UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K

 

 

Commission file number: 0-13907

 

 

 

 

Synovis Life Technologies, Inc.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

 

 

 

2575 University Avenue W.,

St. Paul, Minnesota 55114-1024

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

Telephone Number:

(651) 796-7300

 

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

 

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

 

 

 

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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.  þ

 

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

 

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

 

As of April 30, 2009, the last business day of the registrant’s second quarter of fiscal 2009, 11,532,372 shares of Common Stock of the registrant were outstanding, and the aggregate market value of the registrant’s outstanding Common Stock (based upon the closing price of the Common Stock on that date as reported by the Nasdaq Global Market), excluding outstanding shares owned beneficially by executive officers, directors and affiliates, was approximately $168,274,000.

 

As of December 19, 2009, 11,185,497 shares of the registrant’s Common Stock were outstanding.

 

Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K incorporates by reference (to the extent specific sections are referred to herein) information from the registrant’s Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held March 4, 2010 (the “2010 Proxy Statement”).

 

 

PART I

 

Except where the context otherwise requires, references in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to “Synovis”, “Company”, “we”, and “our” are to Synovis Life Technologies, Inc. and its subsidiaries collectively.

 

Registered Trademarks:

 

APEX Processing^®, Dura-Guard^®, Flo-Rester^®, Flo-Thru Flo-Rester^®, Flo-thru Intraluminal Shunt^®, Flow Coupler^®, Neurotube^®, OrthAdapt^®, Peri-Guard^®, Peri-Strips^®, Peri-Strips Dry^®, Supple Peri-Guard^®, Synovis^®, Unite^®, Vascu-Guard^® and Veritas^® are registered trademarks of the Company or its business divisions.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

Certain statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. For this purpose, any statements contained in this Form 10-K that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting the foregoing, words such as “may”, “should”, “will”, “expect”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “estimate,” “continue” or the negative or other variations thereof or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements in this document are based on information available to the Company as of the date hereof, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. You are advised, however, to consult any future disclosures we make on related subjects in future filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors may include, among others, those factors set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” beginning in Part I, Item 1A on this Form 10-K.

 

 

 

Introduction

 

Synovis Life Technologies, Inc., a diversified medical device company, develops, manufactures and markets mechanical and biological products used by several surgical specialties to facilitate the repair and reconstruction of soft tissue damaged or destroyed by disease or injury. The Company’s products include implantable biomaterials for soft tissue repair, devices for microsurgery and surgical tools — all designed to reduce risks and/or facilitate critical surgeries, improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.

 

History

 

Synovis Life Technologies, Inc. was incorporated in July of 1985. In 1985, the Company was spun-off to the shareholders of its then parent company, thereafter operating as a separate public company.

 

In 2001, we acquired Micro Companies Alliance, Inc. (“MCA”), a Birmingham, Alabama company that provides products to the microsurgery market. MCA’s products include, among others, the Microvascular Anastomotic Coupler, a patented technology for connecting small veins and arteries faster, easier and as effectively as conventional suturing. MCA’s name has since been changed to Synovis Micro Companies Alliance, Inc.

 

During fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2007, we transitioned from a third-party distribution sales force to a direct sales force in the U.S.

 

In January 2008, we sold substantially all of the assets of our former interventional business to Heraeus Vadnais, Inc. and its related entities, pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement. Our interventional business developed and manufactured metal and polymer components and assemblies used in or with implantable or minimally invasive devices for cardiac rhythm management, neurostimulation, vascular and other procedures.

Operating results pertaining to our former interventional business for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2008 and 2007 have been reclassified and presented as discontinued operations. Unless otherwise indicated, the following description of our business refers only to our continuing operations.

 

On July 17, 2009, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Synovis Orthopedic and Woundcare, Inc. (“Ortho & Wound”), completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Pegasus Biologics, Inc., a Delaware corporation. Operating results for Ortho & Wound from July 17, 2009 to October 31, 2009 are included in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2009. The assets acquired in the transaction are included in our Consolidated Balance Sheet as of October 31, 2009 and the purchase transaction has been included in our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2009. Our Ortho & Wound business is focused on developing advanced biological solutions for soft tissue repair, primarily within the orthopedic and wound care markets.

 

Our principal executive offices are located at 2575 University Avenue W., St. Paul, Minnesota 55114-1024. We can be contacted by telephone at (651) 796-7300, by facsimile at (651) 642-9018, or by electronic mail at info@synovislife.com. Our website is www.synovislife.com. We make available free of charge on our website our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as soon as reasonably practicable after filing such material with, or furnishing it to, the SEC.

 

 

We operate as one segment as a developer, manufacturer, marketer and seller of medical devices.

 

 

The table below summarizes the revenue contributed by our significant products or product lines for the periods indicated.

 

 

Products, Markets and Competition

 

Business Description

 

We are a diversified medical device company engaged in developing, manufacturing and marketing mechanical and biological products used by several surgical specialties for the repair of soft tissue damaged or destroyed by disease or injury. Our products are designed to reduce risks and/or facilitate critical surgeries, improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.

 

Biomaterial Products

 

A core competency of our business is the development and manufacture of implantable biomaterial products for use by surgeons in various procedures where reinforcing, reconstructing and repairing tissue or preventing leaks of air, blood or other bodily fluids is desirable to achieve a favorable outcome. The historical

choice when tissue repair is necessary has been to use autologous tissues, requiring the surgeon to excise tissue from another part of the patient’s body. Harvesting tissue from a second surgical site may increase procedure cost, time and the risk of complications, leading to additional pain and recovery time for the patient. Use of an available, off-the-shelf implantable medical product, whether tissue-based or synthetic, is an alternative to harvesting autologous tissue from the patient and is a means to reduce surgical costs and improve patient outcomes.

 

Our biomaterial products are produced from bovine and equine pericardium. Many of our product’s characteristics and competitive advantages are derived from the pericardium’s collagen composition. Collagen, a fibrous protein, makes the pericardium durable and provides performance characteristics superior to synthetics and similar to autologous tissue.

 

We process pericardium using proprietary and patented technologies to create three distinct product platforms:

 

 

Peri-Strips.  Peri-Strips (“PSD”) is a biomaterial stapling buttress used as reinforcement at a surgical staple line to reduce the risk of potentially fatal leaks, most significantly in bariatric surgery, a treatment for morbid obesity, as well as in certain thoracic procedures. Peri-Strips accounted for 33% of our revenue in fiscal 2009, compared to 35% in fiscal 2008.

 

We have two tissue platforms for our linear Peri-Strips products. Our PSD Veritas product incorporates our Veritas tissue platform, which becomes the histological equivalent of the host tissue over time. Our PSD Apex product is a permanent technology in which the buttress permanently remains with the staple line. Due to differing attributes between PSD Veritas and PSD Apex, along with varying surgeon preference of those attributes, we expect markets for both products to continue to co-exist in the future. In addition to our linear buttresses, we have a PSD Circular buttress which utilizes our Veritas remodelable technology and is currently being marketed for bariatric surgery.

 

In bariatric surgery, Peri-Strips are proven to reduce the incidence of gastric leaks and to reduce bleeding at the staple line. Because of the clean visual field provided by the improved hemostasis and the atraumatic tissue manipulation provided by Peri-Strips, it can also facilitate a quicker and safer surgical procedure. Peri-Strips is typically applied during the formation of the gastric pouch in a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass procedure. Recently, Peri-Strips has also been applied to other stapling sites such as the J-J anastomosis of the Roux-en-Y procedure and the gastric sleeve staple line of the sleeve gastrectomy procedure.

 

Peri-Strips are also utilized in certain thoracic surgeries and are proven to reduce bleeding and air leaks at the staple line during lung resection procedures. Initially introduced as a stapling buttress for Lung Volume Reduction Surgery (“LVRS”), Peri-Strips are also used in a variety of thoracic procedures: blebectomies, bullectomies, wedge resections, segmentectomies, and lobectomies.

 

Veritas.  Veritas is used in surgery to repair soft tissue. Veritas accounted for 15% of our revenue in fiscal 2009, compared with 9% in fiscal 2008. We launched Veritas into the complex ventral hernia repair

market in the U.S. during fiscal 2007, following our 510(k) market clearance in which indicated Veritas as having minimal tissue attachment. We launched Veritas into the breast reconstruction market in the U.S. in fiscal 2008. Veritas has been used by surgeons in a broad range of procedures since launch, including complex abdominal wall reconstruction, breast reconstruction, chest wall repair, and repair of ventral, hiatal, and parastomal hernias. Surgical results and experience with Veritas in these applications have been favorable. In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, we launched Veritas in Europe after obtaining CE Mark approval for soft tissue repair of abdominal wall, breast reconstruction, chest wall and hernia indications.

 

Tissue-Guard.  Our Tissue-Guard family of products is used to repair and replace damaged tissue in an array of surgical procedures, including cardiac, vascular, thoracic, and neurologic procedures. Apex Processing, used to manufacture Tissue-Guard products, is designed to retain the intrinsic nature of bovine pericardial collagen with improved biocompatibility, performance and safety. Tissue-Guard products accounted for 27% of our revenue in fiscal 2009, compared to 29% in fiscal 2008. Tissue-Guard products offer exceptional strength and durability, resistance to leakage, autologous-like handling characteristics and proven clinical performance. Since their introduction, Tissue-Guard products have been used in over 850,000 procedures, including use for pericardial closure, intracardiac defect repair, peripheral vascular repair and reconstruction, dural closure and soft tissue repairs.

 

Ortho & Wound.  Our recently acquired Ortho & Wound products include the OrthADAPT^® Bioimplant and Unite^® Biomatrix products. OrthADAPT Bioimplant received FDA marketing clearance in fiscal 2005 and is used in numerous orthopedic applications, including rotator cuff and achilles tendon repair, where there is a clinical need to reinforce the repair. Unite Biomatrix received FDA marketing clearance in fiscal 2006 and offers treatment for chronic wounds, such as diabetic foot ulcers and pressure ulcers. Unite Biomatrix provides a durable, collagen structure that can be applied to the wound easily and maintains its integrity while promoting wound healing.

 

Microsurgery

 

In addition to our biomaterial products, our business offers medical devices for microsurgery. The primary device within this product group is the Microvascular Anastomotic Coupler (the “Coupler”), a mechanical anastomotic product comprised of a pair of implantable, single-use rings. The Coupler is available in seven sizes, ranging from 1.0mm to 4.0mm in diameter, in half millimeter increments. The Coupler enables microsurgeons in numerous surgical specialties, including plastic and reconstructive, head and neck, orthopedic and hand, to perform highly effective anastomotic microsurgical procedures (the connecting of small veins or arteries) faster, easier and as or more dependably than traditional suture or sleeve anastomosis.

 

In addition to the Coupler, we sell several other products to the microsurgery market. These include the GEM Microclip, a hemostatic clip designed to securely ligate vessels and provide for atraumatic occlusion, as well as the Neurotube, a device designed to assist in the reconnection of severed nerves. We also distribute product lines for other companies in the microsurgery market, including the S&T microsurgery instrument product line.

 

Competition

 

Our products compete primarily on the basis of product performance, quality and service. The surgical markets in which we compete worldwide are characterized by intense competition. These markets are typically dominated by very large, established manufacturers that have broader product lines, greater distribution capabilities, substantially greater capital resources and larger marketing, research and development staffs and facilities. Many of these competitors offer broader product lines within our specific product market, particularly in our surgical tool markets and/or in the general field of medical devices and supplies. Broad product lines give many of our competitors the ability to negotiate exclusive, long-term medical device supply contracts and, consequently, the ability to offer comprehensive pricing for their products, including those that compete with our products. By offering a broader product line in the general field of medical devices and supplies, competitors may also have an advantage in marketing competing products to group purchasing organizations, health maintenance organizations and other managed care organizations that increasingly seek to reduce costs by centralizing and consolidating their purchasing functions.

