing pressures up to 25,000 psi and flow rates up to 450 ml/min and has
numerous standard features and options such as an explosive-proof model.
The M-140K: The M-140K, introduced in June of 1994, is a laboratory-scale
unit developed for customers in the chemical, biotechnology, pharmaceutical,
cosmetic and food processing industries who require elevated operating pressures
to achieve better performance. The M-140K can achieve operating pressures up to
40,000 psi. The M-140K has a built-in hydraulic system and utilizes a double
ended intensifier pump that provides a highly uniform pressure profile. It has
been designed with important safety features such as an explosion-proof motor,
starter and electrical controls.
-7-
The M-210 Series: The M-210 Series is primarily marketed to
----------------
pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food product manufacturers who have created a
successful new or improved formulation on the M-110 Series unit and would like
to increase their productive capacity. The M-210 Series unit is typically used
for testing formulations at greater volume levels before initiating full scale
production. For some customers (such as pharmaceutical product manufacturers),
the M-210 Series may have the capacity to function as a production unit.
The M-610 Series: The M-610 Series consists of custom built models used
----------------
for large-scale manufacturing. These units have flow rates of up to 50 gallons
per minute and generate operating pressures up to 40,000 psi.
The M-700 Series: The M-700 series was introduced in the latter part of
----------------
1998 and is designed, engineered, and constructed for use in "rugged" industrial
environments such as coatings, paints, and pigments research and manufacturing.
The M-700 Series products are constructed from painted carbon steel instead of
the stainless steel of previous models and will use components especially
designed to withstand such hazards as dust, grease, and water spray. Because
the equipment is not used in sanitary environments, it can be constructed using
materials and methods that otherwise could not be used in pharmaceutical,
biotechnology, and other "clean" application industries and is also more cost-
effective, resulting in list price reductions of 30% and more.
B. The Epworth Mill division currently manufactures and markets the
following lines of equipment and sells and distributes the following
grinding media:
Ball mills: Ball mill equipment utilize grinding media that can
deagglomerate and grind wet or dry product formulations on a batch or
continuous basis. Batch size can range from ounces to more than 3,000
gallons.
Media: Sale and distribution of media includes a wide variety of
grinding media from media producers around the world. The media is used in
the Company's products as well in competitor's products. Media types
include all currently used materials in the industry including glass,
ferrous, stone, and ceramic.
Zinger horizontal media mills: This milling equipment is available in the
following sizes that process products in volumes ranging from 1/4 liter to
60 liter batches or on a continuous basis.
. The XL Series: The XL Series Equipment is used in laboratory
-------------
environments and have processing vessel sizes from .25 litres to .33
liters.
. The SV Series: The SV Series are used in pilot scale environments
-------------
and have processing vessel sizes from 3.0 to 5.1 liters.
-8-
. The LV Series: The LV Series is used in production environments and
-------------
have processing vessel sizes from 27 to 60 liters.
C. The Morehouse-COWLES division manufactures, distributes and markets the
following lines of equipment:
. Colloid Mills and Stone Mills: Colloid Mills and Stone Mills are utilized
for processing chemicals, food products and minerals where the user desires
to reduce particles to 15-25 microns in size and where the capital
equipment costs must be minimized.
. Vertical Media Mills: Vertical Media Mills are used in connection with
batches or continuous milling of products in a wide variety of industries
including chemical, agricultural, cosmetics and food. Batch sizes typically
range from 2 to 60 gallons with throughput capacities of 2 to 900 gallons
per hour.
. Single Shaft Dissolvers and Dispersers: Single Shaft Dissolvers and
Dispersers are available in a variety of sizes to meet demand from
laboratory to full production volume. Generally, these dissolvers and
dispersers are used in lower cost products, at viscosities up to 50,000
centipoise that require blending, mixing, deagglomeration and dispersion.
. Multi-shaft Dissolvers and Dispersers: Multi-shaft Dissolvers and
Dispersers are available in a variety of sizes to meet demand from
laboratory to full production volume. Generally these dissolvers and
dispersers are used for high viscosity products up to 2 million centpoise.
5. Customized Units: To meet larger production volume requirements
or specialized applications, the division provides customized units on
a specialized quotation basis.
Marketing and Sales:
- -------------------
The Company's marketing and sales activities are conducted through a
corporate marketing and sales group that is responsible for the worldwide
marketing and sales of products for all three of the Company's divisions.
Marketing is conducted through advertising, direct mail, seminars, trade
shows and telemarketing. In addition, the Company has an active program of
field demonstrations, as well as demonstrations to potential users in the
Company's applications laboratories. International distributors and sales
agents are supported with trade advertising, collateral literature and trade
show materials. The distributors also advertise directly on their own behalf
and attend regional and international trade shows. As an aid to the marketing
and sales activity for the equipment, the Company provides prospective customers
with access to its testing laboratories. These laboratories provide free
processing and particle size and distribution analysis of a prospective
customer's sample formulation. Additionally, a prospective customer may pay for
subsequent laboratory time and services on a fee for services basis, which
includes equipment rentals.
-9-
The Company sells its divisions' equipment in the United States through a
network of independent regional sales representative firms who are overseen and
assisted by the Company's regional sales managers. In Canada, the Microfluidics
division has an exclusive distributor. In Europe, the Company sells its
Microfluidics division equipment through a network of independent regional
sales agents and distributors who are assisted by the Company's European Sales
Manager and his staff. In Asia, the Microfluidics division sells through
regional distributors. Customers in other geographical regions are assisted
directly by Company sales staff.
Customers:
- ---------
The users of Microfluidizer systems are industrial producers of high value
added fluid materials in the chemical, pharmaceuticals, food, cosmetic and
biotechnology industries. Mizuho Industrial Co. Ltd., a distributor, accounted
for 8% of revenues in 1998, 20% of revenues in 1997, and 17% of revenues in
1996. One other distributor (Inland Machinery Manufacturing Ltd.) accounted for
8% of revenues in 1998, 6% of revenues in 1997,and 10% of revenues in 1996.
Another customer (Avon Products Inc.) accounted for 8% of revenues in 1998. A
reduction or delay in orders from Mizuho, Avon or other significant customers
could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial
condition, or results of operations.
Competition:
- -----------
The Company faces, and will continue to face, intense competition from
other companies who manufacture and sell fluid materials processing systems used
in grinding, mixing, milling and blending applications. The Company is subject
to significant competition from organizations that are pursuing technologies and
products that are similar to the Company's technology and products. Some of the
organizations competing with the Company have greater capital resources,
research and development staffs and facilities and marketing capabilities than
the Company. The Company's future success will depend in large part on its
maintaining a competitive position in the fluid materials processing systems
field. Rapid technological development by the Company or others may result in
products or technologies becoming obsolete before the Company recovers the
expenses it incurs in connection with their development. Products offered by the
Company could be made obsolete by less expensive or more effective technologies.
There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to make the enhancements
to its technology necessary to compete successfully with newly emerging
technologies. The Company expects competition to intensify in the fluid
materials processing systems field as technical advances are made and become
more widely known.
-10-
Research and Development:
- ------------------------
The Company's research and development efforts are focused on developing
new mixing techniques for the process industries and further enhancing the
functionality, reliability and performance of existing products. Research and
development costs were $450,477, $459,240 and $935,880 in 1996, 1997, and 1998
respectively. The Microfluidics division continues to pursue development of the
multi-stream mixer reactor by working with customers who assist in the
development of the system with both application knowledge and financial support.
Patent coverage for this new product is in various stages of prosecution in the
major industrial countries.
Cooperative Research Arrangements:
- ---------------------------------
The Company subsidizes research and development activities centered around
Microfluidizer processing technology at a number of research centers and
universities. The Company's subsidy of these activities takes the form of
substantial reduction or elimination of the customary rental charges for the
Microfluidizer equipment provided for use. Currently, the Company is subsidizing
research and development in the following fields at the following universities:
The University of Massachusetts, Lowell - biotechnology; Lehigh University -
polymer chemistry; Universite Laval (Quebec) - food science; Worcester
Polytechnic Institute ("WPI") - catalytic chemistry; and Purdue University -
pharmaceuticals. In addition to their research activities, these universities
provide the Company with contacts at industrial companies that may utilize the
Microfluidizer processing technology.
In addition to providing subsidies, the Company has entered into the
following research arrangement:
-11-
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)
-------------------------------------
The Company has supported research and development at WPI since 1988. In
1992, the Company entered into a cooperative venture with WPI to develop, patent
and license for WPI, for its commercial applications, the Microfluidizer process
technology in the following fields: (i) the production of catalysts used in
chemical and petroleum processing; (ii) the manufacture of advanced ceramic
materials; and (iii) the destruction of volatile organic compounds and other
organic contaminants in process waste water. The Company and WPI applied for
United States and foreign patents in 1992 and 1993, respectively, which cite the
Microfluidizer processing technology as enabling the above process technologies.
The two applied-for United States patents were both granted and issued to WPI in
the United States in 1995. In 1996 one applied for patent was granted to WPI in
France for European entry in the PCT countries. Patent issuance for these
process technologies in several other foreign jurisdictions is either pending or
is in the latter stages of prosecution.
Based upon market research and technical evaluation to date, the Company is
focusing its activities on the synthesis of advanced zeolite and metal oxide
catalysts using the WPI process technology. A catalyst is a substance that
initiates, accelerates and determines the course of a chemical reaction. The
Company believes that properties of proprietary catalysts may improve industrial
process economics by making more efficient use of raw materials, reducing energy
requirements and increasing product yields. The Company believes that the
catalytic materials produced by the Microfluidizer process may result in
improved efficiency and extended life, compared with conventional catalysts.
Patents and Proprietary Rights Protection:
- -----------------------------------------
To protect its proprietary rights, the Company relies on a combination of
U.S. patent and trademark laws, trade secrets, confidentiality agreements,
contractual provisions and technical means. In the event of patent infringement
or breach of confidentiality, there can be no assurance that these measures will
be adequate or that the Company will have sufficient resources to prosecute or
prevail in an action against a third party. In addition, the Company has not
sought patent or trademark protection for its Microfluidizer equipment's
interaction chamber in any country other than the United States and, as such,
its proprietary rights are not subject to the protection of patent or trademark
laws of foreign countries where the Company's equipment is sold. The Company's
Microfluidizer process patent expires March 13, 2007 and its equipment patent
expires August 6, 2002. In 1997, the Company completed development of a novel
adaptation of its Microfluidizer equipment - a "Multi-Stream Continuous Chemical
Reactor". In August 1997, the Company filed a patent application for the device
and its processes with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and filed a
Patent Cooperation Country (PCT) application on May 5, 1998. The Company's
Zinger horizontal media mill is protected by a United States Patent granted
June 5, 1997.
-12-
Manufacturing:
- -------------
At present, the Microfluidics division subcontracts the manufacture of many
of the components of its equipment to many third parties, with the division's
undertaking the remaining fabrication, assembly and performance testing. The
division has selected certain primary suppliers based upon pricing terms and the
quality of their products. The Company believes that there are adequate
available alternate manufacturing sources and suppliers for the division's
components and raw materials.
Epworth Mill and Morehouse-COWLES divisions perform a significant portion
of machining and assembly operations at their respective manufacturing
locations. Certain specialty components of the systems are provided by outside
contractors. The Company believes that there are adequate available alternate
outside contractors to provide them with specialty components.
The loss of any primary supplier could have a material, adverse effect on
the Company's business, financial condition, or results of operations.
Government Regulation:
- ---------------------
Certain of the Company's customers utilize, the Company's equipment in
processes and production that are subject to governmental regulation. For
example, the manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceutical products requires the
approval of the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") within the United States
and of comparable agencies in foreign countries. The FDA has established
mandatory procedures, safety standards and protocols that apply to the
manufacture, clinical testing and marketing of new pharmaceutical products in
the United States. The process of seeking and obtaining FDA approval of a new
product often takes a number of years and often involves the expenditure of
substantial resources. The FDA approval process contributes to the extremely
long lead times that are attendant to manufacturing equipment orders for these
applications.
Further, in addition to product approvals, the FDA imposes requirements as
to manufacturing practices, record keeping and reporting ("Good Manufacturing
Practices" or "GMP"). GMP-regulated companies are subject to inspections by the
FDA (inclusive of Microfluidizer equipment) and product approvals may be
withdrawn if GMP are not met.
At present, the Company's customers include companies who are making FDA
approved drugs and preparations for external use and companies who utilize
Microfluidizer equipment for the formulation or production of FDA approved
parenteral (injectable) drugs or compounds.
Various laws, regulations and recommendations relating to safe working
conditions, laboratory practices and the purchase, storage, movement, import and
export, use and disposal of harmful or potentially harmful substances that may
be used in connection with the Company's research work are, or may be applicable
to its activities. These laws include, among others, the United States Atomic
Energy Act, the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Occupational Safety and
Health Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, the Toxic Substances Control
Act, the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, national restrictions on
technology transfer, import, export and customs regulations and other present
and possible future local, state or Federal regulation. The extent of adverse
governmental regulation which might result from future legislation or
administrative action cannot be accurately predicted. Certain agreements that
may be entered into by the Company involving exclusive license rights may also
be subject to national or supranational antitrust regulatory control, the effect
of which cannot be predicted.
