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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-KSB
(Mark One)
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934 [FEE REQUIRED]: For the fiscal year ended September 30, 1996
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[ ] TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED]: For the transition period from to
Commission file number 0-6669
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FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC.
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(Name of small business issuer in its charter)
New York 13-1950672
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(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
275 Hempstead Turnpike, West Hempstead, NY 11552
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(516) 564-1100
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(Issuer's Telephone Number, including Area Code)
Securities registered under Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act: None
Securities registered under Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act:
Common Stock, $.01 par value
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(Title of class)
Check whether the issuer: (1) has filed all reports required to be
filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the preceding 12 months
(or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such
reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90
days. Yes [X] No [ ]
Check if there is no disclosure of delinquent filers in response to
Item 405 of Regulation S-B contained in this form, and no disclosure will 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-KSB or any amendment to this Form 10-KSB. [X]
State issuer's revenues for its most recent fiscal year: $17,871,697
State the aggregate market value of the voting stock held by
non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the stock was sold,
or the average bid and asked prices of such stock, as of a specified date
within the past 60 days:
Approximately $3,614,905, based on the average of the closing bid
price ($0.563) and closing asked price ($0.750) as reported on the
NASDAQ SmallCap Market on December 23, 1996.
State the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes
of common equity, as of the latest practicable date:
As of December 23, 1996, 6,552,062 Shares of Common Stock, $.01 par
value
Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format: Yes [ ]; No [X]
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PART I
Except as otherwise indicated, all information in this Annual Report
on form 10-KSB has been adjusted to give effect to a two-for-one stock split
effected in the form of a 100% stock dividend in January 1996.
This Annual Report on Form 10-KSB contains forward looking statements
that involve certain risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual results
could differ materially from the results discussed in the forward looking
statements.
ITEM 1 - DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS
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GENERAL
Forward Industries, Inc. (the "Company") was incorporated in 1961
under the laws of the State of New York. For several years prior to the
acquisition of its business of manufacturing soft-sided carrying cases (see
"Products") in 1989, the Company's sales were approximately equally divided
between those of vinyl advertising specialties and looseleaf ring and post
binders manufactured by the Company. During the past three years, the carrying
case business has progressively become the most significant of the Company's
operations. As used herein, the term "Company" includes its wholly-owned
subsidiary, Koszegi Industries, Inc. (the "Subsidiary") which is the operating
entity conducting the business of the Company.
Since a growing portion of the Company's production of carrying cases
is being made in the Asian market, and the Company desires to promote sales to
this market, a senior officer of the Company has been residing in Hong Kong
since July 1995 (see "Marketing and Distribution").
In December 1996, the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board")
adopted, subject to shareholder approval, the Company's 1996 Stock Incentive
Plan (the "Incentive Plan") which authorizes the issuance of up to 4,000,000
shares of Common Stock. On such date, the Board granted, subject to shareholder
approval of the Plan, incentive stock options to various employees to acquire
an aggregate of 275,000 Shares at an exercise price per share being equal to
150% of the offering price per share under a secondary public offering of the
Company's Common Stock, provided, that should the offering price per share
under such offering not be determined by June 1, 1997, the exercise price per
share under such options shall be equal to the fair market value per share of
Common Stock as of such date. Pursuant to the terms of the Incentive Plan each
of the Company's Chief Executive Officer, Executive Vice President and
President were granted, subject to shareholder approval, options to purchase
300,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price equal to the fair market
value of the Common Stock on the date of shareholder approval of the Incentive
Plan. The Company's 1996 Stock Option Plan, which had never been submitted for
approval by the Company's shareholders, was canceled.
The Company has its principal executive offices at 275 Hempstead
Turnpike, West Hempstead, NY 11552. The Company's principal manufacturing
facility is located at 702 South Chapin Street, South Bend, Indiana 46624 (the
"South Bend Facility"). The Company also maintains additional office and
manufacturing facilities in Indiana and warehouse/quality control facilities
and an office in Hong Kong. See Item 2 -- "Description of Property."
PRODUCTS
Carrying Cases. The Company designs and manufactures custom soft-sided
carrying cases and bags from leather, nylon, vinyl and other synthetic fabrics
(the "carrying case business"). These carrying cases and bags are utilized for
transporting portable products such as cellular telephones, medical
instruments, computers, and hand tools. The carrying case business accounted
for approximately 82% of the Company's net sales from continuing operations
during Fiscal 1996, and approximately 80% and 85% of such net sales during
Fiscal 1995 and 1994, respectively. Since its acquisition of the carrying case
business in 1989, the Company has concentrated its marketing and development
efforts on original equipment manufacturers in the communications (principally
cellular telephones), computer and medical instrumentation industries. In
April,
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1995, the Company expanded its product line to include laptop/notebook computer
cases marketed for general retail distribution under the Terrapin(TM) brand
name. See "Marketing and Distribution".
Advertising Specialties. The Company also is engaged in the design,
manufacture and sale of advertising specialties fabricated from vinyl.
Advertising specialties are "intrinsically useful" articles which have
imprinted on them an advertiser's name and advertising message and are usually
distributed by the advertiser without cost to the recipients. Advertising
specialties may also be utilized as promotional gift items, in which event they
generally do not have advertising imprinted on them and are usually distributed
to the recipients as an incentive or in exchange for the performance by them of
some act, usually the purchase of a product. The principal categories of vinyl
advertising specialties manufactured by the Company include, but are not
limited to, billfolds, clipboards, correspondence folders, credit card holders,
diaries, document holders, key cases, memo books, phone indexes, pocket and
desk planners and portfolios. The advertising specialties line accounted for
approximately 18% of the Company's net sales from continuing operations during
Fiscal 1996, and approximately 20% and 15% of such sales during Fiscal 1995 and
1994, respectively.
For segment information concerning net sales, operating profit and
related data concerning each of the carrying case business and the advertising
specialties business of the Company for Fiscal 1996 and Fiscal 1995,
see Note 16 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
("Business Segment Data").
MARKETING AND DISTRIBUTION
Carrying Cases. The Company markets its custom carrying cases to
original equipment manufacturers, principally in the communications, medical,
computer and testing and measurement equipment industries. Such cases are
manufactured to customer specifications and usually bear the customer's
identifying logo imprint. Approximately 45% of the Company's sales are made
through seven independent sales representative organizations who receive a
commission equal to 5% of net sales made by them. The balance of such sales are
made by Company personnel. In Fiscal 1996, approximately 5% of such sales were
made to customers outside of the United States (approximately 10% and 11% in
Fiscal 1995 and 1994, respectively). The Company is increasing its emphasis
upon such foreign sales in Asia and Europe. The Company has no long-term
agreements with any of its customers. Four of the Company's customers,
Motorola, Inc., Bayer Corporation (formerly Miles, Inc.), LifeScan, Inc. (a
Johnson & Johnson Company), and Boehringer Manheim Corporation, together with
their respective affiliates, accounted for approximately 4%, 12%, 8%, and 14%,
respectively, of the Company's net sales from continuing operations during
Fiscal 1996 and approximately 11%, 10%, 19% and 4%, respectively, of such net
sales in Fiscal 1995. The loss of any of these customers would have a material
adverse effect on the Company. The reduction in sales to the largest customer
in Fiscal 1995 (45% to 11%) was a primary reason for the reduction in overall
net sales of the Company in Fiscal 1995 as compared to Fiscal 1994. In order
to reduce its reliance upon major customers, whose orders may vary
substantially from period to period depending upon the success of their products
utilizing the Company's carrying cases, the Company is seeking to increase and
diversify its customer base, particularly in Asia (to which no sales were made
in Fiscal 1995) and Europe. The Company presently has approximately 110 active
carrying case customers.
In April 1995, the Company commenced marketing a line of notebook
computer carrying cases to retailers and consumers under the Terrapin(TM) brand
name. These cases, which are manufactured in nylon, leather and hardshell
thermoformed materials, provide storage space for the computer and related
items and may be utilized as a "portable office" by the computer user. Although
sales of the Terrapin(TM) products did not meet expectations in Fiscal 1995,
sales improved substantially in Fiscal 1996. Management believes that the
growth of the notebook computer market offers it an opportunity to diversify
its product line, to sell to customers other than original equipment
manufacturers, and to establish a brand identity for its products under the
Terrapin(TM) name. The target sales areas for this line are large retail chain
computer outlets, large direct mail order houses and small computer equipment
manufacturers and resellers.
Advertising Specialties. The Company sells substantially all of its
advertising specialties within the United States. Most sales are to sales
promotion and advertising distributors who place orders from a full-color
product catalog prepared by the Company. These distributors place their orders
with the Company
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for specific products requested by their customers. The average order placed by
a distributor is approximately $300-500. The distributor is billed directly by
the Company and the distributor, in turn, bills its customers. The Company
markets its advertising specialties under its registered trademark FORWARD(R).
A small percentage of sales is made directly to retailers.
Backlog. At September 30, 1996, the Company's backlog of unfilled
orders was approximately $6,201,000 (of which $5,887,000 was attributable to the
carrying case business), as compared to an order backlog of approximately
$8,701,000 at September 30, 1995 (of which $8,191,000 was attributable to the
carrying case business). The Company anticipates that all of its backlog will
be shipped during the current fiscal year.
Credit Risk. The Company sells its products on credit terms customary
in the industry, and has not had significant credit problems with its
customers. At September 30, 1996, three of the Company's largest customers
accounted for approximately 53% of the Company's accounts receivable (three
customers accounting for 47% at September 30, 1995). Any failure of such
customers to pay the sums they owe to the Company when due would have a material
adverse effect on the Company.
Certain Seasonal Sales. The Company's sales of advertising specialties
are seasonal. Historically, the largest portion of such sales occurs during the
quarter ending December 31. Such seasonal pattern is in large measure due to
increased demand for such products at Christmas time for use as gifts and
promotions.
PRODUCTION AND MATERIALS
The principal materials used by the Company in the manufacture of its
products are vinyl, nylon and other synthetic fabrics, leather, metal and
plastic parts (such as corners, clasps, buckles, loops, and hinges and other
hardware), foam padding, cardboard, pads and pencils, all of which are obtained
according to the Company's specifications from domestic and foreign suppliers.
The Company does not have any long-term agreements with any supplier and there
are adequate available alternative sources of supply for all of its materials.
The Company maintains an adequate inventory of all of its materials to meet
normal anticipated production needs for those products to be manufactured by the
Company.
Manufacturing of custom carrying cases generally consists of die
cutting fabrics, leather and vinyl from rolls, heat sealing, gluing, sewing,
and decorating (affixing logos) by means of silk screening, hot-stamping,
embroidering, or embossing.
Where costs and other factors permit, the Company manufactures its
carrying cases at the South Bend Facility. In order to achieve lower production
costs for its products and to enable the Company to increase its production
capacity without incurring significant capital costs for expanded facilities
and equipment, the Company has, since 1992, utilized foreign contractors to
manufacture its carrying cases to the extent practicable. Such foreign
contractors produced approximately 63% of the Company's carrying cases in
Fiscal 1996 and approximately 60% in Fiscal 1995. The Company does not have any
written agreements with any of such contractors to continue to supply the
Company with finished product. Management anticipates that a substantial
portion of its products will be manufactured by foreign contractors over the
next term.
During Fiscal 1996, one of such foreign contractors produced
approximately 30% of the Company's carrying cases and approximately 33% in
Fiscal 1995. The failure of such contractor to continue to supply the Company
with product would have a material adverse effect on the Company.
In order to assure that product manufacturing by foreign contractors
meets the Company's standards, the Company maintains a quality control
inspection facility in Hong Kong. The Company experienced quality control
problems with some of its product manufactured by foreign contractors in the
first quarter of the 1996 fiscal year. Management is working with suppliers and
customers to assure no repetition of these problems.
The Company's overseas contractors are located principally in Asia,
but the Company intends (if it has the funds available) to expand its
production capability in Europe as well as in Asia. Management believes
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that such expansion will facilitate delivery of product to foreign customers
and provide for lower cost production of carrying cases for which there is
significant demand. Such expansion will require further financing, for which no
arrangements have been made. In some instances, the Company may provide
equipment to overseas contractors or share in its cost.
Because of the growing importance of foreign production to the
business of the Company, management determined that it would be in the best
interests of the Company to assign Michael Schiffman, Executive Vice President,
to be resident in Hong Kong commencing in July 1995 for a period to be
determined. Mr. Schiffman's primary responsibilities in Hong Kong are to
identify foreign contractors which meet the Company's standards as to service,
price and quality, to diversify such production sources to minimize continued
dependence on a small group of suppliers, to enable the Company to allocate
production projects among the most efficient producers, and to supervise the
quality control operations. In addition, Mr. Schiffman is engaged in
establishing marketing and distribution arrangements for the Company's
Terrapin(TM) line in Asia. The Company intends to employ a successor to Mr.
Schiffman for such duties at the completion of his Hong Kong stay.
Manufacturing of advertising specialties (all of which is conducted in
the United States) generally consists of die cutting vinyl from rolls, heat
sealing or sewing the vinyl trimming, fastening the metal findings, imprinting
the product by stamping, silk screening or embossing and inserting any
appropriate pads, calendars, pencils and identification labels.
Most of the advertising specialties and all of the custom carrying
cases are manufactured to customer order. The balance of the products are
manufactured for inventory. Products are shipped to customers by common
carrier.
COMPETITION
The businesses in which the Company engages are highly competitive and
there are competitors which are substantially larger than the Company and have
greater financial and other resources. In the production of carrying cases for
original equipment manufacturers, the Company competes with approximately 1,500
United States and foreign producers. In the manufacture and distribution in the
United States of vinyl advertising specialties, the Company also competes with
a large number of other United States and foreign companies which manufacture
and sell vinyl advertising specialties and also competes with numerous
companies which manufacture and sell non-vinyl advertising specialties, such as
metal and plastic ball point pens and paper and cardboard calendars.
Advertising specialties also compete with other forms of advertising, such as
newspapers, magazines, radio and television.
Management believes that the Company maintains its competitive
position through maintenance of an extensive line of products, design
capability, strategic pricing policies, reliable product delivery and quality.
EMPLOYEES
At September 30, 1996, the Company had approximately 238 full-time
employees, of whom five are employed in executive capacities, 28 are employed in
administrative and clerical capacities, five are employed in sales capacities
and the balance in production and warehouse capacities. The number of the
Company's production and warehouse employees varies from approximately 130 to
200, depending on seasonal production requirements. From time to time, use is
made of full-time temporary workers (two at September 30, 1996) employed by
personnel agencies which provide their services to the Company. The Company
employs approximately 10 quality control inspectors in its Hong Kong quality
control facility. The Company considers its employee relations to be
satisfactory.
See Item 3 - "Legal Proceedings" for information concerning settlement
of the claim of Metal Craft Union Local 238, which represented former employees
of the Company at the Brooklyn Facility, that the Company had failed to pay a
withdrawal liability to the union pension fund.
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Compliance with Federal, state and local laws and regulations
pertaining to the discharge of materials into the environment, or otherwise
relating to the protection of the environment, has not had, and is not
anticipated to have, any material effect upon the capital expenditures,
earnings or competitive position of the Company.
ITEM 2 - DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY
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The Company, through the Subsidiary, leases manufacturing and office
space at 702 South Chapin Street, South Bend, Indiana on a net lease basis
through March 31, 1999 at an annual rental of $204,000 plus real estate taxes
thereon (which aggregated approximately $50,000 during Fiscal 1996 on an
accrual basis). These premises have a total floor area of approximately 80,000
square feet, 70,000 square feet of which are used for manufacturing and
storage, and the balance of which are used for offices. The Subsidiary has the
option to purchase the leased premises (together with land and a building
contiguous thereto) at any time during the lease term for $1,425,000. The
Subsidiary also owns and utilizes, for warehousing purposes, a building at 713
Scott Street, South Bend, Indiana, which it purchased in 1990 for $125,000. The
Company also leases approximately 5,300 square feet of additional office space
in Mishawaka, Indiana through April 2002 (with a three-year renewal option) at
monthly net rentals ranging from $4,625 to $5,750, plus taxes and utility
charges, and a small manufacturing facility in LaPorte, Indiana at a monthly
rental of $1,080 through July 1997.
The Company, through a Hong Kong subsidiary, leases (on a
month-to-month basis since October 1995) warehouse facilities in Hong Kong at
which its quality control inspection facilities are also located, at an annual
rental of approximately $37,000, and, in connection with the assignment of
Michael Schiffman to Hong Kong (see Item 1 - "Description of
Business-Production and Materials"), has leased an apartment in Hong Kong
through August 1997 at a monthly rental of approximately $9,000.
The Company considers its properties in Indiana to be suitable and
adequate for its present and contemplated use thereof.
The Company leases office space for its executive offices at 275
Hempstead Turnpike, West Hempstead, New York, on a month-to-month basis at a
rental of approximately $1,500 per month.