Competition for our biomaterial products is primarily from synthetic materials, other xenograft tissues and human cadaveric tissue. The ability of these products to compete with our biomaterial products varies based on each such product’s indications for use, relative features and benefits and surgeon preference.

 

Currently, we believe the major competitors to Veritas include KCI Corporation, Covidien, Ltd., Ethicon, Inc., C.R. Bard, Inc., and Cook Group, Inc. We believe the major competitors to our Tissue-Guard products include W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc., Cook Group, Inc., Integra Lifesciences Corporation, and Getinge AB. We believe the major competitors to our Ortho & Wound products include Wright Medical Group, Inc. and Integra Lifesciences Corporation.

 

At the beginning of fiscal 2009, there were two primary companies, W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. and Cook Group, Inc., which offered buttress products that competed with Peri-Strips. In the second quarter of fiscal 2009, a third competitor, Covidien Ltd., one of the two primary companies which offers surgical staplers on which our Peri-Strips products are used, launched a buttress product supplied integral with their stapler cartridges. During the second half of fiscal 2009, worldwide revenue from Peri-Strips products which can be used with Covidien staplers decreased 24% from the first half of fiscal 2009. This was partially offset by revenue for Peri-Strips products used with another manufacturer’s staplers increasing 11%. We are addressing the Covidien competitive threat by highlighting the clinical history of Peri-Strips through our expanded direct sales force, the development of product enhancements and strengthened efforts to convert additional non-buttressing surgeons.

 

Peri-Strips also face indirect forms of competition, which include alternate surgical techniques such as oversewing the staple line and alternative bariatric procedures which do not use surgical staplers or buttresses such as gastric banding. Synthetic materials may be less expensive to produce and to the extent that comparable synthetic materials are available and effective in surgical procedures, we face significant price competition for our biomaterial products. There are other multi-purpose patches made from bovine and other types of animal tissue that compete with our products. Cadaveric tissue from tissue banks or from commercial distributors is utilized in breast reconstruction, hernia repair, neurological surgery and urologic procedures. There can be no assurance that competing products or indirect forms of competition will not achieve greater acceptance or that future products or alternative treatments for morbid obesity will not offer similar or enhanced performance advantages.

 

We believe that the collagen characteristics exclusive to pericardial tissue, the strength of the multi-directional fibers of the pericardial substrate, the proprietary tissue-treatment process and the purification process we employ offer significant benefits in product performance over competitive cadaveric tissue and synthetic materials.

 

Intellectual Property

 

We believe that in order to maintain a competitive advantage in the marketplace, we must develop and maintain protection of the proprietary aspects of our technology. We rely on a combination or patent, trademark, confidentiality, trade secret and other intellectual property rights and measures to aggressively protect intellectual property we deem important to our business.

 

We have developed a patent portfolio internally, as well as through acquisitions, that cover many aspects of our product offerings. As of October 31, 2009, we held approximately 60 U.S. and foreign patents and 42 U.S. and foreign pending patent applications. The expiration dates of our material patents range from fiscal 2014 to fiscal 2024.

 

Synovis holds key patents related to Veritas Collagen Matrix in both wet and dry forms, patents related to the Peri-Strip Dry in both linear and circular formats, as well as the microanastomic Coupler and Flow Coupler. Synovis has exclusive rights to technology used in the cross-linking and sterilization of our Ortho & Wound products.

 

We own trademarks on Synovis^® as well as trade names used in conjunction with the sale of most of our products, including Peri-Strips and Veritas.

We manufacture, market and sell our products both under our own patents as well as license agreements. While we believe that our patents are valuable, our knowledge and experience, our product development teams and marketing staff, and our confidential information regarding our manufacturing processes, materials and product design have been equally important in providing for and maintaining our proprietary product offering. To protect this value, we have established policies and procedures, as well as requiring as a condition of employment, all employees to execute a confidentiality agreement with respect to proprietary information and the assignment of intellectual property to us.

 

We also rely on unpatented proprietary technology and know-how. We seek to protect our trade secrets and proprietary know-how with confidentiality agreements with our employees, consultants and vendors.

 

There has been substantial litigation regarding patent and other intellectual property rights in the medical device industry. We have strongly defended, and will continue to defend, our intellectual property. Despite our measures to protect our intellectual property, however, we cannot be certain that the measures we take to protect our intellectual property will be successful. These risks are discussed in more detail in this Report in Part I, Item 1A, Risk Factors under the heading “We may not be able to adequately enforce or protect our intellectual property rights or to protect ourselves against the infringement claims of others.”

 

Marketing and Customers

 

Our marketing and sales strategies include supporting our superior quality products with sales and marketing programs. These programs include advertising and direct mail campaigns, participation in trade shows, support of key surgeons’ gatherings, publication and presentation of clinical data and new product information, and collaboration with key surgeons on educational activities and internet-based programs. An important strategy of our marketing programs is to identify and assess customer needs. This is accomplished by developing and maintaining a close working relationship with the hospitals and surgeons who purchase and use our products and through observations and interactions with our customers.

 

In the U.S., we utilize a direct sales model for all products except for our newly acquired Ortho & Wound products. As of October 31, 2009, we have 56 direct sales representatives selling our Peri-Strips, Veritas, Tissue-Guard and Surgical tools and other products. Additionally, we have 9 direct sales representatives selling our microsurgery products. Internationally, we utilize an independent distributor sales network to sell these products.

 

For Ortho & Wound, we are in the process of establishing a hybrid sales model in the U.S. comprised of both direct sales representatives and independent distributors. We expect to hire eight direct sales representatives in the U.S. by January 2010, and additionally to appoint up to 16 independent distributors in targeted U.S. territories in fiscal 2010. Internationally, we expect to appoint three or more independent stocking distributors in Europe during fiscal 2010.

 

Additional Information Regarding Our Business

 

Backlog

 

Based on our experience, we believe that backlog is not a meaningful predictor of future revenue levels of our business.

 

Raw Materials

 

We acquire bovine pericardium for use in our biomaterial products from United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) inspected abattoirs as well as a USDA approved source in New Zealand. We acquire equine pericardium for use in our biomaterial products from USDA approved abattoirs located in Mexico and Canada. The supply of bovine and equine pericardium, as well as other raw materials, is currently adequate. We have not experienced any product shortages arising from interruptions in the supply of any raw materials or components, and have identified alternative sources of supply for significant raw materials and components, although at times certain materials may be “single sourced” due either to the complex nature or minimal requirements of various components we purchase.

Research and Development

 

As a component of our business strategy, we continue to make a significant investment in research and development (“R&D”) as well as new product design and engineering. R&D expense for fiscal 2009, 2008 and 2007 was $3,798,000, $3,248,000 and $2,620,000, respectively.

 

The R&D activities we expect to advance in fiscal 2010 include expanding the indications for use of our Veritas product into new markets, providing research and clinical data to support the use of Veritas in various surgical procedures, exploring other process improvements and product enhancements for our proprietary tissue products, improving the delivery system for our Peri-Strips products, advancing the technology of the Coupler and further development of an OrthAdapt-based product and related instrumentation.

 

Governmental Regulation

 

General

 

Our business operates in a medical device marketplace subject to extensive and rigorous regulation by the Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) and by comparable agencies in foreign countries. In the United States, the FDA regulates the design control, development, manufacturing, labeling, record keeping and surveillance procedures for medical devices.

 

Food and Drug Administration

 

FDA regulations classify medical devices based on perceived risk to public health as either Class  I, II or III devices. Class I devices are subject to general controls, Class II devices are subject to special controls and Class III devices are subject to pre-market approval (“PMA”) requirements. While most Class I devices are exempt from pre-market submission, it is necessary for most Class II devices to be cleared by a 510(k) pre-market notification prior to marketing. 510(k) establishes that the device is “substantially equivalent” to a device that was legally marketed prior to May 28, 1976, the date on which the Medical Device Amendments of 1976 became effective. The 510(k) pre-market notification must be supported by data establishing the claim of substantial equivalence to the satisfaction of the FDA. The process of obtaining a 510(k) clearance typically can take several months to a year or longer. If the product is notably new or different and substantial equivalence cannot be established, the FDA will require the manufacturer to submit a PMA application for a Class III device that must be reviewed and approved by the FDA prior to sale and marketing of the device in the United States. The process of obtaining PMA approval can be expensive, uncertain, lengthy and frequently requires anywhere from one to several years from the date of FDA submission, if approval is obtained at all. The FDA controls the indicated uses for which a product may be marketed and strictly prohibits the marketing of medical devices for unapproved uses. The FDA can withdraw products from the market for failure to comply with laws or the occurrence of safety risks.

 

Our microsurgery instruments and 4Closure System are Class I medical devices. The rest of our products are classified as Class II medical devices and have received 510(k) marketing clearance from the FDA. Our manufacturing operations are subject to periodic inspections by the FDA, whose primary purpose is to audit the Company’s compliance with the Quality System Regulations published by the FDA and other applicable government standards. Strict regulatory action may be initiated in response to audit deficiencies or to product performance problems. We believe that our manufacturing and quality control procedures are in compliance with the requirements of the FDA regulations.

 

International Regulation

 

International regulatory bodies have established varying regulations governing product standards, packaging and labeling requirements, import restrictions, tariff regulations, duties and tax. Many of these regulations are similar to those of the FDA. With the exception of the European Union (“EU”), Canada and Australia, we typically rely on our independent distributors covering a given country to comply with the foreign regulatory requirements, including registration of our devices with the appropriate governmental authorities. To date, and to the best of our knowledge, we have complied with the regulatory requirements in the foreign countries in

which our medical devices are marketed. We do, however, face certain regulatory risks in international markets related to our bovine tissue products, which are discussed in Part I, Item 1A of this report.

 

The registration system in the EU for our medical devices requires that our quality system conform to international quality standards and that our medical devices conform to “essential requirements” set forth by the Medical Device Directive (“MDD”). Manufacturing facilities and processes under which our Ortho & Wound medical devices are produced are inspected and audited by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (“NSAI”). Manufacturing facilities and processes under which all of our other medical devices are produced are inspected and audited by the British Standards Institute (“BSI”). These audits verify our compliance with the essential requirements of the MDD, as well as supplementary requirements for “medical devices incorporating animal tissue.” These certifying bodies verify that our quality system conforms to the international quality standard ISO 13485:2003 and that our products conform to the “essential requirements” and “supplementary requirements” set forth by the MDD for the class of medical devices we produce. These certifying bodies also certify our conformity with both the quality standards and the MDD requirements, entitling us to place the “CE” mark on all of our current medical devices.

 

Third Party Reimbursement

 

The availability and level of reimbursement from third-party payers for procedures utilizing our products is significant to our business. Our products are purchased primarily by hospitals and other end-users, who in turn bill various third party payers for the services provided to the patients. These payers, which include Medicare, Medicaid, private health insurance plans and managed care organizations, reimburse all or part of the costs and fees associated with the procedures utilizing our products.

 

In response to the focus of national attention on rising health care costs, a number of changes to reduce costs have been proposed or have begun to emerge. There have been, and may continue to be, proposals by legislators, regulators and third party payers to curb these costs. The development or increased use of more cost effective treatments for diseases could cause such payers to decrease or deny reimbursement for surgeries or devices to favor alternatives that do not utilize our products. A significant number of Americans enroll in some form of managed care plan. Higher managed care utilization typically drives down the payments for health care procedures, which in turn places pressure on medical supply prices. This causes hospitals to implement tighter vendor selection and certification processes, by reducing the number of vendors used, purchasing more products from fewer vendors and trading discounts on price for guaranteed higher volumes to vendors. Hospitals have also sought to control and reduce costs over the last decade by joining group purchasing organizations or purchasing alliances. We cannot predict what continuing or future impact these practices, the existing or proposed legislation, or such third-party payer measures within a constantly changing healthcare landscape may have on our future business, financial condition or results of operations.