-13-
Backlog:
- -------
The Company's backlog of accepted and unfilled orders at March 16, 1999 and
March 16, 1998 was $1,187,831 and $601,781, respectively. Revenue is not
recognized until equipment is shipped. Backlog as of any particular date should
not be relied upon as indicative of the Company's net revenues for any future
period.
Employees:
- ---------
The Company has approximately 95 full-time employees as of March 16, 1999.
None of the Company's employees are covered by a collective bargaining
agreement, and the Company considers its relations with its employees to be
satisfactory. The Company believes that its future success will depend in large
part on its ability to attract and retain highly skilled employees.
Item 2. PROPERTIES
The Company's corporate headquarters are in Newton, Massachusetts. The
Company also maintains two other primary locations in South Haven, Michigan and
Fullerton California. The Company rents approximately 144,000 square feet of
offices, production and research and development facilities at these locations
for administrative, development and production activities at an average annual
expense of approximately $447,000. A small portion of space is sublet to an
entity at an aggregate annual charge of approximately $6,000. The lease terms
expire at various times through August, 2006. The Company has the option to
extend the lease for its corporate headquarters for an additional period of up
to ten additional years. The Company believes these facilities will be adequate
for operations for the next several years.
Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is not a party to any material legal proceedings.
Item 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
No matters were submitted to a vote of the Company's security holders
during the quarter ended December 31, 1998.
-14-
PART II
Item 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The Company's Common Stock is traded on the Nasdaq National Market under
the symbol "MFIC". The following table sets forth the range of quarterly high
and low bid quotations for the last two fiscal years, as furnished by the
National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System. The
quotations represent interdealer quotations without adjustment for retail
markups, markdowns, or commissions, and may not necessarily represent actual
transactions.
Quarters Ended 12/31 9/30 6/30 3/31 12/31 9/30 6/30 3/31
1998 1998 1998 1998 1997 1997 1997 1997
Common Stock
Low 13/16 1-2/16 2 2-6/16 2 1-13/16 1-14/32 1-3/4
High 1-5/16 2-7/16 2-13/16 3-5/16 3-1/4 2-5/8 2-9/32 3-1/16
As of March 25, 1999, there were approximately 411 holders of record of the
Company's Common Stock.
The Company has never paid any cash dividends on its Common Stock and
presently anticipates that no dividends on its Common Stock will be declared in
the foreseeable future. The Company's current policy is to retain all of its
earnings to finance future growth. In addition, pursuant to loan covenants
contained in the Company's loan agreement with its commercial leader, the
Company may not pay dividends without the commercial lender's prior approval.
-15-
Item 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected financial information presented below is derived from the
audited consolidated financial statements of the Company for each of the five
years in the period ended December 31, 1998. The information set forth below
should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the Consolidated Financial
Statements and related Notes included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. Due to the
fact that results of operations include the results of both the Epworth Mill and
Morehouse-COWLES divisions since August 14, 1998, results reported for the year
ended December 31, 1998 are not comparable to previous years reported.
Selected Income Statement Data
Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended
December 31, December 31, December 31, December 31, December31,
1998 1997 1996 1995 1994
Total revenues................... $ 8,869,679 $ 7,105,706 $6,273,768 $ 5,273,399 $ 7,298,416
Operating expenses............... 9,968,142 6,702,410 5,922,885 6,556,747 6,796,397
----------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ------------
Operating income (loss).......... (1,098,463) 403,296 350,883 (1,283,348) 502,019
Interest expense................. (149,043)
Other income..................... 50,012 50,009
Interest income.................. 119,492 159,256 100,612 98,675 43,608
Gain on sale of investments and
assets.......................... 36,203 91,863 174,776
----------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ------------
Income (loss) before taxes....... (1,091,811) 704,427 501,504 (1,009,897) 545,627
Income tax benefit (provision)... (413,630) 403,630 (1,107,422) 791,058
----------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ------------
Net Income (loss)................ $(1,505,441) $ 1,108,057 $ 501,504 $(2,117,319) $ 1,336,685
----------- ----------- ---------- ----------- ------------
Basic income (loss) per share.... $ (.28) $ .23 $ .10 $ (.43) $ .27
=========== =========== ========== =========== ============
Diluted income (loss) per share.. $ (.28) $ .22 $ .10 $ (.43) $ .26
=========== =========== ========== =========== ============
Selected Balance Sheet Data
Working capital.................. $ 1,575,113 $ 6,805,556 $6,072,621 $ 5,599,714 $ 6,626,006
Total assets..................... 14,700,022 8,872,218 7,183,324 6,715,986 9,192,505
Long term debt .................. 675,000
Stockholders' equity............. 8,029,786 7,538,143 6,428,523 6,029,081 8,069,524
-16-
Item 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Overview
- --------
During 1998, Microfluidics International Corporation sought to accomplish two
primary goals: (i) to make use of its cash position to attempt to build future
sales and market share, and (ii) broaden its offering of materials processing
equipment and processing solutions. To these ends, the Company undertook the
acquisition of two established manufacturers of basic mechanical grinding,
blending, emulsifying and deagglomeration equipment, Epworth Manufacturing
Company, Inc. and Morehouse-COWLES Inc. In the first two quarters, the Company
posted similar quarterly revenues and slightly higher aggregate revenues than
were achieved in the same period in 1997. However, in the third and fourth
quarters the Company posted losses, partially as a result of a decline in sales
of its Microfluidizer equipment in Asia and Europe and partially as a result of
combining its operating results with the newly acquired companies, both of whom
experienced sales declines as compared with their respective financial
performance in the comparable periods in 1997. Period to period comparisons of
the Company's 1998 third and fourth quarter and fiscal year results are not
necessarily meaningful inasmuch as they include the operations of the Epworth
Mill division and the Morehouse-COWLES division since August 14, 1998 (the date
on which the Company acquired the assets and selected liabilities of these
companies).
In addition to a reduction in revenues resulting from a general decline in the
three divisions' sales of their respective lines of equipment, the Company also
incurred $118,577 in interest payments on the outstanding principal balance on
its $5 million revolving credit line established with Comerica Bank, and a
reduction in interest income attributable to having less cash available for
investment after the date of closing of the acquisitions. The revolving credit
line was used, in part, to fund the purchase price of the acquisitions.
Revenues for the year ending December 31, 1998 were $8,869,679, an approximate
25% increase above fiscal 1997 revenues of $7,105,706. For fiscal 1998 the
Company posted a net loss in the amount of $1,505,441, or $0.28 per diluted
share, as compared with net income of $1,108,057, or $0.22 per diluted share,
for 1997. A portion of the loss (approximately $.08) was attributable to the
increase in the valuation allowance for deferred tax assets which resulted in a
provision for income tax in 1998.
-17-
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Fiscal 1998 Compared to Fiscal 1997
- -----------------------------------
Total revenues for the year ended December 31, 1998 were $8,869,679 as
compared to revenues of $7,105,706 for the year ended December 31, 1997,
representing an increase of $1,763,973 or 25%. This increase in revenues was
the result of $2,814,557 in additional revenue generated by the Company's
Epworth-Mill and Morehouse-COWLES divisions offset by a decrease in sales by
the Microfluidics division of the Company, of $1,050,584.
For the Microfluidics division, North American sales for the year ended
December 31, 1998 increased to $4,299,285, or 6% as compared to North American
sales of $4,070,290 for the year ended December 31, 1997. This increase in North
American sales was principally due to an increase in the sale of machines.
Foreign sales were $1,755,836 for the year ended December 31, 1998 compared to
$3,035,416 for the year ended December 31, 1997, a decrease of approximately
$1,279,580 or 42%. This decrease in foreign sales was principally due to a
decrease in the sale of machines compared to 1997, principally in the Company's
Asian market.
Within the Microfluidics division, sales of the M-110 Laboratory Series
increased by approximately $261,000, to $2,555,842, or 42% of the division's
sales, for the year ended December 31, 1998, compared to $2,295,324 in 1997,
while spare part sales increased by approximately $49,000 to 32% of division
sales, to $1,920,491 in 1998, from $1,871,424 in 1997. Sales of the M-210 Series
decreased by approximately $1,229,000 to 8% of division sales to $499,372, in
1998 from $1,727,953, or 24% of division sales, in 1997. In addition, the
Company's sale of large volume production units in fiscal 1998 was three units,
down from five units in fiscal 1997, representing a decrease of approximately
$297,000.
Total cost of goods sold for 1998 was $4,954,826 or 56% of revenue, as
compared to $3,265,593 or 46% of revenue for 1997. The increase in cost of goods
sold in absolute dollars reflects the increase in sales generated by the new
Epworth Mill and Morehouse-COWLES operating divisions of the Company, offset by
a decrease in sales of machines by the Microfluidics division. For the
Microfluidics division of the Company, cost of goods sold was $2,810,954, or 46%
of division sales, compared to $3,265,923, or 46% of division sales, for 1997.
The decrease in cost of goods sold was due to reduced foreign sales. The
Microfluidics division's three major product lines have different profit
margins, as well as multiple profit margins within each product line. In the
course of the periods compared, there may be significant changes in the cost of
revenues as a percentage of revenue depending on the mix of product sold. Also,
the cost of sales as a percent of revenue will differ between laboratory and
pilot plant units sold, due to the difference in costs between air driven and
electric-hydraulic units.
Total operating expenses for 1998 were $5,013,316, or 57% of revenue, as
compared to $3,436,817, or 48% of revenue, for 1997, which is an increase of
$1,576,499, or 46%.
-18-
Research and development expenses for 1998 were $935,880 compared to
$459,240 for 1997, an increase of $476,640, or 104%. Excluding research and
development expenses attributable to the new Epworth Mill and Morehouse-COWLES
operating divisions of the Company that approximated $258,000, the increase in
research and development expenses is primarily due to an increase in payroll
costs of approximately $118,000, and a decrease in grant reimbursement funds of
approximately $111,000.
Sales and marketing expenses for 1998 increased approximately $616,000, or
35% from $1,748,146 for the year ended December 31, 1997 to $2,363,844.
Excluding selling expenses of approximately $512,000 attributable to the new
Epworth Mill and Morehouse-COWLES divisions of the Company, selling expenses
increased by approximately $103,000, from $1,748,146 to $1,851,584, due to an
increase in outside commissions of approximately $73,000, consulting expense of
approximately $29,000, delivery expense of approximately $23,000, partially
offset by a decrease in payroll and related costs of approximately $61,000.
For the year ended December 31, 1998, general and administrative expenses
increased by approximately $484,000, from $1,229,430 for the year ended December
31, 1997, to $1,713,592. Excluding expenses attributable to the new Epworth Mill
and Morehouse-COWLES operating divisions of the Company of approximately
$396,000 and amortization of goodwill in connection with the purchase of the new
divisions of approximately $154,000 for 1998, general and administrative
expenses decreased approximately $66,000, principally due to a decrease in
professional fees of approximately $52,000.
Interest income for 1998 decreased to $119,492 compared to $159,256 for
1997, a decrease of $39,764 or 25%. The decrease for 1998 was due to the amount
of cash available to invest.
The Company realized a gain on the sale of a portion of the Company's
holdings in PolyMedica Industries, Inc. in the amount of $36,203 and $91,863 for
the years ended 1998 and 1997 respectively.
The Company received other income of $50,012 for 1997. The other income
resulted from royalty income of $4,168 per month due to the sale of the
Company's Dermasome product line in December, 1995.
In the fourth quarter of 1998, the Company adjusted the valuation
allowance against its deferred tax assets, resulting in a charge of $413,630,
due to the uncertainty of earning sufficient taxable income to realize the
benefit of the deferred tax assets. The Company had a sales backlog of
$1,187,837 and $601,781 at December 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997,
respectively, consisting of purchase commitments for each divisions' line of
equipment.
-19-
Fiscal 1997 Compared to Fiscal 1996
-----------------------------------
Total Company revenues for the year ended December 31, 1997 were $7,105,706
as compared to revenues of $6,273,768 for the year ended December 31, 1996,
representing an increase of $831,938, or 13%. This increase in revenues was
primarily the result of increased unit shipments in foreign markets, offset in
part by a decrease in unit shipments in North America. For fiscal 1997, foreign
sales increased 47% to $3,035,416 from $2,060,000 for fiscal 1996. During fiscal
1997, there were no increases in prices. All sales, both domestic and foreign,
are payable in U.S. dollars. As a result, there is no foreign currency risk.
North American sales were $4,070,290 for fiscal 1997, compared to $4,213,766 for
fiscal 1996, a decrease of $143,476, or 3%, due to a decrease in demand.
Management believes that the increased foreign unit shipments were due to an
increase in the demand in the various foreign markets for the Company's
products. There can be no assurance that such levels of demand will continue to
generate increased unit shipments or revenues.
Sales of the M-110 Laboratory Series decreased by approximately $860,000,
to $2,295,324, or 32% of revenues for the year ended December 31, 1997, from
$3,155,682, or 50% of revenues for the year ended December 31, 1996, while the
M-210 Series sales increased by approximately $751,000 to $1,727,953 in 1997, or
24% of revenues, from $977,045 for the year ended December 31, 1996, or 16% of
revenues. A significant portion of the decrease in laboratory sales for the year
ended December 31, 1997 was attributable to the absence of sales of the M-140K
machine, a decrease of approximately $346,000. The other significant factor was
the decrease in sales of the M-110EH machine in North America from 1996 to 1997
of approximately $355,000. The Company's sale of large volume production units
in fiscal for the year ended December 31, 1997 increased to five units, from one
unit for the year ended December 31, 1996, representing an increase of
approximately $859,000.