The Company owns approximately one acre of land adjoining the Brooklyn
Facility (as hereinafter defined), on which a two story building containing
approximately 45,500 square feet of space is located. The building, originally
utilized for Company operations and then leased to others, is presently
partially leased as described below. A first mortgage on this property is held
by The Greater New York Savings Bank ("Greater N.Y.") as security for a loan to
the Company in the original principal amount of $1,200,000. Effective
January 1, 1995, the Company leased one floor of this building to a tenant for
a term expiring December 31, 2004 at an initial fixed annual rate of $82,500
(payment of which commenced in March 1995), such rent to increase in
installments over the term of the lease to $93,500 (January 1, 1996), $104,500
(January 1, 1998), $115,500 (January 1, 2000) and $132,000 (January 1, 2002),
plus utilities and certain other charges and tenant's proportional share of
any increased real estate taxes. The tenant has a right of first refusal upon
a proposed leasing of the second floor and upon a proposed sale of the
building. The Company is seeking a tenant for the second floor of this property.
ITEM 3 - LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
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By notice dated November 14, 1995, Metal Craft Union Local 238 (which
had represented certain employees at the Brooklyn Facility) commenced an
arbitration against the Company through the facilities of the New York State
Employment Relations Board to determine whether the Company was in violation of
its obligations to the Local 238 Pension Fund by its failure to pay withdrawal
liability thereto by reason of the Company's withdrawal from the pension fund
upon the closing of the Brooklyn Facility. In settlement of this
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claim, the Company agreed on December 27, 1995 to pay $125,000 to the pension
fund ($35,000 within thirty days and the balance in quarterly installments
of $11,250 through January 1998 thereafter).
ITEM 4 - SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
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No matter was submitted to a vote of security holders of the Company
during the fourth quarter of Fiscal 1996.
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PART II
ITEM 5 - MARKET FOR COMMON STOCK AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
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MARKET FOR THE COMMON STOCK. The Company's Common Stock is traded in
the over-the-counter market and, since June 15, 1995, has been quoted on the
NASDAQ SmallCap Market. Prior thereto, the Common Stock was quoted only in the
"Pink Sheets" published by the National Quotation Bureau, Inc. but no price
quotations were approved therein during Fiscal 1993, 1994 or, until November
1994 (Fiscal 1995). The following table sets forth the high bid and low bid
quotations from November 1994 through June 14, 1995 from the Pink Sheets and
OTC Bulletin Board and from June 15, 1995 from the NASDAQ SmallCap Market, for
the fiscal quarters set forth below. These quotations (and those for the Class
A Warrants and Class B Warrants shown below) represent prices between dealers,
do not include retail markup, markdown or commission and do not necessarily
represent actual transactions.
Common Stock
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Period High Bid Low Bid
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Fiscal 1996
First Quarter $10.250 $6.000
Second Quarter 10.375 4.750
Third Quarter 6.750 4.203
Fourth Quarter 6.750 2.125
Fiscal 1995
First Quarter (from $0.500 $0.375
November 1994)
Second Quarter 3.375 2.000
Third Quarter 4.375 2.250
Fourth Quarter 6.750 4.000
On December 23, 1996, the closing bid quotation for the Common Stock
was $0.563 per share.
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MARKET FOR THE CLASS A WARRANTS AND THE CLASS B WARRANTS. The
Company's Class A Warrants and Class B Warrants have been traded in the
over-the-counter market since September 13, 1995. The following table sets
forth the high and low bid prices for the warrants from September 13, 1995 as
reported by the National Quotation Bureau from the Pink Sheets and the OTC
Bulletin Board for the fiscal quarters set forth below:
Class A Warrants Class B Warrants
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Period High Bid Low Bid High Bid Low Bid
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Fiscal 1996
First Quarter $2.500 $0.063 $2.000 $0.031
Second Quarter 6.000 1.000 5.000 1.000
Third Quarter 7.500 6.000 5.500 3.500
Fourth Quarter 6.500 3.000 4.500 1.000
Fiscal 1995
September 13 - $0.063 $0.063 $0.031 $0.031
September 30,
1995
On December 23, 1996, the closing bid quotation was $2.00 for the
Class A Warrants and $1.00 for the Class B Warrants.
HOLDERS OF COMMON STOCK. On December 23, 1996, there were
approximately 193 holders of record of the Company's Common Stock, including
Cede & Co., which held 3,800,666 shares as nominee for a number of securities
brokers.
HOLDERS OF CLASS A WARRANTS AND CLASS B WARRANTS. On December 23,
1996, there were approximately two (2) holders of record of the Class A
Warrants and three (3) holders of record of the Class B Warrants, of which Cede
& Co. held 62,000 Class A Warrants and 154,000 Class B Warrants.
DIVIDENDS. The Company has not paid any cash dividends since 1987 and
does not plan to pay cash dividends in the foreseeable future. The payment of
dividends will depend upon the Company's outstanding loan arrangements as well
as its short-term and long-term cash availability, working capital, working
capital needs and other factors, as determined by the Company's Board of
Directors.
ITEM 6 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OR PLAN OF OPERATION
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This Annual Report on Form 10-KSB contains forward looking statements
that involve certain risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual results
could differ materially from the results discussed in the forward looking
statements.
IN REVIEWING MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS, REFERENCE SHOULD BE
MADE TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND NOTES THERETO INCLUDED AS ITEM 7
- -"FINANCIAL STATEMENTS" IN THIS ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-KSB.
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TWELVE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 (THE "1996 PERIOD") COMPARED WITH TWELVE
MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1995 (THE "1995 PERIOD").
The loss in the 1996 Period increased to ($1,058,272) from
($1,033,702) in the 1995 Period. Loss per share decreased from a loss of ($.32)
in the 1995 Period to a loss of ($.24) in the 1996 Period.
REVENUES.
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Net sales increased $2,332,291 (15.0%) to $17,871,697 in the 1996
Period, from $15,539,408 in the 1995 Period. Sales of carrying cases increased
by $2,214,000 and advertising specialties increased by $118,000. The Company's
Terrapin(TM) line, which was introduced in April 1995, accounted for $877,487
(approximately 40%) of the increase in sales of carrying cases.
OPERATING INCOME.
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Consolidated income (loss) from operations before other income
increased to a loss of ($1,801,287) in the 1996 Period from ($229,840) loss in
the 1995 Period.
Although net sales increased substantially in the 1996 Period, costs
of reworking products to customer specifications, and large increases in
seasonal labor (including substantial overtime, primarily for advertising
specialties in the first three months of the fiscal year) adversely affected
gross profit. In addition, because of delivery problems from the Far East, an
item normally produced overseas for a major customer was manufactured in South
Bend at a substantially higher cost. These reasons combined to adversely affect
the gross profit percentage, which decreased from 21.2% in the 1995 Period to
17.3% in the 1996 Period.
Distribution expenses increased $38,072 (60.02%) from $63,434 in the
1995 Period to $101,508 in the 1996 Period, primarily as a result of increases
in import shipping expenses.
Selling expenses increased $687,442 (38.9%) from $1,766,799 in the
1995 Period to $2,454,241 in the 1996 Period. In the 1996 Period, the ratio of
selling expenses to net sales was 13.7%, compared to 11.4% in the 1995 Period.
The increase in selling expenses in the 1996 Period was primarily the result of
an increase of $287,161 in sales salaries and commissions due to the increased
level of sales and to the employment of additional sales staff for the
Terrapin(TM) line and an additional sales person in Europe, increased
advertising expenditures up $163,063 primarily directed toward the launching
of the Terrapin(TM) line, $49,638 in additional rent for a new sales office
opened after the 1995 Period and a $131,554 increase in travel expenses
primarily related to Terrapin(TM) and to European sales efforts.
General and administrative expenses increased by $635,196 (37.4%) to
$2,331,779 from $1,696,583 in the 1995 Period, consisting primarily of
increases in professional fees, employment fees, costs attendant to the opening
of substantial letters of credit required for the increased overseas production
of carrying cases, and increases in managerial compensation including
associated taxes and fringe benefits.
OTHER INCOME (DEDUCTIONS) AND TAXES.
------------------------------------
Total interest expenses increased by $114,519 (86.7%) to $246,566 in
the 1996 Period from $132,047 in the 1995 Period due to significantly higher
borrowing levels.
The Company's rental building in Brooklyn, New York, was unoccupied
during a portion of the 1995 Period and partially leased during the 1995
Period. Rental income - net was reduced from a loss of ($127,097) in the 1995
Period to a loss of ($80,345) in the 1996 Period as a result of rental income
received and the reduction in certain costs defrayed by the tenant during the
1996 Period.
Other income - net increased $75,326 in the 1996 Period from the 1995
Period. Approximately half of the increase relates to the disposition of
unutilized fully depreciated machinery and equipment.
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The effective tax credit rate in the 1996 Period was 47% compared to a
provision for income taxes of 40% in the 1995 Period. The differential occurred
primarily due to the balance sheet approach used to calculate deferred income
taxes.
TWELVE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1995 (THE "1995 PERIOD") COMPARED WITH TWELVE
MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1994 (THE "1994 PERIOD").
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
----------------------
Income from continuing operations for the 1995 Period declined to a
loss of ($277,000) from a profit of $331,000 in the 1994 Period. Revenues
decreased from $17,250,000 in the 1994 Period to $15,539,000 in the 1995
Period. Earnings per share from continuing operations declined from $.16 to
$(.09).
REVENUES. Net sales decreased by $1,710,000 (9.9%) in the 1995 Period
as compared to the 1994 Preiod. Sales of carrying cases decreased by $2,180,000
(14.9%), while sales of advertising specialties increased by $470,000 (18.1%)
in the 1995 Period.
The decrease in the sales of carrying cases was primarily attributable
to diminished sales to one division of a major customer. Sales to this division
decreased by $4,700,000 in Fiscal 1995 compared to the 1994 Period.
The increase in sales of advertising specialties was due to additional
business generated during the 1995 Period compared to the 1994 Period.
OPERATING INCOME.
-----------------
The Company incurred a loss of ($230,000) from continuing operations
before Other Income (Deductions) and Taxes in the 1995 Period compared to
income of $552,000 in the 1994 Period, a reduction of $782,000. The primary
reasons for this decline were the sales reduction discussed above which
accounted for approximately $50,000 in lower gross profits; increases in sales
salaries and commissions of approximately $200,000 due to employment of
additional sales staff based upon the expected growth of the existing carrying
case business and the new Terrapin((TM)) line of computer cases, which failed to
meet sales expectations prior to the fiscal year end; increased advertising
expenditures of approximately $355,000 primarily directed toward the launching
of the Terrapin line; approximately $120,000 in additional general and
administrative expenses, primarily non-cash charges for warrants issued to
consultants ($80,000) and public relations and similar expenditures ($30,000)
relating to the Company's listing on the NASDAQ SmallCap Market.
The Company realized a gross profit percentage (21.2%) in the 1995
Period which was consistent with years prior to the 1994 Period. The 1994
Period had been lower (19.4%) due to increased costs resulting from the
Company's move of its advertising specialties manufacturing from the Brooklyn
Facility to the South Bend Facility and efforts to develop contracting sources
in the Far East. The 1995 Period therefore showed some of the benefits of these
earlier efforts and thus limited the gross profit lost due to the reduction in
sales to $50,000.
OTHER INCOME (DEDUCTIONS) AND TAXES.
------------------------------------
The Company incurred a loss in the 1995 Period of ($127,000) on the
rental of the building owned by the Company compared to a profit of $8,000 in
the 1994 Period, a reduction of $135,000. Tenants had abandoned the premises in
June 1994. One floor of the two story building was rented in January 1995 with
rent commencing in March 1995. The building is listed with brokers for sale.
The effective tax credit rate in the the 1995 Period was 39.6%
compared to an expense rate of 30% in the 1994 Period. The differential occurs
primarily due to the balance sheet approach used to calculate deferrals
including the effect of the valuation allowance on net operating losses.
- 11 -
<PAGE>
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS.
------------------------
The operating results of the businesses of the Company previously
conducted at the Brooklyn Facility are included solely under the caption
"Discontinued Operations" in the Consolidated Statement of Operations and are
thus segregated from the results of continuing operations.
In the 1995 Period the Company incurred losses from disposal, net of
income tax benefit, of approximately ($756,000) (including operating losses of
$727,000) resulting in an overall net loss of approximately ($1,034,000)
($.32 per share).
The 1994 Period reflects a loss from the operations of such
discontinued businesses of $126,000 up to the measurement date, and an
estimated loss on the disposal of these businesses (including operating losses
thereof) of approximately $1,315,000, resulting in an overall net loss of
approximately $1,110,000 ($.54 per share).
At September 30, 1994, the Company attempted to estimate the ultimate
loss on the disposal of these operations. However, the costs of disposition
were substantially greater than originally projected, primarily due to retention
of the Brooklyn Facility for a longer period than anticipated due to the
Company's inability to sublet the premises, the write-off of leasehold
improvements upon termination of the lease, and the settlement of the Company's
union pension plan liability.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES.
- --------------------------------
In the 1996 Period, $3,382,673 of cash was used by operating
activities. In addition to the net loss in the 1996 Period ($1,058,272), the
reduction of accounts payable ($1,722,087) coupled with increases in accounts
receivable ($492,670) and increases in deferred taxes ($937,000) partially
offset by depreciation $231,533, lower inventories $272,149, reduced accrued
expenses and other current liabilities $214,963, and other net changes of
$108,711 resulted in significant cash utilization. At September 30, 1995, the
Company had working capital of $658,021 which increased to $1,821,321, at
September 30, 1996.
Investing activities in the 1996 Period provided cash of $276,362. The
Company collected $301,496 of notes receivable which arose from the sale of its
discontinued operations in 1994. The Company also collected $63,075 of loans
made to its officers. In the 1996 Period, the Company purchased $88,209 of
property, plant and equipment.
Financing activities in the 1996 Period provided cash of $2,835,741.
This consisted primarily of the following: proceeds of $3,092,250 from the
exercise of previously issued warrants, proceeds from net additional borrowings
for letter of credit financing of $59,396, net additional borowing from related
parties of $148,150 (including one loan of $157,200 from a related party) and a
loan from an individual of $250,000, all partially offset by payment of long
term notes of $460,508. The Company also incurred $243,240 of deferred offering
costs relating to the registration for the public offering of shares of the
Company's Common Stock to the holders of warrants previously issued by the
Company. Such costs were charged against paid-in capital in the 1996 Period.
As previously mentioned, in the 1996 Period, the Company obtained
additional loans totaling $157,200 from a related party. On February 12, 1996,
such related party converted a total of $557,200 of loans into 278,600 shares
of the Company's Common Stock in accordance with the applicable loan
instruments.
- 12 -
<PAGE>
On February 14, 1996, the Company obtained a thirteen month loan of
$250,000 bearing interest at 10% per annum. The loan was convertible, under
certain conditions at the option of the lender, into shares of the
Company's Common Stock at a conversion of $1.00 per share. In October 1996,
some of the terms of the note were amended as follows:
1. The note is now payable on the tenth business day after
written demand on or after February 1, 1997.
2. The note is convertible into shares of Common Stock at $.50
per share. In October 1996, $100,000 of such debt was
converted into 200,000 shares of Common Stock. The balance of
the note is not convertible until April 15, 1997.
The Company's registration statement on Form SB-2 filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission for the registration of 2,900,000 shares of
its Common Stock issuable upon exercise of certain outstanding warrants was
declared effective by the Commission on March 25, 1996. As of such date, such
warrants were exercisable for 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock at $1.75 per
share, 1,000,000 shares at $2.50 per share, 200,000 shares at $1.00 per share
and 700,000 shares at $.01 per share. In the 1996 Period, certain such warrants
were exercised and the Company issued 2,034,000 shares for a total of
$2,849,010. The Company's Common Stock is traded on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market
and, during the first days immediately preceding December 27, 1996, was trading
in the range of approximately $.75 per share. The Company anticipates that
holders of its remaining outstanding warrants will exercise such warrants only
if the Common Stock trades at a substantial premium over the exercise price of
the warrants, of which there can be no assurance.
The Company has a line of credit with its bank and is indebted to such
bank for short-term borrowings and acceptances. The total line is for
$1,100,000 of which $750,000 is reserved for letters of credit (acceptances).
The Company's line of credit with its bank was scheduled to mature on
August 15, 1995 but was extended to March 17, 1997. In connection with such
extension, the rate of interest on outstanding borrowings was increased from 1%
to 1-1/2% over prime. The line of credit contains certain financial covenants,
including maintaining certain financial ratios. At September 30, 1996, the
Company was not maintaining such ratios and the Bank has waived compliance
through March 17, 1997. At September 30, 1996, the Company owed the bank
$1,015,812. The Company also is seeking financing from other institutional
lenders to replace its existing bank line of credit, but has not received
any commitments in this regard and there can be no assurance that any
commitments will be forthcoming or will be on terms which will not be unduly
burdensome to the Company.