 

Employees

 

On October 31, 2009, we employed approximately 290 full-time and part-time individuals. Our employees are not represented by a union, and we consider our relationship with our employees to be good.

 

 

For information regarding net revenue by geographic area, please refer to Note 5 to our consolidated financial statements under Item 8 of this report.

 

 

The following factors are important and should be considered carefully in connection with any evaluation of our business, financial condition, results of operations, prospects and an investment in our common stock. Additionally, the following factors could cause our actual results to materially differ from those reflected in any forward-looking statements.

We may not be able to sustain or manage our growth.

 

We have achieved notable revenue growth over the past several years. Our business has increased revenue 17% in fiscal 2009, 32% in fiscal 2008 and 36% in fiscal 2007. There can be no assurance that we can manage the significant challenges that accompany such growth, including management of an increasingly diverse product portfolio and provision of necessary infrastructure. In addition, there can be no assurance that we will be able to identify and successfully consummate and integrate acquisitions or develop new products to sustain rates of revenue growth and profitability in future periods comparable to those experienced in the past several years.

 

We may not be able to timely re-establish our newly acquired Ortho & Wound products in the marketplace and further, we expect to incur significant operating losses in the future.

 

On July 17, 2009, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Synovis Orthopedic and Woundcare, Inc., completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Pegasus Biologics, Inc. (“Pegasus”), a privately held medical device company focused on the development of advanced biological solutions for soft tissue repair. In 2008, Pegasus generated $9,100,000 in revenue, and approximately 10,000 patients having received treatment with various Pegasus products from March 2006 to May 2009 when Pegasus effectively ceased operations after attempts to raise additional operating capital were unsuccessful due to the overall economic climate.

 

Following the completion of the acquisition, we faced several key challenges with “re-starting” the Ortho & Wound business.

 

 

Based on the complexities associated with these and other challenges, there can be no assurance that our sales channels will be effective at re-establishing our Ortho & Wound products in the marketplace or that our Ortho & Wound products will achieve desired revenue levels. We also plan to invest significant resources to build a foundation for future growth of our Ortho & Wound business. Based on the cost structure we presently expect for our Ortho & Wound business, we believe that breakeven operating results will require revenue levels well above what Pegasus had historically achieved.

 

We face significant competition from established competitors in the medical device industry.

 

We face intense competition. The medical device industry is highly competitive and characterized by rapid innovation and technological change. We expect technology to continue to develop rapidly, and our success will depend to a large extent on our ability to maintain a competitive position with our technology. There can be no assurance that we will be able to compete effectively in the marketplace or that products developed by our competitors will not render our products obsolete or non-competitive. Similarly, there can be no assurance that our competitors will not succeed in developing or marketing products that are viewed by surgeons as providing superior clinical performance and/or are less expensive relative to the products we currently market or may develop.

Established companies manufacture and sell products that compete with each of our products or capabilities. Some of the companies with whom we compete have greater sales and/or distribution capabilities, substantially greater capital resources, larger marketing, research and development staffs and larger facilities. In addition, many of our competitors offer broader product lines within our specific product markets. Broad product lines may give our competitors the ability to negotiate exclusive, long-term medical product supply contracts and the ability to offer comprehensive pricing for their products. There can be no assurance that we will be able to compete effectively with such manufacturers.

 

We continue to evaluate new market opportunities for our existing products. This process involves numerous steps, including, but not limited to, identifying meaningful new markets for our products, performing in-depth research and analysis to forecast the market potential for our products in these new markets, obtaining the required regulatory market clearances, developing an attractive value proposition for potential customers, and translating this value proposition into meaningful revenue. Due to the inherent complexity of this process, there can be no assurance that we will be able to effectively enter new markets with our existing or newly developed products.

 

Increases to the size of our U.S. direct sales force may not generate desired increases in revenues.

 

During fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2007, we converted from a third-party distribution sales force to a direct sales force in the U.S. for all products except for our Ortho & Wound products. We initially hired 24 sales representatives in fiscal 2006, and had expanded to 49 representatives by January 2009. In May 2009, we announced our intentions to expand the size of our domestic sales force by as many as 16 for a total of 65 sales representatives by the end of fiscal 2009. As of October 31, 2009, we have 56 direct sales representatives selling our Peri-Strips, Veritas, Tissue-Guard and surgical tools and other products. Additionally, we have 9 direct sales representatives selling our microsurgery products.

 

We believe previous expansions in our sales force have been a significant driver of our revenue growth in recent years, with new sales representatives becoming effective and able to generate increased sales volumes in approximately six to nine months after hire. While we believe a direct sales force provides us with the best avenue to maximize the revenue potential of our current and future market opportunities, there can be no assurance, however, that this strategy will continue to result in the desired outcome of increasing sales volumes.

 

We may not be able to adequately enforce or protect our intellectual property rights or to protect ourselves against the infringement claims of others.

 

We protect our technology through patents, trade secrets, and proprietary know-how. We also seek to protect our technology through confidentiality agreements with employees, consultants and other parties.

 

There can be no assurance that our trade secrets or confidentiality agreements will adequately protect our proprietary information or, in the event of a breach of any confidentiality agreement, that we will have adequate remedies. Additionally, there can be no assurance that any pending or future patent applications will result in issued patents, or that any current or future patent, regardless of whether we are an owner or licensee of such patent, will not be challenged, invalidated or circumvented or that the rights granted thereunder or under our licensing agreements will provide a competitive advantage to us. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that others will not independently develop similar technologies or duplicate any technology developed by us, or that our technology does not or will not infringe patents or other rights owned by others.

 

The medical device industry is characterized by frequent and substantial intellectual property litigation, and competitors may resort to intellectual property litigation as a means of competition. Intellectual property litigation is complex and expensive, and the outcome of such litigation is difficult to predict.

 

From time to time, the Company may become involved in litigation which is ordinary, routine litigation incidental to its business. Further, product liability claims may be asserted in the future relative to events not known to management at the present time. Management believes that the Company’s risk management practices, including its insurance coverage, are reasonably adequate to protect against potential material liability losses.

Oversight of the medical device industry might affect the manner in which we may sell medical devices.

 

There are laws and regulations that govern the means by which companies in the healthcare industry may market their products to healthcare professionals and may compete by discounting the prices of their products, including for example, the federal Anti-Kickback Statute, the federal False Claims Act, the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, and state law equivalents to these federal laws that are meant to protect against fraud and abuse. Violations of these laws are punishable by criminal and civil sanctions, including, but not limited to, in some instances civil and criminal penalties, damages, fines, and exclusion from participation in federal and state healthcare programs, including Medicare and Medicaid. Although we exercise care in structuring our sales and marketing practices and customer discount arrangements to comply with those laws and regulations, we cannot assure you that:

 

 

ADVAMED, the principal U.S. trade association for the medical device industry, has put in place a model “code of conduct” that sets forth standards by which its members should abide in the promotion of their products. We have policies and procedures in place for compliance that we believe are at least as stringent as those set forth in the ADVAMED Code, and we provide routine training to our sales and marketing personnel on our policies regarding sales and marketing practices. Nevertheless, the sales and marketing practices of our industry have been the subject of increased scrutiny from federal and state government agencies, and we believe that this trend will continue. For example, proposed federal legislation and recent state legislation would require detailed disclosure of gifts and other remuneration made to health care professionals. In addition, prosecutorial scrutiny and governmental oversight, on the state and federal levels, over some major device companies regarding the retention of healthcare professionals as consultants has limited the manner in which medical device companies may retain healthcare professionals as consultants. We have in place policies to govern how we may retain healthcare professionals as consultants that reflect the current climate on this issue and provide training on these policies. Finally, various hospital organizations, medical societies and trade associations are establishing their own practices that may require detailed disclosures of relationships between healthcare professionals and medical device companies or ban or restrict certain marketing and sales practices such as gifts and business meals.

 

Our failure to obtain regulatory clearance/approval and maintain regulatory compliance for any of our products would impact our ability to generate revenue from those products.

 

We must comply with FDA regulations to market our products in the United States.  The medical device industry in which our business operates is subject to extensive and rigorous regulation by the FDA and by comparable agencies in foreign countries. In the United States, the FDA regulates the design control, development, manufacturing, labeling, record keeping and surveillance procedures for our medical devices.

 

The process of obtaining marketing clearance or approvals from the FDA for new products and new applications for existing products can be time-consuming and expensive, and there is no assurance that such clearance/approvals will be granted, or that the FDA review will not involve delays that would adversely affect our ability to commercialize additional products or additional applications for existing products. Some of our products that are in the research and development stage may be subject to a lengthy and expensive pre-market approval process with the FDA. The FDA has the authority to control the indicated uses of a medical device. Products can also be withdrawn from the market due to failure to comply with regulatory standards or the occurrence of unforeseen problems. The FDA regulations depend heavily on administrative interpretation, and there can be no assurance that future interpretations made by the FDA or other regulatory bodies, with possible retroactive effect, will not adversely affect us.

 

Our facilities and processes are subject to regulation.  The FDA, various state agencies and foreign regulatory agencies inspect our facilities to determine whether we are in compliance with various regulations

relating to quality systems, such as manufacturing practices, validation, testing, quality control, product labeling and product surveillance. A determination that we are in violation of such regulations could lead to imposition of civil penalties, including fines, product recalls or product seizures and, in extreme cases, criminal sanctions, depending on the nature of the violation.

 

We must obtain regulatory approvals to market our products internationally.  The registration scheme in the majority of international markets (e.g. Europe, Canada) for our products requires that our quality system conforms to international quality standards. We must remain compliant with these requirements as well as product standards in order to sell our products in these countries. There can be no assurance that we will be able to maintain compliance with these regulations. In addition, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in obtaining registration for new product introductions.

 

Further, international regulatory bodies have established varying additional regulations governing product standards, packaging requirements, labeling requirements, import restrictions, tariff regulations, duties and tax requirements. We rely, in part, on our independent distributors to comply with such foreign regulatory requirements. As a result, our communication with foreign regulatory agencies may be indirect as it occurs through the foreign distributor. The inability or failure of independent distributors to comply with the varying regulations or the imposition of new regulations could restrict such distributors’ ability to sell our medical products internationally and thereby adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Because many of our biomaterial products are manufactured from bovine pericardium, perceptions about Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy may impact our sales.

 

Under the direction of the United States Department of Agriculture (“USDA”), the U.S. government has had an active program of surveillance and import controls since the late 1980s designed to prevent the introduction of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (“BSE”) into U.S. cattle. The USDA program includes certain feed restrictions which began in 1997. The World Health Organization has categorized the levels of BSE infectivity of tissue. This characterization places pericardium (which primarily consists of collagen) as having no detectable infectivity, the lowest risk category. The European authorities have specifically reviewed our biomaterial sourcing and manufacturing processes and have also certified our bovine pericardium products.

 

We obtain our raw bovine pericardium for our biomaterial products from USDA-inspected abattoirs as well as from a USDA approved source in New Zealand. The bovine pericardium is collected under strict conditions; inspectors examine each heart for disease and anomalies prior to harvesting the pericardium. Additional measures are also taken to ensure brain and spinal cord matter does not come into contact with the bovine pericardium. Our bovine-based tissue products are manufactured with sodium hydroxide, a processing technique recommended by international experts to remove or inactivate the prion, the agent believed to cause BSE, should it exist in the tissue. The bovine pericardium used in our products is sourced from animals who are 30 months or younger. Sourcing from these younger animals markedly decreases the likelihood of BSE transmission. Notwithstanding these safeguards, if the perception of risk associated with BSE increases, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

In 2004, the EU enacted medical device regulations that require product specific evaluation of bovine-based products for potential BSE patient health risks. All bovine-based medical products currently sold in the EU are subject to this evaluation. Our bovine-based products have been evaluated and have obtained approval, although our Dura-Guard product has not been approved for sale in France. Currently, none of our bovine-based products are approved for sale in Japan or Taiwan. In August 2006, the government of China began prohibiting the sale of U.S. bovine-based products. We understand that regulatory approvals will not be granted in the present environment within those countries for products derived from bovine pericardium, unless we source bovine pericardium from countries which they consider at no risk for BSE (e.g. New Zealand and Australia). Total international sales of our bovine-based products accounted for 11.5% and 10.8% of our consolidated net sales for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and increased 25% in fiscal 2009. Any prohibition by certain other countries of U.S. bovine pericardium products as a result of concerns related to BSE could have an adverse effect on our ability to maintain or grow international sales of these products.