Cost of goods sold for the year ended December 31, 1997 was $3,265,593, or
46% of revenue, as compared to $2,847,224, or 45% of revenue, for the year ended
December 31, 1996. The increase in the absolute dollar amount of cost of goods
sold for the year ended December 31, 1997 primarily reflects the increased
number of large volume production units sold.
Total operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 1997 were
$3,436,817, or 48% of revenues, as compared to $3,075,661, or 49% of revenues
for the year ended December 31, 1996, an increase of $361,156, or 12%. Research
and development expenses increased to $459,240, or 6% of revenues for the year
ended December 31, 1997 from $450,477 for the year ended December 31, 1996,
primarily due to a $60,000 increase in costs related to a research project,
partially offset by an increase in grant reimbursement funds from the United
States Department of Commerce of $137,403 for the year ended December 31, 1997
from $103,824 for the year ended December 31, 1996, and also by a decrease in
payroll and related costs of $19,517, from $370,956 for the year ended December
31, 1996 to $351,439 for the year ended December 31, 1997. Sales and marketing
expenses for the year ended December 31, 1997 increased to $1,748,146, or 25% of
-20-
revenues, from $1,674,941, or 27% of revenues, for the year ended December 31,
1996 as a result of an increase in payroll and related costs of approximately
$154,000, from $794,768 for the year ended December 31, 1996 to $949,015 in
1997, an increase in consulting expense of approximately $23,000, from $10,429
for the year ended December 31, 1996 to $33,359 for the year ended December 31,
1997, offset by a decrease in commissions of approximately $147,000, from
$456,398 for the year ended December 31, 1996 to $308,914 for the year ended
December 31, 1997. General and administrative expenses increased to $1,229,430,
or 17% of revenues, for the year ended December 31, 1997 from $950,243 in fiscal
1996, or 15% of revenues. The principal reasons for the increase were an
increase in payroll and related costs of approximately $98,000, from $456,978
for the period ended December 31, 1996 to $555,253 for the year ended December
31, 1997, and an increase in professional fees of approximately $62,000, from
$104,710 for the year ended December 31, 1996 to $167,071 for the year ended
December 31, 1997.
The Company sold 10,000 shares of Polymedica Industries, Inc. in the year
ended December 31, 1997 that resulted in a gain of $91,863.
Interest income increased 58% to $159,256 in fiscal 1997 from $100,612 in
fiscal 1996. No interest expense was incurred in either fiscal 1997 or fiscal
1996. This increase is principally due to an increase in the amount available
for investment.
The Company received other income of $50,012 for fiscal 1997. The other
income resulted from royalty income from the sale of the Company's Dermasome
product line in December, 1995. The final such royalty payment was received in
December, 1997.
The Company, based on financial results known as of December 31, 1997, has
determined that it no longer requires a 100% valuation of its deferred tax
benefits. As a result, the Company has recognized $403,630 as a tax benefit for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Prior to the acquisition of the Epworth Mill and Morehouse-COWLES
divisions, the Company had financed its operations primarily through the use of
cash and cash equivalents on hand, and cash flows from operations.
The Company used cash of $1,259,394 and generated cash of $1,289,874, and
$1,014,631 from operations in 1998, 1997, and 1996, respectively. In 1998, the
Company's principle operating cash requirements were to fund its net loss from
operations and reduce other current liabilities offset by decreases in inventory
and trade and other receivables. In 1997, this amount was principally the result
of net income increased by an increase in current liabilities of $569,274 and
decreased by a non-cash tax benefit of $403,630 and an increase in inventories
of $145,170. In 1996, this amount was principally the result of net income from
operations, increased by a decrease in both inventory and accounts receivable
and other receivables.
-21-
The Company utilized $6,638,534 for investing activities in 1998. Net cash
used for investing activities included the business assets acquired net of cash
in connection with the acquisition of the Epworth Mill and Morehouse-COWLES
divisions, as well as the purchase of capital equipment. As of December 31,
1998, the Company had no material commitments for capital expenditures. The
Company generated cash from investing activities in 1997 of $23,424, principally
from the sale of investments for $91,863, offset by the purchase of fixed assets
of $68,439. The Company utilized $21,636 for investing activities in 1996. Net
cash used for investing activities related primarily to the purchase of fixed
assets and leasehold improvements.
For financing activities, the Company generated cash of $4,365,424 in 1998
and utilized cash of $16,638 and $109,859 in 1997 and 1996, respectively. In
1998, cash was generated principally from the proceeds of borrowings to finance
the acquisition of the Epworth Mill and Morehouse-COWLES divisions. In both 1997
and 1996, this amount was principally the result of the purchase of treasury
stock offset, in part, by the issuance of stock under the Company's employee
stock option and purchase plans.
The cash and cash equivalents balance at December 31, 1998 was $550,713, a
decrease of $3,532,501 from the December 31, 1997 balance of $4,083,214. This
decrease primarily resulted from the Company's purchase of the Epworth Mill and
Morehouse-COWLES divisions. The Company maintains a line of credit with Comerica
Bank. The line of credit facility provides for maximum borrowing of $5,000,000.
As of December 31, 1998 and March 24, 1999 the Company had borrowings of
$4,347,782 and $3,681,693 respectively.
In 1998, the Company incurred a net loss of approximately $1,505,000 and
was not in compliance with certain covenants of its Revolving Credit Loan
Agreement ("Loan Agreement"). On March 23, 1999, the Company's lender advised
the Company that it was in default of the Loan Agreement and instructed the
Company to cease all payments on the Subordinated Promissory Notes. The lender
also purported to reduce the line of credit to $4,000,000. The Company is
currently functioning under a standstill agreement that expires on April 19,
1999. These matters raise substantial doubt about the Company's ability to
continue as a going concern.
The Company and its lender are negotiating a forbearance agreement to the
Loan Agreement. In addition, management has developed and is executing a plan to
return to profitability and positive cash flow. As part of this plan, the
Company has reduced its workforce by approximately 25%, reduced salaries for key
officers and combined its salesforce for all three product lines. The plan also
includes the Company's renegotiation of the terms of the Loan Agreement, if
possible, seeking to obtain sufficient new capital or subordinated debt, the
implementation of manufacturing cost reduction programs and the reduction of
discretionary spending.
There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in its
attempt to renegotiate its Loan Agreement on terms acceptable to the Company and
the Lender or to execute its plan to return to profitability and positive cash
flow. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result
from the outcome of this uncertainty.
POSSIBLE NASDAQ DELISTING
The Company's Common Stock is currently listed on the Nasdaq National
Market (the "National Market") under the symbol "MFIC". The Company has been
notified by the National Market that, as of October 9, 1998, the Company was not
in compliance with the National Market requirements for the continued listing of
its Common Stock because the market value of the public float of the Common
Stock was less than $5,000,000 for more than thirty consecutive days. Nasdaq
calculates the market value of a Company's common stock by multiplying the
closing bid price of the stock by the number of shares held by non-affiliates.
The Company estimates that 4,494,502 shares are currently held by non-
affiliates. The notice from the National Market further stated that the
Company's Common Stock would be delisted as of January 18, 1999 if the public
float was not $5,000,000 or more for a period of ten consecutive trading days
during the ninety-day period from October 19, 1998 to January 17, 1999. Further,
as of September 30, 1998, the Company fell below another of the National
Market's continued listing requirements as its net tangible assets (total assets
minus goodwill) had fallen below
-22-
$4,000,000 to $3,251,953. Finally on March 11, 1999, the National Market
notified the Company that the Company was not in compliance with the $1.00
minimum bid price requirement. As of April 8, 1999, the Company had still not
satisfied any one of the three foregoing requirements. The Company on February
11, 1999 requested a hearing before the National Market to request a "phase-
down" to the Nasdaq SmallCap Market. This meeting took place on March 19, 1999.
The Company is awaiting the outcome of the meeting. However, since the Company
only meets the continued listing requirements of the SmallCap Market and does
not meet the initial listing requirements, there can be no assurance that the
Company's "phase-down" request will be granted. If the Company cannot list its
Common Stock on the SmallCap Market, the Common Stock will trade in the over-
the-counter markets. The liquidity of such securities may be impaired not only
in the number of shares that could be bought and sold, but also through delays
in the timing of transactions, reductions in securities analysts' and media
coverage of the Company, and lower prices than might otherwise be attained.
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
In June, 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS No. 133,
"Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities," which is
effective for the Company's quarter ended March 31, 2000. SFAS No. 133
significantly modifies accounting and reporting standards for derivatives and
hedging activities. The impact of SFAS No. 133, if any, on the Company has not
yet been determined.
YEAR 2000 DISCLOSURE
The "Year 2000 Problem" arose because many existing computer programs use only
the last two digits to refer to a year. Therefore, these computer programs may
recognize a year that ends in "00" as the year 1900 rather than the year 2000.
This could result in a significant disruption of operations and an inability to
process certain transactions.
Strategic Plan
The Company has been engaged in an ongoing assessment of its internal
information technology systems. The Company contacted the providers of its
internal technology systems and it was determined that, because computer
applications use four digits to identify a year in the field date, the Company's
information technology systems were in fact internally compliant with Year 2000
requirements. The Company had reviewed proposals for a full compliance audit of
the Company's network systems and its components. Such an audit had been
completed on the network systems and applications. As a result of the audit, the
Company has begun implementation of a plan to replace its current network
hardware and operating system. The Company expects to have all system-wide
applications fully compliant by September 30, 1999.
-23-
The Company plans to conduct an additional audit at the workstation level during
the month of April 1999. The workstations and their individual applications
will be brought into compliance during the second and third quarters of 1999.
With respect to the Company's non-information technology systems, the Company is
aware that some of the equipment that the Company leases may not be Year 2000
compliant. While it is understood by the Company that the potential effect on
results of operations could be serious and could have a material adverse affect
on the Company's business or financial condition, at this time management has
not determined the entire potential level of risk associated with its non-
compliant non-information technology systems and has not yet formulated a plan
for remediating such problems.
In addition, the Company has developed a strategic plan to estimate the
potential risks related to third parties with whom it has relationships. The
third parties include financial institutions, vendors, payroll service
providers, distributors, customers, and equipment manufacturers. If any of
these third parties encounter Year 2000 problems, it could have a potential
significant outcome on the ability of the Company to effectively continue its
normal daily operations.
The initial stage to be immediately undertaken by the Company will include
distribution of inquiry letters to its most significant third parties, followed
by a subsequent internal evaluation of the responses received. Upon learning
that certain third parties are not Year 2000 compliant, the Company may be
required to manually process transactions, delay vendor payments, and/or issue
manual checks to employees in place of direct deposits. These processes, if
necessary, would be a part of the second stage implementation, in which the
Company would correct and/or replace any vendors or vendor software that is not
Year 2000 compliant, as soon as it is feasible. The Company anticipates
completing this initial stage by the end of the first quarter of 1999.
Costs
There have been no historical costs incurred to date by the Company related to
Year 2000 compliance. As stated above, the Company expects to complete its Year
2000 strategic plan by the end of the second quarter of 1999. The total cost of
implementing the plan is not expected to exceed $75,000. Costs associated with
such plan were incorporated into the Company's 1999 budgeting process. In
addition, while the Company cannot predict what impact the Year 2000 problem may
have on third parties, it does not currently believe that it will incur material
costs in the implementation stage of resolving potential Year 2000 problems of
third parties with whom it interacts.
-24-
Risks
Until the initial stage of the Company's strategic plan is complete, the Company
cannot accurately assess the potential risks associated with non-compliance of
its non-information technology systems or external third parties. While it is
understood by the Company that the potential effect on results of operations
could be serious and could have a material adverse affect on the Company's
business or financial condition, at this time management has not determined the
entire potential level of risk.
Contingency Plan
At the present time, a contingency plan has not been developed. The Company
will continue to monitor the need for a contingency plan based on the results of
its Year 2000 compliance strategic plan.
BUSINESS OUTLOOK
The Company believes that this report may contain forward-looking statements
that are subject to certain risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking
statements include statements regarding the Company's development of a multi-
stream mixer, the Company's backlog, the Company's ability to "phase-down" to
the Nasdaq Small Cap Market, as well as,the expected testing time tables and
costs related to the Company's Year 2000 readiness. Such statements are based on
management's current expectations and are subject to a number of factors and
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those
described in the forward-looking statements. Such factors and uncertainties
include, but are not limited to, the development of competing or superior
technologies and products from other manufacturers, many of which have
substantially greater financial, technical and other resources than the Company;
the cyclical nature of the materials processing industry, which has historically
negatively affected the Company's sales of Microfluidizer equipment during
industry downturns and which could do so in the future; the availability of
additional capital to fund expansion on acceptable terms, if at all; the
uncertainty that the performance advantages of the Microfluidizer equipment will
be realized commercially or that a commercial market for Microfluidizer
equipment and the equipment of the Epworth Mill and Morehouse-COWLES Divisions
will continue to develop; the dependence by the Company on key customers; and
general economic conditions.
Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The Company's fixed rate debt is not exposed to cash flow or interest rate
changes but is exposed to fair market value changes in the event of refinancing
this fixed rate debt.