The Company did not incur any other long-term debt in the 1996 Period.
At September 30, 1996, long-term debt amounted to approximately $512,000 and
all installment note and capital lease payments were made on a timely basis.
Long-term debt is scheduled to mature as follows: $446,000 to be paid in fiscal
1997 and $67,000 to be paid in fiscal 1998.
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES.
- ----------------------
The Company's balance sheet includes $2,230,000 of deferred income
taxes as an asset. To the extent that the Company's operations are not
profitable, the Company would not be able to realize the benefit of its
deferred tax assets. Without such deferred tax assets, at September 30, 1996,
the Company's stockholders' equity at such date of $3,672,151 would have been
reduced by $2,230,000 to a stockholders' equity of $1,442,151 and the Company's
working capital at September 30, 1996 would have been decreased by $399,000 from
$1,821,321 to $1,422,321.
ITEM 8 - CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANT'S ON ACCOUNTING AND
----------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
--------------------
None.
- 13 -
<PAGE>
PART III
ITEM 9 - DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS AND CONTROL PERSONS;
------------------------------------------------------------
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(a) OF THE EXCHANGE ACT
-------------------------------------------------
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS.
The directors and executive officers of the Company as of December 23,
1996 are as follows:
NAME AGE POSITION WITH THE COMPANY
Theodore H. Schiffman 63 Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer,
Chief Financial Officer
William E. Mooar 51 President and Director
Michael Schiffman 31 Executive Vice President and Director
Noah Fleschner 60 Director
Stephen Schiffman 28 Secretary
Each of the directors holds office until the next annual meeting of
shareholders and until his successor has been duly elected and qualified.
THEODORE H. SCHIFFMAN, a co-founder of the Company, has been its
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for more than the past five years and has
been a director since 1961. He became Chief Financial Officer in July of 1996.
WILLIAM E. MOOAR became the president and a director of the Company in
October 1996. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Mooar was the Chief Executive
Officer of Coast Manufacturing Company, a company engaged in manufacturing and
distribution of carrying cases, primarily for the photographic, audio and video
markets.
MICHAEL SCHIFFMAN has been employed by the Company in various
capacities for more than the past five years and became a director in April
1992. Beginning as a salesman for the Company's advertising specialties
products in 1985, Mr. Schiffman became marketing manager for such products in
1987 and, following the acquisition of the custom carrying case business in
1989, was appointed General Manager of that division. Mr. Schiffman has been
the Company's Executive Vice-President and a director since 1992. Michael
Schiffman is the son of Theodore H. Schiffman. Michael Schiffman is presently
on assignment in Hong Kong. See Item 1. "Description of Business-Production and
Materials.
NOAH FLESCHNER has been Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
Officer of Diversified Data Equipment Corp. and Verified System Solutions,
Inc., sellers of new and used computer equipment to dealers and commercial
end-users, for more than the past five years. Mr. Fleschner is a Certified
Public Accountant. Mr. Fleschner became a director of the Company in October
1994.
STEPHEN SCHIFFMAN has been employed by the Company in various
capacities for more than the past five years. Beginning in 1990, Mr. Schiffman
was employed in the production department, followed by a move to the Purchasing
Department and Inventory Control in the Forward Division. Subsequently, Mr.
Schiffman moved to the Marketing Department of the Koszegi division in 1995.
Presently, Mr. Schiffman is Vice-President of Marketing and Sales for Terrapin.
Stephen Schiffman is the son of Theodore H. Schiffman.
- 14 -
<PAGE>
Pursuant to their respective employment agreements with the Company,
(a) Theodore Schiffman is employed as Chief Executive Officer through September
30, 1997; the Company has agreed to use its best efforts to elect him annually
as Chairman of the Board; (b) Michael Schiffman is employed as Executive
Vice President through October 31, 1997 and the Company has agreed to use its
best efforts to elect him annually as a director; and (c) William Mooar is
employed as President through October 14, 1998, and the Company agreed to use
its best efforts to elect him as a director.
COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 16(a) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.
During Fiscal 1996, there were no delinquent filings by any reporting
persons of the Company under Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934.
ITEM 10 - EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
- --------------------------------
Summary of Compensation in Fiscal 1996, 1995 and 1994
- -----------------------------------------------------
The following table sets forth certain summary information regarding
all cash and non-cash compensation paid by the Company during Fiscal 1996,
Fiscal 1995 and Fiscal 1994 to each of its executive officers earning more than
$100,000.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
Annual Compensation Long Term Compensation
------------------- ----------------------
Securities
Name and Fiscal Other Annual Underlying All Other
Principal Position Year Salary Compensation Options Compensation
- ------------------ ------ ------ ------------ ---------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Theodore H. Schiffman, 1996 $275,000 300,000 shares(c)
Chairman of the Board,
Chief Executive Officer
1995 $275,000 300,000 shares
1994 $275,000
Michael Schiffman, 1996 $112,500 300,000 shares(c)
Executive Vice President
1995 $150,000 $76,500(a)(b) 300,000 shares
1994 $125,000
</TABLE>
(a) Fair market value of 408,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock
issued to Michael Schiffman as of August 3, 1994.
(b) Does not include rental value of apartment and related expenses
provided to Mr. Schiffman, aggregating approximately $9,000 per month
since July 1995, while on Company assignment in Hong Kong.
(c) Cancelled in December 1996.
- 15 -
<PAGE>
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS
Effective October 1, 1994, the Company entered into an employment
agreement with Theodore H. Schiffman (the "Agreement") pursuant to which Mr.
Schiffman is employed as Chief Executive Officer of the Company through
September 30, 1997. The Agreement provides for an annual salary of $275,000
plus annual bonus compensation generally equal to 5% of net pre-tax annual
income of the Company in excess of $1,000,000 (which is determined without
taking into consideration bonus compensation payable to any employee, including
Mr. Schiffman). If the Agreement is terminated as a result of disability or if
Mr. Schiffman should die, in each case prior to the end of his employment term,
then the Board of Directors would determine in good faith the bonus, if any,
payable to him or to his estate. If Mr. Schiffman becomes incapacitated so as
to be unable to perform his services for a period of 120 consecutive days or
150 days in any period of 365 days, the Company is entitled to terminate the
Agreement, in which event the Company is required to retain Mr. Schiffman as a
consultant for a period equal to the shorter of the period of disability or
five years, at a rate equal to 75% of his salary at the time of termination of
employment. Such compensation will be paid to Mr. Schiffman until the earlier
to occur of the end of his employment term (e.g., September 30, 1997), the
expiration of the five-year consulting period, or his death; and after the end
of his employment term until the earlier to occur of the expiration of his
consulting period or his death, at a rate equal to 60% of salary, in each case
less whatever sums may be paid to Mr. Schiffman pursuant to any disability
insurance, the premiums for which have been paid by the Company. If Mr.
Schiffman dies during his employment term, and if the Company is the recipient
of at least $1,000,000 of proceeds of insurance on his life, the Company will
pay to his widow, or if his wife has predeceased him, his estate, a monthly
death benefit of $10,000 for a ten-year period. If the Company is not the
recipient of at least $1,000,000 of insurance, such monthly death benefit will
be paid for a period of three years, followed by a monthly death benefit of
$5,000 for seven years; if his widow dies prior to the end of such ten year
period, such payments will cease. In the event that the Agreement is breached
by the Company (which would include failure of Mr. Schiffman to be elected to
his office and as a director of the Company), which breach is not cured within
30 days after notice from Mr. Schiffman, Mr. Schiffman is entitled to terminate
his obligations under the Agreement and the Company would continue to remain
obligated to compensate Mr. Schiffman as provided in the Agreement (including
payment of death benefits), which compensation would be reduced by any
compensation received by Mr. Schiffman from other employment.
Effective November 1, 1994, the Company entered into an employment
agreement with Michael Schiffman, employing Mr. Schiffman as Executive Vice
President of the Company through October 31, 1997 at an annual salary of
$150,000, plus annual bonus compensation generally equal to 7.5% of net annual
pre-tax income of the Company in excess of $1,000,000 (which is determined
without taking into consideration bonus compensation payable to any employee,
including Mr. Schiffman). If his employment agreement is terminated as a result
of disability or if Mr. Schiffman should die, in each case prior to October 31,
1997, then the Board of Directors would determine in good faith the bonus, if
any, payable to him. The balance of the terms of Michael Schiffman's employment
agreement are substantially identical to those of Theodore Schiffman's
employment agreement, except that Michael Schiffman's agreement provides that
the monthly death benefit would be $5,500 if the Company were the recipient of
at least $1,000,000 of proceeds of insurance on his life, and $2,750 if the
Company did not receive such insurance payment.
Effective October 14, 1996, the Company entered into an employment
agreement (as amended, the "Agreement") with William Mooar, pursuant to which
Mr. Mooar will serve as President of the Company and perform duties for the
Company of a senior executive nature. Simultaneously, Mr. Mooar became a
director of the Company. Mr. Mooar is employed at an annual base salary of
$150,000, received a signing bonus of $30,000 and will receive incentive
compensation with respect to each fiscal year of the Company ending during the
term of the Agreement equal to the product of (i) $100,000, and (ii) a
fraction, the numerator of which will be the Company's audited pre-tax opening
profit (if any) for such fiscal year and the denominator of which will be
$500,000. The Agreement provides that, subject to shareholder approval, Mr.
Mooar will receive an option to purchase 300,000 shares of the Company's common
stock, par value $.01 per share, at an exercise price equal to the fair market
value of such shares as of the date of the approval of the shareholders of the
Company thereof. The option will vest in four equal semi-annual installments
commencing March 30, 1997, provided that Mr. Mooar continues in the Company's
employ at each such
- 16 -
<PAGE>
vesting date. If such option is not approved by the Company's shareholders by
March 30, 1997, the Company is required to sell Mr. Mooar on such date 300,000
shares of common stock at a price equal to the fair market value of such shares
on such date, in lieu of such option, subject to Mr. Mooar's obligation to
resell to the Company, at his purchase price, up to 225,000 of such shares on
termination of his employment with the Company depending on when his employment
terminates. The Agreement also provides that, subject to shareholder approval,
the Company will grant Mr. Mooar an additional option (the "Incentive Option)
to purchase an additional 500,000 shares of Common Stock if the Company's
audited pre-tax operating income for its 1997 or 1998 fiscal year is at least
$1 million. The Incentive Option, if earned, will be granted as of the date
that the Company's independent auditors certify the Company's year-end
financial statements which reflect achievement of the required pre-tax
operating income. The Incentive Option will vest in four equal semi-annual
installments commencing six months after the date of grant if Mr. Mooar is
employed by the Company at such time, and will expire ten years after the date
of grant. The Agreement expires October 13, 1998; however, the Company has the
right to terminate the Agreement during the first 90 days thereof without cause
and without incurring any termination obligation to Mr. Mooar.
- 17 -
<PAGE>
OPTION GRANTS
OPTIONS GRANTS IN FISCAL 1996
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Percentage of
Number of Total Options
Underlying Granted
Name Shares in Fiscal Year Exercise Price Expiration Date
- ---- ---------- -------------- -------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Theodore H. Schiffman 300,000 (a) 24.3% $5.775 2/12/2002
Michael Schiffman 300,000 (a) 24.3% $5.775 2/12/2002
</TABLE>
(a) Cancelled in December 1996.
- 18 -
<PAGE>
STOCK OPTIONS HELD AT END OF FISCAL 1996
The following table indicates the total number of exercisable and
unexercisable stock options held by each executive officer named in the Summary
Compensation table as of September 30, 1996. No options to purchase Common
Stock were exercised during Fiscal 1996 and no stock appreciation rights were
outstanding during Fiscal 1996.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Value of In-the-Money
Number of Securities Securities Underlying
Underlying Unexercised Unexercised Options at
Options at September 30, 1996 September 30, 1996(1)
----------------------------- ---------------------
Name Exercisable Unexercisable Exercisable Unexercisable
- ---- ----------- ------------- ----------- -------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Theodore H. Schiffman 300,000 300,000(2) $675,000 $675,000
Michael Schiffman 300,000 300,000(2) $675,000 $675,000
</TABLE>
1 Based on closing bid quotation of $2.25 per share on September 30, 1996
2 Cancelled in December 1996
ITEM 11 - SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Set forth below is information, as of December 23, 1996, with respect
to the beneficial ownership of the Common Stock by (i) each person or group who
is known by the Company to be the beneficial owner of 5% or more of the
outstanding Common Stock, (ii) each of the directors of the Company, (iii) each
of the executive officers of the Company named in the compensation table under
Item 10 - "Executive Compensation", and (iv) all directors and executive
officers of the Company, as a group (six persons).
Number of Shares Percent
Identity of Beneficial Owners Of Common Stock of Class
- ----------------------------- ---------------- --------
Theodore H. Schiffman 742,200 shares (a)(b)(c) 10.8%
275 Hempstead Turnpike
West Hempstead, New York 11552
William E. Mooar 300,000 shares (d) 4.3%
541 Westover Road
Stamford, Connecticut 06902
Michael Schiffman 800,654 shares (b)(c) 11.7%
275 Hempstead Turnpike
West Hempstead, New York 11552
Stephen Schiffman 107,070 shares 1.6%
275 Hempstead Turnpike
West Hempstead, New York 11552
Noah Fleschner 660 shares *
275 Hempstead Turnpike
West Hempstead, New York 11552
All directors and executive 1,950,584 shares (a)(b)(c) 26.1%
officers as a group
(a) Includes 81,400 shares owned by Mr. Schiffman's wife, as to all of
which shares Mr. Schiffman disclaims beneficial ownership.
- 19 -
<PAGE>
(b) Includes shares subject to options granted by the Company on October
12, 1994 to each of Theodore H. Schiffman and Michael Schiffman to
purchase 300,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock at an exercise
price of $0.75 per share during the five-year period commencing
December 1, 1995.
(c) Theodore H. Schiffman, the Chairman of the Board and the Chief
Executive Officer of the Company, is the father of Michael Schiffman,
the Executive Vice President and a director of the Company and
Stephen Schiffman, the Secretary of the Company, and the
brother of Cheryl Fenster Fishoff. Each of Theodore H. Schiffman,
Michael Schiffman, Stephen Schiffman and Cheryl Fenster Fishoff
disclaims beneficial ownership of shares beneficially owned by the
others.
(d) Includes options to purchase 300,000 shares subject to shareholder
approval of such options (provided, that if such approval is not
obtained prior to March 30, 1997, the Company has agreed instead
to sell Mr. Mooar 300,000 shares for the fair market value as of
such date) at fair market value per share on the date
of such approval. Such options (or shares, as the case may be,)
vest in four equal installments of $62,000 every six months
commencing October 14, 1996. Does not include options to purchase
up to 500,000 shares which the Company has agreed to grant Mr. Mooar,
subject to shareholder approval, on achievement of certain income
levels.
* Less than 1.0%.
ITEM 12 - CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------
The Company has made unsecured loans from time to time to Mr. and Mrs.
Theodore H. Schiffman and to Michael Schiffman. As of September 30, 1995, (a)
Theodore A Schiffman executed a promissory note to the Company in the principal
amount of $235,535, bearing interest at 6% per annum, payable annually on
September 30 of each year, commencing September 30, 1996, with the first four
installments each in the sum of $50,000 and the remaining installment in the
sum of the balance due, and (b) Michael Schiffman executed a similar note in
the principal amount of $50,000, bearing interest at 7% per annum, payable in
equal annual installments of $10,000 each September 30 commencing September 30,
1996 through September 30, 2000. The balance of the loan to Mrs. Schiffman at
September 30, 1996, $3,822, is due on demand with interest of 6% per annum.
Theodore H. Schiffman's son, Stephen Schiffman, is employed by the
Company at an annual salary of $32,000. Stephen Schiffman is an administrator
of the Company's Terrapin(TM) line of notebook computer carrying cases.
For information concerning (a) loans aggregating $557,200 to the
Company by Cheryl Fenster Fishoff and the right to convert such obligations
into Common Stock at $2.00 per share, and (b) a loan of $100,000 to the Company
by Carl Waldman, uncle of Theodore H. Schiffman, see Item 1 -"Description of
Business--Financing Arrangements."
Theodore H. Schiffman and Cheryl Fenster Fishoff have each guaranteed
payment to the landlord of the Brooklyn Facility of the Company's promissory
note in the principal amount of $170,000 given in connection with the
termination of the lease for the Brooklyn Facility.
The Company has incurred indebtedness created in connection with
letters of credit extended for the benefit of the Company by a corporation
controlled by the spouse of Cheryl Fenster Fishoff. The Company pays such
corporation a commission of 5% of the amount of the letters of credit, together
with expenses related to opening and collection of such letters of credit, and
interest on the open balances thereof at 1.5% over the prime rate of the
issuing bank. At September 30, 1996, $53,900 of such indebtedness was
outstanding. During Fiscal 1996, the Company incurred interest on open letters
of credit in the amount of $47,475.