We may face the risk of product liability claims and product recalls that could result in costly and time consuming litigation and significant liability.

 

The medical device industry historically has been litigious, and the manufacture and sale of our products entails an inherent risk of product liability claims. In particular, our principal medical devices are designed to be permanently placed in the human body, and production or other errors could result in an unsafe product and injury to the patient. Although we maintain product liability insurance in amounts believed to be adequate, based upon the nature and risks of our business in general and our actual experience to date, there can be no assurance that one or more liability claims will not exceed the coverage limits of such policies or that such insurance will continue to be available on commercially reasonable terms, if at all. Furthermore, we do not have nor do we expect to obtain insurance covering our costs and losses as the result of any recall of our products due to alleged defects, whether such a recall is instituted by us or required by a regulatory agency. A product liability claim, recall or other claim with respect to uninsured liabilities or in excess of our insured liabilities could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Due to the unpredictability of the health care industry, our customers may not be able to receive third-party reimbursement for the medical procedures utilizing our products.

 

Our products are purchased primarily by hospitals and other end-users. Hospitals and end-users of our products bill various third-party payers, including government health programs, private health insurance plans, managed care organizations and other similar programs, for the health care goods and services provided to their patients. Third-party payers may deny reimbursement if they determine that a procedure was not in accordance with established third-party payer protocol regarding treatment methods. Our products are covered by procedure costs as a component of the overall medical procedure reimbursement obtained from the third-party payer.

 

Third-party payers are also increasingly challenging the prices charged for medical products and services and, in some instances, have put pressure on medical device suppliers to lower their prices. While we believe our pricing is appropriate for the niche markets and technology of our products, we are unable to predict what changes will occur in the reimbursement methods used by third-party payers. There can be no assurance that medical procedures in which our products are used will continue to be considered cost-effective by third-party payers, that reimbursement for such procedures will be available or, if available, will continue, or that third-party payers’ reimbursement levels will not adversely affect our ability to sell our products on a profitable basis. The cost of health care has risen significantly over the past decade, and there have been and may continue to be proposals by legislators, regulators and third-party payers to curb these costs.

 

Failure by hospitals and other users of our products to obtain reimbursement from third-party payers for procedures in which our products are used, changes in third-party payers’ policies towards reimbursement for procedures using our products or legislative action could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

Healthcare reform legislation could adversely affect our revenue and financial condition.

 

In recent years, there have been numerous initiatives on the federal and state levels for comprehensive reforms affecting the payment for, the availability of and reimbursement for healthcare services in the United States. These initiatives have ranged from proposals to fundamentally change federal and state healthcare reimbursement programs, including providing comprehensive healthcare coverage to the public under governmental funded programs, to minor modifications to existing programs. Recently, President Obama and members of Congress have proposed significant reforms to the U.S. healthcare system. Both houses of Congress have conducted hearings about U.S. healthcare reform and a number of bills have been proposed in Congress. A leading proposal includes an excise tax on the medical device industry that would be payable based on revenue, not income. In addition, recent legislation and many of these proposed bills include funding to assess the comparative effectiveness of medical devices. Although Congress has indicated that this funding is intended to improve the quality of health care, it is unclear what impact this assessment will have on coverage, reimbursement or other third-party payor policies, or what effect that assessment and the excise tax proposal would have on our products or our financial results. To the extent these or other reform measures

affect the coverage and reimbursement of our current or future products, there could be a material adverse affect on our financial condition and operating results.

 

The ultimate content or timing of any future healthcare reform legislation, and its impact on medical device companies such as Synovis, is impossible to predict. If significant reforms are made to the healthcare system in the United States, or in other jurisdictions, those reforms could materially impact our business, financial condition and operating results.

 

The current global economic downturn could continue to adversely impact our business.

 

A significant portion of our product sales are used in medical procedures covered by patient health insurance. Additionally, a notable percentage of medical procedures utilizing our products may be considered elective by the patient. The current global economic downturn may have a meaningful impact on availability to or affordability of health insurance, or may impact patient decisions to have an elective medical procedure performed. This may in turn also impact the financial condition of our customers. Accordingly, a pronounced and sustained economic downturn could have a material, adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We depend on highly specialized equipment to manufacture our products and loss of or damage to one of our manufacturing facilities could result in reduced revenues and significant losses.

 

We presently have two manufacturing facilities: our newly acquired Irvine, California (“CA”) facility which manufactures our Ortho & Wound products, and our St. Paul, Minnesota (“MN”) facility. The loss of or damage to either of our manufacturing facilities due to natural disaster, equipment failure or other difficulty could result in significant delays in production. In the event of such disaster, re-starting manufacturing activity at our other location, or locating third-party manufacturers to manufacture our products in any such event would likely be difficult given the specialized equipment and processes necessary to produce those products. Although we maintain business interruption insurance to mitigate the financial impact on our business, any sustained period of suspended production would likely have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

We cannot predict the outcome of our clinical studies.

 

In fiscal 2010, we expect to perform several post-clearance marketing clinical studies for certain of our products, which are designed to document the comparative strengths of our products versus competitive products, and also to more fully understand the role implant technique and other factors may affect clinical outcomes. We expect these clinical studies will require significant investment and may span several years. We cannot predict the outcome of our clinical studies, nor what impact, if any, they may have in the marketplace.

 

Our strategy to acquire complementary businesses and technologies involves risk and may result in disruptions to our business by, among other things, distracting management time and diverting financial resources.

 

One of our growth strategies is the acquisition of complementary businesses and technologies. We may not be able to identify suitable acquisition candidates, or if we do, we may not be able to make such acquisitions on commercially acceptable terms. If we make acquisitions, a significant amount of management time and financial resources may be required to evaluate or complete the acquisition and integrate the acquired business into our existing operations. Even with this investment of management time and financial resources, an acquisition may not produce the desired revenue, earnings or business synergies. Acquisitions involve numerous other potential risks including: assumption of unanticipated operating problems or legal liabilities, problems integrating the purchased operations, technologies or products, diversion of management’s attention from our core businesses, adverse effects on existing business relationships with suppliers and customers, inaccurate estimates of fair value made in the accounting for acquisitions and amortization of acquired intangible assets which would reduce future reported earnings, and potential loss of customers or key employees of acquired businesses, among others.

We may be obligated to indemnify the purchaser or our former interventional business for certain material adverse events that may arise.

 

As contractually defined, we may be obligated to indemnify the purchaser of our former interventional business for certain material adverse events arising out of or related to our prior operation of that business, including environmental matters, intellectual property disputes and unforeseen liabilities, among others. While we have not been made aware of any such potential indemnification matters by the purchaser, our obligation to indemnify the purchaser in the future for a qualifying adverse event could have a material, adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

We may not be able to hire or retain key personnel.

 

We depend on key management, sales and technical personnel. Moreover, because of the highly technical nature of our business, our ability to continue our technological developments and to market and sell our products depends in large part on our ability to attract and retain qualified technical, sales and key management personnel. Competition for qualified personnel is intense, and we cannot ensure that we will be able to attract and retain the individuals we need. The loss of key personnel, or our inability to hire or retain qualified personnel, could have a materially adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

 

None.

 

 

We have a lease for our corporate headquarters and manufacturing facility, totaling 65,000 square feet, located at 2575 University Ave. W., St. Paul, Minnesota. The lease expires on December 31, 2013, and the base rent is currently $724,000 annually.

 

We lease approximately 14,830 square feet for our Ortho & Wound facility at 4 and 6 Jenner Drive, Irvine, CA. The lease expires August 31, 2012, and the base rent is currently $223,000 annually.

 

We lease approximately 3,750 square feet for our MCA facility at 439 Industrial Lane, Birmingham, Alabama. The lease expires June 30, 2011, and the base rent is currently $37,000 annually.

 

We pay apportioned real estate taxes and common costs on our St. Paul, MN and Irvine, CA leased facilities.

 

 

In March 2007, we initiated a patent infringement action in U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota against W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. The action alleged infringement of U.S. Patent No. 7,128,748 “Circular Stapler Buttress Combination,” which covers certain surgical buttress technology. Gore brought a counterclaim seeking a determination that the patent is invalid.

 

We have reached a settlement in the litigation with W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. By Order dated November 12, 2009, the court approved the parties’ stipulation and ordered that all claims and counterclaims be dismissed with prejudice, with each party to bear its own costs and attorneys’ fees. Judgment dismissing all claims and counterclaims was entered on November 13, 2009.

 

From time to time, we may become involved in routine litigation incidental to our business. Further, product liability claims may be asserted in the future relative to events not known to management at the present time. Management believes that our risk management practices, including our insurance coverage, are reasonably adequate to protect against potential material product liability losses.

 

 

No matter was submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this report.

 

 

Our executive officers, their ages, and the offices they held as of December 1, 2009, and certain biographical information, are as follows:

 

 

Richard W. Kramp.  Mr. Kramp was named Chief Executive Officer of the Company effective January 2007. Mr. Kramp has served as President of Synovis Life Technologies, Inc. since June 2006. From August 2004 to May 2006, he served as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company’s former interventional business. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Kramp most recently served as the President and Chief Operating Officer of Medical CV, Inc. From 1988 to 2003, Mr. Kramp served as President and Chief Operating Officer, and then President and Chief Executive Officer, as well as a Board Member at ATS Medical. From 1978 to 1988, Mr. Kramp held sales and marketing positions at St. Jude Medical, serving as Vice President of Sales and Marketing from 1981 to 1988.

 

David A. Buche.  Mr. Buche has served as a Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Synovis Surgical Innovations since June 2004. From January 1998 to May 2004, he served as Vice President of Marketing and Sales of Synovis Surgical Innovations. Prior to January 1998, Mr. Buche held the positions of Director of Marketing from November 1997 and Director of International Marketing and Sales from March 1995.

 

Michael K. Campbell.  Mr. Campbell has served as President of Synovis Micro Companies Alliance, Inc. since the acquisition of MCA by the Company in July 2001. Prior to the acquisition he was President and CEO of MCA from July 2000 through July 2001. From June 1999 to May 2000, Mr. Campbell served as Executive Vice President of PrimeSource Surgical, a specialty medical products distributor. From 1979 to June 1999, he was a director and Vice President of Futuretech, Inc., a specialty medical distribution company serving the southeastern United States.

 

Timothy F. Floeder.  Mr. Floeder has served as Vice President of Corporate Development of the Company since May 2008. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Floeder served as Vice President of Business Development for Compex Technologies, Inc. (“Compex”) from 2003 to 2006, and upon the sale of Compex to Encore Medical Corporation, served as interim CEO/managing director of Compex’s U.S. consumer business and Compex’s European subsidiary (Compex S.A.) from 2006 to 2007. In addition, Mr. Floeder served as a non-employee director for HEI, Inc. from 2002 to 2007. From 1996 to 2002, Mr. Floeder served as Managing Director of merger and acquisition services for Miller Johnson Steichen Kinnard, Inc., advising companies in several industries, including the medical device industry.

 

Mary L. Frick, M.S.C.  Ms. Frick has served as Vice President of Regulatory/Clinical/Quality Affairs of the Company since November 2000. She had previously served in several positions within the Company, including Director of Regulatory/Clinical/Quality Affairs since November 1998 and as Group Manager of Regulatory/Clinical/Quality Affairs from June to November of 1998. From 1984 to June 1998, Ms. Frick held a series of management positions in Research, Operations and Regulatory/Clinical Affairs at INCSTAR Corporation, a diagnostic medical device manufacturer.