At December 31, 1998 the Company had approximately $4,300,000 of variable rate
borrowings outstanding under its revolving credit agreement. A hypothetical 10%
(100 basis points) adverse change in interest rates for this variable rate debt
would have an approximate $31,000 negative effect on the Company's earnings and
cash flows.
For additional information about the Company's financial instruments, see Notes
A, F and G.
-25-
Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The following Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and its
Subsidiaries appear on the following pages of this Form 10-K.
Page
Report of Independent Auditors F-1
Report of Independent Accountants F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 F-3 & F-4
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 F-5
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 F-5
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 F-6
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity
for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996 F-7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-8
-26-
Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON
ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
The Company has previously reported information relating to this item on a
Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 9, 1997.
PART III
Item 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
The names of the Company's current directors and executive officers and
certain information about them are set forth below:
Name Age Title
---- --- -----
Irwin J. Gruverman.......... 65 Chief Executive Officer, Chairman
of the Board and Secretary
Michael A. Lento............ 48 President, Treasurer and Director
Bret A. Lewis............... 37 President of the Company's Epworth
Division and Director
J.B. Jennings............... 61 Director
James N. Little............. 58 Director
Vincent B. Cortina.......... 61 Director
- ---------------
IRWIN J. GRUVERMAN has served as the Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the
Board of Directors and Secretary of the Company since its inception in 1983.
From the Company's inception in 1983 to February 1993, Mr. Gruverman served as
its President. He also currently serves as the President of G&G Diagnostics
Corp., an administrative services company, and as the General Partner of G&G
Diagnostics Limited Partnership II, a human medical diagnostics venture capital
investment partnership, a position which he has held since 1990. See "Related
Transactions." In addition, Mr. Gruverman currently serves on the Board of
Directors of the following public companies: North American Scientific, Inc.;
InVitro International, Inc.; FiberChem International, Inc. and Endogen, Inc.
MICHAEL A. LENTO has served as the President and Treasurer of the Company
since September 1995 and has served as a director of the Company since May 1997.
From August 1994 until August 1995, Mr. Lento served as the Vice President of
Marketing of the Company. From November 1993 until August 1994, Mr. Lento, on a
consulting basis, acted as the manager of the Company's cooperative venture with
Catalytica, Inc.
BRET A. LEWIS has served as the President of the Company's Epworth division
and as a director of the Company since August 1998. Prior to the Company's
purchase of substantially all of the assets of Epworth and Morehouse in August
1998, Mr. Lewis served as President of Epworth from July 1995 to August 1998 and
as President of Morehouse from July 1996 to August 1998. Prior to that he also
served as President of Lewis & Son
-27-
Co., Inc., a specialty tool manufacturing company from June 1994 to April 1997
and as President of Vans Pine, Inc., a cultivating and distributing plant
nursery company from July 1993 to June 1994.
J.B. JENNINGS has served as a director of the Company since August 1998. From
August 1998 to March 1999, Mr. Jennings served as president of the Company's
Morehouse-COWLES division. Prior to the Company's purchase of substantially all
of the assets of Epworth and Morehouse in August 1998, Mr. Jennings served as
chief executive officer of Epworth from July 1995 to August 1998 and as chief
executive officer of Morehouse from July 1996 to August 1998. Prior to that he
served as president of American Gator Tool, a specialty tool manufacturing
company from 1973 to July 1995.
JAMES N. LITTLE has served as a director of the Company since December 1995.
Since August 1998, Mr. Little has served as Senior Vice President of Cetek
Corporation, a service-based pharmaceutical compound screening company. Prior
to that, from 1981 to August 1998, Mr. Little served as a Senior Vice President
of Sales, Marketing and Business Development for Zymark Corporation, a
manufacturer of scientific robotics equipment.
Vincent B. Cortina has served as a director of the Company since May 1997.
Since 1996, Mr. Cortina has been self-employed as a business consultant. Prior
to that he served as President of Advanced Monitors, Inc., a company which
develops and manufactures a variety of medical equipment and instruments, from
1990 to 1996.
On August 14, 1998, the Company purchased substantially all of the assets and
assumed certain liabilities of Epworth and Morehouse-COWLES pursuant to an
Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of June 19, 1998 by and among the Company,
Epworth and Morehouse. Messrs. J.B. Jennings and Bret A. Lewis are the sole
stockholders of both Epworth and Morehouse. Subject to the terms and conditions
set forth in the Asset Purchase Agreement, the Company has agreed to use
reasonable efforts to cause the nomination of Messrs. Jennings and Lewis as
directors at each annual meeting of the Company's stockholders.
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
Section 16(a) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 requires the
Company's directors and executive officers, and persons who own more than ten
percent of the Company's Common Stock ("Reporting Persons"), to file reports of
ownership and changes in ownership with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the "SEC"). Reporting Persons are required by SEC regulations to furnish the
Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file.
To the Company's knowledge, based solely on a review of the copies of such
forms received by the Company and on written representations from certain
Reporting Persons, the Company believes that during the year ended December 31,
1998, all Section 16(a) filing requirements applicable to its directors,
executive officers and greater than ten percent beneficial owners were met.
-28-
Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Executive Compensation Summary Table
The Summary Compensation table shows compensation information for (i) the
Chief Executive Officer, and (ii) the other executive officer of the Corporation
who earned more than $100,000 in salary and bonus in 1998 (together with the
Chief Executive Officer, the "Named Executive Officers") for services rendered
in all capacities during the three fiscal years most recently ended.
Summary Compensation Table
LONG TERM
Annual Compensation COMPENSATION
-------------------------- -------------------
SECURITIES
UNDERLYING
STOCK ALL OTHER
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION YEAR SALARY BONUS OPTIONS(#)(2) COMPENSATION(1)
--------------------------- ---- ----------- ------- ------------------- -------------------
Irwin J. Gruverman.................................. 1998 $ 95,000 $ 0 200,000 $800
Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board of 1997 95,000 0 20,000 800
Directors and Secretary 1996 75,040(3) 0 41,000 -
Michael A. Lento.................................... 1998 129,942 $ 5,000 346,000 $800
President and Treasurer 1997 125,000 10,000 0 800
1996 98,000 5,000 25,000 -
- -------------
(1) Consists of the Company's matching contributions made under its 401(k) plan
on behalf of each Named Executive Officer.
(2) Except for an option to purchase 50,000 shares of Common Stock granted to
Mr. Lento, the options to purchase shares of Common Stock granted to
Messrs. Gruverman and Lento in the last fiscal year were granted to replace
existing options as a result of the repricing described below.
(3) Mr. Gruverman received approximately one-third of his 1996 salary in the
form of an award of 16,000 shares of Common Stock, valued at the fair
market value of $1.69 per share, as reported by the Nasdaq Stock Market on
February 2, 1996, the date of the award.
Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year
The following table sets forth information regarding each stock option
granted during the fiscal year 1998 to each of the Named Executive Officers.
Individual Grants(1)(2)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
NUMBER OF PERCENT OF TOTAL
SECURITIES OPTIONS GRANTED TO EXERCISE PRICE
UNDERLYING OPTIONS EMPLOYEES IN PER EXPIRATION
NAME GRANTED (#) FISCAL YEAR (2) SHARE(3) DATE
---- ------------------- ------------------- ---------------- ---------------
Irwin J. Gruverman.................... 125,000(4) 7.3% $1.238 10/6/03
75,000(5) 4.4% $1.238 10/6/03
Michael A. Lento...................... 221,000(4) 13.0% $1.125 10/6/08
75,000(5) 4.4% $1.125 10/6/08
50,000(6) 2.9% $1.125 10/6/08
- -------------
(1) In October 1998, the Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee
voted to reprice substantially all of the outstanding stock options of the
Company to provide that the exercise price of such options would be the
fair market value of the Common Stock on October 5, 1998. The Company
repriced the options by amending them or cancelling them and granting new
replacement options. The repriced options also
-29-
contain a vesting schedule different than the options that they replaced.
All options granted on or before October 6, 1996 were replaced with options
that vest in three equal installments on October 6, 1998, October 6, 1999
and October 6, 2000. All options that were granted after October 6, 1996
were replaced with options that vest in four equal installments on October
6, 1998, October 6, 1999, October 6, 2000, and October 6, 2001. Except for
the option to purchase 50,000 shares of Common Stock granted to Mr. Lento,
all of the options listed above in the table were granted to Messrs.
Gruverman and Lento as a result of the repricing to replace options
previously granted.
(2) The Company granted options to purchase 1,701,625 shares of Common Stock to
employees in the year ended December 31, 1998.
(3) All options were granted at an exercise price per share equal to the fair
market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant, determined by the
closing price on the Nasdaq Stock Market on the trading day immediately
preceding the grant date, except for Mr. Gruverman's options, which were
granted at 110% of such closing price.
(4) The option vests in three equal installments on October 6, 1998, October 6,
1999 and October 6, 2000.
(5) The option vests in four equal installments on October 6, 1998, October 6,
1999, October 6, 2000 and October 6, 2001.
(6) The option vests in four equal installments on October 6, 1999, October 6,
2000, October 6, 2001 and October 6, 2002.
Aggregated Option Exercises and Fiscal Year-end Values
The following table summarizes for each of the Named Executive Officers
unexercised options held at December 31, 1998. None of the Named Executive
Officers held any stock appreciation rights or exercised any stock options or
stock appreciation rights during 1998. The value of unexercised in-the-money
options at the fiscal year end is the difference between the exercise price and
the fair market value of the underlying stock on December 31, 1998 the last
business day of the fiscal year. The closing price of the Company's Common
Stock on the Nasdaq Stock Market on such date was $0.938.
December 31, 1998 Option Values
VALUE OF
NUMBER OF SECURITIES UNEXERCISED
UNDERLYING UNEXERCISED IN-THE-MONEY
OPTIONS AT OPTIONS AT
FISCAL YEAR END FISCAL YEAR END(1)
-------------------------------- ------------------------------
Name Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
- --------------------- --------------- --------------- ------------ ----------------
Irwin J. Gruverman 60,417 139,583 $0 $0
Michael A. Lento 92,417 253,583 $0 $0
- -------------
(1) Actual gains, if any, on exercise will depend on the value of the Common
Stock on the date of sale of any shares acquired upon exercise of the
option. The Named Executive Officers do not hold any options, exercisable
or unexercisable, at exercise prices below the fair market value of the
Common Stock on December 31, 1998 as reported by the Nasdaq Stock Market.
Such options are not "in the money" and their value is, therefore, zero.
-30-
Option Repricing
In October 1998, the Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee
voted to reprice substantially all of the outstanding stock options of the
Company to provide that the exercise price of such options would be the fair
market value of the Common Stock on October 5, 1998, or $1.125. The Company
repriced the options by amending them or cancelling them and granting new
replacement options. The repriced options also contain a vesting schedule
different than the options that they replaced. All options granted on or before
October 6, 1996 were replaced with options that vest in three equal installments
on October 6, 1998, October 6, 1999 and October 6, 2000. All options that were
granted after October 6, 1996 were replaced with options that vest in four equal
installments on October 6, 1998, October 6, 1999 and October 6, 2000 and October
6, 2001. The Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee repriced the
options to serve as further incentive to the executive officers of the Company,
as well as to numerous other employees. See "Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year."
Compensation of Directors
Directors, with the exception of Mr. Gruverman, Mr. Lento, and Mr. Lewis
receive $1,000 per diem for each formal meeting of the Board of Directors and
committee thereof for which they attend and are reimbursed for reasonable
expenses incurred in attending such meetings. Mr. Little holds options to
purchase 55,000 shares of Common Stock at an average exercise price of $1.18 per
share. Mr. Cortina holds options to purchase 40,000 shares of Common Stock at an
average exercise price of $1.17 per share. Messrs. Little and Cortina were
granted the foregoing options pursuant to the 1989 Non-Employee Director Stock
Option Plan (the "1989 Plan"), which automatically grants to each non-employee
director of the Company who holds office at the beginning of each fiscal year an
option to purchase 7,500 shares of the Company's Common Stock. Upon any non-
employee director's first appointment to the Board of Directors, that director
receives an automatic grant of an option to purchase 25,000 shares of the
Company's Common Stock. Options granted pursuant to the 1989 Plan vest in four
equal installments commencing six months from the date of grant and thereafter
on the next three anniversaries of the date of grant.
Employment Agreements
The Company entered into a letter agreement dated December 31, 1998 with
Irwin J. Gruverman, the Company's Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board
and Secretary, pursuant to which Mr. Gruverman's compensation for the 1999
fiscal year was established at $95,000.
-31-
Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
Principal Holders of Voting Securities
The following table sets forth as of April 1, 1999, the name of each person
who, to the knowledge of the Company, owned beneficially more than 5% of the
shares of Common Stock of the Company outstanding at such date, the number of
shares owned by each person and the percentage of the class represented thereby.
AMOUNT AND
NATURE OF
NAME AND ADDRESS OF BENEFICIAL PERCENT
BENEFICIAL OWNER OWNERSHIP(1) OF CLASS (2)
- ------------------- ------------ ------------
Irwin J. Gruverman(3).................... 727,222 11.88%
30 Ossipee Road
Newton, Massachusetts 02464-9101
Bret A. Lewis(4)......................... 457,600 7.54%
11323 Skogen Lane
Grand Haven, Michigan 49417
J.B. Jennings(5)......................... 457,500 7.54%
134 Cascade Drive
Battle Creek, Michigan 49015
G.D. Searle & Co.(6)..................... 600,000 9.90%
Box 5110
Chicago, Illinois 60680
_______________
(1) Information with respect to beneficial ownership is based upon information
furnished by such shareholder.