- 20 -
<PAGE>
Stanley Schlesinger, former Secretary of the Company, is a partner in
the law firm of Warshaw Burstein Cohen Schlesinger & Kuh, former general
counsel to the Company. The Company incurred legal fees to such firm in the
amounts of $355,296, $145,486 and $63,473 during Fiscal 1996, 1995 and 1994
respectively, for legal services rendered during and prior to each such year
and for disbursements in connection therewith.
As of August 3, 1994, the Company issued 408,000 shares of Common
Stock to Michael Schiffman in consideration for past services rendered to the
Company for which the Board of Directors determined that Mr. Schiffman had not
been adequately compensated, and for Mr. Schiffman's release of any claim for
additional compensation for past services rendered.
On December 27, 1994, Michael Schiffman made a capital contribution of
$200,000 to the Company to be utilized for working capital purposes.
ITEM 13 - EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
- ------------------------------------------
(a) Exhibits
2. PLAN OF ACQUISITION, REORGANIZATION, ARRANGEMENT, LITIGATION OR
SUCCESSION
(a) Agreement dated June 9, 1994, between the Company and
Northeast Looseleaf, Inc. and amendment thereto (incorporated herein by
reference to Exhibit 6(i) to the Company's Form 10-SB Registration Statement
("Form 10-SB"))
(a)(1) Settlement Agreement dated December 27, 1995, between the
Company and Northeast Looseleaf, Inc. et al. (Incorporated herein by reference
to Exhibit 2(a)(1) to the Company's Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended
September 30, 1995)
(b) Agreement dated as of April 24, 1995 between the Company and
Republic Clear-Thru Acquisition Corp. (incorporated herein by reference to
Exhibit 1 to the Company's Form 8-K Report dated April 27, 1995)
3. ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BY-LAWS
(a) Certificate of Incorporation of the Company as amended to date
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2(a) to the Form 10-SB)
(b) By-Laws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2(b) to the Form
10-SB)
(c) Amendment to By-Laws (Article I, Section 2) (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 3(c) to the Company's Registration Statement on Form SB-2
filed November 13, 1995 (Reg. No. 33-99338) (the "1995 SB-2 Registration
Statement")
4. INSTRUMENTS DEFINING THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS
(a) Form of Subscription Agreement executed in connection with
Private Placement November - December, 1994 (transfer restriction)
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(a) to the Form 10-SB)
(b) Warrant Agreement dated October 20, 1994 between the Company
and Mellon Securities Trust Company, including forms of Class A Warrant and
Class B Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(b) to the Form 10-SB)
- 21 -
<PAGE>
(c) Consulting Agreement dated September 26, 1994 between the
Company and CWAI Consultants Corp., including form of Warrant; Amendment
thereto dated October 13, 1994 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(c) to
the Form 10-SB)
(c)(1) Amendment No. 2 to CWAI Consultants Corp. Warrant
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to the Company's Quarterly Report on
Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended March 31, 1995)
(c)(2) Restated and Amended CWAI Consultants Corp. Warrant dated
November 6, 1995 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(c)(2) to the 1995 SB-2
Registration Statement)
(c)(3) CWAI Consultants Corp. Warrant dated December 11, 1995,
superseding the Restated and Amended Warrant filed as Exhibit (c)(2)
(Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4(c)(3) to the Company's Annual
Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year each September 30, 1995.)
(d) Business Loan Agreement dated November 9, 1989 between Koszegi
Industries, Inc. ("Koszegi") and 1st Source Bank ("Bank") (without exhibits)
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(d) to the Form 10-SB)
(e) Security Agreement dated November 9, 1989 from Koszegi to Bank
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(f) to the Form 10-SB)
(f) Letter from Bank to Koszegi dated November 9, 1989
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(g) to the Form 10-SB)
(g) Subordination of Liens Agreement dated October 30, 1989
between Bank Leumi Trust Company of New York and Bank, with First, Second and
Third Amendments thereto (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(h) to the Form
10-SB)
(h) Real Estate Mortgage and Security Agreement dated September 7,
1990 between Koszegi and Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(j) to the
Form 10-SB)
(i) General Loan Agreement dated August 30, 1991 between Koszegi
and Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(k) to the Form 10-SB)
(j) Amendment thereto dated June 30, 1994 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 3(l) to the Form 10-SB)
(k) Term Promissory Note of Koszegi dated August 30, 1991 to Bank
in original principal amount of $400,000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
3(m) to the Form 10-SB)
(l) Subordination of Debt Agreement dated August 30, 1991 between
Koszegi and Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(n) to the Form 10-SB)
(m) Security Agreement dated August 30, 1991, from Koszegi to Bank
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(o) to the Form 10-SB)
(n) Continuing Guaranty of Payment dated August 30, 1991, from the
Company to Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(p) to the Form 10-SB)
(o) Term Promissory Note of Koszegi dated June 30, 1994 in
principal amount of $200,000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(q) to the
Form 10-SB)
(p) Letter of Understanding and Agreement to Pledge dates June 30,
1994 among Koszegi, the Company, Theodore Schiffman and Bank (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 3(r) to the Form 10-SB)
- 22 -
<PAGE>
(q) First Mortgage Note dated May 9, 1989 of the Company to the
Greater New York Savings Bank in the principal amount of $1.2 million
(incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for
the quarter ended June 30, 1989)
(r) First Mortgage and Security Agreement dated May 9, 1989 of the
Company to the Greater New York Savings Bank (incorporated by reference to the
Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1989)
(s) Revolving Promissory Note of Koszegi dated May 23, 1995 to
Bank in principal amount of $750,000, maturing January 31, 1996 (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit l(a) to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB
for the quarter ended June 30, 1995)
(t) Revolving Promissory Note of Koszegi dated July 3, 1995 to
Bank in principal amount of $350,000, maturing January 31, 1996 (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit l(b) to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB
for the quarter ended June 30, 1995)
(u) Term Promissory Note of Koszegi dates June 14, 1995 to Bank in
principal amount of $300,000, maturing June 15, 1998 (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit l(c) to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB for the
quarter ended June 30, 1995)
(v) Security Agreement dated June 14, 1995 between the Company and
1st Source Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit l(d) to the Company's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended June 30, 1995)
(w) Consulting Agreement dates as of February 21, 1995 between the
Company ant Michael Klein, including form of Warrant (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 3(bb) to the Form 10-SB)
(x) Convertible Note of the Company dated as of September 11,
1995, to Cheryl Fenster Fishoff in the principal amount of $400,000
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(x) to the 1995 SB-2 Registration
Statement)
(y) Convertible Note of the Company dated December 19, 1995, to
Cheryl Fenster Fishoff in the principal amount of $157,200 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 4(y) to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the
fiscal year ended September 30, 1995)
(z) Revolving Promissory Note of Koszegi dated January 31, 1996 to
1st Source Bank in principal amount of $750,000 maturing March 30, 1996
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1(a) the Company's Quarterly Report on
Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended December 31, 1995)
(aa) Revolving Promissory Note of Koszegi dated January 31, 1996 to
1st Source Bank in principal amount of $350,000 maturing March 30, 1996
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1(b) to the Company's Quarterly Report on
Form 10-QSB for the period ended December 31, 1995)
(bb) Convertible Note of the Company dated as of October 25, 1996,
to Cliveden Capital Offshore Fund, Ltd. In the principal amount of $150,000
9. VOTING TRUST AGREEMENT - NOT APPLICABLE
10. MATERIAL CONTRACTS
(a) Lease, dated March 28, 1989 between Janice Corson as landlord,
and Koszegi Industries, Inc. (formerly KP Industries, Inc.) as tenant, with
Guarantee of the Company (incorporated by reference to the Company's Current
Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on April 11, 1989)
- 23 -
<PAGE>
(b) Employment Agreement dated October 1, 1994 between the Company
and Theodore H. Schiffman (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 6(d) to the
Form 10-SB)
(c) Employment Agreement dated November 1, 1994 between the
Company and Michael Schiffman (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 6(e) to the
Form 10-SB)
(d) Stock Option Agreement dated October 12, 1994 between the
Company and Theodore H. Schiffman (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 6(f) to
the Form 10-SB)
(e) Stock Option Agreement dated October 12, 1994 between the
Company and Michael Schiffman (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 6(g) to the
Form 10-SB)
(f) Agreement dated January 19, 1994 with Inter-Ocean Industries,
Inc. re: letters of credit (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 6(h) to the
Form 10-SB)
(g) Placement Agent Agreement dated October 20, 1994 between the
Company and Brookehill Equities, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
6(j) to the Form 10-SB)
(h) Consulting Agreement dated October 31, 1989 between HSI
Acquisition, Inc. (a subsidiary of the Company since merged into the Company)
and Mentel Shemtov (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 6(k) to the Form
10-SB)
(i) Lease Termination Agreement dated August 14, 1995 between REA
Realty Co. and the Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10(i) to the
1995 SB-2 Registration Statement)
(j)(1) Employment Agreement dated October 14, 1996 between the
Company and William E. Mooar (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1 to the
Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 14, 1996)
(j)(2) Amendment No. 1 to the Employment Agreement between the
Company and William Mooar
11. STATEMENT RE: COMPUTATION OF PER SHARE EARNINGS - Not required since
such computation can be clearly determined from the material contained in this
report on Form 10-KSB
13. ANNUAL REPORT TO SECURITY HOLDERS FOR THE LAST FISCAL YEAR, FORM 10-Q
OR 10-QSB OR QUARTERLY REPORT TO SECURITY HOLDERS, IF INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
IN THE FILING - Not applicable
16. LETTER ON CHANGE IN CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT - Not applicable
18. LETTER ON CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES - Not applicable
21. SUBSIDIARIES OF THE SMALL BUSINESS ISSUER (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 21 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year
ended September 30, 1995)
22. PUBLISHED REPORT REGARDING MATTERS SUBMITTED TO VOTE OF SECURITY
HOLDERS - Not applicable
23. CONSENT OF EXPERTS AND COUNSEL - Not applicable
24. POWER OF ATTORNEY - Not applicable
28. INFORMATION FROM REPORTS FURNISHED TO STATE INSURANCE REGULATORY
AUTHORITIES - Not applicable
99. ADDITIONAL EXHIBITS - Not applicable
(b)(1) The Company's Current Report on From 8-K dated October 14,
1996
- 24 -
<PAGE>
(2) The Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 25,
1996
- 25 -
<PAGE>
FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
REPORT ON
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
CONTENTS
PAGE
----
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT F-2
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS F-3 - F-4
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS F-5
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES
IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY F-6
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS F-7 - F-8
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS F-9 - F-25
SCHEDULE II - VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS F-26
F-1
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC.
WEST HEMPSTEAD, NEW YORK
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Forward
Industries, Inc. and Subsidiary as of September 30, 1996, and the related
consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders' equity, and
cash flows for the years ended September 30, 1996 and 1995. These consolidated
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial
statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on
a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the
consolidated financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as
well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe
that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Forward
Industries, Inc. and Subsidiary as of September 30, 1996, and the results of
their operations and their cash flows for the years ended September 30, 1996
and 1995 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
We have also audited Schedule II of the Company for the years ended September
30, 1996 and 1995 included in the 1996 annual report of he Company on Form
10-K. In our opinion, the schedule presents fairly the information required to
be set forth therein.
/s/ Miller, Ellin & Company
-----------------------------------
MILLER, ELLIN & COMPANY
CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
December 5, 1996, except Notes 6 and 19
which are dated December 23, 1996
F-2
<PAGE>
FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
ASSETS
(NOTES 6, 7 AND 13)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 208,214
Accounts receivable, less allowance for doubtful
accounts of $50,000 2,774,660
Inventories (Note 2) 1,916,874
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (Note 5) 213,736
Notes and loans receivable - current portion (Note 13) 69,996
Notes and loans receivable - officers - current portion (Note 4) 74,052
Deferred income taxes (Note 10) 399,000
------------
Total current assets 5,656,532
------------
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT - net (Note 3) 745,639
------------
OTHER ASSETS:
Deferred income taxes (Note 10) 1,831,000
Building held for sale or lease (Note 14) 161,963
Note receivable - net of current portion (Note 13) 186,274
Notes and loans receivable - officers - net of
current portion (Note 4) 165,535
Other assets 53,813
------------
2,398,585
------------
$ 8,800,756
============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of the consolidated financial statements
F-3
<PAGE>
FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(CONTINUED)
SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Acceptances and notes payable (Note 6) $ 1,169,712
Accounts payable 1,568,101
Current maturities of mortgage payable (Notes 8 and 14) 15,164
Current maturities of long-term debt (Note 7) 445,750
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (Notes 9 and 13) 636,484
------------
Total current liabilities 3,835,211
------------
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Mortgage payable, net of current maturities (Notes 8 and 14) 1,113,277
Long-term debt, net of current maturities (Note 7) 66,667
Notes payable - related parties (Note 15) 90,950
Other liabilities (Notes 9 and 13) 22,500
------------
1,293,394
------------
Total liabilities 5,128,605
------------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 11)
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common stock, 10,000,000 authorized shares, par value $.01; issued
6,052,062 shares (including 329,780 held in treasury)
(Notes 17 and 18) 60,520
Paid-in capital 5,669,457
Accumulated deficit (1,819,713)
------------
3,910,264
Less: Cost of shares in treasury 238,113
------------
Total stockholders' equity 3,672,151
------------
$ 8,800,756
============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of the consolidated financial statements
F-4
<PAGE>
FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
----------------------------------------
1996 1995
------------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C>
NET SALES $ 17,871,697 $ 15,539,406
COST OF GOODS SOLD 14,785,458 12,242,430
------------- -------------
GROSS PROFIT 3,086,239 3,296,976
------------- -------------
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Distribution 101,506 63,434
Selling 2,454,241 1,766,799
General and administrative 2,331,779 1,696,583
------------- -------------
4,887,526 3,526,816
------------- -------------
LOSS FROM OPERATIONS (1,801,287) (229,840)
------------- -------------
OTHER INCOME (DEDUCTIONS):
Interest expense (169,222) (115,372)
Interest expense - related parties (77,344) (16,675)
Interest income 49,665 23,654
Rental income - net (80,345) (127,097)
Other income - net 81,431 6,105
------------- -------------
(195,815) (229,385)
------------- -------------
LOSS BEFORE PROVISION
FOR INCOME TAX CREDITS (1,997,102) (459,225)
PROVISION FOR INCOME TAX CREDITS (Note 10) (938,830) (181,740)
------------- -------------
LOSS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS (1,058,272) (277,485)
------------- -------------
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS (Note 13):
Estimated loss on disposal of divisions (net of
income tax benefits of $-0- and $245,000),
including provision for operating losses of
$-0- and $727,367 during phase-out period - (756,217)
------------- -------------
- (756,217)
------------- -------------
NET LOSS $ (1,058,272) $ (1,033,702)
============= =============
NET LOSS PER COMMON AND
COMMON EQUIVALENT SHARE (Note 17):
Loss from continuing operations $ (.24) $ (.09)
Discontinued operations - (.23)
------------- -------------
$ (.24) $ (.32)
============= =============
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON AND
COMMON EQUIVALENT SHARES OUTSTANDING
(Note 17) 4,357,974 3,244,067
========= =========
DIVIDENDS NONE NONE
==== ====
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of the consolidated financial statements
F-5
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1995
COMMON STOCK TREASURY STOCK
----------------------------- RETAINED --------------------------
NUMBER PAID-IN EARNINGS NUMBER
TOTAL OF SHARES AMOUNT CAPITAL (DEFICIT) OF SHARES AMOUNT
----------- ---------------- ------------- ------------- ---------------- --------------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE -
October 1, 1994 $ 1,201,383 2,739,462 $ 27,394 $ 1,139,841 $ 272,261 (329,780) $ (238,113)
Issuance of stock under
private placement
(Note 17) 788,510 1,000,000 10,000 778,510 - - -
Capital contributions
(Note 17) 200,000 - - 200,000 - - -
Issuance of warrants
for services rendered
(Note 18) 79,146 - - 79,146 - - -
Net loss (1,033,702) - - - (1,033,702) - -
----------- ----------- --------- ------------ ------------- ---------- -----------
BALANCE -
September 30, 1995 $ 1,235,337 3,739,462 $ 37,394 $ 2,197,497 $ (761,441) (329,780) $ (238,113)
=========== =========== ========= ============ ============= ========== ===========
YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
BALANCE -
October 1, 1995 $ 1,235,337 3,739,462 $ 37,394 $ 2,197,497 $ (761,441) (329,780) $ (238,113)
Exercise of warrants 2,849,010 2,034,000 20,340 2,828,670 - - -
Conversion of debt
into equity (Note 15) 557,200 278,600 2,786 554,414 - - -
Issuance of warrants
for services rendered
(Note 18) 88,876 - - 88,876 - - -
Net loss (1,058,272) - - - (1,058,272) - -
----------- ----------- --------- ------------ ------------- ---------- --------
BALANCE -
September 30, 1996 $ 3,672,151 6,052,062 $ 60,520 $ 5,669,457 $ (1,819,713) (329,780) $ (238,113)
=========== =========== ========= ============ ============= ========== ===========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of the consolidated financial statements
F-6
<PAGE>
FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
--------------------------------
1996 1995
--------------- -------------
<S> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss $ (1,058,272) $ (1,033,702)
Net loss from discontinued operations - 756,217
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Accrued interest receivable - (18,350)
Depreciation and amortization 231,533 314,319
Deferred taxes (937,000) (189,000)
Non-cash compensation 88,876 79,146
Non-cash rent on termination of lease - 170,000
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable (492,670) 53,384
Inventories 272,149 (499,871)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 61,838 (141,601)
Other assets 15,997 (69,810)
Accounts payable (1,722,087) 1,582,842
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 214,963 64,054
Other liabilities (58,000) 80,500
Discontinued operations - net - (1,668,676)
------------- -------------
NET CASH USED IN OPERATING ACTIVITIES (3,382,673) (520,548)
------------- -------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from notes and loans receivable 301,496 23,332
Collections from officers 63,075 66,246
Purchases of property, plant and equipment (88,209) (182,471)
Proceeds from sale of division - net - 300,000
Loans to officers - (43,287)
------------- -------------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES 276,362 163,820
------------- -------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from short-term borrowings 59,396 125,916
Proceeds from long-term notes 250,000 300,000
Payments of long-term notes (460,508) (352,454)
Payments of mortgage (10,307) (18,307)
Proceeds from notes payable - related parties 164,200 500,000
Payments of notes payable - related parties (16,050) -
Proceeds from issuance of stock 3,092,250 788,510
Deferred offering costs (243,240) -
Capital contribution - 200,000
Discontinued operations - net - (753,320)
------------- -------------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES 2,835,741 790,345
------------- -------------
NET CHANGE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (270,570) 433,617
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - beginning 478,784 45,167
------------- -------------
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS - ending $ 208,214 $ 478,784
============= =============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of the consolidated financial statements
F-7
<PAGE>
FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(CONTINUED)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
-------------------------------
1996 1995
--------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C>
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the year for:
Interest $ 367,020 $ 255,728
Income taxes 974 41,434
SCHEDULE OF NON-CASH INVESTING
AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Warrants issued for services rendered $ 88,876 $ 79,146
Conversion of debt into equity 557,200 -
Notes and loans on sale of discontinued operations - 581,098
Note payable issued on termination of lease - 170,000
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of the consolidated financial statements
F-8
<PAGE>
FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
BASIS OF CONSOLIDATION
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Forward
Industries, Inc. (the "Company") and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Koszegi
Industries, Inc. ("Koszegi"). All significant intercompany transactions
and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
BUSINESS
The Company is engaged in the business of designing, manufacturing and
selling custom soft-sided carrying cases and bags and advertising
specialties.