Daniel L. Mooradian, Ph.D.  Dr. Mooradian has served as Vice President of Research and Development since December 1, 2008. From May 2006 to November 2008, Dr. Mooradian held various positions at Boston Scientific, including Director of Preclinical Sciences and Director of the Research and Technology Center. From January 2005 to April 2006, Dr. Mooradian served as Vice President of Research and Development for QuestStar Medical, Inc. From January 2001 to December 2004, Dr. Mooradian held various positions at Synovis Life Technologies, Inc., including Director of Research and Development and Principal Scientist. From September 1987 to December 2000, Dr. Mooradian held various positions at the University of Minnesota.

 

Brett A. Reynolds.  Mr. Reynolds has served as Chief Financial Officer, Vice President of Finance and Corporate Secretary since April 2005. Prior to April 2005, Mr. Reynolds served as Director of Finance from September 2003. From October 2001 to September 2003, Mr. Reynolds served in several financial positions at Chiquita Processed Foods, LLC, a division of Chiquita Brands International, ultimately serving as Corporate Controller. From 1991 to 2001, Mr. Reynolds held a series of audit, accounting and consulting positions with Deloitte and Touche LLP.

 

 

Price Range

 

Our common stock is currently traded on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol “SYNO.” The following table sets forth, for each of the fiscal periods indicated, the range of high and low closing sale prices per share as reported by the Nasdaq Global Market.

 

 

Dividends

 

We have not declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock since inception, and our Board of Directors presently intends to retain all earnings for use in the business for the foreseeable future.

 

Shareholders

 

As of November 30, 2009, there were approximately 5,500 beneficial owners and 900 registered shareholders of our common stock.

 

Sales of Unregistered Securities

 

None.

 

Purchases of Equity Securities

 

On May 28, 2008, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had authorized the Company to repurchase up to 1,000,000 shares of its common stock. This program was completed on January 9, 2009. The share repurchase was funded using the Company’s existing cash balances and occurred in the open market in accordance with SEC regulations. The timing and extent to which the Company bought back shares depended upon market conditions and other corporate considerations.

 

From inception of the program on May 28, 2008 through its completion on January 9, 2009, the Company used $16,675,000 to repurchase 1,000,000 shares at an average price of $16.68 per share. The following table

presents the total number of shares repurchased from May 28, 2008 through January 9, 2009, the average price paid per share and the number of shares that were purchased.

 

 

On September 29, 2009, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had authorized the Company to repurchase up to 500,000 shares of its common stock. The share repurchase is funded using the Company’s existing cash balances and may occur either in the open market or through private transactions from time to time, in accordance with SEC regulations. The timing and extent to which the Company may buy back shares depends upon market conditions and other corporate considerations. The repurchase plan does not have an expiration date.

 

From inception of the program on September 29, 2009 through October 31, 2009, the Company used $2,893,000 to repurchase 220,404 shares at an average price of $13.12 per share. The following table presents the total number of shares repurchased from September 29, 2009 through October 31, 2009, the average price paid per share and the number of shares that were purchased and the maximum number of shares that may yet be purchased at October 31, 2009, pursuant to our stock repurchase program:

 

Performance Graph

 

In accordance with the rules of the SEC, the following performance graph compares the performance of our common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market to the Nasdaq Global Market and to Nasdaq’s “Surgical and Medical Instruments and Supplies” Index. The following performance graph compares the cumulative total shareholder return as of the end of each of our last five fiscal years on $100 invested at the beginning of the period and assumes reinvestment of all dividends.

 

 

 

 

Summary Statement of Operations Data

 

 

Summary Balance Sheet Data

 

 

 

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read together with the selected consolidated financial data and our financial statements and the related notes appearing elsewhere in this report. This discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including but not limited to those set forth in Part 1, Items 1A, “Risk Factors,” of this report.

 

Overview

 

Synovis Life Technologies, Inc., a diversified medical device company, develops, manufactures and markets mechanical and biological products used by several surgical specialties to facilitate the repair and reconstruction of soft tissue damaged or destroyed by disease or injury. The Company’s products include implantable biomaterials for soft tissue repair, devices for microsurgery and surgical tools — all designed to reduce risks and/or facilitate critical surgeries, improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.

Operating Results — Fiscal 2009 ($ in thousands except per share data)

 

Net revenue increased 17% during fiscal 2009 to $58,211 from $49,800 in fiscal 2008. Our operating income was $4,002 in fiscal 2009, compared to $7,194 in the prior year. The decrease in profitability was primarily due to the expense of acquired in-process research and development costs and start-up costs related to our acquisition of Synovis Orthopedic and Woundcare, Inc. (“Ortho & Wound”). Net income from continuing operations for fiscal 2009 was $2,706, or 23 cents per diluted share, compared to $6,165, or 48 cents per diluted share during fiscal 2008.

 

On July 17, 2009, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Synovis Orthopedic and Woundcare, Inc., (“Ortho & Wound”) acquired substantially all of the assets of Pegasus Biologics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Pegasus”). The acquisition resulted from a sealed bid auction process after Pegasus effectively ceased operations when attempts to raise additional operating capital were unsuccessful. Our Ortho & Wound business is focused on developing advanced biological solutions for soft tissue repair, primarily within the orthopedic and wound care markets. Synovis paid $12,100 in cash to Comerica Bank for the assets transferred. See Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements included in this report on Form 10-K for additional information.

 

In fiscal 2009, we had $65 of revenue from our Ortho & Wound products after obtaining the California Department of Public Health manufacturing license necessary to sell these products in the marketplace. We also incurred $1,840 of operating expenses related to the start-up of Ortho & Wound operations during the year.

 

The following table summarizes our net revenue by product group and geography for fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008:

 

 

The increase in net revenue in fiscal 2009 compared to the prior-year was primarily due to the following:

 

 

We believe that expansion of our direct sales force is a key long-term strategy to increase revenues. During the first half of fiscal 2009, we expanded our direct sales force from 43 to 49 sales representatives in the U.S. In the second half of fiscal 2009, we further expanded our sales force by an additional 16 sales representatives. As of October 31, 2009, we had 56 direct sales representatives selling our Peri-Strips, Veritas, Tissue-Guard and Surgical tools and other products. Additionally, we have 9 direct sales representatives selling our microsurgery products.

 

For our Ortho & Wound products, we are in the process of establishing a hybrid sales model in the U.S. comprised of both direct sales representatives and independent distributors. We expect to hire eight direct sales representatives in the U.S. and to appoint up to 16 independent distributors in targeted U.S. territories in fiscal 2010.

The increase in worldwide units sold was primarily attributable to our direct sales force, the expansion of our direct sales force and increased market acceptance of Veritas into the domestic hernia and general surgery markets.

 

We cannot fully assess the impact that the current economic downturn may have had on our results of operations during fiscal 2009. We believe, however, that the volume of certain surgical procedures in which our products are used, particularly those which may be considered elective, has been impacted by the current economic downturn. In addition, we believe the financial conditions of certain of our hospital customers have been negatively impacted by the economic downturn. These notable items, as well as other factors, may have had an impact our results of operations.

 

Worldwide net revenue from Peri-Strips was $19,384 in fiscal 2009, an increase of 10% from $17,653 in fiscal 2008. Peri-Strips growth rate exceeded the estimated growth of procedures in which the product is used, which we believe was attributable to product performance, our direct sales force communicating the benefits of Peri-Strips, and the increased international market penetration of PSD Veritas, partially offset by increased competition. Peri-Strips are used to reduce risks and improve patient outcomes in several procedures, with the predominant procedure being gastric bypass surgery. Included in the Peri-Strips product line was revenue from our two linear products: PSD Veritas, our remodelable buttress, and PSD Apex, our permanent buttress, as well as revenue from our PSD Veritas Circular buttress.

 

We believe increased market acceptance of Peri-Strips has been offset by the impact of increasing competition within the buttressing market. Covidien, one of the two primary companies which offer surgical staplers on which our Peri-Strips products are used, launched a buttress product which is supplied integral with their stapler cartridges in mid-fiscal 2009. During the second half of fiscal 2009, worldwide revenue from Peri-Strips products which are used with Covidien staplers decreased 24% from the first half of fiscal 2009. This was partially offset by revenue for Peri-Strips products used with another stapler manufacturer’s products increasing 11%. We are addressing the Covidien competitive threat by highlighting the clinical history of Peri-Strips through our expanded direct sales force, the development of product enhancements and strengthened efforts to convert additional non-buttressing surgeons.

 

Revenue from Veritas patch products was $8,757 in fiscal 2009, an increase of $4,289 or 96% from $4,468 in fiscal 2008. Veritas revenue growth in fiscal 2009 was primarily driven by incremental sales into the domestic hernia, reconstructive and general surgery markets. Additionally, late in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, we received CE Mark approval for the use of Veritas in hernia and breast reconstruction. Veritas is an extremely strong and conformable biomaterial which acts as a “scaffold” that enables rapid repopulation and revascularization by the surrounding host tissue.

 

Revenue from Tissue-Guard patch products was $15,806 in fiscal 2009, an increase of $1,329 or 9% from $14,477 in fiscal 2008. The fiscal 2009 increase was driven by an 8% increase in units sold worldwide. Our Tissue-Guard family of products is used to repair and replace damaged tissue in an array of surgical procedures, including cardiac, vascular, thoracic, and neurologic procedures.

 

Revenue from microsurgery was $8,668 in fiscal 2009, an increase of $919 or 12% from $7,749 in fiscal 2008. This revenue growth was driven by Coupler unit sales growth in the current year as well as list price increases to the Coupler in late fiscal 2008. The Coupler is a device used to connect extremely small arteries or veins, without sutures, quickly, easily and with consistently excellent results.

 

Our gross margin increased three percentage points to 72% in fiscal 2009 from 69% during fiscal 2008, due primarily to the following factors:

 

 

Factors which may affect the gross margin include product and geographic mix of products sold, volume, product acquisitions and disposals, and other production activities. Accordingly, our gross margin may fluctuate from period to period based on variations in these factors.

 

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expense during fiscal 2009 was $29,867, an increase of $6,165 or 26% from SG&A expense of $23,702 in fiscal 2008. As a percentage of net revenue, SG&A expense was 51% in fiscal 2009 as compared to 48% in the prior year. The SG&A increase was due to the aforementioned expansion of our direct sales force in fiscal 2009, $1,840 of operating expenses related to the start-up of our newly acquired Ortho & Wound business, increased legal expense as well as general and administrative investments in new business development, clinical personnel and information technology. Additionally, stock-based compensation expense was $937 (7 cents per diluted share) in fiscal 2009, up from $509 (3 cents per diluted share) in fiscal 2008.

 

In fiscal 2010, we expect to incur significant additional operating expense as compared to fiscal 2009 due to a full year of expense related to our expanded sales force. In addition, we will incur a full year of Ortho & Wound operating activity as compared to three and a half months of operating activity in fiscal 2009.

 

Research and development (“R&D”) expense totaled $3,798 during fiscal 2009, an increase of $550 or 17% from the prior year, driven by increased project activity during the current year. Fiscal 2009 activity focused on several activities, including research to support current indications for use of Veritas, exploring potential opportunities for further expanding the indications for use of Veritas, improving the delivery system for our Peri-Strips products and advancing the technology of the Coupler, among others.

 

In fiscal 2010, we expect R&D expense to increase compared to fiscal 2009 due to several activities, including research to expand the indications for use for our Veritas product into new markets, providing research and clinical data to support the use of Veritas in various surgical procedures, exploring other process improvements and product enhancements for our proprietary tissue products, improving the delivery system for our Peri-Strips products, advancing the technology of the Coupler and further development of an OrthAdapt-based product and related instrumentation. R&D expense fluctuates from year to year based on the timing and progress of internal and external project-related activities and the timing of such expense will continue to be influenced primarily by the number of projects and the related R&D personnel requirements, development and regulatory approval path, and expected timing and nature of costs for each project.