(2) Shares of Common Stock that a person or entity has the right to acquire
within 60 days of April 1, 1999, pursuant to the exercise of options are
deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage
ownership of such person or entity, but are not deemed to be outstanding
for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person
or entity shown in the table. Percentage ownership is based on 6,061,304
shares of Common Stock issued and outstanding on April 1, 1999.
(3) Consists of (i) 242,300 shares of Common Stock, (ii) 60,417 shares of
Common Stock subject to currently exercisable options, (iii) 324,505 shares
of Common Stock owned jointly by Mr.Gruverman and his wife and (iv) 100,000
shares of Common Stock owned by his wife. Mr. Gruverman disclaims
beneficial ownership of the 100,000 shares of Common Stock owned by his
wife.
(4) Includes 7,500 shares of Common Stock subject to currently exercisable
options.
(5) Includes 7,500 shares of Common Stock subject to currently exercisable
options.
(6) Information with respect to beneficial ownership is based upon information
furnished by G.D. Searle & Co. in a Form 4 filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on January 5, 1994.
-32-
Beneficial Ownership of Directors and Executive Officers
The following table sets forth current directors, nominees for director to be
elected at the Company's 1999 Annual Meeting and each executive officer named in
the Summary Compensation Table set forth in Item 11, the positions currently
held by each person with the Company and the number and percentage of
outstanding shares of Common Stock beneficially owned by each person and by all
current directors and executive officers as a group as of April 1, 1999.
AMOUNT AND NATURE OF
POSITIONS AND OFFICES BENEFICIAL PERCENT
WITH THE COMPANY(1) OWNERSHIP(2)(3) OF CLASS
------------------------------------ ------------------------ -------------
Irwin J. Gruverman....... Chief Executive Officer, Chairman 727,222(4) 11.88%
of the Board of Directors and
Secretary
Michael A. Lento......... President, Treasurer and Director 96,306(5) 1.57%
Bret A. Lewis............ President of the Company's Epworth 457,600(6) 7.54%
Division and Director
J.B. Jennings............ Director 457,500(7) 7.54%
James N. Little.......... Director 14,583(8) *
Vincent B. Cortina....... Director 8,125(9) *
All current directors and
executive officers as a 1,761,336(10) 28.17%
group (6 persons)........
__________________
*Less than 1%.
(1) Each individual is also a nominee for Director to be elected at the
Meeting.
(2) Unless otherwise indicated, each person possesses sole voting and
investment power with respect to the shares.
(3) Shares of Common Stock that a person has the right to acquire within 60
days of April 1, 1999, pursuant to the exercise of options are deemed to be
outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of such
person, but are not deemed to be outstanding for the purpose of computing
the percentage ownership of any other person shown in the table. The
inclusion herein of any shares of Common Stock deemed beneficially owned
does not constitute an admission of beneficial ownership of those shares.
Percentage ownership is based on 6,061,304 shares of Common Stock issued
and outstanding on April 1, 1999.
(4) Consists of (i) 242,300 shares of Common Stock, (ii) 60,417 shares of
Common Stock subject to currently exercisable options, (iii) 324,505 shares
of Common Stock owned jointly by Mr. Gruverman and his wife and (iv)
100,000 shares of Common Stock owned by his wife. Mr. Gruverman disclaims
beneficial ownership of the 100,000 shares of Common Stock owned by his
wife.
(5) Consists of (i) 92,417 shares of Common Stock subject to currently
exercisable options and (ii) 3,889 shares of Common Stock owned jointly by
Mr. Lento and his wife.
(6) Includes 7,500 shares of Common Stock subject to currently exercisable
options.
(7) Includes 7,500 shares of Common Stock subject to currently exercisable
options.
(8) Consists of 14,583 shares of Common Stock subject to currently exercisable
options.
(9) Consists of 8,125 shares of Common Stock subject to currently exercisable
options.
(10) Includes 190,542 shares of Common Stock subject to currently exercisable
options. See footnotes 4 through 9 above.
-33-
Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The Company and G&G Diagnostics Corp. ("G&G"), a corporation of which Mr.
Gruverman is the President, sole employee and sole stockholder, have entered
into an agreement (the "Letter Agreement") whereby G&G leases space from, and
makes payments to, the Company for rent and direct expenses based on quarterly
invoices provided by the Company. The total amount paid to the Company by G&G
for reimbursement of expenses in 1998 was approximately $76,363. Pursuant to
the Letter Agreement, in 1999 G&G will lease space from, and make payments to,
the Company for rent and direct expenses, and will reimburse the Company for
services to be provided to G&G by an employee of the Company.
The Company leases its two facilities in South Haven, Michigan from B-2
Enterprises, Inc. and JLJ Properties, Inc. Both of these entities are owned and
controlled by Messrs. Jennings and Lewis. In 1998, the Company paid these
entities approximately $62,280 in rent.
On August 14, 1998, the Company purchased substantially all of the assets
and assumed certain liabilities of Epworth and Morehouse pursuant to an Asset
Purchase Agreement dated as of June 19, 1998 by and among the Company, Epworth
and Morehouse. Messrs. J.B. Jennings and Bret A. Lewis are the sole stockholders
of both Epworth and Morehouse. The purchased assets included cash and cash
equivalents, accounts and notes receivables, inventories, machinery and
equipment, intellectual property rights, furniture and fixtures and leasehold
interests and improvements. In accordance with the Asset Purchase Agreement, the
Company paid or delivered to the Messrs. Jennings and Lewis (i) $5,508,480 in
cash, (ii) two subordinated promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount
of $800,000, and (iii) 900,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock, subject to
the restrictions set forth in a Stockholders Agreement among the Company and
Messrs. Jennings and Lewis dated August 14, 1998. The amount of consideration
paid by the Company for the assets was determined by the Company's Board of
Directors based, in part, upon a fairness opinion provided to the Board of
Directors by its financial advisor.
PART IV
Item 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a)(1.) Consolidated Financial Statements.
The following Consolidated Financial Statements are included in
Item 8:
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1998 and 1997
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the
years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for
the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Report of Independent Auditors
Report of Independent Accountants
(a)(2.) Financial Statement Schedules.
All schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the
required information is shown in the financial statements or the notes
thereto.
(a)(3.) List of Exhibits.
Exhibit
Number Description of Exhibit
------ ----------------------
3.3(a) Certificate of Incorporation for the Company, as amended (filed as
Exhibit 2A to Registration Statement No. 0-11625 on Form 8-A and
incorporated herein by reference).
-34-
3.3(b) Amended and Restated By-Laws for the Company (filed as
Exhibit 3.3(b) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 and incorporated herein by
reference).
** 3.10(a) 1987 Stock Plan (filed as Exhibit 10(g) to the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1987 and
incorporated herein by reference).
** 3.10(b) 1988 Stock Plan (filed as Exhibit 10(g) to the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1988 and
incorporated herein by reference).
3.10(c) 1989 Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan (filed as Exhibit
10.1 to the Company's registration statement on Form S-8 filed
October 22, 1996 and incorporated herein by reference).
3.10(d) Loan Agreement between The First National Bank of Boston and
Microfluidics International Corporation dated as of December 10,
1993 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K filed on December 27, 1993
and incorporated herein by reference.
3.10(e) Lease for 30 Ossipee Road, Newton Massachusetts dated May 23, 1997
between Microfluidics International Corporation and J. Frank
Garrity, Trustee of 1238 Chestnut Street Trust under Declaration of
Trust dated May 23, 1969, recorded with Middlesex South Registry of
Deeds in Book 11682, Page 384 (filed as Exhibit 3.10a to the
Company's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 1997 and
incorporated herein by reference).
3.10(f) Letter of Understanding between Microfluidics International
Corporation and Worcester Polytechnic Institute dated as of April 3,
1992 (filed as Exhibit 3.10(f) to the Company's Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1993 and incorporated herein by
reference).
3.10(g) Agreement between Microfluidics International Corporation and
Catalytica, Inc. dated as of October 18, 1993 (filed as Exhibit
3.10(g) to the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1993 and incorporated herein by reference) with
amendements dated September 1, 1994 and March 31, 1995.
3.10(h) Amendement to agreement dated September 1, 1994 between
Microfluidics International Corporation and Catalytica, Inc. dated
as of October 18, 1993 (filed as Exhibit 3.10(g) to the Company's
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993, and
incorporated herein by reference).
-35-
3.10(i) Amendment to agreement dated March 31, 1995 between Microfluidics
International Corporation and Catalytica, Inc. dated as of
October 18, 1993 (filed as Exhibit 3.10(g) to the Company's
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993, and
incorporated herein by reference).
3.10(j) License Agreement among Microfluidics International Corporation,
Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Catalytica, Inc. dated as of
October 18, 1993 (filed as Exhibit 3.10(h) to the Company's Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993 and incorporated
herein by reference).
** 3.10(k) Agreement, dated July 27, 1995, between Microfluidics International
Corporation and Michael T. Rumley (filed as Exhibit 3.10(i) to the
Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995 and
incorporated herein by reference).
** 3.10(l) Letter, dated August 15, 1995, from Microfluidics International
Corporation to Michael T. Rumley (filed as Exhibit 3.10(j) to the
Company's Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December 31, 1995 and
incorporated hereby reference).
** 3.10(m) Letter, dated December 31, 1995 from Microfluidics International
Corporation to Irwin J. Gruverman (filed as Exhibit 3.10(k) to the
Company's Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 and
incorporated herein by reference).
3.10(n) Warrant for the Purchase of Shares of Common Stock, dated July 14,
1993, in favor of Ladenburg, Thalmann & Co. Inc. (filed as
Exhibit 3.10(l) to the Company's Form 10-K for fiscal year ended
December 31, 1996 and incorporated herein by reference).
** 3.10(o) Letter, dated December 31, 1996, from Microfluidics International
Corporation to Irwin J. Gruverman (filed as Exhibit 3.10(o) to the
Company's Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 and
incorporated herein by reference).
3.10(p) Agreement between Microfluidics International Corporation and
Catalytica, Inc. dated January 1, 1995 regarding participation in
and management of the Advanced Technology Program (ATP) (filed as
Exhibit 3.10(p) to the Company's Form 10-K for fiscal year ended
December 31, 1996 and incorporated herein by reference).
3.10(q) Consulting Agreement with James Little (filed as Exhibit 3.10(q) to
the Company's Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 and
incorporated herein by reference).
3.10(r) Subsidiaries of the Registrant (filed as Exhibit 3.21 to the
Company's Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 and
incorporated herein by reference).
-36-
3.10(s) Letter dated December 31, 1997, from Microfluidics International
Corporation** to Irwin J. Gruverman and G & G Diagnostics Corp.
3.10(t) 1988 Stock Plan as amended (filed as Exhibit 10(a) to the Company's
Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 1997 and
incorporated herein by reference.
3.10(u) Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of June 19, 1998, by and among the
Company, Epworth Manufacturing Company and Morehouse-COWLES, Inc.
(filed as Exhibit 2.1 to Schedule 13D of Bret A. Lewis, File No.
005-35850, and incorproated herein by reference).
3.10(v) Stockholders Agreement dated August 14, 1998, by and among the
Company, J.B. Jennings and Bret A. Lewis (filed as exhibit 2.2 to
Schedule 13D of Bret A. Lewis, File No. 005-35850, and incorporated
herein by reference).
3.10(w) $500,000 Subordinated Promissory Note issued by the Company to
Epworth Manufacturing Company (filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the
Company's Form 8-K on August 27, 1998, File No. 000-11625, and
incorporated herein by reference).
3.10(x) $300,000 Subordinated Promissory Note issued by the Company to
Epworth Manufacturing Company (filed as exhibit 99.2 to the
Company's Form 8-K on August 27, 1998, File No. 000-11625, and
incorporated herein by reference).
3.10(y) Revolving credit loan between Comerica Bank and the Company dated
August 12, 1998 (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's form 10-Q
for the quarterly period ended September 30, 1998 and incorporated
herein by reference).
*3.10(z) Letter dated December 31, 1998 from Microfluidics International
Corporation to Irwin J. Gruverman.
*23(a) Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
*27 Financial Data Schedule.
- ----------------
*Filed herewith
**Management contracts or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed
as an exhibit to this Form 10-K pursuant to Item 14(c) of this report.
-37-
(b) Reports on Form 8-K.
On October 28, 1998, the Company filed Amendment No. 2 on Form 8K/A
amending the previous filings of August 27, 1998 and September 11,
1998 to include pro forma financial statements required in connection
with the Company's acquisition of substantially all of the assets of
Epworth Manufacturing Company and Morehouse-COWLES, Inc.
(c) Exhibits.
The Company hereby files as part of this Form 10-K the Exhibits listed
in Item 14(a)(3) as set forth above.
(d) Financial Statement Schedules.
See (a)(2) above.
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
------------------------------
To the Board of Directors and
Stockholders of Microfluidics
International Corporation:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Microfluidics
International Corporation and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997, and
the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss),
changes in stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the years then ended. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of
Microfluidics International Corporation and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998
and 1997, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows
for the years then ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming
that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note N to the
consolidated financial statements, the Company incurred a net loss of
approximately $1,505,000 in 1998 and was not in compliance with certain
covenants of its revolving credit loan agreement. The Company's lender has
declared the loan in default. These matters raise substantial doubt about the
Company's ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans in regard
to these matters are also described in Note N. The financial statements do not
include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
March 23, 1999
F-1
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
---------------------------------
To the Board of Directors and
Stockholders of Microfluidics
International Corporation:
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Microfluidics
International Corporation and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and
the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996.
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based
on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Microfluidics
International Corporation and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and
the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of
the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.
COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
Boston, Massachusetts
February 12, 1997
F-2
/1/MICROFLUIDICS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31,
--------------------------
1998 1997
------------ ------------
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 550,713 $4,083,214
Marketable securities 10,080 55,638
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $100,000
and $40,000 in 1998 and 1997, respectively 2,284,840 1,396,088
Other receivables 84,845 122,550
Accounts receivable related party 24,417 18,439
Inventories 4,450,926 2,436,938
Prepaid expenses 164,528 26,764
----------- ----------
Total current assets 7,570,349 8,139,631
Equipment and Leasehold Improvements, at cost
Furniture, fixtures and office equipment 436,447 335,467
Machinery and equipment 893,388 261,592
Leasehold improvements 310,563 125,322
----------- ----------
1,640,398 722,381
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization (644,065) (570,555)
----------- ----------
996,333 151,826
Goodwill (net of accumulated amortization of 6,010,130
$154,329)
Patents, Licenses and Other Intangible assets-(net of
accumulated amortization of $423,470 in 1998
and $379,549 in 1997) 123,210 167,131
Deferred Income Taxes 413,630
----------- ----------
Total assets $14,700,022 $8,872,218
=========== ==========
See notes to consolidated financial statements
F-3
MICROFLUIDICS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)
December 31,
--------------------------
1998 1997
------------ ------------
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable and other accrued expenses $ 1,158,999 $ 939,796
Accrued interest related party 20,164
Accrued compensation 78,488 76,269
Accrued vacation pay 98,667 37,294
Customer advances 166,136 280,716
Line of credit 4,347,782
Current portion of long term debt related party 125,000
------------ ------------
Total current liabilities 5,995,236 1,334,075
Long term debt, net of current portion - related party 675,000
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders' Equity
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share,
20,000,000 shares authorized; 6,056,983
and 5,136,804 shares issued and outstanding
at December 31, 1998 and 1997,
respectively 60,570 51,368
Additional paid-in capital 12,491,423 10,442,840
Accumulated deficit (3,865,800) (2,360,359)
Accumulated other comprehensive income 10,080 55,638
Less: Treasury Stock, at cost, 235,219 and 220,719
shares in 1998 and 1997, respectively (666,487) (651,344)
----------- -----------
Total stockholders' equity 8,029,786 7,538,143
----------- -----------
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $14,700,022 $ 8,872,218
=========== ===========
See notes to consolidated financial statements
F-4
MICROFLUIDICS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Years ended December 31,
------------------------------------
1998 1997 1996
----------- ----------- -----------
Revenues $ 8,869,679 $ 7,105,706 $ 6,273,768
Cost of goods sold 4,954,826 3,265,593 2,847,224
Research and development 935,880 459,240 450,477
Selling, general and administrative 4,077,436 2,977,577 2,625,184
----------- ---------- ----------
Total cost and expenses 9,968,142 6,702,410 5,922,885
----------- ---------- ----------
Income (loss) from operations (1,098,463) 403,296 350,883
Interest expense (149,043)
Interest income 119,492 159,256 100,612
Other income 50,012 50,009
Gain on sale of investments 36,203 91,863
----------- ---------- ----------
Income (loss) before income taxes (1,091,811) 704,427 501,504
Income tax benefit (provision) (413,630) 403,630
----------- ---------- ----------
Net income (loss) $(1,505,441) $ 1,108,057 $ 501,504
=========== =========== ==========
Basic earnings per share:
Average shares outstanding:basic 5,296,923 4,914,722 4,941,711
=========== =========== ==========
Net income (loss) per share $ (.28) $ .23 $ .10
=========== =========== ==========
Diluted earnings per share:
Average shares outstanding:diluted 5,296,923 4,966,998 4,948,506
=========== =========== ==========
Net income (loss) per share $ (.28) $ .22 $ .10
=========== =========== ==========
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF
COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME
NET INCOME (LOSS) $(1,505,441) $ 1,108,057 $ 501,504
Unrealized depreciation on
marketable securities (45,558) (11,799) --
----------- ----------- ----------
Comprehensive Income (Loss) $(1,550,999) $ 1,096,258 $ 501,504
=========== =========== ==========
See notes to consolidated financial statements
F-5
MICROFLUIDICS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years ended December 31,
------------------------
1998 1997 1996
----------- ---------- ----------
Cash flows from operations:
Net income (loss) $(1,505,441) $1,108,057 $ 501,504
Reconciliation of net income (loss) to net cash
(used) provided by operations:
Depreciation and amortization 321,251 105,383 95,101
Issuance of common stock for employee compensation 30,000 24,000
Bad debt expense 30,000 19,877 10,000
Gain on sale of investments (36,203) (91,863)
Income tax (benefit) provision 413,630 (403,630)
Increase (decrease) in cash due to change in
(net of acquistions):
Receivables and other receivables 391,768 102,852 111,214
Inventories 766,258 (145,170) 164,621
Prepaid expenses (48,615) (4,906) 40,295
Current liabilities (1,592,042) 569,274 67,896
----------- ---------- ----------
Net cash (used) provided by operations (1,259,394) 1,289,874 1,014,631
Cash flows from (used by) investing activities:
Proceeds from sale of investments 36,203 91,863
Excess of cost over assets purchased (goodwill) (3,339,459)
Business assets acquired, net of cash received (3,102,216)
Purchase of fixed assets and leasehold improvements (233,062) (68,439) (21,636)
----------- ---------- ----------
Net cash from (used) provided by investing activities (6,638,534) 23,424 (21,636)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from line of credit 4,347,782
Issuance of common stock under employee stock
purchase plan 7,724 21,788 21,861
Issuance of common stock under stock option
plan 25,061 16,964 9,663
Treasury stock purchased (15,143) ( 55,390) (141,383)
----------- ---------- ----------
Net cash (used) provided by financing activities 4,365,424 (16,638) (109,859)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents (3,532,504) 1,296,660 883,136
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 4,083,214 2,786,554 1,903,418
----------- ---------- ----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 550,710 $4,083,214 $2,786,554
=========== ========== ==========
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Assets acquired in exchange for notes and
common stock $ 2,825,000
===========
Cash paid for interest $ 100,861 0 0
=========== ========== ==========
Cash paid for corporate taxes 0 0 0
=========== ========== ==========
See notes to consolidated financial statements
F-6
MICROFLUIDICS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996
Accumulated
Number of Common Other - Number of
Shares of Stock at Additional Comprehen- Shares of
Common par paid-in Accumul- sive Treasury Treasury
Stock value capital lated deficit Income Stock Stock Total
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at December 31, 1995 5,058,203 $50,582 $10,319,350 $ (3,969,920) $ 83,640 107,019 $ (454,571) $6,029,081
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Change in unrealized
depreciation on
marketable securities (16,203) (16,203)
Stock options exercised 6,550 66 9,597 9,663
Stock in lieu of salary 16,000 160 23,840 24,000
Proceeds from employee stock
purchase plan 14,028 140 21,721 21,861
Treasury stock 85,100 (141,383) (141,383)
Net income 501,504 501,504
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at December 31, 1996 5,094,781 50,948 10,374,508 (3,468,416) 67,437 192,119 (595,954) 6,428,523
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Change in unrealized
depreciation on
marketable securities (11,799) (11,799)
Stock options exercised 9,175 91 16,873 16,964
Stock in lieu of salary 20,000 200 29,800 30,000
Proceeds from employee stock
purchase plan 12,848 129 21,659 21,788
Treasury stock 28,600 (55,390) (55,390)
Net income 1,108,057 1,108,057
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at December 31, 1997 5,136,804 51,368 10,442,840 (2,360,359) 55,638 220,719 (651,344) 7,538,143
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Change in unrealized
depreciation on
marketable securities (45,558) (45,558)
Stock options exercised 16,250 163 24,898 25,061
Proceeds from employee
stock purchase plan 3,929 39 7,685 7,724
Issuance of stock in
conjunction with
purchase of Epworth
and Morehouse
Divisions 900,000 9,000 2,016,000 2,025,000
Treasury stock 14,500 (15,143) (15,143)
Net Loss (1,505,441) (1,505,441)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at December 31, 1998 6,056,983 $60,570 $12,491,423 $ (3,865,800) $ 10,080 235,219 $(666,487) $8,029,786
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See notes to consolidated financial statements
F-7
MICROFLUIDICS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
A. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:
1. Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements of Microfluidics International
Corporation ("the Company") include the accounts of the Company and
its wholly owned subsidiaries, Microfluidics Corporation ("MFC") and
MediControl Corporation ("MediControl").
All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated.
2. Cash Equivalents
The Company considers securities with maturities of three months or
less, when purchased, to be cash equivalents.
3. Marketable Securities
The Company's marketable securities are categorized as available for
sale securities as defined by the Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and
Equity Securities" (SFAS 115). Unrealized holding gains and losses are
included as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income
until realized. For the purpose of computing realized gains and
losses, cost is identified on a specific identification basis.
4. Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is
determined on a first-in, first-out basis.
F-8
5. Equipment and Leasehold Improvements
The Company's equipment and leasehold improvements are recorded at
cost. Depreciation is computed on the straight-line method, based
upon useful lives of three to five years. Leasehold improvements are
amortized on the straight-line method based upon the shorter of the
estimated useful lives or remaining life of the lease. Expenditures
for maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Upon retirement
or sale of property and equipment, the cost of the disposed asset and
the related accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts and
any resulting gain, or loss is credited or charged to operations.
6. Patents, Licenses, and Other Intangible Assets
Patents, patent applications, rights and goodwill are stated at
acquisition cost. Amortization is recorded using the straight-line
method over the shorter of the legal lives or useful life of the
assets. The Company periodically reviews the carrying value of
intangible assets and impairments are recognized if the expected
future operating cash flows derived from such intangible assets is
less than their carrying value.
7. Income Taxes
The Company provides for income taxes based on the provisions of
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 109,
"Accounting for Income Taxes," which requires recognition of deferred
tax assets and liabilities based on 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 upon the difference between the
financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities using
enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are
expected to be reversed. Under SFAS No. 109, the effect on deferred
tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized as
income or loss in the period that includes the enactment date.
8. Revenue Recognition
Product sales and related cost of sales are reflected in income when
goods are shipped.
9. Comprehensive Income (Loss)
In June, 1997, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB")
issued SFAS 130, "Reporting Comprehensive Income". SFAS 130 requires
that certain components of stockholders' equity from non owner sources
be identified as "Other Comprehensive Income." For the years ended
December 31, 1998 and December 31, 1997, the Company's comprehensive
income (loss) was comprised of the impact of changes in unrealized
depreciation on marketable securities and net income.
F-9
10. Earnings (Loss) per Share
Basic Earnings Per Share (EPS) is computed by dividing net income
available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of
common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS reflects the
potential dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts
to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock or
resulted in the issuance of common stock.
A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and
diluted EPS computations is shown below. Options to purchase 354,910,
893,873, and 1,074,105, shares of common stock were outstanding for
the years ended 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively, but were excluded
from the computation of diluted EPS because the options' exercise
price was greater than the average market price of common shares. All
options outstanding during 1998 were excluded from the computation of
diluted EPS because the effect of such options would have been
antidilutive.
1998 1997 1996
---- ---- ----
Weighted average Shares
Outstanding: Basic 5,296,923 4,914,722 4,941,711
========= ========= =========
Basic Earnings per Share:
Net income (loss) per share $ (.28) $ .23 $ .10
========= ========= =========
Weighted average Shares Outstanding: Basic 5,296,923 4,914,722 4,941,711
Effect of Dilutive stock options -- 52,276 6,795
--------- --------- ---------
Average Shares Outstanding: Diluted 5,296,923 4,966,998 4,948,506
========= ========= =========
Net income (loss) per share $ (.28) $ .22 $ .10
========= ========= =========
11. Use of Estimates
The process of preparing consolidated financial statements in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires the
use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of
assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the
reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from these estimates.
12. New Accounting Pronouncements
In June, 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued SFAS
No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities", which is effective for the Company's quarter ended March
31, 2000. SFAS No.133 significantly modifies Accounting and Reporting
Standards for derivatives and hedging Activities. The impact of SFAS
No.133, if any, on the Company has not yet been determined.
F-10
13. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Marketable securities are carried at fair value, based on quoted
market prices, in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. The
carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable,
accounts payable and accrued liabilities approximates fair value due
to the short term nature of these accounts. The carrying value of the
Company's debt obligations also approximate fair value.
14. Certain 1997 Amounts have been reclassified to conform with the 1998
presentations
B. INDUSTRY SEGMENT AND MAJOR CUSTOMERS:
The Company has one business segment: the development, manufacture,
marketing and sale of process and formulation equipment. The Company's
sales are primarily to companies with processing needs in the
chemical, pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic, and biotechnology
industries.
Mizuho Industrial Co. Ltd. (a distributor) accounted for 8% of
revenues in 1998, 20% of revenues in 1997 and 17% of revenues in 1996.
Another customer (Avon Products, Inc.) accounted for 8% of revenues in
1998. One other distributor (Inland Machinery Manufacturing, Ltd.)
accounted for 8% of revenues in 1998, 6% of revenues in 1997, and 10%
of revenues in 1996. A reduction or delay in orders from Mizuho or
other significant customers could have a material adverse effect on
the Company's business, financial condition, or results of operations.
Sales in Europe were approximately $832,000, $1,453,000, and $772,000,
and sales in Asia were approximately $924,000, $1,582,000, and
$1,288,000 in 1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively, of the total
revenues.
C. MARKETABLE SECURITIES:
At December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively, the Company held 0 and
3,940 shares of PolyMedica Industries, Inc., a publicly traded
company, at zero cost through its wholly owned subsidiary MediControl.
The Company also, as a result of a spinoff by PolyMedica Industries,
Inc., held 6,720 shares in another publicly traded company, Cardiotech
International, Inc. The total market value of these marketable
securities at December 31, 1998 and 1997 was $10,080 and $55,638,
respectively.
In both 1998 and 1997, the Company sold shares of PolyMedica
Industries, Inc. (3,940 in 1998 and 10,000 in 1997), at a gain of
$36,203 and $91,863 respectively.
D. INVENTORY
The components of inventories are as follows at December 31:
1998 1997
---------- ----------
Raw materials $1,875,881 $1,277,094
Work in process 1,075,711 649,946
Finished goods 1,499,334 509,898
---------- ----------
$4,450,926 $2,436,938
========== ==========
E. PATENTS, LICENSES AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The Company purchased the rights and title of certain liposome and
microemulsion technology devices from Arthur D. Little in 1985. The
unamortized license fee and patent are included in intangible assets
and are being amortized using the straight line method over the useful
life of the patent, 17 years. Patents and other intangible assets
were purchased in 1991 as a result of a share exchange by MediControl
stockholders. These patents and other intangible assets were being
amortized using the straight line method over five years. In
addition, in 1995, the Company capitalized $96,680 of patent costs
related to the cooperative-venture described in Note L. Amortization
charged to expense was $43,920 in 1998, 1997, and 1996.
F. ACQUISITION OF ASSETS
On August 14, 1998, (the "Closing Date"), the Company purchased
substantially all of the assets (the "Transferred Assets") and assumed
certain liabilities of Epworth Manufacturing Company of South Haven,
Michigan ("Epworth") and Morehouse-COWLES, Inc. of Fullerton,
California ("Morehouse" and together with Epworth, the "Sellers")
pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement (the "Agreement") dated as of
June 19, 1998 by and among the Company, Epworth and Morehouse. Messrs.
J.B. Jennings and Bret A. Lewis are the sole stockholders of both
Epworth and Morehouse (the"Principals"). Epworth and Morehouse each
manufactures and distributes a product line of crushing/grinding,
mixing, dissolving and dispersion systems for solid or solids
materials processing that are marketed together under the EMCO U.S.A.
trade name. The Company intends to continue the operations of Epworth
and Morehouse, each as a separate division of the Company, and to
continue the use of the Transferred Assets to manufacture and
distribute crushing/grinding, mixing, dissolving and dispersion
systems. The Transferred Assets included cash and cash equivalents,
accounts and notes receivables, inventories, machinery and equipment,
intellectual property rights, furniture and fixtures and leasehold
interests and improvements.
F-11
In accordance with the Agreement, the Company paid or delivered to the
Sellers the following as consideration for the purchase price of the
Transferred Assets (the "Purchase Price"): (i) $5,508,480 in cash,
(ii) two subordinated promissory notes in the aggregate principal
amount of $800,000 (the "Promissory Notes") and (iii) 900,000 shares
(a value of $2,025,000) of the Company's restricted common stock,
$.01 par value share, subject to the restrictions set forth in a
stockholders agreement among MFIC and the Principals dated August 14,
1998 (the "Stockholders Agreement"). The Company also incurred
approximately $500,000 in expenses. In addition, the Company assumed
approximately $1,930,000 which amount was comparable to the accounts
payable and accrued liabilities set forth on the Sellers' balance
sheets as of December 31, 1997 (the "Assumed Liabilities"), certain of
which were also paid on the Closing Date. The consideration paid by
the Company for the Transferred Assets was determined through arms-
length negotiations between the Company and the Sellers. The
acquisition has been accounted for under the purchase method of
accounting.
As a result of the acquisition, the Company paid an amount in excess
of the fair market value of the assets purchased less liabilities
assumed (goodwill). This amount is to be amortized over a fifteen year
period, which the Company determined to be the proper term.
If the acquisition had occurred as of January 1, 1997, pro-forma
information for the years ended December 31, 1998 and 1997 would be as
follows:
Years ended
December 31
-------------------------
1998 1997
------------ -----------
Revenues $14,719,874 $18,824,327
=========== ===========
Net Income (loss) $(2,066,436) $ 938,455
=========== ===========
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic: $ (.39) .16
=========== ===========
Diluted: $ (.39) .16
=========== ===========
G. SUBORDINATED DEBT AND LINE OF CREDIT
The Company delivered to Jennings and Lewis (the Sellers), two
subordinated promissory notes in the aggregate principal amount of
$800,000: one for $300,000, and the other for $500,000. The $300,000
note has interest due quarterly, at 10% per annum, with principal
payments of twelve equal installments of $25,000 each commencing
September 30, 2001. The $500,000 note has interest due quarterly at
10% per annum, with principal payments of twenty equal installments
of $25,000 each commencing December 31, 1998.
The Company paid $1,897,509 from its working capital and borrowed
$4,096,050 from Comerica Bank, its primary lender, in order to finance
the purchase and payoff certain of the assumed liabilities. The
revolving loan, security and ancillary agreements with Comerica Bank
(the "Revolving Loan Agreement") provide up to $5,000,000 in loans at
a rate of prime minus 5/8% with monthly interest payments and the
outstanding principal amount due on September 1, 2001. The line of
credit is secured by substantially all the assets of the Company.
During the period the line of credit is outstanding the Company may
not pay any dividends to stockholders.The line of credit expires on
September 1, 2001. The outstanding principal balance at December 31,
1998 under the Revolving Loan Agreement is $4,347,782 and currently
bears interest at a rate of 7.125% per annum.
At December 31, 1998, the Company was not in compliance with certain
covenants of the Revolving Loan Agreement and, accordingly, has
reclassified all amounts due to current liabilities. See Note N for
further information.
F-12
H. EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Effective January 1, 1990, the Company offered a 401(k) profit-sharing
plan (the "Plan"), to its employees. All Company and related entity
employees who are eighteen years of age and have completed one hour of
service are eligible to participate in the Plan. Employees may
contribute from 1% to 20% of their compensation. Until 1997, the
Company's contribution was discretionary, with contributions made from
time to time as management deemed advisable. The Company made matching
contributions of $23,842 and $17,466 in 1998 and 1997, respectively,
and no matching contributions during 1996. Plan administration
expenses of $3,464, $1,500, and $3,564 were incurred by the Company in
1998, 1997, and 1996, respectively. The Company instituted a cafeteria
plan in 1992, giving the employees certain pre-tax advantages on
specific payroll deductions.
I. INCOME TAXES
The provision (benefit) for income taxes for the years ended are as
follows:
Federal State Total
December 31, 1998:
Current $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
Deferred 351,630 62,000 413,630
--------- -------- ---------
Total $ 351,630 $ 62,000 $ 413,630
========= ======== =========
December 31, 1997:
Current $ 9,544 $ 456 $ 10,000
Deferred (365,482) (48,148) (413,630)
--------- -------- ---------
Total $(355,938) $(47,692) $(403,630)
========= ======== =========
December 31, 1996:
Current $ - $ - $ -
Deferred - - -
--------- -------- ---------
Total $ 0 $ 0 $ 0
========= ======== =========
F-13
The approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and operating
loss carryforward is as follows at December 31:
1998 1997 1996
------------ ------------ ------------
Net operating loss $ 1,277,669 $ 1,015,976 $ 1,012,386
Research and development credit 188,159 183,344 183,344
Inventory capitalization 306,343 172,773 144,063
Accruals and allowances 79,467 74,518 31,348
Marketable securities (4,032) (22,255) (26,975)
Depreciation and amortization (2,034) (10,726) (15,338)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net deferred tax asset before
valuation allowance 1,845,692 1,413,630 1,328,828
Valuation allowance 1,845,692 (1,000,000) (1,328,828)
------------ ------------ ------------
Net deferred tax asset after
valuation allowance $ 0 $ 413,630 $ 0
============ ============ ============
The Company has a federal net operating loss tax (NOL) carryforward of
approximately $3,844,000 and research and development tax credit
carryforwards of approximately $188,000 expiring at various dates
beginning in 2001 through 2018. Ownership changes may result in future
limitations on the utilization of net operating losses and research
and development tax credit carryforwards.
Based on the financial results known at December 31, 1998, the Company
has established a valuation allowance against the deferred tax asset
due to the uncertainty of earning sufficient taxable income to realize
the benefit of these assets. Therefore the Company has increased the
valuation allowance by $845,692 in 1998. Due to profitable operations
both in 1997 and 1996, respectively the Company decreased the
valuation allowance by $328,828 and $114,716.
The following schedule reconciles the difference between the federal
income tax rate and the effective income tax rate for the years ended
December 31,
1998 1997 1996
-------- ------- -------
Federal income tax rate (34.0)% 34.0% 34.0%
State income tax net (6.0) 6.0 -
Permanent differences .4 0.7 2.7
Unbenefitted NOL -- (36.7)
Change in valuation allowance 77.5 (98.0) -
------- ------ ------
Total effective tax rate 37.9% (57.3)% 0%
======= ====== ======
F-14
J. STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY:
The Company adopted the 1988 Stock Plan as the successor plan to the
1987 Stock Plan, which, as amended at the 1997 stockholder's meeting,
authorizes the grant of Stock Rights for up to 2,350,000 shares of
Common Stock and the 1989 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan
which, as amended at the 1996 stockholders' meeting, authorizes the
grant of nonqualified stock options for up to 500,000 shares of common
stock.
Additionally, the Company has an employee stock purchase plan. Under
the employee stock purchase plan, participants are granted options to
purchase the Company's common stock twice a year at the lower of 85%
of market value at the beginning or end of each period. Calculation of
the number of options granted, and subsequent purchase of these
shares, is based upon voluntary payroll deductions during each six
month period. The number of options granted to each employee under
this plan, is limited to a maximum amount of 1000 for each six month
period. The number of shares issued pursuant to this plan totaled
3,929 in 1998, 12,848 in 1997 and 14,028 in 1996.
The Company applies APB Opinion No. 25 and related interpretations
in accounting for its plans. FASB Statement No. 123 "Accounting For
Stock-Based Compensation"("SFAS 123") was issued by the FASB in 1995
and, if fully adopted, changes the method for recognition of cost on
plans similar to those of the Company. Adoption of SFAS 123 is
optional. Proforma disclosures as if the Company adopted the cost
recognition requirements under SFAS 123 are presented below.
The Company's stock option plans provide for the granting of
nonqualified stock options that (i) are granted at prices which equate
to or are above the market value of the stock on the date of the
grant; (ii) vest ratably over a three and one half to four year
service vesting period and (iii) expire ten years subsequent to award.
A summary of the status of the Company's stock options as of December
31, 1998, 1997, and 1996 and changes during the year ended on those
dates is presented below:
1998 1997 1996
Wgtd. Avg. Wgtd Avg. Wgtd. Avg.
Shares Exer. Price Shares Exer. Price Shares Exer Price
---------- ----------- --------- ----------- --------- ----------
Outstanding, at beginning
of year 946,150 $2.37 1,080,900 $2.62 996,600 $3.09
Option shares:
Granted 1,701,625 1.34 114,000 1.75 369,300 1.65
Exercised 16,250 1.54 45,175 1.44 6,550 1.48
Cancelled 1,214,938 2.38 203,575 2.57 278,450 3.12
---------- ----- --------- ----- --------- -----
Outstanding, at end of year 1,416,587 $1.15 946,150 $2.37 1,080,900 $2.62
========== ===== ========= ===== ========= =====
In October, 1998 the Board of Directors approved a vote to reprice
1,591,225 employee stock options. The options were originally issued
between January 1990 through January 1998 and had original grant
prices ranging between $1.16 and $6.25. The grant price for these
options was lowered to $1.13 which reflects the market value of the
stock as of the reprice date. The repriced options vest over either
a three or four year period, depending upon when the original
grants were issued. No compensation expense is required to be
recorded.
The table below summarizes options outstanding and exercisable at, December 31, 1998:
Options Outstanding Options Exercisable
---------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
Weighted
Average Weighted Exercisable Weighted
Remaining Average As of Average
Range of Number of Contractual Exercise December 31, Exercise
Exercise Price Options Life Price 1998 Price
------------------ --------------- -------------- -------------- ------------------ ----------------
1.00-2.25 1,411,387 8.5 $ 1.17 349,710 $ 1.16
2.26-5.88 5,200 .6 3.53 5,200 3.53
--------------- -------------- -------------- ------------------ ----------------
Total 1,416,587 8.5 $ 1.15 354,910 $ 1.19
--------------- -------------- -------------- ------------------ ----------------
F-15
1998 1997 1996
----------- ---------- ----------
Price Range of Outstanding Options at Year End $ 1.00-5.88 $1.47-6.25 $1.16-7.44
Options Exercisable at Year End 354,910 522,000 496,763
----------- ---------- ----------
Options Available for Future Grant 766,438 1,253,125 582,550
=========== ========== ==========
Weighted Average Fair Value of Options
Granted During the Year $ 1.22 $ 0.84 $ 0.88
----------- ---------- ----------
The fair value of each option granted during 1998, 1997 and 1996 is estimated on
the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the
following assumptions: (i) dividend yield of 0%; (ii) expected volatility of
146%; (iii) risk-free interest rate of 5.25% in 1998, 5.51% in 1997, and 4.50%
in 1996 and (iv) expected life of five years.
Had compensation cost for the Company's 1998,1997 and 1996 grants for stock-
based compensation plans been determined consistent with SFAS 123, the Company's
net income (loss), and diluted net income (loss) per share for 1998, 1997 and
1996 would approximate the proforma amounts below:
As Reported Proforma
------------ --------
1998 1997 1996 1998 1997 1996
------------ ---------- -------- ------------ ---------- --------
Net Income/(Loss) $(1,505,441) $1,108,057 $501,504 $(1,843,511) $1,013,667 $357,235
=========== ========== ======== =========== ========== ========
Diluted Net Income/(Loss)
per Share $ (.28) $ .22 $ .10 $ (.35) $ .20 $ .07
=========== ========== ======== =========== ========== ========
In connection with financial advisory services rendered to the Company in 1993
the Company granted a warrant to purchase up to 75,000 shares at a per share
purchase price of $4.50 commencing on July 14, 1994 and exercisable until July
14, 1998. The warrant was not exercised by the expiration Date.
At December 31, 1998, the Company has reserved 2,850,000 shares for issuance
under the above mentioned stock plans.
F-16
K. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:
At December 31, 1998 the Company had operating leases for the rental of its
facilities which require the following minimum payments for the next five
years:
Minimum Payments
----------------
1999 $ 443,080
2000 451,080
2001 321,830
2002 232,080
2003 169,800
==========
Rent expense for 1998, 1997, and 1996 was approximately $282,000, $170,000,
and $150,000, respectively. The current leases are due to terminate at
various times through August 2006.
L. COOPERATIVE VENTURE:
In 1992, the Company formed a cooperative venture with Worcester
Polytechnic Institute to develop, patent, and license for commercial
application the Microfluidizer processing technology in certain fields.
Expenditures for this venture were approximately $ 0 both in 1997 and 1996.
The costs in connection with patent applications of $96,680 have been
included in intangible assets.
In September of 1993, the Company signed a license and research and
development agreement with Catalytica, Inc., as joint licensee, to further
the studies of the venture with Worcester Polytechnic Institute, as
licensor. The Company spent $286,256 and $216,301 in 1997 and
1996,respectively , for this venture. The Company was reimbursed $137,403
and $103,824 in 1997 and 1996, respectively, from a government grant
awarded jointly to Catalytica, Inc. and the Company in relation to this
project. The remainder of the expenditures were included in research and
development expense. The cooperative venture was terminated in 1998.
F-17
M. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
During 1998, 1997 and 1996, the Company and an entity G&G Diagnostics
Corporation (G&G) controlled by Mr. Gruverman, the Company's Chairman,
entered into an arrangement whereby such entity reimbursed the Company for
a portion of certain administrative expenses. The Company was reimbursed
approximately $76,363, $74,125, and $72,610, by G&G during 1998, 1997 and
1996, respectively. At December 31, 1998 and 1997, G&G owed the Company
$24,417 and $18,439 respectively.
As was indicated in Note G, the Company delivered to Jennings and Lewis
(the Sellers), two subordinated promissary notes in the aggregate principal
amount of $800,000, one for $300,000, and the other one for $500,000. The
$300,000 note has interest due quarterly, at 10% per annum, with principal
payments of twelve equal installments of $25,000 each commencing September
30, 2001. The $500,000 note has interest due quarterly at 10% per annum,
with principal payments of twenty equal installments of $25,000 each
commencing December 31, 1998.
Interest expense on the subordinated debt (see Note G) for 1998 was
$30,465. A payment of an aggregate of $45,164 was paid to the Noteholders
subsequent to December 31, 1998 consisting of interest of $20,164, and a
principle payment of $25,000.
Amortization of the debt over the next five years and thereafter is as
follows:
Amount
------
1999 $125,000
2000 100,000
2001 150,000
2002 100,000
2003 100,000
Thereafter 225,000
The Company rents its Michigan facilities from entities (B-2 Enterprises
Inc. and JLJ Properties, Inc.) controlled by Messrs. Jennings and Lewis.
In 1998, the Company paid these entities approximately $62,280 in rent.
In addition, the Company is responsible for all real estate taxes for the
properties, and to maintain adequate insurance.
N. SUBSEQUENT EVENT AND MANAGEMENT'S PLANS
In 1998, the Company incurred a net loss of approximately $1,505,000 and
was not in compliance with certain covenants of its Revolving Credit Loan
Agreement ("Loan Agreement"). On March 23, 1999, the Company's lender
advised the Company that it was in default of the Loan Agreement and
instructed the Company to cease all payments on the Subordinated Promissory
Notes. The lender also purported to reduce the line of credit to
$4,000,000. The Company is currently functioning under a standstill
agreement that expires on April 19, 1999. These matters raise substantial
doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.
The Company and its lender are negotiating a forbearance agreement to the
Loan Agreement. In addition, management has developed and is executing a
plan to return to profitability and positive cash flow. The plan includes
renegotiating the terms of the Loan Agreement, if possible, seeking to
obtain sufficient new capital or subordinated debt, manufacturing cost
reduction programs, reductions in the number of personnel at all three
Company locations, reduction in discretionary spending and salaries for key
officers and combining the salesforce for all product lines.
There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in its
attempt to renegotiate its Loan Agreement on terms acceptable to the
Company and the lender or to execute its plan to return to profitability
and positive cash flow. The financial statements do not include any
adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.
On March 11, 1999, the Board of Directors voted to approve an amendment to
the Company's 1986 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "ESPP") to increase
the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock which may be offered under
the ESPP from 150,000 to 300,000. This amendment is being submitted for
stockholder approval at the Company's 1999 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
F-18
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, in the city of Newton,
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on the the 15th day of April, 1999.
MICROFLUIDICS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
By: /s/ Michael A. Lento
--------------------
Michael A. Lento
President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature Title Date
- ---------------------------- ---------------------------- ----------------------------
/s/ Irwin J. Gruverman Chief Executive Officer April 15, 1999
- ---------------------------- (Principal Executive
Irwin J. Gruverman Officer), Chairman of the
Board of Directors and
Secretary
/s/ Michael A. Lento President and Treasurer April 15, 1999
- ---------------------------- (Principal Financial and
Michael A. Lento Accounting Officer)
Director
/s/ James N. Little Director April 15, 1999
- ----------------------------
James N. Little
/s/ Vincent Cortina Director April 15, 1999
- ----------------------
Vincent Cortina
Exhibit Index
Exhibit
Number Description of Exhibit
------ ----------------------
3.3(a) Certificate of Incorporation for the Company, as amended (filed as
Exhibit 2A to Registration Statement No. 0-11625 on Form 8-A and
incorporated herein by reference).
3.3(b) Amended and Restated By-Laws for the Company (filed as
Exhibit 3.3(b) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 and incorporated herein by
reference).
** 3.10(a) 1987 Stock Plan (filed as Exhibit 10(g) to the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1987 and
incorporated herein by reference).
** 3.10(b) 1988 Stock Plan (filed as Exhibit 10(g) to the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1988 and
incorporated herein by reference).
3.10(c) 1989 Non-Employee Directors Stock Option Plan (filed as Exhibit
10.1 to the Company's registration statement on Form S-8 filed
October 22, 1996 and incorporated herein by reference).
3.10(d) Loan Agreement between The First National Bank of Boston and
Microfluidics International Corporation dated as of December 10,
1993 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K filed on December 27, 1993
and incorporated herein by reference).
3.10(e) Lease for 30 Ossipee Road, Newton Massachusetts dated May 23,
1997 between Microfluidics International Corporation and J. Frank
Garrity, Trustee of 1238 Chestnut Street Trust under Declaration of
Trust dated May 23, 1969, recorded with Middlesex South Registry of
Deeds in Book 11682, Page 384 (filed as Exhibit 3.10a to the
Company's Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended June 30, 1997 and
incorporated herein by reference).
3.10(f) Letter of Understanding between Microfluidics International
Corporation and Worcester Polytechnic Institute dated as of April 3,
1992 (filed as Exhibit 3.10(f) to the Company's Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended December 31, 1993 and incorporated herein by
reference).
3.10(g) Agreement between Microfluidics International Corporation and
Catalytica, Inc. dated as of October 18, 1993 (filed as Exhibit
3.10(g) to the Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1993 and incorporated herein by reference) with
amendements dated September 1, 1994 and March 31, 1995.
3.10(h) Amendement to agreement dated September 1, 1994 between
Microfluidics International Corporation and Catalytica, Inc. dated
as of October 18, 1993 (filed as Exhibit 3.10(g) to the Company's
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993, and
incorporated herein by reference).
3.10(i) Amendment to agreement dated March 31, 1995 between Microfluidics
International Corporation and Catalytica, Inc. dated as of October
18, 1993 (filed as Exhibit 3.10(g) to the Company's Form 10-K for
the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993, and incorporated herein by
reference).
3.10(j) License Agreement among Microfluidics International Corporation,
Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Catalytica, Inc. dated as of
October 18, 1993 (filed as Exhibit 3.10(h) to the Company's Form 10-
K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993 and incorporated
herein by reference).
** 3.10(k) Agreement, dated July 27, 1995, between Microfluidics International
Corporation and Michael T. Rumley (filed as Exhibit 3.10(i) to the
Company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995 and
incorporated herein by reference).
** 3.10(l) Letter, dated August 15, 1995, from Microfluidics International
Corporation to Michael T. Rumley (filed as Exhibit 3.10(j) to the
Company's Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December 31, 1995 and
incorporated hereby reference).
** 3.10(m) Letter, dated December 31, 1995 from Microfluidics International
Corporation to Irwin J. Gruverman (filed as Exhibit 3.10(k) to the
Company's Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 and
incorporated herein by reference).
3.10(n) Warrant for the Purchase of Shares of Common Stock, dated July 14,
1993, in favor of Ladenburg, Thalmann & Co. Inc. (filed as Exhibit
3.10(l) to the Company's Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December
31, 1996 and incorporated herein by reference).
** 3.10(o) Letter, dated December 31, 1996, from Microfluidics International
Corporation to Irwin J. Gruverman (filed as Exhibit 3.10(o) to the
Company's Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 and
incorporated herein by reference).
3.10(p) Agreement between Microfluidics International Corporation and
Catalytica, Inc. dated January 1, 1995 regarding participation in
and management of the Advanced Technology Program (ATP) (filed as
Exhibit 3.10(p) to the Company's Form 10-K for fiscal year ended
December 31, 1996 and incorporated herein by reference).
3.10(q) Consulting Agreement with James Little (filed as Exhibit 3.10(q) to
the Company's Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 and
incorporated herein by reference).
3.10(r) Subsidiaries of the Registrant (filed as Exhibit 3.21 to the
Company's Form 10-K for fiscal year ended December 31, 1996 and
incorporated herein by reference).
3.10(s) Letter dated December 31, 1997, from Microfluidics International
Corporation** to Irwin J. Gruverman and G & G Diagnostics Corp.
3.10(t) 1988 Stock Plan as amended (filed as Exhibit 10(a) to the Company's
Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 31, 1997 and
incorporated herein by reference.
3.10(u) Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of June 19, 1998, by and among the
Company, Epworth Manufacturing Company and Morehouse-COWLES, Inc.
(filed as Exhibit 2.1 to Schedule 13D of Bret A. Lewis, File No.
005-35850, and incorproated herein by reference).
3.10(v) Stockholders Agreement dated August 14, 1998, by and among the
Company and J.B. Jennings and Bret A. Lewis (filed as exhibit 2.2 to
Schedule 13D of Bret A. Lewis, File No. 005-35850, and incorporated
herein by reference).
3.10(w) $500,000 Subordinated Promissory Note issued by the Company to
Epworth Manufacturing Company (filed as Exhibit 99.1 to the
Company's Form 8-K on August 27, 1998, File No. 000-11625, and
incorporated herein by reference.)
3.10(x) $300,000 Subordinated Promissory Note issued by the Company to
Epworth Manufacturing Company (filed as exhibit 99.2 to the
Company's Form 8-K on August 27, 1998, File No. 000-11625, and
incorporated herein by reference).
3.10(y) Revolving credit loan between Comerica Bank and the Company dated
August 12, 1998 (Filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company's form 10-Q
for the quarterly period ended September 30, 1998 and incorporated
herein by reference).
*3.10(z) Letter Dated December 31, 1998 from MicroFluidics International
Corporation To Irwin J. Gruverman.
*23(a) Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
*27 Financial Data Schedule.
_____________________
*Filed herewith
**Management contracts or compensatory plan or arrangement required to be filed
as an exhibit to this Form 10-K pursuant to Item 14(c) of this report.