REVENUE RECOGNITION
Revenue is recognized upon the shipment of products.
CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE - TRADE
Accounts receivable consist of open trade accounts with various
companies. The Company performs ongoing credit evaluations of its
customers and believes that adequate allowances for any uncollectible
receivables are maintained. The Company has not historically
experienced significant losses in extending credit to customers.
Four customers accounted for 60% and two customers accounted for 47%
of the Company's accounts receivable at September 30, 1996 and 1995,
respectively. These customers are substantial companies with good
credit worthiness. None of these customers are in default and
payments are received from them on a timely basis.
CASH
The Company maintains cash balances with financial institutions which
at times may be in excess of the FDIC insurance limit.
CASH EQUIVALENTS
Cash equivalents consist of highly liquid money market accounts.
USE OF ESTIMATES IN THE PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles 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 period. Actual results could differ from these
estimates.
F-9
<PAGE>
FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
NOTE 1 - SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
INVENTORIES
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method)
or market.
PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is provided
using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the
assets. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expense
as incurred.
INCOME TAXES
The Company adopted SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes," which
requires the use of the liability method of accounting for income taxes.
The liability method measures deferred income taxes by applying enacted
statutory rates in effect at the balance sheet date to the differences
between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported
amounts in the financial statements. The resulting deferred tax assets or
liabilities are adjusted to reflect changes in tax laws as they occur.
EARNINGS PER SHARE
Earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of shares
outstanding during each year. The calculations at September 30, 1996 and
1995 ignore common stock equivalents as their inclusion would be
antidilutive. All share data and per share amounts have been adjusted to
reflect the stock split (see Note 17).
RECLASSIFICATIONS
Certain 1995 amounts were reclassified to conform to the 1996
presentation.
F-10
<PAGE>
FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
NOTE 2 - INVENTORIES
Inventories at September 30, 1996 are comprised of the following:
Finished goods $ 910,780
Work-in-process 507,372
Raw materials and supplies 498,722
------------
$ 1,916,874
============
NOTE 3 - PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment at September 30, 1996 consists of the
following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ESTIMATED USEFUL LIVES
----------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Furniture, fixtures and computer $ 420,088 5 - 10 years
Leasehold improvements 141,751 *
Transportation equipment 18,978 3 years
Machinery and equipment 1,400,694 5 - 10 years
Building and building improvements 332,812 10 - 20 years
Land 25,000
-----------
2,339,323
Less: Accumulated depreciation
and amortization 1,593,684
-----------
$ 745,639
===========
</TABLE>
* Leasehold improvements are amortized on the straight-line method
over the terms of the leases or the estimated lives of the
improvements, if shorter.
Depreciation expense amounted to $198,799 and $284,463 for the years
ended September 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
F-11
<PAGE>
FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
NOTE 4 - NOTES AND LOANS RECEIVABLE - OFFICERS
At September 30, 1996, notes and loans receivable - officers consist of
the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Note receivable in amounts of $10,000 per year, paid by
the end of each fiscal year from September 1996 through
September 2000 plus interest at 7% per annum * $ 50,230
Note receivable in amounts of $50,000 per year, paid by
the end of each fiscal year from September 1996 until
such balance is paid plus interest at 6% per annum 185,535
Loan receivable, due on demand with interest at 6% per annum 3,822
-----------
239,587
Less: Current maturities 74,052
-----------
$ 165,535
===========
</TABLE>
* Includes accrued interest receivable
Maturities of notes and loans receivable - officers are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEAR ENDING
SEPTEMBER 30,
------------------
<S> <C>
1997 $ 74,052
1998 60,000
1999 60,000
2000 45,535
-----------
$ 239,587
===========
</TABLE>
Interest income on the above notes and loans amounted to $23,254 and
$18,350 for the years ended September 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
NOTE 5 - PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS
Prepaid expenses and other current assets at September 30, 1996 consist
of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Prepaid expenses $ 153,846
Other receivables 40,390
Others 19,500
----------
$ 213,736
==========
</TABLE>
F-12
<PAGE>
FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
NOTE 6 - ACCEPTANCES AND NOTES PAYABLE
The Company has a line of credit with its bank and is indebted to such
bank for short-term borrowings and acceptances. The total line is for
$1,100,000 of which $750,000 is reserved for letters of credit
(acceptances). The line was scheduled to mature on August 15, 1996, but
was extended to March 17, 1997. In connecton with the extension, the rate
of interest was increased from 1% to 1 1/2% above the prime lending rate.
The line is secured by all of the assets of Koszegi and is personally
guaranteed by a stockholder up to a maximum of $500,000. At September 30,
1996, the Company owed the bank $1,015,812.
The line of credit provides for various financial covenants, including
the maintenance of certain financial ratios. The Company was not in
compliance with some of these financial covenants at September 30, 1996.
The bank waived compliance with such covenants through March 17, 1997.
From time to time, the Company borrows on letters of credit from a
corporation controlled by a relative of the principal stockholders. These
borrowings occur on an "as needed" basis and bear interest at the
prevailing market rate. At September 30, 1996, the Company was liable for
letters of credit in the amount of $153,900.
Interest expense on the above debt amounted to $128,476 and $79,006 for
the years ended September 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively. Interest to
the controlled corporation amounted to $47,475 and $16,675 for the years
ended September 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
NOTE 7 - LONG-TERM DEBT
Long-term debt at September 30, 1996 consists of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
10% note payable to a corporation on the tenth business
day after written demand on or after February 1, 1997.
Accrued interest is payable on a quarterly basis. The
note may be converted into common stock to a
conversion price of $.50 per share (a) $ 250,000
Note payable to bank in thirty-six equal monthly installments of
$8,333 through June 1998 with interest
at 1% above prime (b) 166,667
Note payable to former landlord (see Note 13) in twenty-four equal
monthly installments of $7,083
through August 1997 with interest at 9% (c) 77,917
Note payable to bank in monthly installments
through November 1996 (b) 5,901
Equipment leases payable in monthly installments through
April 1997, secured by the respective equipment 11,932
----------
512,417
Less current maturities 445,750
----------
$ 66,667
==========
(a) In October 1996, $100,000 of the debt was converted into 200,000
shares of common stock. The balance of the note shall not be
convertible until April 15, 1997.
(b) Secured by all assets of Koszegi.
(c) Personally guaranteed by two stockholders.
</TABLE>
F-13
<PAGE>
FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
NOTE 7 - LONG-TERM DEBT (CONTINUED)
Maturities of long-term debt are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30,
--------------------------------
<S> <C>
1997 $ 445,750
1998 66,667
-----------
$ 512,417
===========
</TABLE>
Interest expense on the above debt amounted to $71,719 and $53,041 for
the years ended September 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
NOTE 8 - MORTGAGE PAYABLE
The mortgage note is secured by a building and is payable over a ten year
term ending in 1999. Repayment of principal is based upon a twenty-eight
year amortization schedule. The monthly payment is $11,545 including
interest at the rate of 11% per annum (see Note 14).
Aggregate annual principal payments under the mortgage are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30,
--------------------------------
<S> <C>
1997 $ 15,164
1998 16,919
1999 1,096,358
------------
$ 1,128,441
============
</TABLE>
Interest expense on the mortgage amounted to $138,626 and $101,317 for
the years ended September 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
NOTE 9 - ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities at September 30, 1996
consist of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Accrued expenses $ 560,254
Union claim payable (see Note 13) 45,000
Withholding taxes payable 5,927
Income taxes payable 731
Others 24,572
-----------
$ 636,484
===========
</TABLE>
F-14
<PAGE>
FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
NOTE 10 - INCOME TAXES
The components of the deferred tax assets and liabilities at September
30, 1996 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Current:
Accounts receivable $ 17,000
Inventory 164,000
Net operating losses 195,000
Union settlement 23,000
------------
399,000
------------
Non-current:
Net operating losses 1,837,000
Contribution carryover 72,000
Issuance of stock warrants 22,000
------------
1,931,000
Valuation allowance (100,000)
------------
Net non-current asset 1,831,000
------------
Net deferred tax asset $ 2,230,000
============
</TABLE>
Provision for income tax credits for the years ended September 30,
consists of the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1996 1995
------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Current tax expense $ (1,830) $ 7,260
Deferred tax expense (937,000) (199,000)
Change in valuation allowance - 10,000
----------- -----------
(938,830) (181,740)
Net benefit to discontinued operations - (245,000)
----------- -----------
$ (938,830) $ (426,740)
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
F-15
<PAGE>
FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
NOTE 10 - INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)
Reconciliation of statutory rate to effective income tax rate is as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
----------------------------
1996 1995
------------- ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Continuing operations:
At federal statutory rates (34.0)% (34.0)%
Effect of:
State income taxes, net of federal benefit (3.9) (1.2)
Change in property, plant and equipment (3.3) -
Change in inventory (5.7) -
Change in net operating loss and other
carryforwards * 3.8 -
Miscellaneous (3.9) (4.4)
------- -------
(47.0)% (39.6)%
======= =======
Discontinued operations:
At federal statutory rates - % (34.0)%
Effect of:
Change in valuation allowance - 5.4
Change in net operating loss and other
carryforwards * - 4.1
------- -------
- % (24.5)%
======= =======
</TABLE>
* Changes in net operating loss and other carryforwards arise due to
the use of best estimates at the time of the preparation of
financial statements which is prior to preparation of income tax
returns.
At September 30, 1996, the Company has unused net operating loss
carryforwards and contribution carryforwards of approximately $5,700,000
and $212,000 expiring through September 30, 2011 and 1999, respectively.
The Company expects income from its continuing operations in amounts
sufficient to enable it to realize the deferred tax assets.
F-16
<PAGE>
FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
NOTE 11 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
The Company rents its facilities under leases expiring at various dates
through April 2002. In addition, the Company is leasing two warehouse
facilities on a month-to-month basis. Total net rent expense for the
years ended September 30, 1996 and 1995 amounted to $477,630 and
$368,856, respectively.
Minimum rental commitments under such leases for future fiscal years
ending September 30, are summarized below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
1997 $ 373,800
1998 265,875
1999 132,500
2000 66,375
2001 69,000
Years subsequent to 2001 40,250
----------
$ 947,800
==========
</TABLE>
The Company leases commercial real estate described in Note 14. The lease
contains an escalation for the tenants' proportionate share of real
estate tax increases and requires the tenant to maintain certain levels
of insurance coverage. Minimum future rentals to be received under the
lease for future fiscal years are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
1997 $ 93,500
1998 101,750
1999 104,500
2000 112,750
2001 115,500
Years subsequent to 2001 424,900
----------
$ 952,900
==========
</TABLE>
F-17
<PAGE>
FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
NOTE 11 - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)
LETTERS OF CREDIT
At September 30, 1996, the Company was contingently liable on unused
letters of credit in the amount of $759,600 ($675,500 to related
parties).
EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS
The Company has employment contracts with its two principal officers
covering three year terms ending September 30, 1997 and October 31, 1997.
The agreements provide for annual salaries aggregating $425,000 and
bonuses aggregating 12.5% of the Company's income before taxes in excess
of $1,000,000. Compensation incurred under these agreements amounted to
$387,500 and $425,000 for the years ended September 30, 1996 and 1995,
respectively.
In October 1996, the Company entered into an employment agreement with a
new president for a term of two years. The agreement provides for the
following:
1. An annual salary of $150,000
2. A signing bonus of $30,000.
3. A bonus with respect to each fiscal year based on the profitability
of the Company but limited to $100,000 per year.
4. Options to purchase 300,000 shares of common stock, par value $.01
per share, at an exercise price equal to the fair market value of
such shares as of the date of approval subject to certain limitations
and circumstances as per the agreement.
5. Options to purchase 500,000 shares of common stock, par value $.01
per share, if the Company's income before provision for income taxes
exceeds $1,000,000 in either of the years ended September 30, 1997 or
1998. The exercise price of the options shall be equal to the fair
market value on the date of grant and such options shall vest 25%
every six months after the date of grant, provided the president is
still employed by the Company. The options are exerciseable for a
period of ten years from the date of grant.
NOTE 12 - MAJOR CUSTOMERS
The Company's major customers are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,
-------------------------------------------------------------
1996 1995
----------------------------- -------------------------
% OF % OF
NET NET
SALES SALES SALES SALES
------------ ------ ------------ ------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Customer 1 $ 2,405,820 13.5 $ 2,936,999 18.9
Customer 2 2,143,222 12.0 1,773,955 11.4
Customer 3 - - 1,559,476 10.1
------------ ------ ------------ ------
Sales to major customers $ 4,549,042 25.5 $ 6,270,430 40.4
============ ====== ============ ======
Net sales $ 17,871,697 100.0 $ 15,539,406 100.0
============ ====== ============ ======
</TABLE>
F-18
<PAGE>
FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
NOTE 13 - DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
In April 1994, the Company adopted a plan to dispose of its Brooklyn, New
York facility which consisted principally of its Bindercraft and Republic
divisions.
In fiscal 1994 and 1995, such divisions were disposed of and the effect
of these transactions as well as the operating results of these divisions
were reflected as discontinued operations in the respective years. Net
sales of discontinued operations amounted to $2,531,000 for the year
ended September 30, 1995.
The Company received a subordinated five-year note as proceeds from the
sale of certain assets of its Republic division. The note is payable in
equal monthly installments of $5,833 plus interest at prime (not to
exceed 9%). The balance owed to the Company at September 30, 1996 is
$256,270 and matures as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FISCAL YEAR ENDING
SEPTEMBER 30,
-------------------
<S> <C>
1997 $ 69,996
1998 69,996
1999 69,996
2000 46,282
----------
$ 256,270
==========
</TABLE>
As a result of the disposal of these divisions, the Company is indebted
to the landlord of the Brooklyn facility (see Note 7). In addition, the
Company is also indebted to the union which represented the employees of
that facility. At September 30, 1996, the amount owed was $67,500 which
is payable in quarterly installments of $11,250 through January 1998. The
current portion of the union debt in the amount of $45,000 is included in
accrued expenses and other current liabilities.
NOTE 14 - BUILDING HELD FOR SALE OR LEASE
The Company is holding a building for sale or lease which is subject to a
mortgage (see Note 8). Management does not expect that there will be a
loss incurred upon any future sale and therefore the property is carried
at book value in the balance sheet. Depreciation expense on the building,
which is included in net rental income, amounted to $32,734 and $32,000
for the years ended September 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
F-19
<PAGE>
FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
NOTE 15 - NOTES PAYABLE - RELATED PARTIES
At September 30, 1996, notes payable - related parties consists of the
following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Note payable to a relative of a principal stockholder/
officer on September 1, 2000, bearing interest at
10% per annum $ 90,950
Note payable to a stockholder on September 10, 2000,
bearing interest at 1% over prime. On February 12,
1996, the note was converted into common stock at
a conversion price of $2.00 per share (*) -
----------
90,950
Less: Current maturities -
----------
$ 90,950
==========
</TABLE>
(*) The Company borrowed an additional $157,200 during fiscal 1996
under the same terms as this note. The note was converted into
common stock at a conversion price of $2.00 per share.
Both notes were issued in September 1995 and no interest was accrued as
it was deemed to be immaterial. Interest amounted to $29,869 for the year
ended September 30, 1996.
NOTE 16 - BUSINESS SEGMENT DATA
The Company's operations are conducted through two business segments.
These segments, and the primary operations of each, are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BUSINESS SEGMENT OPERATIONS
---------------- -----------
<S> <C>
Advertising Specialties Manufacture of vinyl advertising specialties for sale primarily
to distributors for resale
Carrying Cases and Bags Manufacture of soft-sided carrying cases and bags for sale to original
equipment manufacturers and computer carrying cases marketed for general
retail distribution
</TABLE>
F-20
<PAGE>
FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
NOTE 16 - BUSINESS SEGMENT DATA (CONTINUED)
Net sales of each segment are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
------------------------------
1996 1995
------------- ----------
(000's Omitted)
<S> <C> <C>
Advertising specialties $ 3,192 $ 3,073
Carrying cases and bags 14,680 12,466
---------- ----------
$ 17,872 $ 15,539
========== ==========
Net sales by geographic area are as follows (foreign sales denominated in U.S. dollars):
Advertising specialties - U.S. $ 3,192 $ 3,073
========= =========
Carrying cases and bags:
U.S. 12,654 10,842
Europe 1,952 1,383
Others 74 241
--------- ---------
14,680 12,466
--------- ---------
$ 17,872 $ 15,539
========= =========
</TABLE>
Operating loss of each segment is as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
------------------------------
1996 1995
------------- ----------
(000's Omitted)
<S> <C> <C>
Advertising specialties $ (526) $ (75)
Carrying cases and bags (1,160) (48)
--------- ------
Operating loss of segments (1,686) (123)
Other income 51 29
General corporate expenses (115) (233)
Interest expense (247) (132)
--------- ------
$ (1,997) $ (459)
========= ======
</TABLE>
Operating profit is net sales less applicable operating expenses. In
computing operating profit, general corporate expenses and interest
expense have been excluded.
F-21
<PAGE>
FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
NOTE 16 - BUSINESS SEGMENT DATA (CONTINUED)
Identifiable assets of each segment are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
------------------------------
1996 1995
------------- ----------
(000's Omitted)
<S> <C> <C>
Advertising specialties $ 1,292 $ 1,611
Carrying cases and bags 4,145 3,713
-------- -------
Identifiable assets 5,437 5,324
General corporate assets 3,364 1,506
-------- -------
$ 8,801 $ 6,830
======== =======
</TABLE>
Identifiable assets by segment are those assets that are used in the
operations of each segment. General corporate assets consist principally
of deferred taxes, notes and loans receivable, building held for sale or
lease and amounts due from officers.
Depreciation and amortization of each segment are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
YEARS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,
------------------------------
1996 1995
------------- ----------
(000's Omitted)
<S> <C> <C>
Advertising specialties $ 23 $ 31
Carrying cases and bags 137 166
------ -----
Segment depreciation and amortization 160 197
General corporate depreciation
and amortization 69 85
------ -----
$ 229 $ 282
====== =====
</TABLE>
F-22
<PAGE>
FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
NOTE 17 - STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
In October 1994, the Company increased the number of authorized shares
from 2,000,000 to 10,000,000 and granted options to two officers of the
Company to purchase 300,000 shares of common stock each at a price of
$.75 per share which was in excess of market value at that time. The
options are exercisable over a five-year period commencing December 1,
1995. At September 30, 1996, none of the options have been exercised.
On December 27, 1995, the Board of Directors declared a two-for-one stock
split in the form of a 100% stock dividend. The transaction has been
reflected in the fiscal 1995 financial statements and all share data and
per share amounts have been adjusted to reflect the stock split on a
retroactive basis.
In March 1996, the Company filed a registration statement on Form SB-2
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, for the purpose of
registering 2,900,000 shares of its $.01 par value common stock to be
offered to the holders of its Class A and Class B warrants (see following
paragraph) and other warrants held by consultants (see Note 18).
During December 1994, the Company issued 500,000 Units consisting of two
shares of its common stock, one Class A warrant and one Class B warrant
at a subscription price of $2.00 each under the terms of a private
placement memorandum. Net proceeds of the offering amounted to
approximately $790,000. The warrants are exercisable only during the
period that a registration statement filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission covering the shares of common stock issuable upon
exercise of the warrants is effective. Additional terms of the warrants
are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SHARES EXERCISE
PER WARRANT PRICE EXPIRATION DATE
(per share)
----------------- ----------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Class A 2 $1.75 December 31, 1996
Class B 2 2.50 December 31, 1997
</TABLE>
During the year ended September 30, 1996, 473,500 Class A warrants and
281,000 Class B warrants were exercised resulting in the purchase of
1,509,000 shares of common stock.
F-23
<PAGE>
FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
NOTE 18 - WARRANTS
On September 26, 1994, the Company issued a warrant to purchase 700,000
shares of common stock at an exercise price of $.005 per share. The
warrant was issued pursuant to a two year consulting agreement and is
exercisable over a four year period. Based on a market valuation of
$.1875 per share, the expense to be recognized over the life of the
agreement is $127,750. During the year ended September 30, 1996, 500,000
shares were purchased.
In February 1995, the Company issued an additional warrant to a financial
consultant to purchase 200,000 shares at $1.00 per share pursuant to the
terms of a four year agreement. Based on a market valuation of $1.50 per
share, the expense to be recognized over the life of the agreement is
$100,000. During the year ended September 30, 1996, 25,000 shares were
purchased.
For the year ended September 30, 1996 and 1995, the amount charged to
operations and credited to paid-in capital totalled $88,876 and $79,146,
respectively.
NOTE 19 - STOCK OPTION PLAN
On February 12, 1996, the Board of Directors adopted the 1996 Stock
Option Plan which authorizes the issuance of up to 1,400,000 shares of
common stock. On such date, the Board granted incentive stock options to
various employees to acquire an aggregate of 635,000 shares at an option
price of $5.25 per share and an aggregate of 600,000 shares of common
stock (issued to the Company's Chairman and Executive Vice President) at
an option price of $5.775 per share. At September 30, 1996, none of the
options have been exercised.
In December 1996, the above-mentioned plan was canceled. In its place,
the board adopted, subject to shareholder approval, the Company's 1996
Stock Incentive Plan which authorizes the issuance of up to 4,000,000
shares of common stock at exercise prices to be determined by a proposed
secondary public offering of the Company's shares.
Pursuant to this plan, the Company's chief executive officer, executive
vice president and president were each granted, subject to shareholder
approval, options to purchase 300,000 shares of common stock at an
exercise price equal to the fair market value of the common stock on the
date of shareholder approval of the Incentive Plan.
F-24
<PAGE>
FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPTEMBER 30, 1996
NOTE 20 - 401(K) PLAN
The Company has a 401(k) profit sharing plan covering substantially all
employees who meet eligibility requirements.
Profit sharing expense amounted to $34,861 and $29,986 for the years
ended September 30, 1996 and 1995, respectively.
NOTE 21 - FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The amounts at which cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable,
acceptances and notes payable, accounts payable and accrued expenses and
other current liabilities are presented in the balance sheet approximate
their fair value due to their short maturities. The amounts at which
mortgage payable and notes payable - related parties are presented in the
balance sheet approximate their fair value as their interest rates are
comparable to other similar types of debt.
The following table presents the carrying amounts and fair values at
September 30, 1996 for the following:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CARRYING FAIR
AMOUNT VALUE
--------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Notes and loans receivable $ 256,270 $ 216,875
Notes and loans receivable - officers 239,586 192,219
Long-term debt 512,417 461,915
</TABLE>
The fair values of the above items have been determined based on
discounted cash flow using a market rate of interest at the balance sheet
date as applicable to comparable items.
F-25
<PAGE>
FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
SCHEDULE II
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COLUMN A COLUMN B COLUMN C COLUMN D COLUMN E
- ---------------------------------------- ------------------ ------------------ ----------------- ------------
BALANCE AT ADDITIONS BALANCE
BEGINNING CHARGED TO END OF
OF YEAR OPERATIONS DEDUCTIONS YEAR
------------------ ------------------ ----------------- ------------
DESCRIPTION
-----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Year ended September 30, 1995* $ 21,200 $ 9,800 $ - $ 31,000
Year ended September 30, 1996 31,000 19,000 - 50,000
</TABLE>
* Not included in discontinued operations
F-26
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the
registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
hereunto duly authorized.
Dated: December 23, 1996 FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC.
By: /s/Theodore H. Schiffman
---------------------------
Theodore H. Schiffman
Chairman; Chief Executive Officer
and Chief Financial Officer
In accordance with the Exchange Act, this report has been signed below
by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and
on the dates indicated:
December 23, 1996 /s/Theodore H. Schiffman
--------------------------------
Theodore H. Schiffman
Chief Executive Officer; Chief Financial
Officer; Director (Principal Executive
Officer and Financial and Accounting
Officer)
December 23, 1996 /s/Michael Schiffman
--------------------------------
Michael Schiffman
Executive Vice President and Director
December 23, 1996 /s/Noah Fleschner
--------------------------------
Noah Fleschner
Director
December 23, 1996 /s/William E. Mooar
--------------------------------
William E. Mooar
President and Director
December 23, 1996 /s/Stephen Schiffman
--------------------------------
Stephen Schiffman
Secretary
- 27 -
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
-------------
Page No.
--------
2. PLAN OF ACQUISITION, REORGANIZATION, ARRANGEMENT,
LIQUIDATION OR SUCCESSION
(a) Agreement dated June 9, 1994, between the Company
and Northeast Looseleaf, Inc. and amendment thereto (incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 6(i) to the Company's Form 10-SB
Registration Statement ("Form 10-SB"))
(a)(1) Settlement Agreement dated December 17, 1995,
between the Company and Northeast Looseleaf, Inc. et al.
(Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 2(a)(1) to the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended September 30,
1996).
(b) Agreement dated as of April 24, 1995 between the
Company and Republic Clear-Thru Acquisition Corp. (incorporated
herein by reference to Exhibit 1 to the Company's Form 8-K Report
dated April 27, 1995)
3. ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION AND BY-LAWS
(a) Certificate of Incorporation of the Company as
amended to date (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2(a) to the
form 10-SB)
(b) By-Laws (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2(b)
to the Form 10-SB)
(c) Amendment to By-Laws (Article I, Section 2)
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(c) to the Company's
Registration Statement on Form SB-2 filed November 13, 1995 (Reg. No.
33-99338) (the "1995 SB-2 Registration Statement")
4. INSTRUMENTS DEFINING THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS
(a) Form of Subscription Agreement executed in
connection with Private Placement November - December, 1994 (transfer
restriction) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(a) to the Form
10-SB)
(b) Warrant Agreement dated October 20, 1994 between the
Company and Mellon Securities Trust Company, including forms of Class
A Warrant and Class B Warrant (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
3(b) to the Form 10-SB)
(c) Consulting Agreement dated September 26, 1994
between the Company and CWAI Consultants Corp., including form of
Warrant; Amendment thereto dated October 13, 1994 (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 3(c) to the Form 10-SB)
(c)(1) Amendment No. 2 CWAI Consultants Corp. Warrant
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to the Company's Quarterly
Report on Form 10Q-SB for the quarter ended March 31, 1995)
(c)(2) Restated and Amended CWAI Consultants Corp. Warrant
dated November 6, 1995 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(c)(2)
to the 1995 SB-2 Registration Statement)
- 28 -
<PAGE>
(c)(3) CWAI Consultants Corp. Warrant dated December 11,
1995, superseding the Restated and Amended Warrant filed as Exhibit
(c)(2)(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4(c)(3) to the
Company's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended
September 30, 1995).
(d) Business Loan Agreement dated November 9, 1989
between Koszegi Industries, Inc. ("Koszegi") and 1st Source Bank
("Bank") (without exhibits) (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
3(d) to the Form 10-SB)
(e) Security Agreement dated November 9, 1989 from
Koszegi to Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(f) to the
Form 10-SB)
(f) Letter from Bank to Koszegi dated November 9, 1989
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(g) to the Form 10-SB)
(g) Subordination of Liens Agreement dated October 30,
1989 between Bank Leumi Trust Company of New York and Bank, with
First, Second and Third Amendments thereto (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 3(h) to the Form 10-SB)
(h) Real Estate Mortgage and Security Agreement dated
September 7, 1990 between Koszegi and Bank (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 3(j) to the Form 10-SB)
(i) General Loan Agreement dated August 30, 1991 between
Koszegi and Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(k) to the
Form 10-SB)
(j) Amendment thereto dated June 30, 1994 (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 30) to the Form 10-SB)
(k) Term Promissory Note of Koszegi dated August 30,
1991 to Bank in original principal amount of $400,000 (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 3(m) to the Form 10-SB)
(l) Subordination of Debt Agreement dated August 30,
1991 between Koszegi and Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
3(n) to the Form 10-SB)
(m) Security Agreement dated August 30, 1991, from
Koszegi to Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(o) to the
Form 10-SB)
(n) Continuing Guaranty of Payment dated August 30,
1991, from the Company to Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
3(p) to the Form 10-SB)
(o) Term Promissory Note of Koszegi dated June 30, 1994
in principal amount of $200,000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
3(q) to the Form 10-SB)
(p) Letter of Understanding and Agreement to Pledge
dated June 30, 1994 among Koszegi, the Company, Theodore Schiffman
and Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(r) to the Form
10-SB)
(q) First Mortgage Note dated May 9, 1989 of the Company
to the Greater New York Savings Bank in the principal amount of $1.2
million (incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1989)
- 29 -
<PAGE>
(r) First Mortgage and Security Agreement dated May 9,
1989 of the Company to the Greater New York Savings Bank
(incorporated by reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form
10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 1989)
(s) Revolving Promissory Note of Koszegi dated May 23,
1995 to Bank in principal amount of $750,000, maturing January 31,
1996 (incorporate by reference to Exhibit 1(a) to the Company's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended June 30, 1995)
(t) Revolving Promissory Note of Koszegi dated July 3,
1995 to Bank in principal amount of $350,000, maturing January 31,
1996 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1(b) to the Company's
Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended June 30, 1995)
(u) Term Promissory Note of Koszegi dated June 14, 1995
to Bank in principal amount of $300,000, maturing June 15, 1998
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1(c) to the Company's Quarterly
Report on Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended June 30, 1995)
(v) Security Agreement dated June 14, 1995 between the
Company and 1st Source Bank (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
1(d) to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB for the quarter
ended June 30, 1995)
(w) Consulting Agreement dated as of February 21, 1995
between the Company and Michael Klein, including form of Warrant
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3(bb) to the Form 10-SB)
(x) Convertible Note of the Company dated as of
September 11, 1995, to Cheryl Fenster Fishoff in the principal amount
of $400,000 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4(x) to the 1995
SB-2 Registration Statement)
(y) Convertible Note of the Company dated December 19,
1995, to Cheryl Fenster Fishoff in the principal amount of $157,200
(incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4(y) to the Company's
Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended September 30,
1995).
(z) Revolving Promissory Note of Koszegi dated January
31, 1996 to 1st Source Bank in principal amount of $750,000 maturing
March 30, 1996 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1(a) the
Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB for the quarter ended
December 31, 1995)
(aa) Revolving Promissory Note of Koszegi dated January
31, 1996 to 1st Source Bank in principal amount of $350,000 maturing
March 30, 1996 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1(b) to the
Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB for the period ended
December 31, 1995)
(bb) Convertible Note of the Company dated as of October
25, 1996 to Cliveden Capital Offshore Fund, Ltd. In the principal
amount of $150,000.