 

In fiscal 2009, we recorded other operating expenses of $4,100. We expensed acquired in-process R&D costs of $3,500 related to our acquisition of the assets of Pegasus, as it was determined the related projects had no alternative future use. We also recorded an impairment charge of $600 related to identifiable intangible assets related to our fiscal 2007 acquisition of the 4Closure^tm Surgical Fascia Closure System (“4Closure”) following an impairment analysis. This analysis was performed as a result of a delay in the expected third quarter of fiscal 2009 re-launch and re-brand of the product, combined with actual revenues since acquisition not meeting projected expectations. No such other operating expenses were recorded in fiscal 2008.

 

We recorded operating income from continuing operations of $4,002 in fiscal 2009, a decrease of $3,192 compared to operating income of $7,194 in fiscal 2008. Interest income was $920 in fiscal 2009 compared with $2,077 in fiscal 2008, with the current year decrease primarily due to lower investment yields. Additionally in fiscal 2009, we sold our auction rate securities (“ARS”), which had a par value of $9,000, for $7,650, realizing a loss on sale of $1,350.

 

We recorded income tax expense of $866 in fiscal 2009 at an effective rate of 24.2% of pretax income. Our current year effective tax rate was comprised of a tax rate of 27.3% on operations and interest income and a 35.3% tax benefit on the capital loss of $1,350 incurred upon the sale of our ARS. In fiscal 2008, we recorded income tax expense of $3,106 at an effective rate of 33.5% on continuing operations. Our fiscal 2009 effective tax rate on operations and interest income was lower than the prior-year due to a decrease in pretax income in fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008, higher permanent differences that reduce taxes, and a lower overall rate for state taxes. The lower state tax rate was primarily due to a change in state apportionment factors caused by the current expected mix of our product sales by state. As of October 31, 2009, we recorded $367 in net current deferred income tax assets and $2,022 in net long-term deferred income tax assets.

During fiscal 2008, we recorded a net gain on sale of our interventional business of $5,340 which reflected a pre-tax gain of $11,423 and a tax provision of $6,083. Approximately $4,100 of book basis goodwill had a tax basis of $0, thereby resulting in a higher gain for tax purposes. Additionally in fiscal 2008, we recorded a net loss related to our discontinued operations of $20. Included within the net loss from discontinued operations was an operating loss of $30 and a benefit from income taxes of $10.

 

Operating Results — Fiscal 2008 ($ in thousands except per share data)

 

Net revenue increased 32% during fiscal 2008 to $49,800 from $37,691 in fiscal 2007. Our operating income was $7,194 in fiscal 2008, compared to $2,468 in fiscal 2007. The increase in profitability was due to higher revenues and gross margins, partially offset by increased operating expenses. Net income from continuing operations for fiscal 2008 was $6,165, or 48 cents per diluted share, up from $3,292, or 26 cents per diluted share during fiscal 2007.

 

Net income in fiscal 2008, including the gain on sale of discontinued operations and operating results from discontinued operations, was $11,485 or 90 cents per diluted share, as compared to $3,810, or 30 cents per diluted share in fiscal 2007.

 

The following table summarizes our net revenue by product group and geography for fiscal 2008 and fiscal 2007:

 

 

The increase in net revenue in fiscal 2008 compared to fiscal 2007 was primarily due to the following:

 

 

We believe the increase in worldwide units sold was primarily attributable to increasing effectiveness of our expanded direct sales force growing domestic product sales, as well as improved international sales as a result of product realignment based upon distributor call points. In addition, revenues increased due to the fiscal 2007 introduction of products into new markets, most notably Veritas into the hernia and general surgery markets and PSD Veritas into the European market.

 

Worldwide net revenue from Peri-Strips was $17,653 in fiscal 2008, an increase of 28% from $13,788 in fiscal 2007. The increase was driven by our direct sales force growing product sales and the increased international revenue resulting from the introduction of PSD Veritas into the European market, which began during the third quarter of fiscal 2007.

 

Revenue from Veritas was $4,468, an increase of $3,172 or 245% as compared to $1,296 in fiscal 2007. The increase was driven by the introduction of Veritas into the U.S. hernia, reconstructive and general surgery markets.

Tissue-Guard revenue increased $2,340 or 19% to $14,477 in fiscal 2008 from $12,137 in the last fiscal year. A 12% increase in worldwide Tissue-Guard units sold combined with various worldwide hospital list price increases for certain of our products in fiscal 2008 were the primary drivers of the increase.

 

Revenue from microsurgery was $7,749 in fiscal 2008, an increase of $2,310 or 42% from $5,439 in fiscal 2007. The increase was attributable to the expansion of the direct sales force focused on microsurgery, which has driven incremental unit growth across all products. The revenue growth was led by worldwide Coupler unit sales, which increased 41% in fiscal 2008 compared to fiscal 2007, as well as revenue from the S&T instrument product line.

 

Our gross margin increased four percentage points to 69% in fiscal 2008 from 65% during fiscal 2007, due primarily to the following factors:

 

 

SG&A expense during fiscal 2008 was $23,702, an increase of $4,420 or 23% from SG&A expense of $19,282 in fiscal 2007. As a percentage of net revenue, SG&A expense was 48% in fiscal 2008 as compared to 51% in fiscal 2007. The SG&A increase was driven by $3,640 of incremental sales and marketing costs, primarily attributable to the expansion of our direct sales force (which began in the third quarter of fiscal 2007 and was completed in the first quarter of fiscal 2008), various product initiatives and increased sales meeting, convention and related activities in fiscal 2008. The remainder of the increase was driven by increased general and administrative investment in new business development and technology.

 

R&D expense totaled $3,248 during fiscal 2008, an increase of $628 or 24% from fiscal 2007, driven by increased project activity during fiscal 2008, which were primarily focused on expanding the indications for use of Veritas, improving the delivery system for our Peri-Strips products and advancing the technology of the Coupler.

 

We recorded operating income from continuing operations of $7,194 in fiscal 2008, an improvement of $4,726 compared to operating income of $2,468 in fiscal 2007. Interest income was $2,077 in fiscal 2008, essentially flat compared with $2,092 in fiscal 2007. While we had a significantly higher investment balance due to the fiscal 2008 sale of our interventional business, lower market interest rates in fiscal 2008 have resulted in essentially flat interest income in fiscal 2008.

 

We recorded a provision for income taxes in fiscal 2008 of $3,106 at an effective tax rate of 33.5%. In fiscal 2007, we recorded income tax expense of $1,268 at an effective rate of 28%. Our effective tax rate for fiscal 2008 was closer to the statutory federal tax rate due to a lower proportion of permanent items relative to taxable income in fiscal 2008 as compared to fiscal 2007. As of October 31, 2008, we recorded $147 in net current deferred income tax liabilities and $330 in net long-term deferred income tax assets.

 

During fiscal 2008, we recorded a net gain on sale of our interventional business of $5,340 which reflected a pre-tax gain of $11,423 and a tax provision of $6,083. Approximately $4,100 of book basis goodwill had a tax basis of $0, thereby resulting in a higher gain for tax purposes. Additionally in fiscal 2008, we recorded a net loss related to our discontinued operations of $20. Included within the net loss from discontinued operations was an operating loss of $30 and a benefit from income taxes of $10.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources ($ in thousands)

 

Cash, cash equivalents and investments totaled $60,749 as of October 31, 2009, a decrease of $14,039 as compared to cash, cash equivalents, investments and restricted cash of $74,788 as of October 31, 2008. Included in the above, we have $5,926 of investments classified as non-current as of October 31, 2009. Working capital at October 31, 2009 and October 31, 2008 was $63,885 and $62,097, respectively. We have

no long-term debt. We currently expect our cash on hand and cash from operations to be sufficient to cover both of our short-and long-term operating requirements, subject however, to numerous variables, including acquisition opportunities, research and development priorities and the growth and profitability of the business.

 

The decrease in cash, cash equivalents and investments in fiscal 2009 was primarily due to the use of cash of $12,319 related to the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Pegasus in the third quarter of fiscal 2009. Additionally, we used cash of $11,018 to repurchase 716,237 shares of our common stock in fiscal 2009. The use of cash was partially offset by cash provided by operating activities of $9,794 in fiscal 2009.

 

Operating activities provided cash of $9,794 in fiscal 2009, as compared to providing cash of $1,421 during fiscal 2008. Fiscal 2009 net income of $2,706 included $6,986 in non-cash expenses, with the most significant of these non-cash items being $3,500 in acquired in-process R&D expense and the $1,350 loss on ARS sale. Working capital changes provided cash of $102 in fiscal 2009, driven by increased accrued income taxes of $2,085, partially offset by $953 in cash used for increased accounts receivable to support higher revenue levels. Cash flow from operating activities from continuing operations was approximately $5,700 in fiscal 2008, while operating cash flows from discontinued operations used cash of approximately $4,300 during fiscal 2008.

 

Investing activities used cash of $30,786 during fiscal 2009 compared to cash provided of $42,720 during fiscal 2008. In fiscal 2009, we used cash of $12,319 for the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Pegasus. We also used cash of $19,821 towards the net purchase short- and long-term municipal bonds as part of our investment strategy, as compared to net proceeds from the sale of investments of $16,563 in the prior year. Additionally in fiscal 2009, $2,950 of cash was provided by the release from escrow of our restricted cash pertaining to our sale of the interventional business. We also recorded $1,156 in purchases of property, plant and equipment in fiscal 2009, compared to purchases of $990 in fiscal 2008. Additionally in fiscal 2008, we recorded $30,440 in proceeds from the sale of the interventional business.

 

Financing activities used cash of $10,040 during fiscal 2009. $11,018 of cash was used to repurchase 716,237 shares of common stock, partially offset by $978 of proceeds from equity-based compensation plans. Financing activities used cash of $6,824 during fiscal 2008. $8,549 of cash was used to repurchase 504,167 shares of common stock, partially offset by $1,725 of proceeds from equity-based compensation plans.

 

In October 2009, we sold our ARS, which had a par value of $9,000, for $7,650, recording a loss on sale of $1,350. Should a regulatory or other settlement occur during the 24 months subsequent to the date of ARS sale in which the Company would have otherwise been eligible to tender any of its ARS, the Company will be entitled to an additional payment of the amount the Company would have received in such settlement that is in excess of the amount of sales proceeds received by the Company up to the securities par value. We are presently not aware of any regulatory or other settlement involving ARS in which we would be eligible to participate, nor do we expect any such settlement in the future.

 

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations and operating leases. For more information, see Note 8 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. Our commitments under these obligations are as follows for the fiscal year ending October 31:

 

 

Inflation

 

We believe inflation has not had a material effect on our operations or financial condition.

 

Foreign Currency Transactions

 

Substantially all of our foreign transactions are negotiated, invoiced and paid in U.S. dollars. Fluctuations in currency exchange rates in other countries may therefore influence the demand for our products by changing the price of our products as denominated in the currency of the countries in which the products are sold.

Recent Accounting Standards ($ in thousands)

 

In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued and established its Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) as the exclusive authoritative reference for nongovernmental U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) for use in financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009, except for SEC rules and interpretative releases, which are also authoritative for SEC registrants. Accordingly, the Company has adopted the ASC effective for its fourth quarter 2009 financial reporting. All references in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to U.S. GAAP principles have been changed to reference the relevant topic from the FASB ASC. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Effective November 1, 2008, the Company adopted FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”), related to the Company’s financial assets and liabilities. ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. ASC 820 also describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

 

Level 1 — quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.

 

Level 2 — observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.

 

Level 3 — unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data available, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.