9. VOTING TRUST AGREEMENT - not applicable
10. MATERIAL CONTRACTS
- 30 -
<PAGE>
(a) Lease, dated March 28, 1989 between Janice Corson as
landlord, and Koszegi Industries, Inc. (formerly KP Industries, Inc.)
as tenant, with Guarantee of the Company (incorporated by reference
to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission
on April 11, 1989)
(b) Employment Agreement dated October 1, 1994 between
the Company and Theodore H. Schiffman (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 6(d) to the Form 10-SB)
(c) Employment Agreement dated November 1, 1994 between
the Company and Michael Schiffman (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 6(e) to the Form 10-SB)
(d) Stock Option Agreement dated October 12, 1994
between the Company and Theodore H. Schiffman (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 6(f) to the Form 10-SB) (e) Stock Option
Agreement dated October 12, 1994 between the Company and Michael
Schiffman (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 6(g) to the Form
10-SB)
(f) Agreement dated January 19, 1994 with Inter-Ocean
Industries, Inc. re: letters of credit (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 6(h) to the Form 10-SB)
(g) Placement Agent Agreement dated October 20, 1994
between the Company and Brookehill Equities, Inc. (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 6(j) to the Form 10-SB)
(h) Consulting Agreement dated October 31, 1989 between
HSI Acquisition, Inc. (a subsidiary of the Company since merged into
the Company) and Mendel Shemtov (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
60 to the Form 10-SB)
(i) Lease Termination Agreement dated August 14, 1995
between REA Realty Co. and the Company (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10(i) to the 1995 SB-2 Registration Statement)
(j)(1) Employment Agreement dated October 14, 1996 between
the Company and William Mooar (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1
to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 14, 1996)
(j)(2) Amendment No. 1 to Employment Agreement between the
Company and William Mooar
11. STATEMENT RE COMPUTATION OF PER SHARE EARNINGS - Not required
since such computation can be clearly determined from the material
contained h this report on Form 10-KSB
13. ANNUAL REPORT TO SECURITY HOLDERS FOR THE LAST FISCAL YEAR,
FORM 10-Q OR 10-QSB OR QUARTERLY REPORT TO SECURITY HOLDERS, IF
INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE IN THE FILING - Not applicable
16. LETTER ON CHANGE IN CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT - Not applicable
18. LETTER ON CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES - Not applicable
21. SUBSIDIARIES OF THE SMALL BUSINESS ISSUER (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 21 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-KSB
for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1995)
- 31 -
<PAGE>
22. PUBLISHED REPORT REGARDING MATTERS SUBMITTED TO VOTE
OF SECURITY HOLDERS - Not applicable
23. CONSENT OF EXPERTS AND COUNSEL - Not applicable
24. POWER OF ATTORNEY - Not applicable
28. INFORMATION FROM REPORTS FURNISHED TO STATE INSURANCE
REGULATORY AUTHORITIES - Not applicable
99. (b)(1) The Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
October 14, 1996
(2) The Company's current report on Form 8-K dated
October 25, 1996
- 32 -
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 4(bb)
FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC.
---------------------------
CONVERTIBLE PROMISSORY NOTE
---------------------------
NEITHER THIS NOTE NOR THE SECURITIES ISSUABLE UPON
CONVERSION OF THIS NOTE, AS PROVIDED HEREIN, HAVE
BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNDER THE
LAWS OF ANY STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION.
TRANSFER OF THIS NOTE AND SUCH SECURITIES ARE
RESTRICTED PURSUANT TO SUCH LAWS.
$150,000 New York, New York
October 25, 1996
1. Terms of Payment.
FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC., a New York corporation having principal
offices at 275 Hempstead Turnpike, West Hempstead, New York 11552 (the
"Company"), hereby promises to pay on the "Due Date" (as hereinafter defined)
to the order of CLIVEDEN CAPITAL OFFSHORE FUND, LTD., having an address at c/o
Furman Selz Financial Services Ltd., 12 Duke Lane, Dublin 2 Ireland (the
"Holder"), the principal amount of $150,000, together with interest from the
date hereof at the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum on the principal balance
from time to time outstanding. All accrued but unpaid interest shall be paid on
December 1, 1996, March 1, 1997 and on the Due Date. Payments shall be made to
the Holder in lawful money of the United States at the Holder's address as
specified above, or at such other place as the Holder may specify in writing.
This Note may be prepaid as hereinafter provided. As used herein, the term "Due
Date" shall mean the earlier of March 14, 1997 or the tenth business day after
the date upon which the Company shall have first realized an aggregate of
$2,000,000 of proceeds from the exercise of the Company's presently outstanding
Class A warrants and Class B warrants.
2. Default.
In the event of an occurrence of any event specified below, the
principal and all accrued interest on this Note shall become immediately due
and payable.
2.1 The Company shall fail to make any payment when due under the
terms of this Note of accrued interest and such failure has not been cured
within fifteen (15) days following such failure; or
2.2 The Company shall file a petition to take advantage of any
insolvency act; shall make an assignment for the benefit of its creditors;
shall commence a proceeding for the appointment of a receiver, trustee,
liquidator or conservator of itself as a whole or of any substantial part of
its property; shall file a petition or answer seeking reorganization or
arrangement or similar relief under the federal bankruptcy laws or any other
applicable law or statute of the United States of America or any state thereof;
or
2.3 A court of competent jurisdiction shall enter an order,
judgment or decree appointing a custodian, receiver, trustee, liquidator or
conservator of the Company or of the whole or any substantial part of its
properties, or approve a petition filed against the Company seeking
reorganization or arrangement or similar relief under the federal bankruptcy
laws or any other applicable law or statute of the United States of America or
any state thereof; or, under the provisions of any other United States or state
law for the relief or aid of debtors, a court of competent jurisdiction shall
assume custody or control of the company or of the whole or any substantial
part of its properties; or there is commenced against the company any
proceeding for any of the foregoing relief and such proceeding or petition
remains undismissed for a period of sixty (60) days; or the Company by any act
indicates its consent to, or approval of, any such proceeding or petition.
3. Conversion.
The Holder shall have conversion rights as follows:
3.1 Right to Convert. The principal amount of this Note shall be
convertible, at the option of the Holder, on one or more occasions at any time
during the "Exercise Period" (as hereinafter defined) into shares of the
Company's fully paid and nonassessable shares of Common Stock (the "Shares")
(or, in the event of a merger, recapitalization or like transaction, the
equivalent capital stock for which such number of Shares shall be exchanged or
exchangeable or converted or convertible). The exact number of Shares into
which such principal is convertible shall be determined by dividing the amount
of principal being converted by the then effective "Conversion Price" (as
hereinafter defined). Upon conversion into Shares, the amount of principal
which is converted into Shares shall be discharged and all interest accrued,
but unpaid, as at the date of conversion shall be paid in full. As used herein,
the term "Exercise Period" shall mean that period commencing on the earlier to
occur of (i) one hundred and twenty (120) days after the declaration by the
Securities and
<PAGE>
Exchange Commission (the "SEC") of the effectiveness of the Company's pending
Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (Registration No. 33-99338) (the "Pending
Registration Statement"), or (ii) ten (10) business days prior to the Due Date,
but in no event earlier than April 15, 1997, and ending on the Due Date.
3.2 Conversion Price. Subject to adjustment pursuant to Section
3.3 hereof, the conversion price at which Shares shall be issuable upon
conversion of this Note pursuant to Section 3.2 (the "Conversion Price") shall
be $.50 per share,
3.3 Adjustment to the Conversion Price. As used herein, the term
"Event" shall mean a capital reorganization, combination, stock split, reverse
stock split, stock dividend or like event. If at any time, or from time to
time, there shall occur an Event which affects the number of Shares required to
be reserved for issuance upon conversion of this Note, then the Conversion
Price shall be adjusted to be the product of the Conversion Price and the
fraction (x) the numerator of which shall be the number of Shares required to
be reserved for issuance upon conversion of this Note immediately prior to the
Event, and (y) the denominator of which shall be the number of Shares required
to be reserved for issuance upon conversion of this Note immediately after the
Event.
3.4 Adjustment of Number of Shares. If at any time, or from time
to time, there occurs an Event which affects the number of Shares required to
be reserved for issuance upon conversion of this Note, then the maximum number
of Shares into which this Note is convertible at such time shall be adjusted to
be the product of the number of Shares into which this Note is convertible at
the date of this Note, and the fraction (x) the numerator of which shall be the
number of Shares required to be reserved for issuance upon conversion of this
Note immediately after the Event, and (y) the denominator of which shall be the
number of Shares required to be reserved for issuance upon conversion of this
Note immediately prior to the Event.
3.5 Mechanics of Conversion.
(i) Before the Holder shall be entitled to convert this Note into
Shares, the Holder shall surrender this Note duly endorsed, and shall deliver
to the Company a Notice of conversion (in the form attached hereto as "Exhibit
A") at the principal offices of the Company, and shall state therein the amount
in which the certificate for Shares is to be issued. The company shall, as soon
as practicable thereafter, but in no event more than ten (10) business days,
issue and deliver at such office to the Holder, a certificate for the number of
Shares to which the Holder shall be entitled as aforesaid, a statement
indicating the manner in which any adjustments pursuant to Sections 3.3 and 3.4
have been made, and a new note for any remaining unpaid principal amount of
this Note, with all other terms and conditions and in the same form as this
Note. Such conversion shall be deemed to have been made immediately prior to
the close of business on the date of such surrender of this Note, as aforesaid,
and the Holder shall be treated for all purposes as the record holder of such
Shares as of such date. All Shares issuable upon conversion of this Note shall
be fully paid and nonassessable.
(ii) The rights of conversion of this Note are subject to full
compliance with the provisions of all applicable securities laws and the
availability thereunder, upon any conversion, of an exemption from registration
thereunder for such conversion, and the certificate evidencing Shares shall
bear a legend to the following effect:
"THE SHARES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY OTHER
JURISDICTION. SUCH SHARES HAVE BEEN ACQUIRED BY THE HOLDER FOR INVESTMENT AND
MAY NOT BE SOLD, TRANSFERRED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF IN THE ABSENCE OF AN
EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT COVERING SUCH SHARES UNDER SUCH ACT AND OTHER
LAWS, UNLESS THE COMPANY HAS RECEIVED AN OPINION OF COUNSEL, WHICH OPINION AND
COUNSEL ARE REASONABLY SATISFACTORY TO IT, THAT SUCH REGISTRATION IS NOT
REQUIRED.
3.6 Fractional Shares. In no event shall the Company issue any
certificate for shares evidencing a fraction of a Share, but in lieu thereof
shall pay cash for such fraction at the then effective Conversion Price.
3.7 Reservation of Shares. The Company, at all times, shall
reserve and keep available out of its authorized but unissued Shares, solely
for the purpose of effecting the conversion of this Note, the full number of
whole Shares then deliverable upon the conversion of the entire principal
amount of this Note at the time outstanding. The Company shall take, at all
times, such corporate action as shall be necessary in order that the Company
may validly and legally issue fully paid and nonassessable Shares upon the
conversion of this Note in accordance with the provisions hereof.
4. Prepayment/Notice of Certain Events.
The Company shall have the right to prepay this Note without premium
or penalty, in whole or in part, at any time prior to the Due Date, provided
that all interest accrued but unpaid as at the date of prepayment be paid
simultaneously therewith and provided, further, that the Company shall give the
Holder not less than ten (10) business days prior written notice of its intent
to prepay this Note. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 3.1
the Holder, subject to the provisions of section 3.5, may convert this Note
into
- 2 -
<PAGE>
Shares at any time (whether or not during the Exercise Period) following
delivery of such notice until receipt by the Holder of payment in full of the
amounts due under this Note. The company also shall provide the Holder with not
less than ten (10) business days prior written notice (and in no event less
than ten (10) days prior to the record date or the date on which the Company's
transfer books are to be closed in respect thereto) of any merger,
consolidation, dividend, stock dividend or other event or transaction affecting
Shares which may be acquired upon the conversion of this Note.
5. Piggyback Registration.
5.1 If, at any time within two (2) years from the date that any
Shares are issued upon conversion of this Note, the Company proposes to
register shares of its common Stock under the Securities Act of 1933 (the
"Act") (other than in connection with (i) the Pending Registration Statement,
(ii) a dividend reinvestment plan, (iii) a stock option or other employee
benefit plan, or (iv) any other offering made solely to its existing
shareholders and/or employees of the Company or its subsidiaries) it will give
written notice to the Holder of its intention to do so at least thirty (30)
days prior to the filing of a registration statement under the Act. If the
Holder notifies the Company within twenty (20) days after receipt of any such
notice of the Holder's desire to include any Shares in such proposed
registration statement, the Company shall afford the Holder the opportunity to
have such Shares registered under such registration statement. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the Company shall have the right at any time after it shall have
given written notice pursuant to this Section 5 to elect not to file any such
proposed registration statement, or to withdraw the same after the filing but
prior to the effective date thereof.
5.2 If (i) a registration pursuant to this Section 5 involves an
underwritten offering, whether or not the securities subject thereto are for
sale for the account of the Company, to be distributed by or through one or
more underwriters under underwriting terms appropriate for such transactions
and (ii) the managing underwriter of such underwritten offering shall inform
the company in writing of its belief that the number of shares of Common Stock
requested to be included in such registration exceeds the number which can be
sold in (or during the time of) such offering or that the inclusion would
adversely affect the marketing of the shares of Common Stock to be sold
therein, then the Company may include all shares of Common Stock of the Company
proposed to be sold for the account of the Company thereunder and may reduce
the aggregate number or other shares of Common stock (including the Shares) so
proposed to be sold and so requested to be included in such registration (such
reduction to be on a pro rata basis) to the extent necessary to reduce the
number of shares of Common Stock to be included in the registration to the
level recommended by the managing underwriter.
5.3 In connection with any registration under this Section 5, the
company covenants and agrees as follows:
(i) The Company shall furnish the Holder such number of prospectuses
as reasonably shall be requested.
(ii) The Company shall pay all costs, fees and expenses incurred by
the Company in connection with all registration statements filed under the Act
including, without limitation, the Company's legal and accounting fees,
printing expenses and blue sky fees and expenses. The Holder will pay all
costs, fees and expenses incurred by the Holder (including underwriting or
selling commissions) in connection with any such registration statement.
(iii) The Company shall take all necessary action which may be
required in qualifying or registering the Shares for offering and sale under
the securities or blue sky laws of such states a reasonably are requested by
the Holder upon payment of the cost thereof by the Holder; provided, however,
that the Company shall not be obligated to execute or file any general consent
to do business under the laws of any such states.
(iv) The Company shall indemnify the Holder and each person, if any,
who controls the Holder within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section
20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"), from and
against any and all loss, claim, damage, expense or liability (including all
expenses reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against
any such claim) to which any of them may become subject under the Act, the
Exchange Act or otherwise, arising from such registration statement, except to
the extent that the same arises out of or is based upon information supplied or
omitted to be supplied in such registration statement by the Holder; provided,
however, that, simultaneously therewith, the Holder shall indemnify the
Company, its officers and directors and each person, if any, who controls the
Company within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section 20(a) of the
Exchange Act, from and against any and all loss, claim, damage, expense or
liability (including all expenses reasonably incurred in investigating,
preparing or defending against any such claim) to which they may become subject
under the Act, the Exchange Act or otherwise, arising from information
furnished by or on behalf of the Holder, or the Holder's successors or assigns,
for specific inclusion in such registration statement.
(v) The Company shall deliver promptly to the Holder copies of all
correspondence between the SEC and the Company, its counsel or auditors and all
memoranda relating to discussions with the SEC or its staff with respect to the
registration statement, and shall permit the Holder to do such investigation,
upon reasonable advance notice, with respect to information contained in or
omitted from the registration statement
- 3 -
<PAGE>
as the Holder deems reasonably necessary to comply with applicable securities
laws or rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers. Such
investigation shall include access to books, records and properties of the
Company and an opportunity to discuss business of the Company with its
executive officers and independent auditors) all to such reasonable extent and
at such reasonable times and as often as the Holder shall reasonably request.
(vi) The Holder shall be afforded the opportunity, if it so requests,
to be a party to any underwriting agreement relating to an underwritten sale of
the Shares (and will be a party if so requested by the Managing underwriter)
and the Holder may, at the Holder's option, require that any or all the
representations, warranties and covenants of the Company to or for the benefit
of such underwriter also be made to and for the benefit of the Holder. The
Holder will not be required to make any representations or warranties to or
agreements with the Company or the underwriter except as they may relate to the
Holder and the Holder's intended method of distribution of the Shares.
6. Right of First Refusal.
During the ninety-day period commencing on February 14, 1996, the
Holder shall have a continuing right of first refusal with respect to any
borrowing by the Company which (i) is to be funded during said ninety-day
period and (ii) by its terms, permits the indebtedness created thereby to be
converted, in part or in whole, into shares of the Company's Common Stock. The
Company shall give the Holder no less than forty-eight (48) hours prior written
notice of any such proposed financing, such notice to set forth all then
proposed material terms and conditions of such then proposed borrowing. The
Holder shall have the right, at any time within the said forty-eight (48) hour
period, to notify the Company in writing of its election to provide funding to
the Company on the same terms and conditions set forth in the notice to the
Holder; in which event, should the Company choose to proceed with the proposed
borrowing, the Company shall borrow the requisite funds from the Holder. It is
expressly understood that the Company shall have no obligation to proceed with
the proposed borrowing whether or not the Holder exercises the right or first
refusal provided for in this Section 6. In the event the Holder, having
exercised its right of first refusal, thereafter fails to or otherwise does not
close in accordance with the terms and conditions contained in the Company's
notice (other than by reason of the Company's default), then in addition to any
other rights or remedies the company may have at law, the Company shall no
longer be bound by the provisions of this Section 6.
- 4 -
<PAGE>
7. Notice.
Any notice herein required or permitted to be given shall be in
writing and may be personally delivered, sent by registered or certified United
States Mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, sent by express courier
or sent by telecopy facsimile and shall be deemed effectively given upon the
earlier of receipt, five (5) business days after mailing or one (1) business
day after being sent by express courier or facsimile. For the purposes hereof
if the address of the Holder and the address of the company shall be as stated
above. Both the Holder and the company may change the address for notice by
written communication as herein provided.
8. No Waiver; Rights Remedies Cumulative.
No failure on the part of the Holder to exercise, and no delay in
exercising, any right hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall
any single or partial exercise by the Holder of any right hereunder preclude
any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right. The
rights and remedies herein provided are cumulative and not exclusive of any
remedies or rights provided by law or by any other agreement between the
Company and the Holder.
9. Amendments.
No amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Note nor
consent to any departure by the Company therefrom shall be effective unless the
same shall be in writing and signed by the Holder, and then such waiver or
consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific
purpose for which given.
10. Successors and Assigns.
This Note shall be binding upon the Company and its successors and
assign. and the terms hereof shall inure to the benefit of the Holder and the
Holder's successor and permitted assigns.
11. Waiver of Notice..
The Company hereby waives presentment, demand for payment, notice of
protest and all other demands in connection with the delivery, acceptance,
performance, default or enforcement of this Note.
12. Governing Law.
This Note has been executed in and shall be governed by the laws of
the State of New York.
13. Holder Is Not A Shareholder.
The Holder, solely by virtue of the ownership of this Note, shall not
be considered a shareholder of the Company for any purpose, nor shall anything
in this Note be construed to confer on the Holder or any successor or permitted
assign of the Holder any rights as a shareholder of the company including,
without limitation, any right to vote, give or withhold consent to any
corporate action, receive notice of meetings of shareholders or receive
dividends.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Note to be signed as
of the date first-above written.
FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC.
By: /s/ THEODORE H. SCHIFFMAN
-----------------------------
Theodore H. Schiffman
Chairman
- 5 -
<PAGE>
NOTICE OF CONVERSION
The undersigned holder of a Convertible Promissory Note (the "Note")
issued October 25, 1996, in the principal amount of One Hundred and Fifty
thousand ($150,000.00) dollars, of Forward Industries, Inc. (the "Corporation")
hereby exercises the option to convert the Note into shares of Common Stock of
the Corporation in accordance with the terms of the Note, and directs that the
shares issuable upon the conversion, be issued in the undersigned's name and
delivered to the undersigned as soon as practicable.
The principal amount of the Note to be converted is $_________, and
after such conversion the principal amount then remaining outstanding on the
Note with be $_____________.
Date: ______________, 199_
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT 10(j)(2)
AMENDMENT
TO
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
Amendment dated as of December 26, 1996 to the Employment Agreement
dated as of October 14, 1996 (the "Employment Agreement") by and between
William Mooar (the "Executive") and Forward Industries, Inc. (the "Company").
Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the
meanings ascribed to them in the Employment Agreement.
The parties hereto hereby agree to amend the second paragraph of
Section 3(b) of the Employment Agreement to read in its entirety as follows:
"In addition, as further inducement to Executive to serve as
President of the Company, upon execution of this Agreement,
Executive shall receive, subject to approval by the shareholders
of the Company ("Approval"), options to purchase 300,000 shares
of common stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Common Stock"),
of the Company at an exercise price equal to the fair market
value of such shares as of the date of Approval, provided,
further, that if the shareholders do not approve such options by
March 30, 1997, then the Company shall, as of such date, sell the
Executive 300,000 shares of Common Stock at a price equal to the
fair market value of such shares as of March 30, 1997 and all but
75,000 of such shares shall be subject to repurchase by the
Company at a price equal to the fair market value of such shares
as of March 30, 1997, if the Executive's employment with the
Company terminates (with such risk of repurchase lapsing as to
75,000 additional shares of Common Stock each six months
thereafter). If the Executive purchases the 300,000 shares as a
result of the failure of the shareholders to approve the options,
such purchase shall replace such options and such options shall
be cancelled. Options to purchase 75,000 (subject to adjustment
for stock splits and similar events) of such shares of Common
Stock shall become exercisable every six months during the
Employment Period, provided the Executive is still employed by
the Company."
The parties hereto hereby further agree to amend the first sentence of
Section 3(d) of the Employment Agreement to read in its entirety as follows:
<PAGE>
"Stock Options. Subject to the approval by the shareholders
of the Company, Executive shall be granted options to purchase
500,000 shares of Common Stock, if the Company's pre-tax
operating income for the fiscal year ending September 30, 1997 or
the fiscal year ending September 30, 1998 is at least $1
million."
The parties hereby agree that the Stock Option Agreement will be in
the form of Exhibit A attached hereto.
Except as expressly provided herein, this Amendment neither amends nor
alters any other provision of the Employment Agreement (including the balance
of Section 3(d)) and all other provisions contained therein remain in full
force and effect and constitute binding and enforceable obligations of the
Company and the Executive.
This Amendment shall be governed by and construed and interpreted
under the laws of the State of New York without reference to the principles of
conflicts of law.
The undersigned have executed this Amendment on the date first written
above.
FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC.
By: /s/ THEODORE H. SCHIFFMAN
------------------------------
Name: Theodore H. Schiffman
Title: Chief Executive Officer
/s/ WILLIAM MOOAR
---------------------------------
William Mooar
- 2 -
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT A
FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC.
STOCK OPTION LETTER AGREEMENT
TO: WILLIAM MOOAR
Pursuant to the terms of that certain Employment Agreement dated as of
October 14, 1996 (the "Employment Agreement")between yourself and Forward
Industries, Inc. (the "Company") and the Company's 1996 Stock Incentive Plan
(the "Plan"), you are hereby granted an option for the purchase of ________
shares of the Company's common stock, $.01 par value, at an exercise price of
________ per share (the "exercise price"). A copy of the Plan is attached and
the provisions thereof, including, without limitation, those relating to
withholding taxes, are incorporated into this Agreement by reference.
The terms of the option are as set forth in the Plan and in this
Agreement. The most important of the terms set forth in the Plan are summarized
as follows:
Term. The term of the option is ten years from date of grant, unless
sooner terminated.
Exercise. During your lifetime only you can exercise the option. The
Plan also provides for exercise of the option by the personal representative of
your estate or the beneficiary thereof following your death. You may use the
Notice of Exercise in the form attached to this Agreement when you exercise the
option.
Payment for Shares. The option may be exercised by the delivery of:
(a) Cash, personal check (unless at the time of exercise the Plan
Administrator determines otherwise), or bank certified or cashier's checks;
(b) Unless the Plan Administrator in its sole discretion determines
otherwise, shares of the capital stock of the Company held by you having a fair
market value at the time of exercise, as determined in good faith by the Plan
Administrator, equal to the exercise price;
(c) Unless the Plan Administrator in its sole discretion determines
otherwise, a properly executed Notice of Exercise, together with instructions
to the Company to withhold from the shares that would otherwise be issued upon
exercise that number of shares having a fair market value equal to the option
exercise price; or
(d) Unless the Plan Administrator in its sole discretion determines
otherwise, a properly executed Notice of Exercise, together with irrevocable
instructions to a broker to promptly deliver to the Company the amount of sale
or loan proceeds to pay the exercise price.
Acceleration. Notwithstanding the vesting schedule for the option set
forth below, the option will be automatically exercisable for the total number
of shares the subject of the option upon a "Change in Control,"(as defined
below), or if advised by the Plan Administrator in writing, upon any
actually-anticipated "Change in Control," unless otherwise advised in writing
by the Plan Administrator, who has complete discretion in determining the
specific conditions upon which the option is to accelerate in connection with a
Change in Control.
Termination. The option will terminate: (i) immediately upon
termination for cause, as defined in the Plan, or three months after cessation
of your relationship as a director of the Company, unless cessation is due to
death or total disability, in which case the option shall terminate 12 months
after cessation of such relationship; (ii) three months after a "Change in
Control", unless otherwise advised in writing by the Plan Administrator, who
has complete discretion in determining the specific conditions upon which the
option is to terminate in connection with a Change in Control, if at all.
Transfer of Option. The option is not transferable except by will or
by the applicable laws of descent and distribution or pursuant to a qualified
domestic relations order.
- 3 -
<PAGE>
Vesting. The option is vested according to the following schedule:
Period of Optionee's
Continuous Relationship
With the Company or
Affiliate From the Date Portion of Total Option
the Option is Granted Which is Exercisable
--------------------------- --------------------
6 months 25%
12 months 50%
18 months 75%
24 months 100%
Date of Grant. The date of grant of the option is _______________.
YOUR PARTICULAR ATTENTION IS DIRECTED TO SECTION 8 OF THE PLAN WHICH
DESCRIBES CERTAIN IMPORTANT CONDITIONS RELATING TO FEDERAL AND STATE SECURITIES
LAWS THAT MUST BE SATISFIED BEFORE THE OPTION CAN BE EXERCISED AND BEFORE THE
COMPANY CAN ISSUE ANY SHARES TO YOU. THE COMPANY HAS NO OBLIGATION TO REGISTER
THE SHARES THAT WOULD BE ISSUED UPON THE EXERCISE OF YOUR OPTION, AND IF IT
NEVER REGISTERS THE SHARES, YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO EXERCISE THE OPTION UNLESS
AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION IS AVAILABLE. AT THE PRESENT TIME, EXEMPTIONS
FROM REGISTRATION UNDER FEDERAL AND STATE SECURITIES LAWS ARE VERY LIMITED AND
MIGHT BE UNAVAILABLE TO YOU PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION OF THE OPTION.
CONSEQUENTLY, YOU MIGHT HAVE NO OPPORTUNITY TO EXERCISE THE OPTION AND TO
RECEIVE SHARES UPON SUCH EXERCISE. IN ADDITION, YOU SHOULD CONSULT WITH YOUR
TAX ADVISOR CONCERNING THE RAMIFICATIONS TO YOU OF HOLDING OR EXERCISING YOUR
OPTIONS OR HOLDING OR SELLING THE SHARES UNDERLYING SUCH OPTIONS.
IN ADDITION TO THE FOREGOING, (i) IF YOU WERE A DIRECTOR, OFFICER OR
SHAREHOLDER OF THE COMPANY ON __________________________, YOU MAY NOT, PRIOR TO
________________________, NOTWITHSTANDING ANY REGISTRATION OR OTHER RIGHTS THAT
YOU MAY HAVE, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, OFFER, SELL, CONTRACT TO SELL, GRANT ANY
OPTION WITH RESPECT TO, TRANSFER, ASSIGN, PLEDGE OR OTHERWISE DISPOSE OF
(EITHER PURSUANT TO RULE 144 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR
OTHERWISE) ANY SHARES WHICH YOU RECEIVE UPON THE EXERCISE OF ANY OPTIONS
HEREUNDER, UNLESS YOU RECEIVE THE WRITTEN CONSENT OF [UNDERWRITERS] AND (ii) IF
YOU WERE A DIRECTOR, OFFICER OR HOLDER OF 5% OR MORE OF THE COMPANY'S CAPITAL
STOCK ON ______________________, YOU MAY NOT, PRIOR TO _____________________,
NOTWITHSTANDING ANY REGISTRATION OR OTHER RIGHTS THAT YOU MAY HAVE, DIRECTLY OR
INDIRECTLY, OFFER, SELL, CONTRACT TO SELL, GRANT ANY OPTION WITH RESPECT TO,
TRANSFER, ASSIGN, PLEDGE OR OTHERWISE DISPOSE OF (EITHER PURSUANT TO RULE 144
UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED, OR OTHERWISE) ANY SHARES WHICH
YOU RECEIVE UPON THE EXERCISE OF ANY OPTIONS HEREUNDER, UNLESS YOU RECEIVE THE
WRITTEN CONSENT OF_______________________________________________.
You understand that, during any period in which the shares which may
be acquired pursuant to your option are subject to the provisions of Section 16
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (and you yourself are also
so subject), in order for your transactions under the Plan to qualify for the
exemption from Section 16(b) provided by Rule 16b-3, a total of six months must
elapse between the grant of the option and the sale of shares underlying the
option.
Please execute the Acceptance and Acknowledgment set forth below on
the enclosed copy of this Agreement and return it to the undersigned.
Very truly yours,
- 4 -
<PAGE>
FORWARD INDUSTRIES, INC.
BY:
--------------------------
NAME:
TITLE:
- 5 -
<PAGE>
ACCEPTANCE AND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
-----------------------------
I, a resident of the State of __________, accept the stock option
described above granted under the Forward Industries, Inc. 1996 Stock Incentive
Plan, and acknowledge receipt of a copy of this Agreement, including a copy of
the Plan. I have read and understand the Plan, including the provisions of
Section 8 thereof.
Dated:
-----------------------
- --------------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Taxpayer I.D. Number Signature
By his or her signature below, the spouse of the Optionee, if such
Optionee is legally married as of the date of such Optionee's execution of this
Agreement, acknowledges that he or she has read this Agreement and the Plan and
is familiar with the terms and provisions thereof, and agrees to be bound by
all the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the Plan.
Dated:
-----------------------
------------------------------
Spouse's Signature
------------------------------
Printed Name
- 6 -
<PAGE>
NOTICE OF EXERCISE
------------------
The undersigned, pursuant to a Stock Option Letter Agreement (the
"Agreement") between the undersigned and Forward Industries, Inc. (the
"Company"), hereby irrevocably elects to exercise purchase rights represented
by the Agreement, and to purchase thereunder _______ shares (the "Shares") of
the Company's common stock, $.01 par value ("Common Stock"), covered by the
Agreement and herewith makes payment in full therefor.
1. If the sale of the Shares and the resale thereof has not, prior to
the date hereof, been registered pursuant to a registration statement filed and
declared effective under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"),
the undersigned hereby agrees, represents, and warrants that:
(a) the undersigned is acquiring the Shares for his or her own
account (and not for the account of others), for investment and not with a view
to the distribution or resale thereof;
(b) By virtue of his or her position, the undersigned has access to
the same kind of information which would be available in a registration
statement filed under the Act;
(c) the undersigned is a sophisticated investor;
(d) the undersigned understands that he or she may not sell or
otherwise dispose of the Shares in the absence of either (i) a registration
statement filed under the Act or (ii) an exemption from the registration
provisions thereof; and
(e) The certificates representing the Shares may contain a legend
to the effect of subsection (d) of this Section 1.
2. If the sale of the Shares and the resale thereof has been
registered pursuant to a registration statement filed and declared effective
under the Act, the undersigned hereby represents and warrants that he or she
has received the applicable prospectus and a copy of the most recent annual
report, as well as all other material sent to shareholders generally.
3. The undersigned acknowledges that the number of shares of Common
Stock subject to the Agreement is hereafter reduced by the number of shares of
Common Stock represented by the Shares.
Very truly yours,
------------------------------------
(type name under signature line)
Social Security No.
-----------------
Address:
----------------------------
------------------------------------
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<PAGE>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
REGISTRANT'S BALANCE SHEET AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 1996 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY
REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> SEP-30-1996
<PERIOD-START> OCT-01-1996
<PERIOD-END> SEP-30-1996
<CASH> 208,214
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 2,824,660
<ALLOWANCES> 50,000
<INVENTORY> 1,916,874
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 5,656,532
<PP&E> 2,339,323
<DEPRECIATION> 1,593,684
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 8,800,756
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 3,835,211
<BONDS> 0
0
0
<COMMON> 60,520
<OTHER-SE> 5,431,344
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 8,800,756
<SALES> 17,871,697
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 17,871,697
<CGS> 14,785,458
<TOTAL-COSTS> 14,785,458
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 4,887,526
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 246,566
<INCOME-PRETAX> (1,997,102)
<INCOME-TAX> (938,830)
<INCOME-CONTINUING> (1,058,272)
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> (1,058,272)
<EPS-PRIMARY> (.24)
<EPS-DILUTED> (.24)
</TABLE>