 

ASC 820 also provides guidance for determining the fair value of a financial asset when the market for that asset is not active, and for determining fair value when the volume and level of activity for an asset or liability have significantly decreased and includes guidance on identifying circumstances that indicate when a transaction is not orderly. The adoption of ASC 820 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

 

The effective date for certain aspects of ASC 820 was deferred and are currently being evaluated by the Company. Areas impacted by the deferral relate to nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value, but are recognized or disclosed at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. The effects of these remaining aspects of ASC 820 are to be applied by the Company to fair value measurements prospectively beginning November 1, 2009. The adoption of the remaining aspects of ASC 820 is not expected to have a material impact on its financial condition or results of operations.

 

Effective November 1, 2008, the Company adopted certain aspects of ASC 825, Financial Instruments (“ASC 825”), which permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The Company has not elected the fair value option for any financial assets or liabilities as of October 31, 2009. The adoption of ASC 825 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued ASC 805, Business Combinations (“ASC 805”). ASC 805 changes how a reporting enterprise will account for the acquisition of a business. ASC 805 will apply prospectively to business combinations with an acquisition date on or after November 1, 2009. The adoption of ASC 805 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations, however future acquisitions would be accounted for under this guidance.

 

In May 2009, the FASB issued ASC 855, Subsequent Events (“ASC 855”), which provides guidance on management’s assessment of subsequent events. The new standard clarifies that management must evaluate, as of each reporting period, events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date through the date that the financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. ASC 855 is not expected to significantly change practice because its guidance is similar to that in U.S. auditing literature, which the Company relied on previously for guidance on assessing and disclosing subsequent events. ASC 855 is effective for the Company for interim periods and fiscal years beginning after May 1, 2009. The Company has evaluated its financial statements as of October 31, 2009 for subsequent events through January 5, 2010, the date the financial

statements were available to be issued. Other than the November 12, 2009 settlement with W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc., the Company is not aware of any subsequent events which would require recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.

 

Critical Accounting Policies ($ in thousands)

 

Investments:  Our investments consist of tax-exempt municipal bond investments. Our investment policy seeks to manage these assets to achieve our goal of preserving principal, maintaining adequate liquidity at all times, and maximizing returns subject to our investment guidelines. We account for all of our investments as “available-for-sale” and report these investments at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss),” a component of shareholders’ equity. At October 31, 2009, we recorded an unrealized gain on other investments of $92, which was reflected as Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) at October 31, 2009. At October 31, 2008, the Company recorded an unrealized loss of $2,429 on the valuation of its ARS, along with an unrealized gain on other investments of $22, which was reflected as a net Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss of $2,407 at October 31, 2008.

 

We review our investments for impairment to determine the classification of the impairment as “temporary” or “other-than-temporary.” A temporary impairment charge results in an unrealized loss being recorded in the other comprehensive income component of shareholders’ equity. Such unrealized loss does not reduce net income for the applicable accounting period because the loss is not viewed as other-than-temporary. We recorded a loss on sale of ARS of $1,350 in our consolidated statement of operations for the year ended October 31, 2009. See Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements included in this report on Form 10-K for additional investment information.

 

Accounts Receivable:  Credit is extended based on evaluation of a customer’s financial condition, historical sales and payment history. Generally, collateral is not required. Accounts receivable are generally due within 30-90 days and are stated at amounts due from customers net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts receivable outstanding longer than the contractual payment terms are considered past due. The Company determines its allowance for doubtful accounts by considering a number of factors, including the length of time trade accounts receivable are past due, the Company’s previous loss history, the customer’s current ability to pay its obligation to the Company, and the condition of the general economy and the industry as a whole. The Company writes off accounts receivable when they become uncollectible, and payments subsequently received on such receivables are credited to the allowance for doubtful accounts.

 

Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets:  Indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of goodwill, which is carried at cost. The Company accounts for goodwill under ASC 350, Intangibles, Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”), which prohibits the amortization of indefinite-lived intangible assets, and requires that these assets are reviewed annually for impairment, and between annual test dates in certain circumstances. We typically perform our annual impairment test for goodwill in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, or more often as circumstances require. In assessing the recoverability of goodwill, estimates of market capitalization and other factors are made to determine the fair value of the respective assets. If these estimates change in the future, we may be required to record impairment charges for these assets. ASC 350 requires us to compare the fair value of the Company to its carrying amount to determine if there is potential impairment. If the fair value of the Company is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the fair value of the goodwill within the Company is less than their carrying value. If the carrying amount of the goodwill exceeds their fair value, an impairment loss is recognized.

 

Definite-lived Intangible Assets:  Definite-lived intangible assets consist of patents, trademarks, developed technology, non-competes and licenses, which are carried at amortized cost. The Company reviews its definite-lived intangible assets whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company assesses recoverability by reference to future cash flows from the products underlying these intangible assets.

 

Revenue Recognition:  Our policy is to ship products to customers on FOB shipping point terms. We recognize revenue when the product has been shipped to the customer, when there is evidence that the customer has agreed to purchase the products, delivery and performance have occurred, the price and terms of

sale are fixed and collection of the receivable is expected. All amounts billed to customers in a sales transaction related to shipping and handling are classified as net revenue. Our sales policy does not allow sales returns.

 

Inventories:  Inventories, which are comprised of raw materials, work in process and finished goods, are valued at the lower of cost, first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) or market. Overhead costs are applied to work in process and finished goods based on annual estimates of production volumes and overhead spending. These estimates are reviewed and assessed for reasonableness on a quarterly basis and adjusted as needed. The estimated value of excess, slow-moving and obsolete inventory as well as inventory with a carrying value in excess of its net realizable value is established by us on a quarterly basis through review of inventory on hand and assessment of future product demand, anticipated release of new products into the market, historical experience and product expiration.

 

Stock-Based Compensation:  The Company accounts for stock based payment awards in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”). The Company recognizes stock-based compensation based on certain assumption inputs within the Black-Scholes Model. These assumption inputs are used to determine an estimated fair value of stock based payment awards on the date of grant and require subjective judgment. Because employee stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, the existing models may not provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of the employee stock options. Management assesses the assumptions and methodologies used to calculate estimated fair value of stock-based compensation on a regular basis. Circumstances may change and additional data may become available over time, which could result in changes to these assumptions and methodologies and thereby materially impact our fair value determination.

 

Income Taxes:  We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method. The asset and liability method provides that deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded based on the differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes (“temporary differences”). Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance, when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. See Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements in this Report on Form 10-K for a summary of our temporary differences.

 

We recognize the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more likely than not sustain the position following an audit. For tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not threshold, the amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority.

 

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities:  We may enter into derivative instruments or perform hedging activities. All derivatives are recognized on the balance sheet at fair value. Derivatives that are not hedges are adjusted to fair value through income. If the derivative is a hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value of derivatives are either offset against the change in fair value of the hedged assets, liabilities or firm commitments through earnings or recognized in shareholders’ equity through other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized. It is our policy to enter into derivative transactions only to the extent true exposures exist. We do not enter into derivative transactions for speculative or trading purposes.

 

 

We maintain financial instruments in cash and cash equivalents, investments and accounts receivable. We believe that the interest rate, credit and market risk related to these accounts is not significant. We manage the risk associated with these accounts through periodic reviews of the carrying value for non-collectability of assets and establishment of appropriate allowances in connection with our internal controls and policies. We may enter into derivative instruments or perform hedging activities. However, our policy is to only enter into contracts that can be designated as normal purchases or sales.

 

 

REPORTS OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

Board of Directors and Shareholders

Synovis Life Technologies, Inc.

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Synovis Life Technologies, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of October 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2009. Our audits of the basic consolidated financial statements included the financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the 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 consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Synovis Life Technologies, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of October 31, 2009 and 2008, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2009 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Synovis Life Technologies Inc. and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) and our report dated January 5, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Minneapolis, Minnesota

January 5, 2010

Board of Directors and Shareholders
Synovis Life Technologies, Inc.

 

We have audited Synovis Life Technologies, Inc. and Subsidiaries’ (the “Company”) internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.

 

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

 

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

 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. In our opinion, Synovis Life Technologies, Inc. and Subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of October 31, 2009, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by COSO.

 

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Synovis Life Technologies, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of October 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows and financial statement schedule for each of the three years in the period ended October 31, 2009, and our report dated January 5, 2010 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule.

 

Minneapolis, Minnesota

January 5, 2010

 

SYNOVIS LIFE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

 

SYNOVIS LIFE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

 

SYNOVIS LIFE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

 

SYNOVIS LIFE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements

SYNOVIS LIFE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Synovis Life Technologies, Inc. develops, manufactures and markets mechanical and biological products used by several surgical specialties for the repair of soft tissue damaged or destroyed by disease or injury. The company’s products are designed to reduce risks and/or facilitate critical surgeries, improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. Our products serve a wide array of medical markets, including general surgery, bariatric, vascular, cardiac, thoracic, neurological, microsurgery, orthopedic and woundcare.

 

As discussed in Note 3 to our consolidated financial statements, the Company completed the sale of substantially all of the assets of its interventional business on January 31, 2008. The pre-tax gain on the sale totaled $11,423. Income taxes recorded on the gain were $6,083, resulting in a net gain of $5,340. The Company also recorded a net loss related to the operation of discontinued operations in fiscal 2008 of $20.

 

In June 2009, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued and established its Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) as the exclusive authoritative reference for nongovernmental U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) for use in financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009, except for SEC rules and interpretative releases, which are also authoritative for SEC registrants. Accordingly, the Company has adopted the ASC effective for its fourth quarter 2009 financial reporting. All references in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to U.S. GAAP principles have been changed to reference the relevant topic from the FASB ASC. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

Basis of Consolidation:  The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Synovis Life Technologies, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, after elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions.

 

Use of Estimates:  The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents:  Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased. These investments are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. Cash amounts typically are in excess of federally insured limits.

 

Investments:  Our investments consist of tax-exempt municipal bond investments. Our investment policy is to seek to manage these assets to achieve our goal of preserving principal, maintaining adequate liquidity at all times, and maximizing returns subject to our investment guidelines. We account for all of our investments as “available-for-sale” and report these investments at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in “Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income,” a component of shareholders’ equity.

 

We review our investments for impairment to determine the classification of the impairment as “temporary” or “other-than-temporary.” A temporary impairment charge results in an unrealized loss being recorded in the other comprehensive income component of shareholders’ equity. Such unrealized loss does not reduce net income for the applicable accounting period because the loss is not viewed as other-than-temporary. See Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements included in this report on Form 10-K for additional investment information.

 

Accounts Receivable:  Credit is extended based on evaluation of a customer’s financial condition, historical sales and payment history. Generally, collateral is not required. Accounts receivable are generally due within 30-90 days and are stated at amounts due from customers net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts receivable outstanding longer than the contractual payment terms are considered past due. The Company determines its allowance for doubtful accounts by considering a number of factors, including

 

SYNOVIS LIFE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

the length of time trade accounts receivable are past due, the Company’s previous loss history, the customer’s current ability to pay its obligation to the Company, and the condition of the general economy and the industry as a whole. The Company writes off accounts receivable when they become uncollectible, and payments subsequently received on such receivables are credited to the allowance for doubtful accounts.

 

Inventories:  Inventories, which are comprised of raw materials, work in process and finished goods, are valued at the lower of cost, first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) or market. Overhead costs are applied to work in process and finished goods based on annual estimates of production volume and overhead spending. These estimates are reviewed and assessed for reasonableness on a quarterly basis and adjusted if so needed. The estimated value of excess, slow-moving and obsolete inventory as well as inventory with a carrying value in excess of its net realizable value is established on a quarterly basis through review of inventory on hand and assessment of future product demand, anticipated release of new products into the market, historical experience and product expiration.

 

Property, Plant and Equipment:  Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets. Furniture, fixtures and computer equipment are depreciated over a 3 to 7 year life, and manufacturing equipment is depreciated over a 5 to 10 year life. Amortization of leasehold improvements is recorded on a straight-line basis over the life of the related facility leases or the estimated useful life of the assets, whichever is shorter. Major replacements and improvements are capitalized and maintenance and repairs, which do not improve or extend the useful lives of the respective assets, are charged to operations. The asset and related accumulated depreciation or amortization accounts are adjusted for asset retirements and disposals with the resulting gain or loss, if any, recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations at the time of disposal. The Company’s long-lived depreciable assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset in question may not be recoverable. Impairment losses are recorded whenever indicators of impairment are present.

 

Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets:  Indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of goodwill, which is carried at cost. The Company accounts for goodwill under ASC 350, Intangibles, Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”), which prohibits the amortization of indefinite-lived intangible assets, and requires that these assets are reviewed annually for impairment, and between annual test dates in certain circumstances. We typically perform our annual impairment test for goodwill in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year, or at other periods as circumstances require. In assessing the recoverability of goodwill, estimates of market capitalization and other factors are made to determine the fair value of the respective assets. If these estimates change in the future, we may be required to record impairment charges for these assets. ASC 350 requires us to compare the fair value of the Company to its carrying amount to determine if there is potential impairment. If the fair value of the Company is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the fair value of the goodwill within the Company is less than their carrying value. If the carrying amount of the goodwill exceeds their fair value, an impairment loss is recognized.

 

Definite-lived Intangible Assets:  Definite-lived intangible assets consist of patents, trademarks, developed technology, non-competes and licenses, which are carried at amortized cost. The Company reviews its definite-lived intangible assets whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. The Company assesses recoverability by reference to future cash flows from the products underlying these intangible assets.

 

Revenue Recognition:  Our policy is to ship products to customers on FOB shipping point terms. We recognize revenue when the product has been shipped to the customer, when there is evidence that the customer has agreed to purchase the products, delivery and performance have occurred, the price and terms of sale are fixed and collection of the receivable is expected. All amounts billed to customers in a sales transaction related to shipping and handling are classified as net revenue. Our sales policy does not allow sales returns.

 

SYNOVIS LIFE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Shipping and Handling:  The Company records all amounts billed to customers in a sales transaction related to shipping and handling as net revenue. The Company records costs related to shipping and handling in cost of revenue.

 

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities:  The Company may enter into derivative instruments or perform hedging activities. All derivatives are recognized on the balance sheet at fair value. Derivatives that are not hedges are adjusted to fair value through income. If the derivative is a hedge, depending on the nature of the hedge, changes in the fair value of derivatives are either offset against the change in fair value of the hedged assets, liabilities or firm commitments through earnings or recognized in shareholders’ equity through other comprehensive income until the hedged item is recognized. It is the Company’s policy to enter into derivative transactions only to the extent true exposures exist. The Company does not enter into derivative transactions for speculative or trading purposes.

 

Research and Development:  Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.

 

Stock-Based Compensation:  The Company accounts for stock based payment awards in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”). The Company recognizes stock-based compensation based on certain assumption inputs within the Black-Scholes Model. These assumption inputs are used to determine an estimated fair value of stock based payment awards on the date of grant and require subjective judgment. Because employee stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, the existing models may not provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of the employee stock options. Management assesses the assumptions and methodologies used to calculate estimated fair value of stock-based compensation on a regular basis. Circumstances may change and additional data may become available over time, which could result in changes to these assumptions and methodologies and thereby materially impact our fair value determination. See Note 9 for additional stock-based compensation information.

 

Income Taxes:  We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method. The asset and liability method provides that deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded based on the differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes (“temporary differences”). Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance, when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. See Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements in this Report on Form 10-K for a summary of our temporary differences.

 

We recognize the financial statement benefit of a tax position only after determining that the relevant tax authority would more likely than not sustain the position following an audit. For tax positions meeting the more-likely-than-not threshold, the amount recognized in the financial statements is the largest benefit that has a greater than 50 percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the relevant tax authority.

 

Net Earnings (Loss) Per Share:  Basic earnings per share (“EPS”) is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding, while diluted EPS is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding adjusted by the weighted average number of additional shares that would have been outstanding had the potential dilutive common shares been issued. Potential dilutive shares of common stock include stock options and other stock-based awards granted under the Company’s stock-based compensation plans, when their impact is not anti-dilutive. See Note 10 for additional earnings per share information.

 

Reclassifications:  Certain reclassifications have been made to the fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2008 consolidated financial statements to conform with the fiscal 2009 presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on net income or earnings per share.

 

SYNOVIS LIFE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

Recent Accounting Standards:

 

Effective November 1, 2008, the Company adopted FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”), related to the Company’s financial assets and liabilities. ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. ASC 820 also describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

 

Level 1 — quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.

 

Level 2 — observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.

 

Level 3 — unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data available, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.

 

ASC 820 also provides guidance for determining the fair value of a financial asset when the market for that asset is not active, and for determining fair value when the volume and level of activity for an asset or liability have significantly decreased and includes guidance on identifying circumstances that indicate when a transaction is not orderly. The adoption of ASC 820 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

 

The effective date for certain aspects of ASC 820 was deferred and are currently being evaluated by the Company. Areas impacted by the deferral relate to nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value, but are recognized or disclosed at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. The effects of these remaining aspects of ASC 820 are to be applied by the Company to fair value measurements prospectively beginning November 1, 2009. The adoption of the remaining aspects of ASC 820 is not expected to have a material impact on its financial condition or results of operations. See Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements in this Report on Form 10-K for additional investment information.

 

Effective November 1, 2008, the Company adopted certain aspects of ASC 825, Financial Instruments (“ASC 825”), which permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The Company has not elected the fair value option for any financial assets or liabilities as of October 31, 2009. The adoption of ASC 825 did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued ASC 805, Business Combinations (“ASC 805”). ASC 805 changes how a reporting enterprise will account for the acquisition of a business. ASC 805 will apply prospectively to business combinations with an acquisition date on or after November 1, 2009. The adoption of ASC 805 is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations, however future acquisitions would be accounted for under this guidance.

 

In May 2009, the FASB issued ASC 855, Subsequent Events (“ASC 855”), which provides guidance on management’s assessment of subsequent events. The new standard clarifies that management must evaluate, as of each reporting period, events or transactions that occur after the balance sheet date through the date that the financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. ASC 855 is not expected to significantly change practice because its guidance is similar to that in U.S. auditing literature, which the Company relied on previously for guidance on assessing and disclosing subsequent events. ASC 855 is effective for the Company for interim periods and fiscal years beginning after May 1, 2009. The Company has evaluated its financial statements as of October 31, 2009 for subsequent events through January 5, 2010, the date the financial statements were available to be issued. Other than the November 12, 2009 settlement with W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc., the Company is not aware of any subsequent events which would require recognition or disclosure in the financial statements.

 

SYNOVIS LIFE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

 

 

On July 17, 2009, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Synovis Orthopedic and Woundcare, Inc., (“Ortho & Wound”) completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Pegasus Biologics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Pegasus”), from Comerica Bank (“Comerica”) pursuant to a Foreclosure Sale Agreement with Comerica dated as of July 2, 2009 (the “Foreclosure Sale Agreement”). The acquisition resulted from a sealed bid auction process after Pegasus effectively ceased operations when attempts to raise additional operating capital were unsuccessful. Pegasus, a privately held medical device company based in Irvine, California, focused on the development of advanced biological solutions for soft tissue repair.

 

Synovis paid $12,100 in cash to Comerica for the assets transferred. Synovis purchased the assets on an “as is,” “where is” basis and without recourse, subject to the representations and warranties provided for in the Foreclosure Sales Agreement.

 

Operating results for Ortho & Wound from July 17, 2009 to October 31, 2009 are included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2009. The assets acquired in the transaction are included in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheet as of October 31, 2009 and the purchase transaction has been included in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2009.

 

The Company accounted for the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Pegasus under the purchase method of accounting. Accordingly, the purchase price was allocated to the tangible and intangible assets acquired based on the Company’s determination of fair value at the acquisition date, and are consolidated with those of the Company. The purchase price allocation was based upon preliminary estimates of the fair value of the assets acquired. Determination of fair value required the use of significant assumptions and estimates, including but not limited to, expected utilization of acquired inventory, future expected cash flows and applicable discount rates. The Company used the income approach to determine the fair value of the acquired intangible assets. The purchase price allocation will be finalized once the Company has all the necessary information to complete its estimate, but no later than one year from the acquisition date.

 

The following provides further information on the preliminary purchase price allocations:

 

Purchase Price

 

 

Preliminary Purchase Price Allocation

 

 

In accordance with GAAP, the Company expensed the acquired in-process research and development costs of $3,500 in fiscal 2009. This expense was recorded as “other” operating expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations. The Company assigned an eleven year weighted average amortization period to the

 

SYNOVIS LIFE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

identifiable developed technology assets. As the Company assigned the entire purchase price to tangible and identifiable intangible assets, none of the preliminary purchase price was allocated to goodwill.

 

Pro Forma Results of Operations:

 

The following unaudited pro forma financial information presents a summary of consolidated results of operations of the Company as if the acquisition of the assets of Pegasus had occurred at the beginning of the earliest period presented. The unaudited pro forma results presented below assume the in-process research and development expense of $3,500 occurred as of November 1, 2006. Annual amortization expense of $545 related to acquired developed technology is reflected on a pro rata basis in each of the periods presented. The historical consolidated financial information has been adjusted to give effect to pro forma events that are directly attributable to the acquisition and are factually supportable. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information is presented for informational purposes only. The pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of what the financial position or results of operations actually would have been had the acquisition been completed at the dates indicated. In addition, the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information does not purport to project the future financial position or operating results of the Company after completion of the acquisition.

 

The following provides unaudited pro forma financial information for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007, assuming the Company consummated the purchase of the assets from Pegasus as of November 1, 2006:

 

 

In April 2007, the Company purchased the 4Closure^tm Surgical Fascia Closure System (“4Closure System”) from Fascia Closure Systems, LLC. The 4Closure System is a device and operating method for closure of punctures in the fascia, a layer of connective tissue on the inner surface of the chest or abdominal wall, following laparoscopic procedures which use larger diameter operating ports or trocars. The device is authorized for sale in the United States and has a patent pending. The purchase price was a cash payment of $2,000 plus certain additional milestone payments of $500 each to be paid upon achieving cumulative net sales of the 4Closure System equal to $2,500, $5,000, $7,500, $10,000 and $12,500. In addition, a royalty payment will be paid in the amount of 5 percent of net sales of the 4Closure System through April 2019.

 

Approximately $1,000 of the original purchase price was allocated to identifiable intangible assets to be amortized on a straight-line basis over an estimated average useful life of nine years. The remaining amount of the purchase price was recorded as goodwill. Additional milestone payments to the seller will be recorded as additional goodwill when earned.

 

Operating results of the 4Closure System from April 3, 2007 are included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations for the fiscal years ended October 31, 2009, 2008 and 2007.

 

Pro forma combined financial information for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2007 have not been provided as the historical operating results of Fascia Closure Systems, LLC are not considered significant in relation to the Company’s results for the period then ended.

 

SYNOVIS LIFE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

 

 

 

On January 31, 2008, the Company sold substantially all of the assets of Synovis’ interventional business to Heraeus Vadnais, Inc. and its related entities (“Heraeus”), pursuant to an Asset Purchase Agreement dated January 8, 2008. Synovis’ interventional business developed and manufactured metal and polymer components and assemblies used in or with implantable or minimally invasive devices for cardiac rhythm management, neurostimulation, vascular and other procedures, and had facilities located in Lino Lakes, Minnesota and Dorado, Puerto Rico. The decision to sell the interventional business resulted from the Company’s determination to focus its attention and resources on opportunities in its surgical markets.

 

The primary terms of the sale included the following:

 

 

The Company recorded a pretax gain of $11,423 and a provision for income taxes of $6,083, resulting in a net gain on sale of $5,340. The net gain was computed as follows:

 

Carrying values of net assets transferred to Heraeus: