UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

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

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2008

 

or

 

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

 

For the transition period from                                                                        to

 

Commission file number 000-30885

 

Retractable Technologies, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Texas

 

75-2599762

(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

 

 

511 Lobo Lane

 

 

Little Elm, Texas

 

75068-0009

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

(Zip Code)

 

(972) 294-1010

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

 

(Former name, former address, and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

 

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

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer o

 

Accelerated filer o

 

 

 

Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

 

Smaller reporting company x

 

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

 

APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY

PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PRECEDING FIVE YEARS:

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13, or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.   Yes o     No o

 

APPLICABLE ONLY TO CORPORATE ISSUERS

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of Common Stock, as of the latest practicable date: 23,800,064 shares of Common Stock, no par value, issued and outstanding on November 3, 2008.

 

 

 



 

RETRACTABLE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

FORM 10-Q

For the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2008

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

Item 1.

Financial Statements.

1

 

 

 

 

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

1

 

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

2

 

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

3

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

4

 

 

 

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

10

 

 

 

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

15

 

 

 

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures.

16

 

 

 

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings.

16

 

 

 

Item 1A.

Risk Factors.

17

 

 

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

20

 

 

 

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

20

 

 

 

Item 4.

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

21

 

 

 

Item 5.

Other Information.

22

 

 

 

Item 6.

Exhibits.

22

 

 

 

SIGNATURES

23

 


 

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.        Financial Statements.

 

RETRACTABLE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

 

September 30, 2008

 

 

 

 

 

(unaudited)

 

December 31, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

35,963,071

$

40,507,431

 

Accounts receivable, net

 

3,443,724

 

1,667,636

 

Inventories, net

 

5,957,811

 

7,037,129

 

Income taxes receivable

 

 

2,345,041

 

Other current assets

 

660,943

 

358,807

 

Total current assets

 

46,025,549

 

51,916,044

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, plant, and equipment, net

 

12,784,588

 

11,483,423

 

Intangible assets, net

 

481,785

 

424,560

 

Other assets

 

5,212

 

505,899

 

Total assets

$

59,297,134

$

64,329,926

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

$

4,609,452

$

5,535,365

 

Current portion of long-term debt

 

500,310

 

387,906

 

Accrued compensation

 

723,044

 

539,330

 

Marketing fees payable

 

1,419,760

 

1,419,760

 

Accrued royalties to shareholders

 

651,502

 

619,304

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

668,842

 

263,339

 

Current deferred tax liability

 

17,464

 

20,626

 

Total current liabilities

 

8,590,374

 

8,785,630

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

 

4,638,949

 

3,747,259

 

Long-term deferred tax liability

 

23,508

 

36,200

 

Total liabilities

 

13,252,831

 

12,569,089

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock $1 par value:

 

 

 

 

 

Series I, Class B

 

144,000

 

144,000

 

Series II, Class B

 

219,700

 

219,700

 

Series III, Class B

 

130,245

 

130,245

 

Series IV, Class B

 

552,500

 

553,500

 

Series V, Class B

 

1,238,821

 

1,282,471

 

Common stock, no par value

 

 

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

53,879,491

 

53,818,987

 

Accumulated deficit

 

(10,120,454

)

(4,388,066

)

Total stockholders’ equity

 

46,044,303

 

51,760,837

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$

59,297,134

$

64,329,926

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements

 

1


 

RETRACTABLE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(unaudited)

 

 

 

Three Months
Ended
September 30, 2008

 

Three Months
Ended
September 30, 2007

 

Nine Months
Ended
September 30, 2008

 

Nine Months
Ended
September 30, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales, net

$

8,997,038

$

8,040,127

$

20,786,420

$

19,088,932

 

Cost of sales

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of manufactured product

 

6,219,614

 

5,228,549

 

12,851,542

 

12,031,550

 

Royalty expense to shareholders

 

651,502

 

624,967

 

1,547,281

 

1,468,292

 

Total cost of sales

 

6,871,116

 

5,853,516

 

14,398,823

 

13,499,842

 

Gross profit

 

2,125,922

 

2,186,611

 

6,387,597

 

5,589,090

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales and marketing

 

1,139,052

 

1,334,680

 

3,607,962

 

4,025,682

 

Research and development

 

271,174

 

375,264

 

804,006

 

796,979

 

General and administrative

 

2,896,205

 

2,906,156

 

8,284,638

 

7,894,510

 

Total operating expenses

 

4,306,431

 

4,616,100

 

12,696,606

 

12,717,171

 

Loss from operations

 

(2,180,509

)

(2,429,489

)

(6,309,009

)

(7,128,081

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest and other income

 

158,664

 

521,226

 

653,782

 

1,511,121

 

Interest expense, net

 

(13,893

)

(86,235

)

(77,161

)

(257,427

)

Net loss before income taxes

 

(2,035,738

)

(1,994,498

)

(5,732,388

)

(5,874,387

)

Benefit for income taxes

 

 

(1,406,360

)

 

(1,406,360

)

Net loss

 

(2,035,738

)

(588,138

)

(5,732,388

)

(4,468,027

)

Preferred stock dividend requirements

 

(342,717

)

(348,147

)

(1,030,302

)

(1,052,398

)

Loss applicable to common stockholders

$

(2,378,455 

)

$

(936,285

)

$

(6,762,690

)

$

(5,520,425

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loss per share – basic and diluted

$

(0.10

)

$

(0.04

)

$

(0.28

)

$

(0.23

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding

 

23,800,064

 

23,745,206

 

23,792,733

 

23,717,845

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements

 

2


 

RETRACTABLE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited)

 

 

 

Nine Months
Ended
September 30, 2008

 

Nine Months
Ended
September 30, 2007

 

Cash flows from operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

$

(5,732,388

)

$

(4,468,027

)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used by) operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

1,048,773

 

1,077,370

 

Capitalized interest

 

(153,226

)

(132,930

)

Stock option compensation

 

 

6,478

 

Provisions for doubtful accounts

 

143,496

 

2,242

 

Accreted interest

 

41,807

 

92,103

 

(Increase) decrease in assets

 

 

 

 

 

Inventories

 

1,079,318

 

(784,702

)

Accounts receivable

 

(1,919,584

)

(1,284,247

)

Income taxes receivable

 

2,345,041

 

(1,494,412

)

Other current assets

 

(302,136

)

(494,227

)

Increase (decrease) in liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

(925,913

)

274,521

 

Other accrued liabilities

 

621,415

 

769,501

 

Net cash used by operating activities

 

(3,753,397

)

(6,436,330

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of property, plant, and equipment

 

(2,161,789

)

(321,961

)

Acquisitions of patents, trademarks, licenses and intangibles

 

(89,152

)

(131,400

)

Investment in LLC

 

497,690

 

 

Net cash used by investing activities

 

(1,753,251

)

(453,361

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

Repayments of long-term debt and notes payable

 

(366,571

)

(278,694

)

Proceeds from long-term debt

 

1,328,859

 

 

Payment of dividends on Series I and II Class B Convertible Preferred Stock

 

 

(1,053,544

)

Net cash provided by (used by) financing activities

 

962,288

 

(1,332,238

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net decrease in cash

 

(4,544,360

)

(8,221,929

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at:

 

 

 

 

 

Beginning of period

 

40,507,431

 

46,814,689

 

End of period

$

35,963,071

$

38,592,760

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest paid

$

188,581

$

298,250

 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed financial statements

 

3

 


 

RETRACTABLE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

 

1.                 BUSINESS OF THE COMPANY AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

Business of the Company

 

Retractable Technologies, Inc. (the “Company”) was incorporated in Texas on May 9, 1994, and designs, develops, manufactures, and markets safety syringes and other safety medical products for the healthcare profession.  The Company began to develop its manufacturing operations in 1995.  The Company’s manufacturing and administrative facilities are located in Little Elm, Texas.  The Company’s primary products with Notice of Substantial Equivalence to the FDA are the VanishPoint ® 0.5 cc insulin syringe; 1cc tuberculin, insulin, and allergy antigen syringes; the 3cc, 5cc, and 10cc syringes; the autodisable syringe; the small diameter tube adapter; the blood collection tube holder; the allergy tray; the IV safety catheter; and the Patient Safe™ Syringe.

 

Basis of presentation

 

The accompanying condensed financial statements are unaudited and, in the opinion of Management, reflect all adjustments that are necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations for the periods presented.  All such adjustments are of a normal and recurring nature.  The results of operations for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year.  The condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statement disclosures contained in the Company’s audited financial statements incorporated into its Form 10-K filed on March 31, 2008 for the year ended December 31, 2007.

 

2.                 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Accounting estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) 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 significantly from those estimates.

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include unrestricted cash, money market accounts, and investments with original maturities of three months or less.

 

Accounts receivable

 

The Company records trade receivables when revenue is recognized.  No product has been consigned to customers.  The Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts is primarily determined by review of specific trade receivables.  Those accounts that are doubtful of collection are included in the allowance.  An additional allowance has been established based on a percentage of receivables outstanding.  These provisions are reviewed to determine the adequacy of the allowance for doubtful accounts.  Trade receivables are charged off when there is certainty as to their being uncollectible.  Trade receivables are considered delinquent when payment has not been made within contract terms.

 

Inventories

 

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market, with cost being determined using a standard cost method, which approximates average cost.  A reserve is established for any excess or obsolete inventories.

 

4


 

Property, plant, and equipment

 

Property, plant, and equipment are stated at cost.  Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred.  Cost includes major expenditures for improvements and replacements which extend useful lives or increase capacity and interest cost associated with significant capital additions.  Gains or losses from property disposals are included in income.

 

Depreciation and amortization are calculated using the straight-line method over the following useful lives:

 

Production equipment

 

3 to 13 years

 

Office furniture and equipment

 

3 to 10 years

 

Buildings

 

39 years

 

Building improvements

 

15 years

 

Automobiles

 

7 years

 

 

Long-lived assets

 

The Company assesses the recoverability of long-lived assets using an assessment of the estimated undiscounted future cash flows related to such assets.  In the event that assets are found to be carried at amounts which are in excess of estimated gross future cash flows, the assets will be adjusted for impairment to a level commensurate with a discounted cash flow analysis of the underlying assets.

 

Intangible assets

 

Intangible assets are stated at cost and consist primarily of patents, a license agreement granting exclusive rights to use patented technology, and trademarks which are amortized using the straight-line method over 17 years.

 

Financial instruments

 

Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS 157”).  SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S., and expands disclosure requirements about fair value measurements.  In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Staff Position FAS 157-2, Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157 , the Company will defer the adoption of SFAS 157 for its nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities, except those items recognized or disclosed at fair value on an annual or more frequent recurring basis, until January 1, 2009.  The adoption of SFAS 157 did not have a material impact on the Company’s fair value measurements.

 

The Company estimates the fair market value of financial instruments through the use of public market prices, quotes from financial institutions and other available information.  Judgment is required in interpreting data to develop estimates of market value and, accordingly, estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in a current market exchange.  Short-term financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and other liabilities, consist primarily of instruments without extended maturities, the fair value of which, based on Management’s estimates, equals their recorded values.

 

Concentration risks

 

The Company’s financial instruments exposed to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash, cash equivalents, and accounts receivable.  Cash balances, some of which exceed federally insured limits, are maintained in financial institutions; however, Management believes the institutions are of high credit quality.  The majority of accounts receivable are due from companies which are well-established entities.  As a consequence, Management considers any exposure from concentrations of credit risks to be limited.

 

5


 

Considering the current economic climate, the situation could change.  As a result, the Company increased its Provision for doubtful accounts by approximately $144,000 this year.

 

The Company manufactures syringes in Little Elm, Texas as well as utilizing manufacturers in China.  The Company purchases most of its product components from single suppliers, including needle adhesives and packaging materials.  There are multiple sources of these materials.  The Company obtained roughly 71.1% of its finished products in the first nine months of 2008 through Double Dove, a Chinese manufacturer.  In the event that the Company becomes unable to purchase such product from Double Dove, the Company would need to find an alternate supplier for its 0.5 cc insulin syringe, its 5cc and 10cc syringes and its autodisable syringe and increase domestic production for 1cc and 3cc syringes to avoid a disruption in supply.

 

Revenue recognition

 

Revenue is recognized for sales to distributors when title and risk of ownership passes to the distributor, generally upon shipment.  Revenue is recorded on the basis of sales price to distributors, less contractual pricing allowances.  Contractual pricing allowances consist of: (i) rebates granted to distributors who provide tracking reports which show, among other things, the facility that purchased the products, and (ii) a provision for estimated contractual pricing allowances for products that the Company has not received tracking reports.  Rebates are recorded when issued and are applied against the customer’s receivable balance.  The provision for contractual pricing allowances is reviewed at the end of each quarter and adjusted for changes in levels of products for which there is no tracking report.  Additionally, if it becomes clear that tracking reports will not be provided by individual distributors, the provision is further adjusted.  The estimated contractual allowance is netted against individual distributor’s accounts receivable balances for financial reporting purposes.  The resulting net balance is reflected in accounts receivable or accounts payable, as appropriate.  The terms and conditions of contractual pricing allowances are governed by contracts between the Company and its distributors.  Revenue for shipments directly to end-users is recognized when title and risk of ownership pass from the Company.  Any product shipped or distributed for evaluation purposes is expensed.

 

The Company’s domestic return policy is set forth in its standard Distribution Agreement.  This policy provides that a customer may return incorrect shipments within 10 days following arrival at the distributor’s facility.  In all such cases the distributor must obtain an authorization code from the Company and affix the code to the returned product.  The Company will not accept returned goods without a returned goods authorization number.  The Company may refund the customer’s money or replace the product.

 

The Company’s return policy also provides that a customer may return product that is overstocked.  Overstocking returns are limited to two times in each 12-month period up to one percent of distributor’s total purchase of products for the prior 12-month period.  All product overstocks and returns are subject to inspection and acceptance by manufacturer.

 

The Company’s international distribution agreements do not provide for any returns.

 

The Company records an allowance for estimated returns as a reduction to Accounts receivable and Gross sales.  Historically, returns have been less than 0.48% of Total sales.

 

Marketing fees

 

Under a sales and marketing agreement with Abbott Laboratories (“Abbott”), the Company paid marketing fees until the Company terminated the contract for breach.  The contracted services were to include participation in promotional activities, development of educational and promotional materials, representation at trade shows, clinical demonstrations, inservicing and training, and tracking reports detailing the placement of the Company’s products to end-users.  Marketing fees were accrued at the time of the sale of product to Abbott.  These fees were paid after Abbott provided the Company a tracking report of product sales to end-users.  These costs were included in Sales and marketing expense in the Condensed Statements of Operations.  No marketing fees have been accrued since October 15, 2003, the date the National Marketing and Distribution Agreement with Abbott was terminated.  The Company filed suit against Abbott in August 2005

 

6


 

for breach of contract.  Abbott filed an answer and counterclaim July 15, 2008.  See Note 5 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES- Litigation for further discussion.

 

Income taxes

 

The Company provides for deferred income taxes in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes (“SFAS 109”).  SFAS 109 requires an asset and liability approach for financial accounting and reporting for income taxes based on the tax effects of differences between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities, based on enacted rates expected to be in effect when such differences reverse in future periods.  Deferred tax assets are periodically reviewed for realizability.  The Company had sufficient taxable income from prior carryback years to realize all of its taxable losses through December 31, 2006.  Taxable losses for 2007 and thereafter are subject to loss carryforwards.  The Company has established a valuation allowance for its net deferred tax asset as future taxable income cannot be reasonably assured.  Penalties and interest on uncertain tax positions are classified as income taxes in the Condensed Statements of Operations.

 

Earnings per share

 

The Company has adopted SFAS No. 128, Earnings Per Share , which establishes standards for computing and presenting earnings per share.  Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings for the period (adjusted for any cumulative dividends for the period) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  The Company’s potentially dilutive Common Stock equivalents, consisting of options, convertible debt and convertible Preferred Stock, are all antidilutive for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007.  Accordingly basic loss per share is equal to diluted earnings per share.

 

Shipping and handling costs

 

The Company classifies shipping and handling costs as part of Cost of sales in the Condensed Statements of Operations.

 

Research and development costs

 

Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.

 

Share-based compensation

 

On September 26, 2008, the Company’s shareholders approved the 2008 Stock Option Plan and also approved an Offer to Exchange Stock Options (the “Exchange Offer”) whereby employees, including executive officers, and Directors may exchange certain outstanding underwater options for options issued under the 2008 Stock Option Plan. See Note 6 SUBSEQUENT EVENTS for further discussion.

 

The Company has issued options under three stock-based Director, independent contractor and employee compensation plans as well as several individual option agreements.  Two of the plans have terminated; however, the options continue until their expected maturity dates.

 

The Company’s share-based payments are accounted for in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 123 (Revised 2004) (“SFAS 123 R”), Share-Based Payment , using the fair value method.  The Company records share-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period.  In accordance with the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123 R, the Company incurred the following share-based compensation costs:

 

7


 

 

 

Three Months
Ended
September 30, 2008

 

Three Months
Ended
September 30, 2007

 

Nine Months
Ended
September 30, 2008

 

Nine Months
Ended
September 30, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales

$

$

$

$

6,648

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sales and marketing

 

 

 

 

3,086

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Research and development

 

 

 

 

(7,863

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

General and administrative

 

 

 

 

4,607

 

 

$

$

$

$

6,478

 

 

Accounting Pronouncements

 

In April 2008, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued FASB Staff Position (“FSP”) FAS 142-3, “ Determination of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets ”.  This FSP amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under FASB Statement No. 142, “ Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets ” (“SFAS 142”).  The intent of this FSP is to improve the consistency between the useful life of a recognized intangible asset under SFAS 142 and the period of expected cash flows used to measure the fair value of the asset under SFAS 141R, and other GAAP.  This FSP is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2008.  Early adoption of the standard is prohibited.  FAS 142-3 is effective on January 1, 2009.  We are currently evaluating the impact of FAS 142-3, and have not yet determined the impact, if any, that the adoption of FSP FAS 142-3 will have on the Company’s financial statements.

 

3.                 INVENTORIES

 

Inventories consist of the following:

 

 

 

September 30, 2008

 

December 31, 2007

 

Raw materials

 

$

1,551,250

 

$

1,743,990

 

Finished goods

 

4,612,161

 

5,498,739

 

 

 

6,163,411

 

7,242,729

 

Inventory reserve

 

(205,600

)

(205,600

)

 

 

$

5,957,811

 

$

7,037,129

 

 

4.                 OTHER ASSETS

 

In 2006, the Company invested $500,000 in a limited liability company.  The Company exercised its option to have that investment returned.  The investment was returned in April 2008.

 

5.                 COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

Litigation

 

On August 12, 2005, the Company filed a lawsuit against Abbott in the United States District Court in the Eastern District of Texas, Texarkana Division.  It is alleging fraud and breach of contract in connection with the National Marketing and Distribution Agreement dated as of May 4, 2000, which was terminated on October 15, 2003.  It is seeking damages which it estimates to be in millions of dollars of lost profits, out of pocket expenses, and other damages.  In addition, it is seeking punitive damages, pre- and post-judgment

 

8


 

interest, and attorney’s fees.  Following Abbott’s unsuccessful attempt to get the case dismissed and ordered to arbitration, Abbott filed an answer and counterclaim on July 15, 2008, alleging several breaches of contract, breach of implied warranty of merchantability, and breach of express warranty, seeking in excess of $6,000,000 in compensatory damages as well as seeking attorneys’ fees.  The Company denies the validity of Abbott’s counterclaims.  Some discovery has already taken place (related to the hearings addressing the prior motion to compel arbitration) and additional discovery is underway.  The District Court has issued a scheduling order calling for trial in January 2010.

 

In August 2006, the Company was sued by Occupational and Medical Innovations Limited (“OMI”) in Federal Court of Australia, alleging that two letters written to OMI by outside counsel contained unjustified threats of patent infringement, but seeking no damages.  OMI later amended its complaint to seek a declaratory judgment that OMI does not infringe Australian Patent No. 701878, again seeking no damages.  Following a one-day trial in June 2007, the Court held that one of the two letters written by outside counsel contained a threat of patent infringement, and awarded costs to OMI in an amount that has not yet been determined.  Following a one-day trial in June 2008, the Court issued a declaratory judgment in August 2008 stating that OMI’s syringe does not infringe the Australian patent no. 701878 but also awarding costs to the Company.  The amount of costs to be awarded will be determined at a later date.

 

In June 2007, the Company sued Becton Dickinson and Company (“BD”) in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Marshall Division, alleging infringement of three patents (5,578,011; 5,632,733; and 6,090,077) and violations by BD of the federal and state antitrust laws, and of the Lanham Act.  The Company subsequently dropped the 5,578,011 patent allegations from the lawsuit.  The Company and an officer, a co-plaintiff, are seeking injunctive relief, unspecified monetary damages and reimbursement of attorneys fees in the suit.  BD counterclaimed for non-infringement and invalidity of the asserted patents.  In January 2008, the Court severed the patent claims from the other claims pending resolution of the patent dispute, which is set for trial in March 2009. In April 2008, the Company and that same officer sued BD in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Marshall Division, alleging infringement of another recently issued patent (7,351,224), and seeking injunctive relief, unspecified monetary damages (including treble damages) and reimbursement of attorneys fees.  BD counterclaimed for non-infringement and invalidity of the asserted patent.  The Company and officer moved to consolidate this case with the other patent case against BD that was pending in Marshall and the Court granted the Company’s motion, consolidating this case with the above-stated case filed in June 2007.

 

In September 2007, BD and MDC Investment Holdings, Inc. (“MDC”) sued the Company in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Texarkana Division, initially alleging that the Company is infringing two U.S. patents of MDC (6,179,812 and 7,090,656) that are licensed to BD. BD and MDC seek injunctive relief and unspecified damages.  The Company counterclaimed for declarations of non-infringement, invalidity and unenforceability of the asserted patents.  The plaintiffs subsequently dropped allegations with regard to patent no. 7,090,656 and the Company subsequently dropped its counterclaims for unenforceability of the asserted patents.  The Court conducted a claims construction hearing on September 25, 2008 but has not ruled.  No trial date has been set.

 

In March 2008, MedSafe Technologies LLC (“MedSafe”) initially sued the Company and BD in the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina, Greenville Division, alleging infringement of a MedSafe patent (6,074,370) and seeking injunctive relief and unspecified monetary damages.  The Company counterclaimed for declarations of non-infringement, invalidity, and unenforceability of the asserted patent.  BD subsequently settled with MedSafe.  The case is set for trial in October 2009.

 

In April 2008, the Company sued OMI in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Tyler Division, alleging that OMI has infringed two U.S. patents that are not at issue in the Australian litigation (6,572,584 and 7,351,224).  The Company also alleges theft of confidential information, intentional interference with contracts and engaging in false advertising that wrongfully disparages and mischaracterizes the Company’s syringe products.  The Company further alleges that OMI made false allegations regarding the source of origin of its safety syringe products being offered in the U.S. The Company seeks injunctive relief, unspecified damages (including treble damages) and reimbursement of attorneys fees in the suit.  OMI has counterclaimed against the Company, seeking declaratory judgments of non-infringement and invalidity of the

 

9


 

asserted patents.  OMI is not seeking monetary damages.  Trial is set for December 2009 and discovery is commencing.

 

In September 2008, the Company and an officer sued Safety Medical International (“SMI”) in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Tyler Division, alleging infringement of U.S. patent nos. 6,572,584 and 7,351,224 and seeking injunctive relief, unspecified monetary damages and reimbursement of attorneys fees.  SMI was served on October 20, 2008, and no answer has yet been filed.

 

Other Matters

 

The Company has begun expansion of its warehouse (including additional warehouse space, additional office space, and a new Clean Room).  This expansion is being funded by a construction line of credit from a bank for approximately $4.2 million, secured by a second lien deed to the land and existing buildings.

 

The Company had a licensing agreement with Baiyin Tonsun Medical Device Co., Ltd. (“BTMD”) which expired on May 13, 2008.  As a result of the expiration of the contract, the Company recognized $100,000 of prepaid royalty income as other income in the second quarter of 2008.  The Company is in the process of negotiating a new agreement.  Royalties that were expected in 2007 were not received due to the time needed to build the factory, assembly equipment, and the related infrastructure as well as the need of BTMD to meet the requisite Chinese government requirements.  The facility has been completed and BTMD is in the process of meeting Chinese governmental requirements.  Although successful completion of an agreement cannot be assured, the Company still continues to expect royalty payments although it is unable to predict the date it will begin to receive such royalties.  The Company should begin earning royalties once Chinese government requirements are met and BTMD is able to produce and sell products.

 

6.                 SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

On September 26, 2008, the Company’s shareholders approved the 2008 Stock Option Plan and also approved an Exchange Offer whereby employees, including executive officers, and Directors may exchange certain outstanding underwater options for options issued under the 2008 Stock Option Plan.

 

The Company filed an Offer to Exchange Stock Options on October 17, 2008, allowing existing employees, including executive officers, and Directors to exchange underwater stock options for new options to be granted under the 2008 Stock Option Plan.  The Exchange Offer will terminate on November 18, 2008, unless extended.  Any new options granted pursuant to the Exchange Offer will allow the purchase of one half the number of shares underlying the underwater options and such new options will have exercise prices equal to the higher of: (1) the last sales price of the Common Stock as reported on the NYSE Alternext US, LLC (“NYSE Alternext”) on the date of grant rounded to the next highest dime or (2) $1.30.  Shares underlying outstanding options, if all eligible options are exchanged, would be reduced by approximately 970,000 shares.

 

Item 2.            Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENT WARNING

 

Certain statements included by reference in this filing containing the words “could,” “may,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “expects,” and similar such words constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act.  Any forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause our actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  Such factors include, among others, our ability to maintain liquidity, our maintenance of patent protection, the impact of current litigation (as it affects our costs as well as market access and the viability of our patents), our ability to maintain favorable supplier arrangements and relationships, our ability to successfully complete a new license agreement with Baiyin Tonsun Medical Device Co., Ltd. (“BTMD”) and our receipt of payments thereunder, the impact of dramatic increases in demand, our ability to quickly increase capacity, our ability to access the market, our ability to maintain or lower production costs, our ability to continue to finance research and development as well as operations and expansion of production, the increased interest of larger market

 

10


 

players, specifically Becton Dickinson & Company (“BD”), in providing devices to the safety market, and other factors referenced in Item 1A. Risk Factors in Part II .  Given these uncertainties, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements.

 

OVERVIEW

 

We have been manufacturing and marketing our products into the marketplace since 1997.  We currently provide other safety medical products in addition to safety syringe products.  One such product, the Patient Safe™ Syringe, which reduces the risk of infection resulting from IV contamination, entered the market in 2008. Safety syringes comprised 98.6% of our sales in the first nine months of 2008.

 

Our products have been and continue to be distributed nationally through numerous distributors.  However, we have been blocked from access to the market by exclusive marketing practices engaged in by BD, who dominates the market.  We believe that its monopolistic business practices continue despite its paying $100 million in 2004 to settle a prior lawsuit with us for anticompetitive practices, business disparagement, and tortious interference.  Although we have made limited progress in some areas, such as the alternate care and international markets, our volumes are not as high as they should be given the nature and quality of our products, the federal and state legislation requiring the use of safe needle devices, and various Senate Subcommittee hearings on Group Purchasing Organizations.

 

We continue to pursue various strategies to have better access to the hospital market, as well as other markets, including attempting to gain access to the market through our sales efforts, our innovative technology, introduction of new products, and, when necessary, litigation.  We are also marketing more product internationally.  Beginning in 2004, we were given an award (from PATH) to supply syringes to various African countries.  Awards increased significantly from 2004 to 2007.  However, currently funding is uncertain for this program.  Despite the loss of these orders, thus far we have managed to maintain international sales volumes.  Additionally, an Australian distributor was awarded a one-year contract in March 2007 to supply our VanishPoint ® automated retraction syringes to all of Queensland Health’s 202 acute care facilities.  Queensland Health is a department within the government of Queensland, Australia.  The contract was renewed for an additional two years.  VanishPoint ® products are distributed in Australia by Brisbane-based Scientific Educational Supplies Pty Ltd.  The number of international distributors continues to increase. 

 

In the event we continue to have only limited market access and the cash provided by the litigation settlements and generated from operations becomes insufficient, we would take cost cutting measures to reduce cash requirements.  Such measures could result in the reduction of units being produced, the reduction of workforce, the reduction of salaries of officers and other nonhourly employees, and the deferral of royalty payments.

 

We are focusing on methods of upgrading our manufacturing capability and efficiency in order to reduce costs.  We believe our current capitalization provides the resources necessary to implement some of these changes and improve our manufacturing capacity and efficiency, thereby reducing our unit cost.

 

Product purchases from Double Dove, a Chinese manufacturer, have enabled us to increase manufacturing capacity with little capital outlay and have provided a competitive manufactured cost.  Double Dove manufactured, in the first nine months of 2008, approximately 71.1% of the units we produced.  These purchases have improved profit margins in spite of limited revenues.  The cost of production per unit has generally declined as volumes increased.  Double Dove increased the prices in the fourth quarter to us by $0.005 per unit.  Product cost reductions could be adversely affected by increased material and transportation costs.  We believe we could make up any long-term disruption in these supplies by utilizing more of the capacity at the Little Elm facility, except for the 0.5 cc insulin syringe, the 5cc and 10cc syringes, and the autodisable syringe which altogether comprised about 1.1% of our third quarter 2008 revenues.

 

We had a Licensing Agreement with BTMD which expired on May 13, 2008.  As a result of the expiration of the contract, we recognized $100,000 of prepaid royalty income in the second quarter of 2008 as other income.  We are in the process of negotiating a new agreement.  Royalties that were expected in 2007 were not received due to the time needed to build the factory, assembly equipment, and the related infrastructure as well as the need of BTMD to meet the requisite Chinese government requirements.  The facility has been completed and BTMD is in

 

11


 

the process of meeting Chinese government requirements.  Although successful completion of an agreement cannot be assured, we still continue to expect royalty payments although we are unable to predict the date we will begin to receive such royalties.  We should begin earning royalties once Chinese government requirements are met and BTMD is able to produce and sell products.

 

Historically, unit sales have increased in the latter part of the year due, in part, to the demand for syringes during the flu season.

 

With increased volumes, our manufacturing unit costs have generally tended to decline.  Factors that could affect our unit costs, in addition to Double Dove’s recent increase in unit costs of $0.005, include changing production volumes, costs of petroleum products, and transportation costs.  Increases in such costs may not be recoverable through price increases of our products.

 

We have begun the expansion of an existing warehouse.  This expansion will increase our warehouse area, provide for additional office space, and add a second Clean Room.  The expansion is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2009.

 

LIQUIDITY AND FUTURE CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS

 

At the present time, Management does not intend to raise equity capital.  Due to the funds received from prior litigation settlements, we have sufficient cash reserves and intend to rely on operations, cash reserves, and debt financing as the primary ongoing sources of cash.

 

Historical Sources of Liquidity

 

We have historically funded operations primarily from the proceeds from private placements, loans, and litigation settlements.  We were capitalized with approximately $52,600,000 raised from six separate private placement offerings.  We raised $47,375,600 in cash from the private sales of an aggregate of 11,710,221 shares of Convertible Preferred Stock.  In addition, we obtained a cancellation of $3,679,284 in debt and $1,550,000 in Accounts payable in exchange for Series V Class B Convertible Preferred Stock.

 

We obtained $3,910,000 in 2000 from bank loans of which $3,435,000 has been repaid and $475,000 was refinanced with a new note with Lewisville State Bank, a division of 1 st  International Bank.  Additionally, we received a Small Business Administration loan of $1,000,000 in 1996 to pay for portions of automated assembly equipment, multi-cavity molds, and other equipment.  This loan has been repaid.  Furthermore, we borrowed $5,000,000 in 2000 under our Credit Agreement with Abbott Laboratories (“Abbott”).  In October 2002 we repaid the Abbott note with proceeds from a new note from Katie Petroleum, Inc. for $3,000,000 and a portion of the proceeds from a private placement.  In 2008, we received a construction line of credit for up to $4,210,000 to fund an expansion of our warehouse.

 

Internal Sources of Liquidity

 

Margins and Market Access

 

To achieve break even quarters, we need minimal access to hospital markets which has been difficult to obtain due to the monopolistic marketplace which was the subject of our initial lawsuit and now also included in our second lawsuit against BD.   We will continue to attempt to gain access to the market through our sales efforts, innovative technology, the introduction of new products, and, when necessary, litigation.

 

We are focusing on methods of upgrading our manufacturing capability and efficiency in order to reduce costs.   We believe our current capitalization provides the resources necessary to implement some of these changes and improve our manufacturing capacity and efficiency, thereby reducing our unit cost.

 

Beginning in early 2004, we began to receive shipment of product from Double Dove which enabled us to lower our unit costs.  Fluctuations in the cost and availability of raw materials and inventory and our ability to maintain favorable supplier arrangements and relationships could result in the need to manufacture all (as opposed

 

12


 

to 28.9%) of our products in the U.S.  This could temporarily increase unit costs as we ramp up domestic production.

 

The mix of domestic and international sales affects the average sales price of our products.  Generally, the higher the ratio of domestic sales to international sales, the higher the average sales price will be.  Typically international sales are shipped directly from China.  Purchases of product manufactured in China, if available, usually decrease the average cost of manufacture for all units as domestic costs, such as indirect labor and overhead, remain relatively constant.  Double Dove has increased their prices to us by $0.005 per unit.  The number of units produced by the Company versus manufactured in China can have a significant effect on the carrying costs of inventory as well as Cost of sales.  We will continue to evaluate the appropriate mix of products manufactured domestically and those manufactured in China to achieve economic benefits as well as to maintain our domestic manufacturing capability.  Currently, approximately 28.9% of our products are produced domestically.

 

Fluctuations in the cost of oil (since our products are petroleum based) and transportation and the volume of units purchased from Double Dove may have an impact on the unit costs of our product.  Increases in such costs may not be recoverable through price increases of our products.

 

Seasonality

 

Historically, unit sales have increased in the latter part of the year due, in part, to the demand for syringes during the flu season.

 

Licensing Agreement

 

We had a Licensing Agreement with BTMD which expired on May 13, 2008.  As a result of the expiration of the contract, we recognized $100,000 of prepaid royalty income in the second quarter of 2008 as other income.  We are in the process of negotiating a new agreement.  Royalties that were expected in 2007 were not received due to the time needed to build the factory, assembly equipment, and the related infrastructure as well as the need of BTMD to meet the requisite Chinese government requirements.  The facility has been completed and BTMD is in the process of meeting Chinese government requirements.  Although successful completion of an agreement cannot be assured, we still continue to expect royalty payments, although we are unable to predict the date we will begin to receive such royalties.  We should begin earning royalties once Chinese government requirements are met and BTMD is able to produce and sell products.

 

Cash Requirements

 

Due to funds received from prior litigation settlements, we have sufficient cash reserves and intend to rely on operations, cash reserves, and debt financing as the primary ongoing sources of cash.  In the event we continue to have only limited market access and cash generated from operations becomes insufficient to support operations, we would take cost cutting measures to reduce cash requirements.  Such measures could result in the reduction of units being produced, the reduction of workforce, the reduction of salaries of officers and other nonhourly employees, and the deferral of royalty payments.

 

External Sources of Liquidity

 

We have obtained several loans from our inception, which have, together with the proceeds from the sales of equities and litigation efforts, enabled us to pursue development and production of our products.  Currently we believe we could obtain additional funds through loans if needed.  Furthermore, the shareholders previously authorized an additional 5,000,000 shares of a Class C Preferred Stock that could, if necessary, be designated and used to raise funds through the sale of equity.

 

13

 


 

CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

Material Commitments for Expenditures

 

We have begun expansion of our warehouse (including additional warehouse space, additional office space, and a new Clean Room).  We are funding this expansion with a construction line of credit from Lewisville State Bank, a division of 1 st International Bank, for approximately $4.2 million, secured by a second lien deed on the land and existing buildings.  Draws under the construction line of credit will be converted to permanent financing upon completion of the building.  Completion is expected in the first quarter of 2009.

 

Trends in Capital Resources

 

Interest expense will increase due to the recent loan of approximately $4.2 million, but will be somewhat mitigated by lower borrowing rates if current conditions in the credit markets continue.  Interest income may be negatively affected by lower interest rates and our prior movement of cash to U.S. Treasury bills and other U.S. government backed securities.   Although we believe that we have granted credit to credit-worthy firms, current economic conditions may affect the timing and/or collectability of some accounts.

 

MATERIAL CHANGES IN FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

                The following discussion contains trend information and other forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties.  Our actual future results could differ materially from our historical results of operations and those discussed in the forward-looking statements.  Variances have been rounded for ease of reading.  All period references are to the periods ended September 30, 2008, or 2007.

 

Comparison of Three Months Ended

September 30, 2008, and September 30, 2007

 

                Domestic sales accounted for 86.2% and 89.7% of the revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  International sales accounted for the remaining revenues.  Domestic revenues increased 8.8% principally due to higher volumes and higher average selling prices arising as a result of sales mix  and international revenues increased 36.4% due primarily to higher volumes mitigated somewhat by lower selling prices arising as a result of sales mix.  Overall, unit sales increased 12.8%.  Domestic unit sales increased 4.8% and international unit sales increased 46.2%.  Domestic unit sales were 75.2% of total unit sales for the three months ended September 30, 2008.

 

                Gross profit decreased primarily due to higher cost of goods sold.  Costs of manufactured product increased by 19.0% due to higher volumes and higher unit cost of manufactured product.  The average cost of manufactured product sold per unit increased by 5.5% principally due to lower capitalized unit costs in inventory, thereby increasing costs of goods sold, and higher period costs.  Profit margins can fluctuate depending upon, among other things, the cost of product manufactured and the capitalized cost of product recorded in inventory, as well as product sales mix.  Royalty expense increased 4.2% due to higher gross sales.

 

                Operating expenses decreased 6.7%.  The decrease in expense for Sales and marketing was attributable primarily to travel and entertainment, marketing expenses, and office expenses.  The decrease in Research and development costs was due principally to lower validation and engineering expense and lower consulting costs.  General and administrative costs decreased due to lower litigation costs and travel costs, mitigated by higher taxes other than income taxes, and higher legal expenses other than litigation expenses. Bad debt expense increased.

 

                Loss from operations decreased due principally to lower operating expenses.

 

                Interest expense and interest income declined due to lower interest rates and lower debt and cash equivalents balances.  In addition to generally declining interest rates, we shifted the bulk of our funds into U.S. Treasury bills and other U.S. government backed securities in April 2008.

 

14


 

                Our effective tax rate on the net loss before income taxes was 0% for the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 70.5% (a benefit due to a settlement in our favor of a state tax audit) for the three months ended September 30, 2007.

 

                The Net loss for 2008 was $1.4 million higher than the Net loss for 2007 due principally to the benefit for income taxes in 2007 of $1.4 million.

 

Comparison of Nine Months Ended

September 30, 2008, and September 30, 2007

 

                Domestic sales accounted for 84.5% and 83.6% of the revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively.  International sales accounted for the remaining revenues.  Domestic revenues increased 11.1% principally due to higher volumes and higher average selling prices arising as a result of sales mix and international revenues decreased 1.7% due primarily to lower average selling prices arising as a result of sales mix.  Overall, unit sales increased 5.0%.  Domestic unit sales increased 7.0% and international unit sales increased 0.2%.  Domestic unit sales were 72.0% of total unit sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2008.

 

                Gross profit increased primarily due to higher revenues and slightly improved profit margins.  Costs of manufactured product increased due to higher volumes and increased unit costs.  The average cost of manufactured product sold per unit increased by 1.7%.  Profit margins can fluctuate depending upon, among other things, the cost of product manufactured and the capitalized cost of product recorded in inventory, as well as product sales mix.  Royalty expense increased 5.4% due to higher gross sales.

 

                Operating expenses decreased 0.2%.  The decrease in expense for Sales and marketing was attributable primarily to lower marketing expenses, travel and entertainment, employee compensation, and office expenses.  Consulting expenses increased.  The increase in Research and development costs was due principally to higher compensation costs, mitigated by lower validation and consulting costs.  General and administrative costs increased due to higher taxes other than income taxes, bad debt accrual, compensation costs, fees paid to distributors and office expenses.  Decreases in General and administrative costs were attributable to lower travel and entertainment, consulting, and temporary services costs.  Other income increased.

 

                Loss from operations decreased due principally to higher gross profits.

 

                Interest expense and interest income declined due to lower interest rates and lower debt and cash equivalents balances.  In addition to generally declining interest rates, we shifted the bulk of our funds into U.S. Treasury bills and other U.S. government backed securities in April 2008.

 

                The Company’s effective tax rate on the net loss before income taxes was 0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 23.9% (a benefit due to a settlement in our favor of a state tax audit) for the nine months ended September 30, 2007.

 

                The Net loss for 2008 was $1.3 million higher than the Net loss for 2007 due principally to the benefit for income taxes in 2007 of $1.4 million.

 

                Our balance sheet remains strong with cash making up 60.7% of total assets.  Working capital was $37.4 million at September 30, 2008, a decrease of $5.7 million from December 31, 2007.  The current ratio was 5.4 at September 30, 2008 and 5.9 at December 31, 2007.  The quick ratio was 4.6 at September 30, 2008 and 4.8 at December 31, 2007.  These indicators continue to demonstrate a strong financial position.

 

                Approximately $3.8 million in cash flow was used by operating activities.  The remaining uses of cash were for capital costs incurred for the acquisition of plant, property and equipment and intangible assets, and the repayment of long-term debt.   We utilized $1,300,000 of a $4,210,000 construction line of credit.

 

Item 3.         Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

 

No update

 

15


 

Item 4.         Controls and Procedures.

 

                Our Management, including the Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (the “CFO”), does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent or detect all errors and all instances of fraud.  A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met.

 

                Pursuant to paragraph (b) of Rule 13a-15 or Rule 15d-15 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and on November 14, 2008, Management, with the participation of our President, Chairman, and CEO, Thomas J. Shaw, and our Vice President and CFO, Douglas W. Cowan, acting in their capacities as our principal executive and financial officers, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) or Rule 15d-15(e).  The CEO and CFO concluded that, as of September 30, 2008 (the end of the period covered by the report), based on the evaluation of these controls and procedures required by paragraph (b) of Rule 13a-15 or Rule 15d-15, there were no significant deficiencies in these controls and procedures. The CEO and CFO concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our periodic reports is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules and forms.

 

                There have been no changes during the third quarter of 2008 or subsequent to September 30, 2008 identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Rule 13a-15 or 15d-15 in our internal control over financial reporting or in any other factor that has materially affected or is reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.         Legal Proceedings.

 

On August 12, 2005, we filed a lawsuit against Abbott in the United States District Court in the Eastern District of Texas, Texarkana Division.  We are alleging fraud and breach of contract in connection with the National Marketing and Distribution Agreement dated as of May 4, 2000, which was terminated on October 15, 2003.  We are seeking damages which we estimate to be in millions of dollars of lost profits, out of pocket expenses, and other damages.  In addition, we are seeking punitive damages, pre- and post-judgment interest, and attorney’s fees.  Following Abbott’s unsuccessful attempt to get the case dismissed and ordered to arbitration, Abbott filed an answer and counterclaim on July 15, 2008, alleging several breaches of contract, breach of implied warranty of merchantability, and breach of express warranty, seeking in excess of $6,000,000 in compensatory damages as well as seeking attorneys’ fees.  We deny the validity of Abbott’s counterclaims.  Some discovery has already taken place (related to the hearings addressing the prior motion to compel arbitration) and additional discovery is underway.  The District Court has issued a scheduling order calling for trial in January 2010.

 

In August 2006, we were sued by Occupational and Medical Innovations Limited (“OMI”) in Federal Court of Australia, alleging that two letters written to OMI by outside counsel contained unjustified threats of patent infringement, but seeking no damages.  OMI later amended its complaint to seek a declaratory judgment that OMI does not infringe Australian Patent No. 701878, again seeking no damages.  Following a one-day trial in June 2007, the Court held that one of the two letters written by outside counsel contained a threat of patent infringement, and awarded costs to OMI in an amount that has not yet been determined.  Following a one-day trial in June 2008, the Court issued a declaratory judgment in August 2008 stating that OMI’s syringe does not infringe our Australian patent no. 701878 but also awarding costs to us.  The amount of costs to be awarded will be determined at a later date.

 

In June 2007, we sued BD in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Marshall Division, alleging infringement of three patents (5,578,011; 5,632,733; and 6,090,077) and violations by BD of the federal and state antitrust laws, and of the Lanham Act.  We subsequently dropped the 5,578,011 patent allegations from the lawsuit.  We and Thomas J. Shaw, a co-plaintiff, are seeking injunctive relief, unspecified monetary damages and reimbursement of attorneys fees in the suit.  BD counterclaimed for non-infringement and invalidity of the asserted patents.  In January 2008, the Court severed the patent claims from the other claims pending resolution

 

16


 

of the patent dispute, which is set for trial in March 2009. In April 2008, we and Thomas J. Shaw sued BD in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Marshall Division, alleging infringement of another recently issued patent (7,351,224), and seeking injunctive relief, unspecified monetary damages (including treble damages) and reimbursement of attorneys fees.  BD counterclaimed for non-infringement and invalidity of the asserted patent.  We moved to consolidate this case with the other patent case against BD that was pending in Marshall and the Court granted our motion, consolidating this case with our above-stated case filed in June 2007.

 

In September 2007, BD and MDC Investment Holdings, Inc. (“MDC”) sued us in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Texarkana Division, initially alleging that the Company is infringing two U.S. patents of MDC (6,179,812 and 7,090,656) that are licensed to BD. BD and MDC seek injunctive relief and unspecified damages.  We counterclaimed for declarations of non-infringement, invalidity and unenforceability of the asserted patents.  The plaintiffs subsequently dropped allegations with regard to patent no. 7,090,656 and we subsequently dropped our counterclaims for unenforceability of the asserted patents.  The Court conducted a claims construction hearing on September 25, 2008 but has not ruled.  No trial date has been set.

 

In March 2008, MedSafe Technologies LLC (“MedSafe”) initially sued us and BD in the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina, Greenville Division, alleging infringement of a MedSafe patent (6,074,370) and seeking injunctive relief and unspecified monetary damages.  We counterclaimed for declarations of non-infringement, invalidity, and unenforceability of the asserted patent.  BD subsequently settled with MedSafe.  The case is set for trial in October 2009.

 

In April 2008, we sued OMI in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Tyler Division, alleging that OMI has infringed two U.S. patents that are not at issue in the Australian litigation (6,572,584 and 7,351,224).  We also allege theft of confidential information, intentional interference with contracts and engaging in false advertising that wrongfully disparages and mischaracterizes our syringe products.  We further allege that OMI made false allegations regarding the source of origin of its safety syringe products being offered in the U.S. We seek injunctive relief, unspecified damages (including treble damages) and reimbursement of attorneys fees in the suit.  OMI has counterclaimed against us, seeking declaratory judgments of non-infringement and invalidity of our asserted patents.  OMI is not seeking monetary damages.  Trial is set for December 2009 and discovery is commencing.

 

                In September 2008, we and Thomas J. Shaw sued Safety Medical International (“SMI”) in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Tyler Division, alleging infringement of U.S. patent nos. 6,572,584 and 7,351,224, and seeking injunctive relief, unspecified monetary damages and reimbursement of attorneys fees.  SMI was served on October 20, 2008, and no answer has yet been filed.

 

                We previously reported in our Form 10-Q for the second quarter of 2008 updates with regard to all of the above legal proceedings with the exception of the new suit against SMI.

 

Item 1A.      Risk Factors.

 

                The following is an updated list of risk factors as set forth in our Form 10-K filed on March 31, 2008.  You should carefully consider the following material risks facing us.  If any of these risks occur, our business, results of operations, or financial condition and the value of our Common Stock could be materially affected.

 

We Compete in a Monopolistic Marketplace

 

                We operate in an environment that is dominated by the major syringe manufacturer in the U.S., BD.  We believe that its monopolistic business practices continue despite its paying us $100 million to settle a prior lawsuit for anticompetitive practices, business disparagement, and tortious interference.  Although we have made limited progress in some areas, such as the alternate care and international markets, our volumes are not as high as they should be given the nature and quality of our products, and the federal and state legislation requiring use of safe needle devices.

 

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Our Cash Position Is Decreasing and Legal Expenses Are Increasing

 

                Due to our operating losses and currently increasing legal fees, our cash position declined $4.5 million as of September 30, 2008.  Our litigation efforts will continue to require a significant amount of cash until the issues are resolved.  Our lawsuit against BD is currently scheduled for trial in March 2009.  After conclusion of the trial, legal expenses are expected to decrease significantly despite multiple ongoing cases.

 

                In the event we continue to have only limited market access and the cash provided by the prior litigation settlements and generated from operations becomes insufficient and royalties from BTMD are not forthcoming, we would take cost cutting measures to reduce cash requirements. Such measures could result in reduction of units being produced, reduction of workforce, reduction of salaries of officers and other nonhourly employees, and deferral of royalty payments.

 

We Have Generally Been Unable to Gain Sufficient Market Access to Achieve Profitable Operations

 

                We have incurred net operating losses including through all fiscal quarters of 2007 and through the third quarter of 2008.  We may experience operating losses in the future. If we are unable to gain sufficient market access and market share, we may be unable to continue to finance research and development as well as support operations and expansion of production.

 

We Are Dependent On Our Aging Patent Protection

 

                Our main competitive strength is our technology.  We are dependent on our patent rights, and if our patent rights are invalidated or circumvented, our business would be adversely affected.  Patent protection is considered, in the aggregate, to be of material importance in our marketing of products in the U.S. and in most major foreign markets.  Patents covering products that we have introduced normally provide market exclusivity, which is important for the successful marketing and sale of our products.

 

                As our technology ages (and the associated patent life expires), our competitive position in the marketplace will weaken.  The initial patents protecting our revolutionary spring action syringe will expire beginning in May 2015.  Patent life may be extended, not through the original patents, but through related improvements.  Eventually, however, our patent protection may decrease and we will be vulnerable to other competitors utilizing our technology.

 

Our Patents Are Subject to Litigation

 

                We are currently involved in multiple patent disputes.  Patent litigation and challenges involving our patents are costly and unpredictable and may deprive us of market exclusivity for a patented product or, in some cases, third party patents may prevent us from marketing and selling a product in a particular geographic area.

 

We Are Vulnerable to New Technologies

 

                Because we have a narrow focus on particular product lines and technology (currently predominantly retractable needle products), we are vulnerable to the development of superior competing products and to changes in technology which could eliminate or reduce the need for our products.  If a superior technology is created, the demand for our products could greatly diminish.

 

Our Competitors Have Greater Resources

 

                The three leading manufacturers of hypodermic syringes and blood collection products are BD with a worldwide market share in the safety syringe market of approximately 50%, Sherwood with approximately 26%, and Terumo with a market share of approximately 10%.  All three companies offer both standard syringes and at least one safety syringe alternative.  BD also offers a retractable syringe.  These competitors have greater financial resources, larger and more established sales and marketing and distribution organizations, and greater market influence, including long-term contracts with Group Purchasing Organizations.  These competitors may be able to use these resources to improve their products through research and acquisitions or develop new products, which may

 

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compete more effectively with our products.  If our competitors choose to use their resources to create products superior to ours, we may be unable to sell our products and our ability to continue operations would be weakened.

 

The Majority of Our International Sales Are Filled Using One Supplier

 

                Most international sales are filled by production from Double Dove. In the event that we become unable to purchase such product from Double Dove, we would need to find an alternate supplier for the 0.5 cc insulin syringe and the 5cc and 10cc syringes and increase domestic production for the 1cc and 3cc syringes to avoid a disruption in supply.  As of September 30, 2008, approximately 71.1% of our production was provided by Double Dove.

 

Fluctuations in Supplies of Inventory Could Temporarily Increase Costs

 

                Fluctuations in the cost and availability of raw materials and inventory and the ability to maintain favorable supplier arrangements and relationships could result in the need to manufacture all (as opposed to 28.9%) of the products in the U.S.  This could temporarily increase unit costs as we ramp up domestic production.

 

We Are Controlled by One Shareholder

 

                Thomas J. Shaw, our President and Chairman of the Board, and Ms. Suzanne August own 35.3% and 11.8%, respectively, of the outstanding Common Stock as of November 3, 2008.  The shares held by Ms. August are controlled by Mr. Shaw pursuant to a Voting Agreement, which terminates upon sale of all the shares for value or if terminated by both parties in writing.  Mr. Shaw will, therefore, have the ability to direct our operations and financial affairs and to substantially influence the election of members of our Board of Directors.  His interests may not always coincide with our interests or the interests of other stockholders. This concentration of ownership, for example, may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in control, impeding a merger, consolidation, takeover or other business combination involving us or discouraging a potential acquirer from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us, which in turn could materially adversely affect the market price of our Common Stock.  Of the 23,800,064 shares of Common Stock outstanding as of November 3, 2008, executive officers and Directors own or control 11,236,000 (47.2%) of the shares of outstanding Common Stock.

 

We Have Limited Access to the Capital Markets

 

                The volume of trading in our Common Stock on the NYSE Alternext is low.  Accordingly, it is unclear if there is any significant market for our shares.  This may reduce our ability to raise cash through public or private offerings in the future.

 

Our Stock Price Sometimes Decreases Below NYSE Alternext Listing Standards

 

                Our share price fluctuates and has fallen below $2.00 which is required for listing on the NYSE Alternext under its alternative listing standards.  The NYSE Alternext may initiate delisting procedures, in its discretion.  Delisting of our shares would greatly affect the liquidity of our shares and would reduce our ability to raise funds from the sale of equity in the future.  However, we believe such delisting application to be unlikely.  Furthermore, in the event that we receive a deficiency letter from the NYSE Alternext, we will have the right to appeal such determination.  In addition, entities that are given such notices were previously (under the American Stock Exchange standards) given up to 18 months to execute a plan to bring themselves into compliance with the listing standards.

 

Oil Prices and Transportation Costs May Increase Our Costs

 

                As our products are made from petroleum products, fluctuations in the costs of oil and transportation may have an impact on our costs.  Increases in costs may not be recoverable through price increases of our products.

 

Current Economic Conditions May Decrease Collectability of Accounts

 

                Although we believe that we have granted credit to credit-worthy firms, current economic conditions may

 

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affect the timing and/or collectability of some accounts.  The Provision for doubtful accounts increased by $143,496 for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 which brings the balance to $418,830.

 

We Face Inherent Product Liability Risks

 

                As a manufacturer and provider of safety needle products, we face an inherent business risk of exposure to product liability claims in the event of product failure or claim of harm caused by product operation. Product failure could result in injury to the patient and could expose healthcare workers to the risk of blood borne pathogens.  If any of our products prove to be defective, we may be required to recall those products.  We do not have recall insurance.

 

                If a product liability claim is made and damages are in excess of our product liability coverage, our competitive position could be weakened by the amount of money we could be required to pay to compensate those injured by our products.  We have products liability coverage with St. Paul Insurance Company covering up to $1,000,000 per occurrence, with coverage up to $2,000,000 in the aggregate. Each claim is subject to a $25,000 deductible.  Additionally, we have additional product liability protection under an Umbrella Liability Policy.  This policy provides an additional $10,000,000 per occurrence and aggregate limits in the event claims exceed the primary commercial general liability policy limit.  We have not had any product liability claims.

 

Item 2.     Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

                Not applicable

 

Working Capital Restrictions and Limitations on the Payment of Dividends

 

                We maintain cash for use as collateral for letters of credit we provide from time to time to enable, among other things, the purchase of goods and services.  As of September 30, 2008, we had $48,000 held as restricted cash for such purposes.  The Board of Directors has authorized Management to borrow and incur indebtedness in the form of letters of credit in an aggregate amount, at any one time, of $5,000,000.

 

                The certificates of designation for each of the outstanding series of Class B Convertible Preferred Stock each provide that, if a dividend upon any shares of Preferred Stock is in arrears, no dividends may be paid or declared or any other distribution made upon any stock ranking junior to such stock and generally no such junior stock may be redeemed.

 

Item 3.     Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

 

Series I Class B Convertible Preferred Stock

 

As of the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the amount of dividends in arrears was $54,000 and the total arrearage was $90,000.

 

Series II Class B Convertible Preferred Stock

 

As of the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the amount of dividends in arrears was $165,000 and the total arrearage was $276,000.

 

Series III Class B Convertible Preferred Stock

 

As of the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the amount of dividends in arrears was $98,000 and the total arrearage was $3,083,000.

 

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Series IV Class B Convertible Preferred Stock

 

As of the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the amount of dividends in arrears was $414,000 and the total arrearage was $6,892,000.

 

Series V Class B Convertible Preferred Stock

 

As of the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the amount of dividends in arrears was $299,000 and the total arrearage was $3,198,000.

 

Item 4.         Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

 

                The 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”) was held on September 26, 2008, at 10:00 a.m., CST.  The purposes of the meeting were to: 1) elect five Class 2 Directors; 2) approve the 2008 Stock Option Plan; 3) approve the Option Exchange Plan; and 4) approve the Third Amended and Restated Bylaws.

 

                Of the 23,800,064 shares of Common Stock entitled to vote, at least 21,533,483 were represented in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting, which is more than the 11,900,032 required to constitute a quorum.

 

                1) The election of five Class 2 Directors was put to a vote and the results were as follows:

 

Nominees

 

For

 

Withheld

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thomas J. Shaw

 

20,832,963

 

700,520

 

 

Douglas W. Cowan

 

20,974,579

 

558,904

 

 

Marwan Saker

 

19,976,280

 

1,557,203

 

 

Steven R. Wisner

 

21,025,491

 

507,992

 

 

Clarence Zierhut

 

20,763,206

 

770,277

 

 

                Accordingly, Messrs Shaw, Cowan, Saker, Wisner, and Zierhut were elected as Class 2 Directors to serve until our 2010 Annual Meeting.  As of the adjournment of the Annual Meeting, the Board of Directors consisted of the following members:

 

Thomas J. Shaw

 

Class 2 Director

Douglas W. Cowan

 

Class 2 Director

Marco Laterza

 

Class 1 Director

Amy Mack

 

Class 1 Director

Marwan Saker

 

Class 2 Director

Steven R. Wisner

 

Class 2 Director

Clarence Zierhut

 

Class 2 Director

 

                2) The approval of the 2008 Stock Option Plan was put to a vote and the results were as follows:

 

For

 

Against

 

Abstain

 

Broker Non-votes

16,031,282

 

1,645,169

 

84,812

 

3,772,220

 

                3) The approval of the Option Exchange Plan was put to a vote and the results were as follows:

 

For

 

Against

 

Abstain

 

Broker Non-votes

15,569,793

 

2,179,019

 

12,450

 

3,772,221

 

                4) The approval of the Third Amended and Restated Bylaws was put to a vote and the results were as follows:

 

For

 

Against

 

Abstain

 

Broker Non-votes

17,170,998

 

472,395

 

117,870

 

3,772,220

 

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Item 5.         Other Information.

 

                We filed an Exchange Offer on October 17, 2008, allowing existing employees, including executive officers, and Directors to exchange underwater stock options for new options to be granted under the 2008 Stock Option Plan.  The Exchange Offer will terminate on November 18, 2008, unless extended.  Any new options granted will allow the purchase of one half the number of shares underlying the underwater options and such new options will have exercise prices equal to the higher of: (1) the last sales price of our Common Stock as reported on the NYSE Alternext on the date of grant rounded to the next highest dime or (2) $1.30.

 

                We have amended our Audit Committee Charter primarily to better track the language of various applicable rules and regulations.  The amendments also change the nature of the reports due to the Audit Committee from the independent accountants to require only those required for companies listed on the NYSE Alternext.  The amendments also delete the requirement that members of the committee be elected annually.  A copy of this charter is attached hereto as Exhibit no. 99.1 to this Form 10-Q.

 

                We have amended our Nominating Committee Charter primarily to incorporate the shareholder nominating rules set out in our bylaws for ease of reference by shareholders and to clarify that the committee makes recommendations to the Board regarding committee members and chairpersons only upon request of the Board.  A copy of this charter is attached hereto as Exhibit no. 99.2 to this Form 10-Q.

 

                We have amended our Compensation and Benefits Committee charter primarily, among other things, to reduce the independence requirements for committee members and to clarify that the committee serves as the grantor and administrator of our compensation plans in the absence of action by the full Board of Directors.  Previously, the independence requirements included satisfying inapplicable and unnecessarily restrictive standards such as those for the Audit Committee members (no related party transactions at all) as well as lesser requirements such as those for the definition of “non-employee director” under Rule 16b-3 and “outside director” for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.  The charter has been amended to require that the Directors fulfill the independence requirements for independent Directors as determined by the NYSE Alternext.  A copy of this amended charter is incorporated herein by reference as Exhibit No. 99.3.

 

                The Employment Agreement between us and Mr. Thomas J. Shaw has been modified to avoid adverse tax consequences to Mr. Shaw created by the passage of the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004.   The agreement also reflects past salary increases to Thomas J. Shaw.  A copy of this Employment Agreement is attached hereto as Exhibit no. 10 to this Form 10-Q.

 

Item 6.         Exhibits.

 

Exhibit No.

 

Description of Document

3(ii)

 

Third Amended and Restated Bylaws*

 

 

 

10

 

Employment Agreement between RTI and Thomas J. Shaw dated as of January 1, 2008*

 

 

 

31.1

 

Certification of Principal Executive Officer*

 

 

 

31.2

 

Certification of Principal Financial Officer*

 

 

 

32

 

Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350*

 

 

 

99.1

 

Audit Committee Charter*

 

 

 

99.2

 

Nominating Committee Charter*

 

 

 

99.3

 

Compensation and Benefits Committee Charter**

 

*

 

Attached hereto

 

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**

 

Incorporated herein by reference to Appendix A of our definitive Schedule 14A, filed with the SEC on August 19, 2008

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

DATE:     November 14, 2008

RETRACTABLE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

 

(Registrant)

 

 

 

 

 

BY:

/s/ Douglas W. Cowan

 

 

 

DOUGLAS W. COWAN
VICE PRESIDENT AND
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
(PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL AND ACCOUNTING
OFFICER)

 

23

Exhibit 3(ii)

 

THIRD AMENDED AND RESTATED

BYLAWS

OF

RETRACTABLE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

 

 

ARTICLE I

 

OFFICES

 

1.1                                  Registered Office . The registered office of the Corporation shall be 2100 Ross Avenue, Suite 2600, Dallas, Texas 75201 or such other address as shall be designated by the Board of Directors. The Corporation may change its Registered Office, registered agent, or both by filing a statement of change with the Secretary of State of the State of Texas.

 

1.2                                  Registered Agent. The name of the registered agent of the Corporation at such address is Ralph S. Janvey or such other person as shall be designated by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

 

1.3                                  Other Offices . The Corporation may also have offices at such other places, within or outside the State of Texas, where the Corporation is qualified to do business, as the Board of Directors may from time to time designate, or business of the Corporation may require.

 

ARTICLE II

 

SHAREHOLDERS’ MEETING

 

2.1                                  Place of Meetings . Meetings of shareholders entitled to vote shall be held at any place within or without the State of Texas designated by the Board of Directors pursuant to authority hereinafter granted to the Board, or by written consent of all persons entitled to vote thereat. The Board of Directors may determine that any meeting may be held solely by remote communication in accordance with Texas law. Any meeting is valid wherever held if held by the written consent of all the persons entitled to vote thereat, given either before or after the meeting and filed with the Secretary of the corporation.

 

2.2                                  Date and Time of Annual Meeting . The annual meeting of the shareholders entitled to vote shall be held on such date and at such time as shall be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors. At such meeting Directors shall be elected and any other business may be transacted which is within the powers of the shareholders.

 

2.3                                  Notice of Meetings . Notice of all meetings of shareholders shall be given in writing to shareholders entitled to vote by the President, or Secretary, or by the Officer or person calling the meeting, or, in case of his neglect or refusal, or if there is no person charged with the duty of giving notice, by any Director or shareholder. The notice shall be given to each shareholder, either personally or by prepaid mail. If mailed, such notice shall be deemed to be delivered when deposited in the United States mail addressed to the shareholder at his address as it appears on the stock transfer books of the Corporation, with postage thereon paid. With the consent of a shareholder, notice from the Corporation may be given to that shareholder by electronic transmission.  The shareholder may specify the form of electronic transmission to be used to communicate notice.  The shareholder may revoke this consent by written notice to the Corporation.  The consent is deemed to be revoked if the Corporation is unable to deliver by electronic transmission two consecutive notices and the person responsible for delivering notice on behalf of the Corporation knows that delivery of these two electronic transmissions was unsuccessful, provided, however, that the inadvertent failure to treat the unsuccessful transmissions as a revocation of consent does not invalidate a meeting or other action.  Notice by electronic transmission is deemed given when the notice is (A) transmitted to a facsimile number provided by the shareholder for the purpose of receiving notice; (B) transmitted to an electronic mail address provided by the shareholder for the purpose of receiving notice; (C) posted on an electronic network, and a message is sent to the shareholder for the purpose of alerting the shareholder of a posting; or (D) communicated to the shareholder by any other form of electronic transmission consented to by the shareholder.

 

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2.4                                  Time of Notice. Notice of any meeting of shareholders shall be sent to each shareholder entitled to vote not less than ten (10) days nor more than fifty (50) days before the meeting, except in the case of a meeting for the purpose of approving a merger or consolidation agreement, in which case the notice must be given not less than twenty (20) days prior to the date of the meeting.

 

2.5                                  Contents of Notice. Notice of any meeting of shareholders shall specify the place, date, and hour of the meeting. The Notice may state the means of any remote communications by which shareholders may be considered present and may vote at the meeting.  The notice shall also specify the purpose of the meeting if it is a special meeting, or if its purpose, or one of its purposes, will be to consider a proposed amendment of the Articles of Incorporation, to consider a proposed merger or consolidation, to consider a proposed reduction of stated capital without amendment, to consider a voluntary dissolution or the revocation of a voluntary dissolution by the act of the Corporation, or to consider a proposed disposition of all, or substantially all, of the assets of the Corporation outside of the ordinary course of business.

 

2.6                                  Notice of Adjourned Meeting. When a shareholders’ meeting is adjourned for thirty (30) days or more, notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given as in the case of an original meeting. When a meeting is adjourned for less than thirty (30) days, it is not necessary to give any notice of the time and place of the adjourned meeting or of the business to be transacted thereat, other than by announcement at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken.

 

2.7                                  Call of Special Meetings. Upon request in writing to the President, a Vice-President, or the  Secretary, sent by registered mail or delivered to the Officer in person, by any persons entitled to call a meeting of shareholders, they forthwith shall cause notice to be given to the shareholders entitled to vote, that a meeting will be held at a time fixed by the Officer, not less than ten (10) days after the receipt of the request. The request will state the purposes of the proposed meeting.  Business transacted at all special meetings will be confined to the purposes stated in the notice of the meeting unless all shareholders entitled to vote are present and consent otherwise.  If the notice is not given within seven (7) days after the date of delivery, or the date of mailing of the request, the persons calling the meeting may fix the time of the meeting and give the notice in the manner provided in these Third Amended and Restated Bylaws (“Bylaws”). Nothing contained in this section shall be construed as limiting, fixing, or affecting the time or date when a meeting of shareholders called by action of the Board of Directors may be held.

 

2.8                                  Persons Entitled to Call Special Meetings. Special meetings of the shareholders, for any purpose whatsoever, may be called at any time by any of the following: (1) the President; (2) the Board of Directors; or (3) the President at the request of the holders of not less than Fifty Percent (50%) of all outstanding shares of the Corporation entitled to vote at such meetings.

 

2.9                                  Quorum of Shareholders . The presence in person or by proxy of the persons entitled to vote Fifty Percent (50%) of the voting shares at any meeting constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business except as otherwise provided by statute or these Bylaws.

 

2.10                            Loss of Quorum. In the absence of a quorum, any meeting of shareholders may be adjourned from time to time by the vote of a majority of the shares entitled to vote, the holders of which are either present in person or represented by proxy thereat, but no other business may be transacted. Notwithstanding the above, shareholders present at a duly organized meeting with a quorum present may continue to do business until adjournment, notwithstanding the withdrawal of enough shareholders to leave less than a quorum.

 

2.11                            Record Date for Determination of Shareholders. The Board of Directors may fix in advance a date as the record date for any such determination of shareholders, such date in any case to be no more than fifty (50) days and, in case of meeting of shareholders, not less than ten (10) days prior to the date on which the particular action requiring such determination of shareholders is to be taken.

 

2.12                            Date of Notice or Resolution for Determination of Shareholders. If no record date is fixed for the determination of shareholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of shareholders, the date on which notice of the meeting is mailed or the date on which the resolution of the Board of Directors

 

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declaring such dividend is adopted, as the case may be, is the record date for such determination of shareholders.

 

2.13                            Adjourned Meetings. When any determination of shareholders entitled to vote at any meeting of shareholders has been made as provided in this Article, such determination shall apply to any adjournment thereof.

 

2.14                            Inspectors of Election. The Chairman of each meeting of shareholders shall appoint one or more persons to act as inspector(s) of election. The inspector(s) of election shall report to the meeting the number of shares of each class and series of stock, and of all classes, represented either in person or by proxy that are entitled to vote. The inspector(s) of election shall oversee the vote of the shareholders for the election of Directors and for any other matters that are put to a vote of shareholders entitled to vote at the meeting; judge the qualifications of shareholders voting; collect, count, and report the results of ballots cast by any shareholders voting in person; and perform such other duties as may be required by the Chairman of the meeting or the shareholders.

 

2.15                            Notice of Shareholder Business. At an annual meeting of shareholders, only such business shall be conducted as shall have been brought before the meeting (i) by or at the direction of the Board of Directors or (ii) by any shareholder of the Corporation entitled to vote who complies with the notice procedure set forth. For business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a shareholder, the shareholder entitled to vote must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the Secretary of the Corporation.

 

To be timely, a shareholder’s notice must be delivered to or mailed and received at the principal executive offices of the Corporation, not less than forty-five (45) days before the date the Corporation mailed its proxy materials for the prior year’s annual meeting (such date to be identified in the prior year’s proxy statement). A shareholder’s notice to the Secretary shall set forth as to each matter the shareholder proposes to bring before the annual meeting the following information: (a) a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the annual meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the annual meeting; (b) the name and address of the shareholder proposing such business; (c) the number of shares of the Corporation which are beneficially owned by the shareholder; and (d) any material interest of the shareholder in such business. Notwithstanding anything in these Bylaws to the contrary, no business shall be conducted at an annual meeting except in accordance with these procedures. The Chairman of an annual meeting shall, if the facts warrant, determine and declare to the meeting that business was not properly brought before the meeting and in accordance with these provisions, and if he should so determine, he shall so declare to the meeting and any such business not properly brought before the meeting shall not be transacted.

 

2.16                            Voting List. At least eleven (11) days before each meeting of shareholders, a complete list of the shareholders entitled to vote at such meeting or any adjournment thereof, arranged in alphabetical order, with the address of and the type and number of shares held by each, shall be kept on file at the registered office of the Corporation and shall be subject to inspection of any shareholder during the whole time of the meeting. The share logs provided by the Corporation’s transfer agent shall be prima facie evidence as to who are the shareholders entitled to examine such list. However, failure to prepare and to make available such list in the manner provided above shall not affect the validity of any action taken at the meeting. Alternatively, the list of shareholders may be kept on a reasonably accessible electronic network, if the information required to gain access to the list is provided with the notice of the meeting.  The Corporation is not required to include any electronic contact information of any shareholder on the list.  If the Corporation elects to make the list available on an electronic network, the Corporation will take reasonable steps to ensure that the information is available only to shareholders of the Corporation.  The list will be produced and kept open at the place and for the duration of the meeting and will be subject to inspection by any shareholder present.  If the meeting is held by remote communication, the list must be open to the examination of any shareholder for the duration of the meeting on a reasonable accessible electronic network, and the information required to access the list must be provided to shareholders with the notice of the meeting.

 

2.17                            Votes Per Share. Each outstanding share, regardless of class, shall be entitled to one vote on each matter submitted to a vote at a meeting of the shareholders, except to the extent that the voting rights of shares of any class or classes are limited by the Articles of Incorporation, as amended.

 

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2.18                            Cumulative Voting. Directors shall be elected by a plurality vote. Cumulative voting shall not be permitted.

 

2.19                            Voting by Voice and Ballot. Elections for Directors need not be by ballot unless a shareholder entitled to vote demands election by ballot at the election and before the voting begins.

 

2.20                            Proxies. A shareholder may vote either in person or by proxy executed in writing by a shareholder entitled to vote or by his authorized attorney in fact. No proxy shall be valid after eleven (11) months from the date of its execution unless otherwise provided in the proxy. Each proxy shall be revocable unless expressly provided therein to be irrevocable, and in no event shall it remain irrevocable for a period of more than eleven (11) months. A telegram telex, cablegram, or similar transmission by the shareholder or a photographic, photostatic, facsimile, or other similar reproduction of a writing executed by the shareholder will be treated as an execution in writing.  Any electronic transmission must contain or be accompanied by information from which it can be determined that the transmission was authorized by the shareholder.

 

2.21                            Waiver of Notice. Any notice required by law or these Bylaws may be waived by the execution by the person entitled to the notice of a written waiver of such notice, which may be signed before or after the time stated in the notice.

 

2.22                            Action Without Meeting. Any action that may be taken at a meeting of the shareholders, may be taken without a meeting if authorized by a writing dated and signed by the shareholder or shareholders having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to take such action at a meeting at which the holders of all shares entitled to vote on the action were present and voted. The writing authorizing the action without a meeting must be filed with the President of the Corporation.  An electronic transmission (if the Corporation can determine that the transmission was transmitted by the shareholder on the date it was transmitted) by a shareholder or reproduction of a writing signed by a shareholder is regarded as signed for the purposes of this Section of the Bylaws.  Consent given by electronic communication is not regarded as delivered until it is reproduced in paper form and delivered to the Corporation.  Any signed consent or consents, or a signed copy thereof, shall be placed in the Minute Book of the Corporation.  Prompt notice of any action taken by shareholders without a meeting by less than unanimous written consent, if permitted, must be given to those shareholders who did not consent in writing to the action, but advance notice is not required.

 

2.23                            Conduct of Meetings. At every meeting of the shareholders, the President, or in his absence, the Vice-President designated by the President, or in the absence of any such designation, a Chairman (who shall be one of the Vice-Presidents, if any is present) chosen by majority in interest of the shareholders of the Corporation present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote, shall act as Chairman. The Secretary of the Corporation, or in his absence, an Assistant Secretary, shall act as Secretary of all meetings of the shareholders. In the absence at such meeting of the Secretary or Assistant Secretary, the Chairman may appoint another person to act as Secretary of the meeting.

 

2.24                            Telephone or Remote Communication Meetings.   Shareholders may participate in and hold a meeting by means of a conference telephone or other similar means of remote communication equipment so that all participants in the meeting can communicate with each other.  Participation in such a meeting will constitute presence at the meeting, except when a person participates in the meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.  If voting takes place at such a meeting, the Corporation must (A) implement reasonable measures to verify that each person considered present and permitted to vote at the meeting is a shareholder and (B) maintain a record of any vote or other action taken at the meeting.

 

 

ARTICLE III

 

DIRECTORS

 

3.1                                  Directors Defined. “Directors” when used in relation to any power or duty requiring collective action, means “Board of Directors.”

 

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3.2                                  Powers. The business and affairs of the Corporation and all corporate powers shall be exercised by or under authority of the Board of Directors, subject to limitation imposed by law the Articles of Incorporation, as amended, or these Bylaws as to action which requires authorization or approval by the shareholders.

 

3.3                                  Number and Election of Directors.   The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by a Board of Directors, which shall have and may exercise all of the powers of the Corporation, except such as are expressly conferred upon the Shareholders by law, by the Articles of Incorporation as amended  or by these Bylaws. Subject to the rights of the holders of shares of any series of preferred stock then outstanding to elect additional Directors under specific circumstances, the Board of Directors shall consist of not less than three (3) nor more than twenty-one (21) persons. The exact number of Directors within the minimum and maximum limitations specified in the preceding sentence shall be fixed from time to time by either: (i) the Board of Directors pursuant to a resolution adopted by a majority of the entire Board of Directors, (ii) the affirmative vote of the holders of 66 2/3% or more of the voting power of all of the shares of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of Directors, voting together as a single class, or (iii) the Articles of Incorporation, as amended. No decrease in the number of Directors constituting the Board of Directors shall shorten the term of any incumbent Director; provided, however, that the term of existing Directors may be shortened to comply with Texas law. The Directors shall be divided into two classes, as nearly equal in number as possible, with the term of office of the first class to expire at the 2001 annual meeting of shareholders and the term of the second class to expire at the 2002 annual meeting of shareholders (an initial two (2) year term), and with the members of each class to hold office until their successors have been elected and qualified. At each annual meeting of shareholders following such initial classification and election, Directors, elected to succeed those Directors whose terms expire, shall be elected for a term of office for the class whose term of office expires at all such future annual meetings.

 

3.4                                  Vacancies. Vacancies in the Board of Directors shall exist in the case of the happening of any of the following events: (a) the death, resignation, or removal of any Directors; (b) the authorized number of Directors is increased; (c) at any annual, regular, or special meeting of shareholders at which any Director is elected, the shareholders entitled to vote fail to elect the full authorized number of Directors to be voted for at that meeting; or (d) the terms of Directors elected pursuant to dividend default voting rights end prior to a meeting of the shareholders.

 

3.5                                  Declaration of Vacancy. The Board of Directors may declare vacant the office of a Director in either of the following cases: (a) if he is adjudged incompetent by an order of court, or finally convicted of a felony; or (b) if within sixty (60) days after notice of his election, he does not accept the office either in writing or by attending a meeting of the Board of Directors.

 

3.6                                  Filling Vacancies by Directors. Vacancies of generally elected Directors may be filled by an affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining generally elected Directors, though less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining generally elected Director. Vacancies of Directors elected pursuant to a dividend default election by preferred shareholders shall be filled by the remaining Directors so elected. Each Director so elected shall hold office until his successor is elected at an annual, regular, or special meeting of the shareholders.

 

3.7                                  Filling Vacancies by Shareholders – Reduction of Authorized Number of Directors. In the event a vacancy in the number of generally elected Directors or in the number of Directors elected pursuant to default dividend voting rights of preferred shareholders exists and is not filled by the appropriate remaining Directors, the vacancy may be filled by a vote of either the common stockholders or the holders of preferred shares with the right to elect the Director whose vacancy is being filled, as appropriate. If the Board of Directors accepts the resignation of a Director tendered to take effect at a future time, the appropriate remaining Directors failing to fill the vacancy within ten (10) days of the effective date of the resignation, the shareholders may elect a successor to take office unless the Board fills the vacancy prior to the shareholders’ vote. A reduction of the authorized number of Directors does not remove any Director prior to the expiration of his term of office.

 

3.8                                  Removal of Directors. Any Director, or the entire Board of Directors, may be removed from office at any time only for cause and only by the affirmative vote of the holders of 66 2/3% or more of

 

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the voting power of all of the shares of the Corporation entitled to vote in the election of such Directors. “Cause” shall be exclusively defined to mean: (a) conviction of a felony, (b) proof of the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Director which is materially detrimental to the Corporation, or (c) proof of a breach of fiduciary duty of such Director which is materially detrimental to the Corporation.

 

3.9                                  Place of Meetings. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at any place within or without the State of Texas which has been designated from time to time by resolution of the Board or by written consent of all members of the Board. In the absence of such designation, regular meetings shall be held at the registered office of the Corporation. Special meetings of the Board may be held either at a place so designated or at the registered office. Any regular or special meeting is valid, wherever held, if held on written consent of all members of the Board given either before or after the meeting and filed with the Secretary of the Corporation.

 

3.10                            Regular and Special Meetings. Regular meetings of the Board of Directors shall be held at such time and place as shall from time to time be determined by the Board. Special meetings of the Board of Directors shall be called by the President or if he is absent or is unable or refuses to act, by a Vice-President or by any two Directors.

 

3.11                            Notice of Meeting. Written notice of the time and place of the regular or special meetings of the Board of Directors shall be delivered personally to each Director, or sent to each Director by mail or by other form of written communication at least two (2) days before the meeting. If the address of a Director is not shown on the records and is not readily ascertainable, notice shall be addressed to him at the city of place in which the meetings of the Directors are regularly held. Notice of the time and place of holding an adjourned meeting of a meeting need not be given to absent Directors if the time and place are fixed at the meeting adjourned.

 

3.12                            Call of Regular Meeting. All regular meetings of the Board of Directors of this Corporation shall be called by the President, or, if he is absent or is unable or refuses to act, by any Vice-President or by any two Directors.

 

3.13                            Validation of Meeting Defectively Called or Noticed. The transactions of any meeting of the Board of Directors, however called and noticed or wherever held, are as valid as though had at a meeting duly held after regular call and notice, if a quorum is present, and if, either before or after the meeting, each of the Directors not present signs a waiver of notice, a consent to holding the meeting, or an approval of the minutes thereof. All such waivers, consents, or approvals shall be filed with the corporate records or made a part of the minutes of the meeting. Attendance by a Director at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of the meeting, unless the express purpose for such attendance is to present the objection that the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.

 

3.14                            Quorum. A majority of the authorized number of Directors constitutes a quorum of the Board for the transaction of business.

 

3.15                            Majority Action. Every act or decision done or made by a majority of the Directors present at any meeting duly held at which a quorum is present is the act of the Board of Directors, unless an action of a greater number is required by the Articles of Incorporation, as amended, or these Bylaws. Each Director who is present at a meeting will be deemed to have assented to any action taken at such meeting unless his dissent to the action is entered in the minutes of the meeting, or unless he shall file his written dissent thereto with the Secretary of the meeting or shall forward such dissent by registered mail to the Secretary of the Corporation immediately after such meeting.

 

3.16                            Action by Consent of Board Without Meeting. Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Board of Directors under the law shall individually or collectively be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote if a consent in writing to such action is signed by all members of the Board of Directors. Such written consent or consents shall be filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Board. Such action by written consent shall have the same force and effect as a unanimous vote of such Directors. A telegram, telex, cablegram, or other electronic transmission by a Director consenting to an action to be taken and transmitted by a Director is considered written, signed, and dated for the purposes of this Section if the transmission sets forth or is delivered with information from which the Corporation can determine that the transmission was transmitted by the Director and the date on which the Director

 

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transmitted the transmission.  Any certificate or other document filed under the law which relates to action so taken shall state that the action was taken by unanimous written consent of the Board of Directors without a meeting and that these Bylaws authorize the Directors to so act, and such statement shall be prima facie evidence of such authority.

 

3.17                            Adjournment. In the absence of a quorum, a majority of the Directors present may adjourn from time to time until the time fixed for the next regular meeting of the Board.

 

3.18                            Conduct of Meetings. At every meeting of the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, if there shall be such an Officer, and if not, the President, or in his absence a Vice-President designated by him, or in the absence of such designation, a Chairman chosen by a majority of the Directors present, shall preside. The Secretary of the Corporation shall act as Secretary of the Board of Directors. In case the Secretary shall be absent from any meeting, the Chairman may appoint any person to act as Secretary of the meeting.

 

3.19                            Indemnification of Directors and Officers. The Board of Directors shall authorize the Corporation to pay or reimburse any present or former Director or Officer of the Corporation any costs or expenses actually and necessarily incurred by him in any action, suit, or proceeding to which he is made a party by reason of his holding such position; provided, however, that he shall not receive such indemnification if he be finally adjudicated therein to be liable for gross negligence. The indemnification herein provided shall also extend to good faith expenditures incurred in anticipation of, or preparation for, threatened or proposed litigation. The Board of Directors may, in proper cases, extend the indemnification to cover the good faith settlement of any such action, suit, or proceeding, whether formally instituted or not to the maximum extent permitted by law.

 

3.20                            Interested Directors. Any contract or other transaction between the Corporation and any of its Directors (or any corporation or entity in which any of its Directors is directly or indirectly interested) shall be valid for all purposes notwithstanding the presence of such Director at the meeting authorizing such contract or transaction, or his participation in such meeting. The foregoing shall, however, apply only if the interest of each such Director is known or disclosed to the Board of Directors and it shall nevertheless authorize or ratify such contract or transaction by a majority of the Directors present, each such interested Director to be counted in determining whether a quorum is present, but not in calculating the majority necessary to carry such vote. This section shall not be construed to invalidate any contract or transaction which would be valid in the absence of this paragraph.

 

3.21                            Committees. The Board of Directors, by an affirmative vote of a majority of the members constituting the Board of Directors, may appoint such committees which shall have and may exercise such powers as shall be conferred or authorized by resolution of the Board. However, no such committee shall have power or authority to take any action that is specifically required by statute to be taken by the entire Board of Directors.  A majority of any such committee may determine its action and fix the time and place of its meetings unless the Board of Directors shall otherwise provide. The Board of Directors, by such affirmative vote, shall have power at any time to change the powers and members of such committee. In the absence or disqualification of any member of such committee or committees, the member or members thereof present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not he or they constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board of Directors to act at the meeting in the place of any such absent or disqualified member.  Each committee shall keep regular minutes of its meetings and report the same to the Board of Directors when required.  At meetings of any committee, a majority of the members of that committee constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business, and the act of a majority of the members present at any meeting at which a quorum is present will be the act of the committee, except as otherwise specifically provided by statute, the Articles of Incorporation, as amended, or these Bylaws.  The designation of any committee of the Board of Directors and the delegation thereto of authority will not operate to relieve the Board of Directors or any member thereof of any responsibility imposed on the Board or the member by law.

 

3.22                            Telephone or Remote Communication Meetings.   Directors may participate in and hold a meeting by means of a conference telephone or other similar means of remote communication equipment so that all participants in the meeting can communicate with each other.  Participation in such a meeting will constitute presence at the meeting, except when a person participates in the meeting for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting is not lawfully called

 

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or convened.  If voting takes place at such a meeting, the Corporation must: (A) implement reasonable measures to verify that each person considered present and permitted to vote at the meeting is a Director and (B) maintain a record of any vote or other action taken at the meeting.

 

3.23                            Compensation of Directors.   Directors may receive compensation for their services and reimbursement for their expenses established by the Board of Directors, by resolution, provided that nothing herein will preclude any Director from serving the Corporation in any other capacity and receiving compensation for that service.

 

3.24                            Resignations.   A Director may resign at any time by giving written or electronic transmission of a notice to the Chairman of the Board of Directors.  The resignation will take effect as of the date of the receipt of notice or any later time specified therein, and, unless otherwise specified, the acceptance of the resignation will not be necessary to make it effective.

 

ARTICLE IV

 

OFFICERS

 

4.1                                  Number and Titles. The Officers of the Corporation shall be a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. The Corporation may also have, at the discretion of the Board of Directors, a Chairman of the Board, one or more additional Vice-Presidents, one or more Assistant Secretaries, one or more Assistant Treasurers, and such other Officers as may be appointed in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.3 of this Article. One person may hold two or more offices.

 

4.2                                  Election. The Officers of the Corporation, except such Officers as may be appointed in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.3 or Section 4.5 of this Article, shall be chosen by the Board of Directors, and each shall hold his office until he shall resign or shall be removed or otherwise disqualified to serve, or his successor shall be elected and qualified.

 

4.3                                  Subordinate Officers. The Board of Directors may appoint such other Officers or agents as the business of the Corporation may require, each of whom shall hold office for such period, have such authority, and perform such duties as are provided in these Bylaws or as the Board of Directors may from time to time determine. The Board of Directors may delegate to any Officer or committee the power to appoint any such subordinate Officers, committees, or agents, to specify their duties, and to determine their compensation.

 

4.4                                  Removal and Resignation. Any Officer may be removed, either with or without cause, by a majority of the Directors at any regular or special meeting of the Board, or, except in case of an Officer chosen by the Board of Directors, by any committee or Officer upon whom such power of removal may be conferred by the Board of Directors; provided, however, that such removal shall not be with prejudice to the contract rights, if any, of the person removed. Any Officer may resign at any time by giving written notice to the Board of Directors or to the President, or the Secretary of the Corporation. Any such resignation shall take effect at the date of the receipt of such notice or at any later time specified therein; and, unless otherwise specified therein, the acceptance of such resignation shall not be necessary to make it effective.

 

4.5                                  Vacancies. If the office of the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Secretary (if any), or Assistant Treasurer (if any) becomes vacant by reason of death, resignation, removal, or otherwise, the Board of Directors shall elect a successor who shall hold office for the unexpired term and until his successor is elected.

 

4.6                                  Chairman of the Board. The Chairman of the Board, if there shall be such an Officer, shall, if present, preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors and at all meetings of the shareholders and shall have the responsibility of directing and consulting with the President and supervising the President in the discharge of all of his duties hereafter specified in Section 4.7. Further, the Chairman of the Board is hereby authorized to exercise, in the absence of the President, the same authority and powers as are hereinafter vested in the President, except when otherwise required by law.

 

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4.7            President. Subject to the direction of the Board of Directors, and subject to the powers vested in the Chairman of the Board by these Bylaws, if there shall be such an Officer, the President shall be the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation and, as such, shall be responsible for the general supervision, direction, and control of the business and Officers of the Corporation, and shall have the general powers and duties of management usually vested in the office of the President of a corporation, by the Board of Directors or the Bylaws. Within this authority and in the course of his duties he shall:

 

(a)            Conduct Meetings. Preside at all meetings of the shareholders and, in the absence of the Chairman of the Board, at all meetings of the Board of Directors and shall be ex officio a member of all the standing committees, including the Executive Committee, if any.

 

(b)            Sign Share Certificates. Sign all certificates of stock of the Corporation, in conjunction with the Secretary or Assistant Secretary, unless otherwise ordered by the Board of Directors.

 

(c)            Execute Instruments. When authorized by the Board of Directors, execute in the name of the Corporation deeds, conveyances, notices, leases, checks, drafts, bills of exchange, warrants, promissory notes, bonds, debentures, contracts, and other papers and instruments in writing.

 

(d)            Hire and Fire Employees. Subject to the authorization of the Board of Directors, appoint and remove, employ and discharge, and prescribe the duties and fix the compensation of all agents, employees, and clerks of the Corporation other than the duly appointed Officers of the Corporation.

 

(e)            Meetings of the Other Corporations. Unless otherwise directed by the Board of Directors, attend in person or by substitute appointed by him, and act and vote on behalf of the Corporation, at all meetings of the shareholders of any corporation in which this Corporation holds stock.

 

4.8            Vice-President. In the absence or disability of the President, the Vice-Presidents, in order of their rank as fixed by the Board of Directors, or, if not ranked, the Vice-President designated by the Board of Directors, shall perform all the duties of the President, and when so acting shall have all the powers of and be subject to all the restrictions on the President.

 

4.9            Secretary. The Secretary shall:

 

(a)            Sign Share Certificates. Sign, with the President or a Vice-President, certificates for the shares of the Corporation.

 

(b)            Attest Bylaws. Attest and keep at the principal office of the Corporation the original or a copy of its Bylaws as amended or otherwise altered to date.

 

(c)            Minutes of Meetings. Keep at the principal office of the Corporation, or such other place as the Board of Directors may order, a book of minutes of all meetings of its Directors and shareholders, Executive Committee, if any, and other committees, with the time and place of holding, whether regular or special, and if special, how authorized, the notice thereof given, the names of those present at Directors’ meetings, the number of shares of members present or represented at shareholders’ meetings, and the proceedings thereof.

 

(d)            Sign or Attest Documents and Affix Seal. Sign or attest such documents as may be required by law or the business of the Corporation, and to keep the corporate seal and affix it to such instruments as may be necessary or proper.

 

(e)            Notices. See that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws or as required by law. In case of the absence or disability of the Secretary, or his refusal to or neglect to act, notice may be given and served by a Vice-President or by the Board of Directors.

 

(f)             Custodian of Records and Seal. Be custodian of the records and of the seal of the Corporation and see that it is engraved, lithographed, printed, stamped, impressed upon, or affixed to all

 

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certificated shares prior to their issuance and to any documents, the execution of which on behalf of the Corporation under its seal is required and duly authorized in accordance with the provisions of these Bylaws.

 

(g)            Share Register. Monitor the share register kept by the Corporation’s transfer agent showing the names of the shareholders and their addresses; the number, date of issue, and class of shares represented by each outstanding share certificate; and the number and date of cancellation of each certificate surrendered for cancellation, and all relevant information for holders of uncertificated shares. In the event the Corporation has no transfer agent, the Secretary will maintain the above mentioned records at the principal office of the Corporation.

 

(h)            Reports and Statements. See that the books, reports, statements, certificates, and all other documents and records required by law are properly kept and filed.

 

(i)             Exhibit Records. Exhibit at all reasonable times to any Director on application, or on written demand stating the purpose thereof of any person who has been a shareholder of record for at least six (6) months immediately preceding his demand or who is the holder of record of at least Five Percent (5%) of all of the outstanding shares of the Corporation, upon application, the Bylaws, the share register, and minutes of proceedings of the shareholders and Directors of the Corporation.

 

(j)             Other Duties. In general, perform all duties incident to the office of Secretary, and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the Board of Directors.

 

(k)            Absence of Secretary. In the case of the absence or disability of the Secretary or his refusal or neglect to act, the Assistant Secretary, or if there be none, the Treasurer, acting as Assistant Secretary, may perform all of the functions of the Secretary.  The Assistant Secretary and Treasurer, or any person thereunto authorized by the President or a Vice-President or by the Board of Directors, may perform the functions of the Secretary.

 

4.10          Assistant Secretary. At the request of the Secretary or in his absence or disability, the Assistant Secretary, designated as set forth in preceding Section 4.9(k) of these Bylaws, shall perform all the duties of the Secretary. The Assistant Secretary shall perform such other duties from time to time assigned to him by the Board of Directors or the Secretary.

 

4.11          Treasurer. The Treasurer shall:

 

(a)            Funds – Custody and Deposit. Have charge and custody of, and be responsible for, all funds and securities of the Corporation, and deposit all such funds in the name of the Corporation in such banks, trust companies, or other depositories as shall be selected by the Board of Directors.

 

(b)            Funds – Receipts. Receive and give receipt for monies due and payable to the Corporation from any source whatsoever.

 

(c)            Funds – Disbursements. Disburse or cause to be disbursed the funds of the Corporation as may be directed by the Board of Directors, taking proper vouchers for such disbursements.

 

(d)            Maintain Accounts. Keep and maintain adequate and correct accounts for the Corporation’s properties and business transactions, including account of its assets, liabilities, receipts, disbursements, gains, losses, capital surplus, and shares. Any surplus, including earned surplus, paid-in surplus, and surplus arising from a reduction of stated capital shall be classified according to source and shown in a separate account.

 

(e)            Exhibit Records. Exhibit at all reasonable times the books of account and records to any Director on application, or to any person who has been a shareholder of record for at least six (6) months immediately preceding his demand or who is the holder of record of at least Five Percent (5%) of all outstanding shares of the Corporation on written demand stating the

 

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purpose thereof, during business hours at the office of the Corporation where such books and records are kept.

 

(f)             Reports to President and Directors. Render to the President and Directors, whenever they request it, an account of all his transactions as Treasurer and of the financial condition of the Corporation.

 

(g)            Financial Report to Shareholders. Prepare, or cause to be prepared, and certify the financial statements to be included in the annual report to shareholders and statements of the affairs of the Corporation.

 

(h)            Bond. Give to the Corporation a bond, if required by the Board of Directors or by the President, in a sum, and with one or more sureties, or a surety company satisfactory to the Board, for the faithful performance of the duties of his office and for the restoration to the Corporation, in case of his death, resignation, retirement, or removal from office, of all books, papers, vouchers, money, and other property of whatever kind in his possession or under his control belonging to the Corporation.

 

(i)             Other Duties. In general, perform all the duties incident to the office of Treasurer and such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the Board of Directors.

 

(j)             Absence of Treasurer. In case of the absence or disability of the Treasurer or his refusal or neglect to act, the Assistant Treasurer or the Secretary acting as Assistant Treasurer, may perform all of the functions of the Treasurer. In the absence or inability to act, or refusal or neglect to act, of the Treasurer, the Assistant Treasurer, and the Secretary, or any person thereunto authorized by the President or a Vice-President or by the Board of Directors, may perform the functions of the Treasurer.

 

4.12                            Assistant Treasurer. The Assistant Treasurer, if required to do so by the Board of Directors, shall give bond for the faithful discharge of his duties, in such sum, and with such sureties as the Board of Directors shall require. At the request of the Treasurer, or in his absence or disability, the Assistant Treasurer designated as set forth in the preceding Section 4.11(j) of these Bylaws shall perform all of the duties of the Treasurer, and when so acting, he shall have all the powers of, and be subject to all the restrictions on, the Treasurer. He shall perform such other duties as from time to time may be assigned to him by the Board of Directors or the Treasurer.

 

4.13                            Salaries. The salaries of the Officers shall be fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors, and no Officer shall be prevented from receiving such salary by reason of the fact that he is also a Director of the Corporation.

 

ARTICLE V

 

EXECUTION OF INSTRUMENTS AND DEPOSIT OF FUNDS

 

5.1                                  Authority for Execution of Instruments. The Board of Directors, except as otherwise provided in these Bylaws, may authorize any Officer or Officers, agent or agents, to enter into any contract or execute and deliver any instrument in the name of and on behalf of the Corporation, and such authority may be general or confined to specific instances; and unless so authorized, no Officer, agent or employee other than the President shall have any power or authority to bind the Corporation by any contract or engagement or to pledge its credit or to render it liable pecuniarily for any purpose or in any amount.

 

5.2                                  Execution of Instruments. Unless otherwise specifically determined by the Board of Directors or otherwise required by law, formal contracts of the Corporation, promissory notes, mortgages, and other evidence of indebtedness of the Corporation, and other corporate instruments or documents, and certificated shares of stock owned by the Corporation, shall be executed, signed, or endorsed by the President or a Vice-President and by the Secretary or the Treasurer, or any Assistant Secretary or Assistant Treasurer, and may have the corporate seal affixed thereto.

 

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5.3                                  Bank Accounts and Deposits. All funds of the Corporation shall be deposited from time to time to the credit of the Corporation with such banks, trust companies, or other depositories as the Board of Directors may select or as may be selected by any Officer or Officers, agent or agents of the Corporation to whom such power may be delegated from time to time by the Board of Directors.

 

5.4                                  Endorsements Without Countersignature. Endorsements for deposit to the credit of the Corporation in any of its duly authorized depositories may be made without countersignature by the President or any Vice-President, or the Treasurer or any Assistant Treasurer, or by any other Officer or agent of the Corporation to whom the Board of Directors, by resolution, shall have delegated the power, or by hand stamped impression in the name of the Corporation.

 

5.5                                  Signing of Checks, Drafts, Etc. All checks, drafts, or other orders for payment of money, notes, or other evidences of indebtedness, issued in the name of or payable to the Corporation shall be signed or endorsed by such person or persons and in such manner as shall be determined from time to time by the Chief Executive Officer and the Treasurer.

 

 

ARTICLE VI

 

ISSUANCE AND TRANSFER OF CERTIFICATED AND UNCERTIFICATED SHARES

 

6.1                                  Classes and Series of Shares. The Corporation may issue shares with such preferences, rights, privileges, and restrictions as stated in the Articles of Incorporation, as amended.

 

6.2                                  Form of Shares.   The shares of the Corporation may be either certificated shares or uncertificated shares or a combination thereof.  A resolution approved by a majority of the Board of Directors may provide that some or all of any or all classes and series of the shares of the Corporation will be uncertificated shares.  If the Corporation changes to uncertificated shares after certificates have been issued, a certificated ownership interest subject to the change becomes an uncertificated ownership interest only after the certificate is surrendered to the Corporation.

 

6.3                                  Certificates for Fully Paid Shares. Neither certificated nor uncertificated shares may be issued by the Corporation until the full amount of the consideration has been paid. When such consideration has been paid to the Corporation, the shares shall be deemed to have been issued and the certificate, or similar documentation in the case of uncertificated shares,  representing such shares shall be issued to the shareholder.

 

6.4                                  Fractional Shares . The Corporation may, but shall not be obligated to, issue a certificate, or similar documentation in the case of uncertificated shares, for a fractional share, and the Board of Directors may, in lieu thereof, arrange for the disposition thereof by those entitled thereto, by paying the fair value in cash or issuing scrip in registered or bearer form which shall entitle the holder to receive a certificate, or similar documentation in the case of uncertificated shares, for a full share only upon the surrender of such scrip aggregating a full share. A certificate, or similar documentation in the case of uncertificated shares, for a fractional share shall, but scrip shall not, unless otherwise provided herein, entitle the holder to exercise voting rights, to receive dividends, or to participate in any of the assets of the Corporation in the event of liquidation. Such scrip, if issued, shall become void if not exchanged for certificates, or similar documentation in the case of uncertificated shares, representing full shares within one year after its issue, or such scrip may be subject to the condition that the shares for which it is exchangeable may be sold by the Corporation and the proceeds thereof distributed to the holders of such scrip, and the same may be subject to any other conditions which the Board of Directors may deem advisable.

 

6.5                                  Consideration for Shares. The consideration paid for the issuance of shares may consist of money paid, labor done, property actually received, promissory notes or the promise of future services.

 

6.6                                  Contents of Share Certificates. Certificates for shares, or similar documentation in the case of uncertificated shares, shall be of such form and style, printed or otherwise, as the Board of Directors may designate, and each certificate, or similar documentation in the case of uncertificated shares, shall state all of the following facts:

 

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(a)            That the Corporation is organized under the laws of the State of Texas;

 

(b)            The name of the person to whom issued;

 

(c)            The number and class of shares and the designation of the series, if any, which such certificate represents; and

 

(d)            The par value of each share represented by such certificate or similar documentation in the case of uncertificated shares, or a statement that the shares are without par value.

 

6.7                                  Restriction on Transfer. Any restrictions imposed by the Corporation on the sale or other disposition of its shares and on the transfer thereof must be copied at length or in summary form on the face of each certificate representing shares to which the restriction applies or similar documentation in the case of uncertificated shares. The certificate may, however, state on the face or back that such a restriction exists pursuant to a specified document and that the Corporation will furnish a copy of the document to the holder of the certificate without charge upon written request to the Corporation at its principal place of business.

 

6.8                                  Preemptive Rights. In the case of certificated shares, any preemptive rights of a shareholder to acquire unissued or treasury shares of the Corporation which are limited or denied by the Articles of Incorporation, as amended, must be set forth at length on the face or back of the certificate representing shares subject thereto. In lieu of providing such a statement in full on the certificate, a statement on the face or back of the certificate may provide that the Corporation will furnish such information to any shareholder without charge upon written request to the Corporation at its principal place of business and that a copy of such information is on file in the office of the Secretary of State.

 

6.9                                  Signing Certificates – Facsimile Signatures. All certificated shares shall be signed by the President or a Vice-President and the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary. The signatures of the President or Vice-President, Secretary or Assistant Secretary may be facsimiles if the certificate is countersigned by a transfer agent or registered by a registrar either of which is not the Corporation itself or an employee of the Corporation. If the Officer who has signed or whose facsimile signature has been placed on the certificate has ceased to be such Officer before the certificate is issued, the certificate may be issued by the Corporation with the same effect as if he were such Officer at the date of its issuance.

 

6.10                            Transfer of Lost or Destroyed Shares. In the case of certificated shares, where a share certificate has been lost, apparently destroyed, or wrongfully taken and the owner fails to notify the Corporation of that fact within a reasonable time after he has notice of it, and the Corporation registers a transfer of the share represented by the certificate before receiving such a notification, the owner is precluded from asserting against the Corporation any claim for registering the transfer or any claim to a new certificate.

 

6.11                            Replacement of Lost or Destroyed Certificates. In the case of certificated shares, where the holder of a share certificate claims that the certificate has been lost, destroyed, or wrongfully taken, the Corporation shall issue a new certificate in place of the original certificate if the owner so requests (before the Corporation has notice that the share has been acquired by a bona fide purchaser) and files with the Corporation a sufficient indemnity bond and satisfies any other reasonable requirements imposed by the Board of Directors.

 

6.12                            Transfer After Replacement. If, after the issue of a new security as a replacement for a lost, destroyed, or wrongfully taken certificated security, a bona fide purchaser of the original certificate presents it for registration or transfer, the Corporation must register the transfer unless registration would result in overissue. In addition to any rights on the indemnity bond, the Corporation may recover the new security from the person to whom it was issued or any person taken under him except a bona fide purchaser.

 

6.13                            Transfers of Shares. Certificated shares of the Corporation will only be transferred on its books upon the surrender to the Corporation of the share certificates duly endorsed or accompanied by proper evidence of succession, assignment, or authority to transfer.  The surrendered certificates shall be canceled, new certificates issued to the person entitled to them, and the transaction recorded on the books

 

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of the Corporation.  Uncertificated shares will only be transferred on the books of the Corporation upon the written instruction from the registered or beneficial owner of such uncertificated shares or from a duly authorized attorney, or from an individual presenting proper evidence of succession, assignment, or authority to transfer the stock.

 

6.14                            Transfer Agents and Registrars. The Board of Directors may appoint one or more transfer agents or transfer clerks, and one or more registrars which shall preferably be an incorporated bank or trust company, either domestic or foreign, who shall be appointed at such times and places as the requirements of the Corporation may necessitate and the Board of Directors may designate.

 

6.15                            Deemed Ownership. A person in whose name shares of stock stand on the books of the Corporation shall be deemed the owner thereof as regards the Corporation.

 

6.16                            Reasonable Doubts as to Right to Transfer. When a transfer of shares is requested and there is reasonable doubt as to the right of the person seeking the transfer, the Corporation or its transfer agent, before recording the transfer of the shares on its books or issuing any certificate therefor, or similar documentation in the case of uncertificated shares, may require from the person seeking the transfer reasonable proof of his right to the transfer. If there remains a reasonable doubt for the right to the transfer, the Corporation may refuse a transfer unless the person gives adequate security or a bond or indemnity executed by a corporate surety or by two individual sureties satisfactory to the Corporation as to form, amount, and reasonability of sureties. The bond shall be conditioned to protect the Corporation, its Officers, transfer agents, and registrars, or any of them, against any loss, damage, expenses, or other liability to the owner of the issuance of new shares.

 

ARTICLE VII

 

CORPORATE RECORDS, REPORTS, AND SEAL

 

7.1                                  Minutes of Corporate Meetings. The Corporation shall keep at the registered office, or such other place as the Board of Directors may order, a book of minutes of all meetings of its Directors and of its shareholders or members with the time and place of holding, whether regular or special, and, if special, how authorized, the notice thereof given the names of those present at Directors’ meetings, the number of shares or members present or represented at shareholders’ or members’ meetings, and the proceedings thereof.

 

7.2                                  Books of Account. The Corporation shall keep and maintain adequate and correct accounts of its properties and business transactions, including accounts of its assets, liabilities, receipts, disbursements, gains, losses, capital, surplus, and shares. Any surplus, including earned surplus, paid-in surplus, and surplus arising from a reduction of stated capital, shall be classified according to source and shown in a separate account.

 

7.3                                  Share Register. The Corporation shall keep at the registered office, or at the office of the transfer agent, a share register, showing the names of the shareholders and their addresses, and the number and classes of shares held at each and the number and date of certificates issued for shares, and the number and date or cancellation of every certificate surrendered for cancellation, and all relevant information for holders of uncertificated shares. The above specified information may be kept by the Corporation on information storage devices related to electronic data processing equipment provided that such equipment is capable of reproducing the information in clearly legible form for the purposes of inspection as provided in Sections 7.4 and 7.5 of these Bylaws.

 

7.4                                  Inspection of Records by Shareholders. Any person who shall have been a shareholder of record for at least six (6) months immediately preceding his demand, or who is the holder of record of at least Five Percent (5%) of all of the outstanding shares of the Corporation, on written demand stating the purpose thereof, has the right to examine, in person, or by agent, accountant, or attorney, at any reasonable time or times, for any proper purpose, its books and records of account, minutes, and record of shareholders, and is entitled to make extracts therefrom (after payment of costs).

 

7.5                                  Inspection of Records by Directors. Every Director shall have the absolute right at any reasonable time to inspect all books, records, documents of every kind, and the physical properties of the

 

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Corporation, and also of its subsidiary corporations, domestic or foreign. Such inspection by a Director may be made in person or by agent or attorney, and the right of inspection includes the right to make extracts.

 

7.6            Annual Report to Shareholders. The Board of Directors shall cause an annual report to be sent to the shareholders not later than one hundred twenty (120) days after the close of the fiscal or calendar year.

 

7.7            Contents of Annual Reports. The annual report shall include the following financial statements:

 

(a)            Balance sheets for the previous two fiscal years;

 

(b)            Statements of Operations for the previous three fiscal years;

 

(c)            Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the previous three fiscal years; and

 

(d)            Statements of Cash Flows for the previous three fiscal years.

 

7.8            Preparation of Financial Statements. The financial statements shall be prepared from the books and shall be in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

7.9            Fiscal Year. The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be determined by the Board of Directors.

 

7.10          Corporate Seal. The Board of Directors may adopt, use, and thereafter alter the corporate seal, and the seal may be used by causing it or a facsimile of it to be impressed, affixed, or reproduced or otherwise.

 

 

ARTICLE VIII

 

AMENDMENT OF BYLAWS

 

8.1            Adoption, Amendment, or Repeal of Bylaws by Directors. These Bylaws may be altered, amended, or repealed, and new Bylaws may be adopted by the affirmative vote of a majority of either the Board of Directors or the shareholders, present at any meeting at which a quorum of each respective body is present, provided that notice of the proposed alteration, amendment, repeal, or adoption shall be contained in the notice of the meeting. This power to alter, amend, or repeal the Bylaws, and to adopt new Bylaws, may be modified or divested by action of shareholders representing a majority of the voting common stock of the Corporation taken at any regular or special meeting of the shareholders.

 

 

ARTICLE IX

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

9.1            Waivers of Notice. Whenever any notice is required to be given to any shareholder or Director under the provisions of the law or the Articles of Incorporation, as amended, or these Bylaws, a waiver thereof in writing, or waiver by electronic transmission, signed by such person or persons entitled to said notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to the giving of such notice. Attendance of a Director or a shareholder, whether in person or by proxy, at any meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except where such Director or shareholder attends a meeting

 

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for the express purpose of objecting to the transaction of any business on the ground that the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.

 

9.2                                  Rules of Order. The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised shall govern the Corporation in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are not inconsistent with these Bylaws and any special rules of order the Corporation may adopt.

 

9.3                                  Invalid Provisions.   If any part of these Bylaws is held invalid or inoperative for any reason, the remaining parts, as far as possible and reasonable, will be valid and operative.

 

9.4                                  Relation to Articles of Incorporation, as Amended.   These Bylaws are subject to and governed by the Articles of Incorporation, as amended.

 

9.5                                  Section Headings .  The headings contained in these Bylaws are for reference purposes only and will not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of these Bylaws.

 

9.6                                  Gender and Number.   When the context requires, the gender of all words used in these Bylaws includes  the masculine, feminine, and neuter, and the number of all words includes the singular and the plural.

 

The above and foregoing Bylaws and all amendments and supplements to them are superseded by these Third Amended and Restated Bylaws which accurately incorporate all amendments set forth as of the 26 th day of September, 2008.

 

 

Retractable Technologies, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Thomas J. Shaw

 

 

 

Thomas J. Shaw

 

 

President

 

 

 

 

ATTEST:

 

 

 

/s/ Michele M. Larios

 

 

Michele M. Larios

 

Secretary

 

 

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Exhibit 10

 

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 

This Employment Agreement, effective as of January 1, 2008 (this “Agreement”), is entered into by and between RETRACTABLE TECHNOLOGIES, INC., a Texas corporation (the “Company”), the principal office of which is located at 511 Lobo Lane, P.O. Box 9, Little Elm, Texas 75068, and THOMAS J. SHAW (“Shaw”). The Company and Shaw are collectively referred to herein as the “Parties.” In consideration of the mutual covenants and conditions contained in this Agreement, the Parties agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

 

DUTIES AND COMPENSATION

 

1.01  Term of Employment and Duties .  The Company and Shaw agree that for the period commencing on January 1, 2008, and terminating on December 31, 2010 (the “Termination Date”), the Company shall employ Shaw and Shaw shall perform duties (“Duties”) for the Company as Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company as set forth in the Company’s Third Amended and Restated Bylaws and shall report to the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”).

 

1.02  Commitment to the Company .  During the term of this Agreement, Shaw shall devote such working time, attention and energies to the business of the Company, as is necessary or appropriate for the performance of his Duties as Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company.  However, this commitment shall not be construed as preventing Shaw from participating in other businesses or from investing Shaw’s personal assets in such form or manner as may require occasional or incidental time on the part of Shaw in the management, conservation and protection of such investments and provided that such investments or business cannot be construed as being competitive or in conflict with the business of the Company.

 

1.03  Renewal of Term .  Unless Shaw’s employment hereunder is otherwise terminated as provided herein,  this Agreement shall renew upon each Termination Date and continue in effect for an additional two-year period, and each successive Termination Date shall thereafter be designated as the “Termination Date” for all purposes under this Agreement.  The provisions regarding post-employment issues of this Agreement survive termination of employment hereunder.

 

1.04  (a)  Salary .  Beginning January 1, 2008, Shaw shall receive a salary of $416,399.88 per year, payable in 26 bi-weekly installments.  Annually, the Compensation and Benefits Committee shall review Shaw’s salary and shall make such increases in future salary as it considers appropriate.  Shaw’s salary during the term of this Agreement shall never be less than $416,399.88 per year (the “Base Minimum Salary”).  Effective at the beginning of each calendar year beginning January 1, 2009, and each year thereafter Shaw’s Base Minimum Salary shall be increased by the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index during the previous calendar year. The Base Minimum Salary, as adjusted, shall be the Base Minimum Salary in the next year.

 

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(b)  Fringe Benefits . During the term of this Agreement, the Company shall provide to Shaw each of the following:

 

(i)   all reasonable and customary executive “fringe benefits,” including, but not limited to, participation in qualified pension and profit-sharing plans, participation in the Company’s Cafeteria Plan, and such other insurance benefits that are granted to or provided for executives now in the employ of the Company or that may be granted to or provided for them during the term of Shaw’s employment under this Agreement.  Such payments of any fringe benefits to Shaw hereunder, if any, must be made by the 15 th day of the third month of the year following the date Shaw is entitled to such benefits; and

 

(ii)  paid vacation and sick leave, as determined by the Board under a bona fide plan.

 

(c)  Reimbursement of Expenses .

 

(i)                 During the term of Shaw’s employment hereunder, the Company shall pay directly or reimburse Shaw for all reasonable and necessary out of pocket travel and entertainment expenses incurred by him in carrying on his Duties and responsibilities under this Agreement on behalf of the Company. In addition, the Company shall furnish Shaw with a cellular telephone and suitable office space and facilities for the performance of his Duties during the term of Shaw’s employment hereunder.

 

(ii)                During the term of Shaw’s employment hereunder, the Company shall also pay for Shaw’s membership dues in professional organizations and for any seminars and conferences related to Company business.

 

(iii)               The amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement during a particular year may not affect the expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other taxable year.

 

(iv)               The right to reimbursement is not subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

 

(v)                Reimbursement of expenses upon separation of service shall be payable on or before seven months after the expense is incurred but in no event earlier than 6 months and one day after the expense is incurred.

 

1.05 (a)  Indemnification .  Shaw shall be indemnified by the Company for all legal expenses, court costs and all liabilities incurred in connection with any proceeding involving him by reason of his being or having been an officer, employee or agent of the Company to the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the State of Texas.

 

(b)  Payment of Expenses . In the event of any action, proceeding or claim against Shaw arising out of his serving or having served in a capacity specified in Section 1.01 above, which in Shaw’s sole judgment requires him to retain counsel (such choice of counsel to be made by Shaw with the prior consent of the Company, which may not unreasonably withhold its consent) or

 

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otherwise expend his personal funds for his defense in connection therewith, the Company shall pay for or reimburse Shaw for all reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses and court and other costs associated with Shaw’s defense of such action as such fees and costs are incurred.

 

ARTICLE II

 

TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT

 

2.01 Termination Procedure .  Either party to this Agreement may terminate Shaw’s employment under this Agreement by giving the other party written notice of the intent to terminate at least thirty days prior to the proposed termination date except as set out in section 2.02.  A decision by the Company to terminate Shaw’s employment under this Agreement shall require an affirmative vote of more than 66-2/3% of the Board except as set out in Section 2.02.

 

2.02  Death .  This Agreement shall terminate on the date of Shaw’s death. If this Agreement is terminated as a result of Shaw’s death, the Company shall pay to Shaw’s estate, upon appointment of the Independent Executor or other personal representative but in no event any later than the 90 th day following his death, a lump sum severance payment consisting of Shaw’s salary through the date of his death and reimbursement of expenses.   Shaw shall also be entitled to such rights as are provided under the Company’s qualified employment benefit plans as such term is defined in final 409A Treasury Regulations.

 

2.03  Disability .  The Company shall have the right to terminate this Agreement if Shaw incurs a permanent disability during the term of his employment under this Agreement.  For purposes of this Agreement, “Permanent Disability” shall mean Shaw is unable to engage in any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months or is, by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months, receiving income replacement benefits for a period of not less than 3 months under an accident and health plan covering employees of the Company.  Shaw shall also be deemed to be disabled for purposes of this section if he is determined to be totally disabled by the Social Security Administration.

 

In the event that either party disputes whether Shaw has a permanent disability, such dispute shall be submitted to a physician mutually agreed upon by Shaw or his legal guardian and the Company.  If the parties are unable to agree on a mutually satisfactory physician, each shall select a reputable physician, who, together, shall in turn select a third physician whose determination of Shaw’s ability to perform his job duties shall be conclusive and binding to the parties.  Evidence of such disability shall be conclusive notwithstanding that a disability policy or clause in an insurance policy covering Shaw shall contain a different definition of “permanent disability.”

 

If Shaw’s employment under this Agreement is terminated by the Company because he has a permanent disability, the Company shall pay Shaw, not sooner than six months and one day after

 

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the date of termination and not later than seven months after the date of termination, a lump sum severance payment consisting of: (1) Shaw’s salary through the date of his termination, (2) reimbursement of expenses, and (3) Shaw’s then undiscounted salary for a period of 24 months.  Shaw shall also be entitled to such rights as are provided under the Company’s qualified employment benefit plans as such term is defined in final 409A Treasury Regulations.

 

2.04  Termination With Cause .  The Company shall have the right to terminate this Agreement for cause.  For purposes of this Agreement, the Parties agree that “for cause” shall exclusively be defined to mean: (a) conviction of a felony which is materially detrimental to the Company, (b) proof, as determined finally by a court of competent jurisdiction, of the gross negligence or willful misconduct which is materially detrimental to the Company, or (c) proof, as determined finally by a court of competent jurisdiction, of a breach of a fiduciary duty which is materially detrimental to the Company.

 

If the Company terminates Shaw’s employment hereunder “for cause” the Company shall pay Shaw, not later than the 30th day following the date of termination, a lump sum severance payment consisting of Shaw’s salary through the date of his termination and reimbursement of expenses. In the event that such lump sum severance payment exceeds an amount equal to the lesser of two times Shaw’s annual compensation or two times the limit on compensation under Section 401(a)(17) of  the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “409A Limit Amount”), notwithstanding the above, the lump sum severance payment to be made not later than the 30 th day following the date of termination shall be capped at the 409A Limit Amount.  The remainder shall be paid no earlier than six months and one day after the date of termination and no later than seven months after the date of termination.  Shaw shall also be entitled to such rights as are provided under the Company’s qualified employment plans as such term is defined in final 409A Treasury Regulations.

 

2.05 Termination Without Cause .  If the Company terminates Shaw’s employment hereunder for any reason other than for cause as that term is defined in Section 2.04 and not at his implicit request, as shall be determined in a writing by the independent Board members to be kept with the records of the Company, the Company shall pay Shaw, not later than the 30th day following the date of termination, a lump sum severance payment consisting of: (1) Shaw’s salary through the date of his termination, (2) reimbursement of expenses, and (3) Shaw’s then undiscounted salary for a period of 24 months. In the event that such lump sum severance payment exceeds the 409A Limit Amount, notwithstanding the above, the lump sum severance payment to be made not later than the 30 th day following the date of termination shall be capped at the 409A Limit Amount.  The remainder shall be paid no earlier than six months and one day following the date of termination and no later than seven months after the date of termination.  Shaw shall also be entitled to such rights as are provided under the Company’s qualified benefit plans as such term is defined in final 409A Treasury Regulations.

 

2.06  Resignation .  If Shaw resigns from his employment under this Agreement other than for a reason of change of control or ownership as defined in Section 2.07, the Company shall pay Shaw, not sooner than six months and one day after the date of termination and not later than seven months after the date of termination a lump sum severance payment consisting of (1) Shaw’s salary through the date of his termination, (2) reimbursement of expenses, and (3) Shaw’s

 

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then undiscounted salary for a period of 90 days. Shaw shall also be entitled to such rights as are provided under the Company’s qualified employment benefit plans as such term is defined in final 409A Treasury Regulations.

 

2.07  Change of Control or Ownership .  Shaw shall have the right to resign from his employment under this Agreement if there is a Change of Control.  For purposes of this Agreement a Change of Control shall be deemed to have occurred on either of the following dates: (i) the date any one person (other than Shaw), or more than one person acting as a group, acquires (or has acquired during the 12-month period ending on the date of the most recent acquisition by such person or persons) ownership of stock of the Company possessing thirty percent (30%) or more of the total possible voting power of the stock of the Company (assuming the immediate conversion of all then outstanding convertible preferred stock) or (ii) the date a majority of members of the Board of Directors is replaced during any 12-month period by Directors whose appointment or election is not endorsed by a majority of the members of the Company’s Board of Directors before the date of the appointment or election.

 

Shaw shall further have the right to resign from his employment under this Agreement if there is a Change of Ownership.  For purposes of this Agreement a Change of Ownership shall be deemed to have occurred on the date that any one person (other than Shaw), or more than one person acting as a group, acquires ownership of the Company’s stock that, together with the stock previously held by such person or group constitutes more than fifty percent (50%) of the total fair market value or total voting power (assuming the immediate conversion of all then outstanding convertible preferred stock) of the Company.

 

If Shaw exercises his right to terminate his employment hereunder following a Change of Control or Ownership, he shall receive, no sooner than six months and one day after the date of termination and not later than seven months after the date of termination, a lump sum severance payment consisting of: (1) Shaw’s salary through the date of his termination, (2) Shaw’s then undiscounted salary for a period of 24 months, and (3) reimbursement of expenses. Shaw shall also be entitled to such rights as are provided under the Company’s qualified employment benefit plans described in Section 401 of the Code.

 

2.08  Mitigation .  Shaw shall have no obligation to mitigate any damages or payments made to him under Article II of this Agreement.

 

2.09  Excess Parachute Payments .  In the event that payment of the amounts this Agreement requires the Company to pay Shaw would cause Shaw to be the recipient of an excess parachute payment (within the meaning of Section 280G(b) of the Code), the amount of the payments to be made to Shaw pursuant to this Agreement shall be reduced to an amount equal to one dollar less than the amount that would cause the payments hereunder to be excess parachute payments.  The manner in which such reduction occurs, including the items of payment and amounts thereof to be reduced, shall be mutually agreed to by Shaw and the Company.

 

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ARTICLE III

 

RESTRICTIONS DURING AND AFTER EMPLOYMENT

 

3.01  Non-Compete .  During Shaw’s employment by the Company under this Agreement and for a one-year period following the termination of Shaw’s employment by the Company, except if such termination is pursuant to Section 2.05 or 2.07 of this Agreement, Shaw shall not work for or provide any services in any capacity to any individual or business entity that is in direct competition with the business of the Company as it exists during Shaw’s employment hereunder with the Company.

 

3.02  Non-Hire .  During the one-year period immediately following the termination of Shaw’s employment hereunder by the Company, except if such termination is pursuant to Section 2.05 or 2.07 of this Agreement, Shaw shall not, either directly or indirectly, recruit or hire or attempt to recruit or hire, any employee of the Company.

 

3.03  Soliciting Customers or Accounts After Termination of Employment . During the one-year period immediately following the termination of Shaw’s employment hereunder with the Company, except if such termination is pursuant to Section 2.05 or 2.07 of this Agreement, Shaw shall not either directly or indirectly:

 

(a) Make known to any person, firm or corporation the names and addresses of any of the customers or accounts of the Company; or

 

(b) Call on, solicit or take away, or attempt to call on, solicit or take away any of the customers or accounts of the Company on whom Shaw called or with whom he became acquainted during his employment hereunder with the Company, either for himself or for any other person, firm or corporation.

 

3.04  Company Records and Documents .  All Company-related records and documents are considered to be the exclusive property of the Company.  Upon the termination of Shaw’s employment hereunder by the Company for any reason, he shall promptly return to the Company all such records and documents in his possession or under his control.  Shaw shall have the right to retain copies of Company records and documents relating to the Company’s predecessor, his patents and those records and documents that are reasonably necessary for him to be able to exercise his rights under the Technology License Agreement entered into between Shaw and the Company on June 23, 1995, as amended (the “License Agreement”).

 

ARTICLE IV

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

4.01  Relationship to License Agreement .  Nothing in this Agreement shall modify or limit Shaw’s rights and privileges as established in the License Agreement. In the event of any conflict between this Agreement and the terms of the License Agreement, the Parties agree that the terms of the License Agreement shall prevail.

 

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4.02  Notice .  Any notice required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be sufficient if in writing and sent by certified mail by the Company to the residence of Shaw, or by Shaw to the Company’s principal office.

 

4.03  Further Assurances .  Each party agrees to perform any further acts and to execute and deliver any further documents that may be reasonably necessary to carry out the provisions of this Agreement.

 

4.04  Severability .  In the event that any of the provisions, or portions thereof, of this Agreement are held to be unenforceable or invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction, the validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions or portions thereof shall not be affected thereby.

 

4.05  Construction .  Whenever used herein, the singular number shall include the plural, and the plural number shall include the singular.

 

4.06  Headings .  The headings contained in this Agreement are for purposes of reference only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning of any of the provisions contained herein.

 

4.07  Multiple Counterparts .  This Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

4.08  Governing Law .  This Agreement has been executed in and shall be governed by the laws of the State of Texas.

 

4.09  Inurement .  Subject to the restrictions against transfer or assignment as herein contained, the provisions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and shall be binding on, the assigns, successors in interest, personal representatives, estates, heirs and legatees of each of the Parties hereto.

 

4.10  Waivers .  No waiver of any provision or condition of this Agreement shall be valid unless executed in writing and signed by the party to be bound thereby, and then only to the extent specified in such waiver.  No waiver of any provision or condition of this Agreement shall be construed as a waiver of any other provision or condition of this Agreement, and no present waiver of any provision or condition of this Agreement shall be construed as a future waiver of such provision or condition.

 

4.11  Amendment .  This Agreement may be amended only by the unanimous written consent of both Shaw and the Company.

 

4.12  Execution .  Each party to this Agreement hereby represents and warrants to the other party that such party has full power and capacity to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement.

 

7



 

RETRACTABLE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

 

 

THOMAS J. SHAW

By:

 

 

Individually

Print Name:

 

 

 

Its:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date:

 

 

Date:

 

 

8


 

 

Exhibit 31.1

 

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER

 

I, Thomas J. Shaw, certify that:

 

1.                I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Retractable Technologies, Inc.;

 

2.               Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.               Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.             The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

(a)          Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

(b)         Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

(c)          Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

(d)         Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.               The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

(a)          All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and

 

(b)         Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date:                     November 14, 2008

 

/s/ Thomas J. Shaw

 

THOMAS J. SHAW

PRESIDENT, CHAIRMAN, AND

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

 

 

 

Exhibit 31.2

 

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER

 

I, Douglas W. Cowan, certify that:

 

1.                I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Retractable Technologies, Inc.;

 

2.             Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

 

3.             Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

 

4.            The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

 

(a)          Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

 

(b)         Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

 

(c)          Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

 

(d)         Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

 

5.               The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

 

(a)          All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and

 

(b)         Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

Date:                     November 14, 2008

 

/s/ Douglas W. Cowan

 

DOUGLAS W. COWAN

VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

 

Exhibit 32

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

 

                Solely in connection with the filing of the Quarterly Report of Retractable Technologies, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2008, as filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), the undersigned Thomas J. Shaw, Chief Executive Officer, and Douglas W. Cowan, Chief Financial Officer, do hereby certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

 

                (1)            The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

                (2)            The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the issuer.

 

Date:        November 14, 2008

 

 

/s/ Thomas J. Shaw

 

THOMAS J. SHAW

 

PRESIDENT, CHAIRMAN, AND

 

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Douglas W. Cowan

 

DOUGLAS W. COWAN

 

VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

 

Exhibit 99.1

 

RETRACTABLE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

 

AUDIT COMMITTEE CHARTER

 

I.               STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

 

A.             The Audit Committee shall represent and assist the Board of Directors in discharging its responsibilities relating to the accounting, reporting, and financial practices and legal compliance of Retractable Technologies, Inc. (the “Company”). The Audit Committee has general responsibility for oversight of the accounting and financial reporting processes of the Company, including oversight of:  (1) the integrity of the Company’s financial statements and its financial reporting and disclosure practices, (2) the Company’s compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and (3) the qualification and independence of the Company’s auditors and the performance of the annual audit and interim reviews of the Company’s financial statements by the independent auditors. The Audit Committee should also provide an open avenue of communication among the independent auditors, financial and senior management, and the Board of Directors.

 

B.             While the Audit Committee has the responsibilities and powers set forth in this Charter, it is not the duty of the Audit Committee to plan or conduct audits or to determine that the Company’s financial statements are complete and accurate and are in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”).  This is the responsibility of management and the Company’s independent auditors.

 

II.             AUDIT COMMITTEE MEMBERS

 

A.             The Audit Committee shall consist of at least three members appointed by the Board of Directors, one of whom shall be appointed as Chairperson. The Audit Committee shall consist entirely of “independent” members of the Board of Directors. “Independent” means a director who:  (i) satisfies all criteria for independence established by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) with regard to members of an Audit Committee and (ii) meets The American Stock Exchange (the “AMEX”) definition of “independent” (including all criteria imposed with respect to service on an audit committee). If a member of the Audit Committee ceases to be independent, that member shall notify the Company immediately.

 

B.             Each member of the Audit Committee shall be able to read and understand fundamental financial statements, including the Company’s balance sheet, statement of operations, statement of changes in stockholders’ equity, cash flow statement, and related notes to financial statements as determined in the Board of Directors’ judgment.

 

C.             At least one member of the Audit Committee shall have past employment experience in finance or accounting, requisite professional certification in accounting, or any other comparable experience or background which results in the individual’s

 

1



 

financial sophistication, including, but not limited to, being or having been a chief executive officer, chief financial officer, or other senior officer with financial oversight responsibilities in compliance with criteria established by the AMEX and, in addition, shall have such accounting or related financial management expertise as required to be an “audit committee financial expert” in compliance with the criteria established by the SEC, both as determined in the Board of Directors’ judgment. The identity of such financial expert and whether such financial expert meets the SEC’s “independence” criteria shall be disclosed in the Company’s annual report as filed with the SEC and such other reports as the SEC may require.

 

D.             The members of the Audit Committee shall be elected by the Board of Directors and shall serve until their successors shall be duly elected and qualified. Unless a chair is elected by the full Board of Directors, the members of the Audit Committee may designate a chair by majority vote of the full Audit Committee.

 

III.            POWERS, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 

A.             Oversight of Company Relationship with Its Independent Auditors

 

1.              The Audit Committee of the Company shall have sole authority and responsibility to appoint and engage a public accounting firm to serve as the Company’s independent auditors and to perform the Company’s annual audit and related work. This authority shall include the sole discretion to retain and discharge such independent auditors and to approve the terms and conditions of all audit engagements as well as all significant non-audit engagements with such independent auditors, including a determination of the compensation to be paid to such independent auditors.

 

2.              The Audit Committee shall oversee the work performed by the Company’s independent auditors (including resolution of disagreements between management and the independent auditors regarding financial reporting). Such independent auditors shall report directly to the Audit Committee, although they shall remain accountable to the entire Board of Directors as well as to the Audit Committee.

 

3.              The Audit Committee shall review with the independent auditors the scope of the audit, pre-approve the audit services (which may entail providing comfort letters in connection with securities underwritings) to be performed by the independent auditors, review the results of the annual audit examination, review the interim results, and review any other reports of the independent auditors with respect to the Company’s financial statements or policies.

 

4.              The Audit Committee shall pre-approve all non-audit services provided to the Company by the independent auditors.  Pre-approval shall be either:  (i) specifically granted by the Audit Committee or (ii) granted pursuant to pre-approval policies and procedures established by the Audit Committee, provided the Audit Committee is informed of each non-audit service. In no event shall approval be granted for any non-audit service that the SEC, AMEX, or other applicable regulatory authority determines is

 

2



 

impermissible. As may be required by the SEC, the Audit Committee shall disclose the approval of non-audit services and/or any pre-approval policies and procedures in periodic reports filed by the Company with the SEC.

 

5.              The Audit Committee shall periodically assess the independence of the Company’s auditors as defined by the rules, regulations, and standards of the SEC, the AMEX, and other applicable authorities. The Audit Committee shall, at least annually, obtain and review a formal written statement by the Company’s independent auditors delineating: all relationships between the independent auditors and the Company consistent with Independence Standards Board Standard 1. Furthermore, the Audit Committee shall actively engage in a dialogue with the independent auditors regarding any disclosed relationships or services that may impact the objectivity and independence of the independent auditors.  The Audit Committee is responsible for recommending that the Board take appropriate action to oversee the independence of the independent auditors.

 

B.             Audit Practices and Financial Reporting Matters

 

1.              The Audit Committee shall obtain and review all reports and other information that the independent auditors are required by law, rule, or regulation to submit to the Audit Committee, including periodic reports on:  (1) all critical accounting policies and practices to be used by the Company, (2) all alternative treatments of financial information within GAAP in effect from time to time that have been discussed with management, the ramification of the use of such alternative disclosures and treatment, and the treatment preferred by the independent auditors, and (3) other material written communications between the independent auditors and management of the Company, such as any management letter or schedule of unadjusted differences.

 

2.              The Audit Committee shall discuss with the independent auditors the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 114 relating to the conduct of the audit and certain information related to the auditors’ judgments about the quality, not just the acceptability, of the Company’s accounting principles.

 

3.              The Audit Committee shall review and discuss with management and the independent auditors the Company’s annual audited financial statements and quarterly financial statements, including a discussion of the Company’s disclosures under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation” and a discussion with the independent auditors of their judgments as to the quality of the Company’s accounting principles.

 

4.              The Audit Committee shall review with management and the independent auditors the results of any significant matters identified as a result of the independent auditors’ interim review procedures prior to the filing of each quarterly report.

 

5.              The Audit Committee shall review changes in the accounting policies of the Company and accounting and financial reporting proposals that may have a

 

3



 

significant impact on the Company’s financial reports, and make reports on the foregoing to the Board of Directors.

 

6.              The Audit Committee shall review as necessary and appropriate with the independent auditors any audit problems or difficulties and management’s response, including any restrictions on the scope of the independent auditors’ activities or access to information and any significant disagreements with management.

 

C.             Company Governance Policies and Compliance

 

1.              The Audit Committee shall prepare the report that SEC rules require to be included in the Company’s annual proxy statement.

 

2.              The Audit Committee shall review and discuss with management financial risk exposures and measures management has taken to monitor and control such exposures.

 

3.              The Audit Committee shall annually review and assess the adequacy of this Charter and make recommendations to the Board of Directors necessary to provide for the continued adequacy of the Charter to achieve its stated purpose.

 

4.              The Audit Committee shall review with management and the independent auditors any correspondence with regulators or governmental agencies and any employee complaints or published reports, which raise material issues regarding the Company’s financial statements or accounting policies.

 

5.              The Audit Committee shall establish and maintain procedures for (a) the receipt, retention, and treatment of complaints regarding accounting, internal accounting controls, or auditing matters, and (b) the confidential, anonymous submission by employees of the Company of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters.

 

6.              The Audit Committee shall review and approve any related party transactions.

 

The Audit Committee shall oversee management’s internal control over financial reporting as part of its oversight responsibilities for the Company’s financial reporting.  The Audit Committee shall obtain a report from management as to all material weaknesses and significant deficiencies in internal controls based upon management’s evaluation.  The Audit Committee shall be reasonably knowledgeable and informed about the evaluation process and management’s assessment.

 

4



 

D.             General Powers

 

1.              The Audit Committee shall have the ability (but not the obligation) to conduct or authorize, if it considers appropriate, investigations into any matters within the scope of its responsibilities.

 

2.              The Audit Committee shall have the authority (without separate approval from the Board of Directors) to obtain advice, services, and assistance from independent counsel, and accounting or other advisors, as the Audit Committee deems necessary to assist it in carrying out its responsibilities, and to determine the compensation for any such advisors.

 

3.              The Audit Committee shall perform such activities consistent with this Charter, the Company’s Third Amended and Restated Bylaws, as they may be amended, and applicable law as the Board of Directors or the Audit Committee deems necessary or appropriate.

 

4.              The Audit Committee may otherwise make regular reports and recommendations to the Board of Directors within the scope of its functions.

 

5.              The Company shall provide for appropriate funding, as determined by the Audit Committee, in its capacity as a committee for: 1) payment of compensation to the independent auditors employed for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or review or attestation, 2) payment to any advisors employed by the Audit Committee and 3) payment of ordinary expenses that are necessary or appropriate in carrying out its duties.

 

IV.            AUDIT COMMITTEE MEETINGS

 

A.             The Audit Committee shall meet as often as it determines, but not less frequently than quarterly. The meetings may be either in person or in any other manner permitted by law and at such times and places as the Board of Directors or the Audit Committee determines. The Audit Committee may request any officer or employee of the Company or the Company’s outside counsel or independent auditors to attend a meeting of the Audit Committee or to meet with any members of, or consultants to, the Audit Committee.

 

B.             The majority of the members of the Audit Committee shall constitute a quorum for Audit Committee meetings and, unless otherwise required by this Charter or the Company’s Third Amended and Restated Bylaws, as they may be amended, action may be taken by majority vote of the members present at such meetings. Minutes shall be maintained of each meeting.

 

C.             At the next meeting of the Board of Directors following any meeting of the Audit Committee, a report of the Audit Committee findings and actions shall be rendered by the Chairman of the Audit Committee.

 

5



 

The above constitutes the complete Audit Committee Charter of Retractable Technologies, Inc. effective as of September 26, 2008.

 

 

 

 

s/ Thomas J. Shaw

 

 

THOMAS J. SHAW

 

 

Chairman of the Board

 

 

 

ATTEST:

 

 

 

 

 

s/ Michele Larios

 

 

MICHELE LARIOS, Secretary

 

 

 

6


Exhibit 99.2

 

RETRACTABLE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.

 

NOMINATING COMMITTEE CHARTER

 

A.             PURPOSE

 

The Nominating Committee (the “Committee”) is appointed by the Board of Directors (the “Board”): (1) to assist the Board by identifying qualified candidates for director and to recommend to the Board the director nominees for the next annual meeting of shareholders; (2) to recommend to the Board candidates for election by the Board to fill vacancies occurring on the Board; and (3) to recommend to the Board director nominees for each Board Committee, upon request of the Board.

 

B.             COMPOSITION

 

1.              The Committee shall be comprised of no fewer than three members. Committee members shall be elected by the Board and may be replaced by the Board. Unless a chair is elected by the full Board, the members of the Committee may designate a chair by majority vote of the full Committee.

 

2.              The Committee shall consist entirely of “independent” members of the Board. “Independent” means a director who satisfies all criteria for independence established by The American Stock Exchange (“AMEX”) definition of “independent.” If a member of the Committee ceases to be independent, that member shall notify the Company immediately.

 

C.             POWERS, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 

In fulfilling its duties and responsibilities under this Charter, the Committee shall, among other things:

 

1.              Evaluate and propose nominees for election and re-election to the Board of Directors at each annual meeting of stockholders of the Company.

 

2.              Evaluate and recommend to the Board candidates for election by the Board to fill vacancies occurring on the Board.

 

3.              Assist in attracting and recruiting qualified candidates to serve on the Board.

 

4.              Determine desired Board member skills and attributes and conduct searches for prospective directors whose skills and attributes reflect those desired. At a minimum, nominees for service on the Board must be well regarded and experienced participants in their field(s) of specialty, familiar at the time of their appointment with the Company’s business, willing to devote the time and attention necessary to deepen and refine their understanding of the Company and the issues facing it, and must have an

 

1



 

understanding of the demands and responsibilities of service on a public company board of directors. The Committee will also consider such qualities as independence from the Company, as the definition of “independence” may be revised from time to time. Each nominee will be considered both on his or her individual merits and in relation to existing or other potential members of the Board, with a view to establishing a well-rounded, diverse, knowledgeable, and experienced Board.

 

5.              Consider all bona fide candidates recommended by shareholders for nomination for election to the Board. The Committee will consider such candidates using the same screening criteria as are applied to all other potential nominees for election, provided that the shareholder nominations are submitted in a timely and complete manner, under the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and the Company’s Third Amended and Restated Bylaws, as they may be amended from time to time as follows:

 

The shareholder must deliver written notice of such shareholder’s nomination, either by personal delivery or by registered or certified United States mail, postage prepaid, to the Secretary of the Company, within the time period for Notice of Shareholder Business as set forth in the Third Amended and Restated Bylaws, as they may be amended.  Such notice shall set forth:

 

A.             The name and address of the shareholder making the nomination and of the person to be nominated;

 

B.             A representation that the shareholder is a holder of record of Common Stock of the Company entitled to vote at such meeting (specifying the number of shares beneficially held) and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting;

 

C.             A description of all arrangements or understandings between the shareholder and the nominee and any other person or persons (naming such person or persons) pursuant to which the nomination is being made by the shareholder and any material interest of the shareholder in making the nomination;

 

D.             Such other information regarding the nominee proposed by such shareholder as would be required to be included in a proxy statement filed pursuant to the then current proxy rules of the SEC; and

 

E.             The consent of the nominee to serve as a Director if so recommended by the Board and duly elected at the annual meeting by the shareholders.

 

6.              Evaluate and make recommendations to the Board concerning the appointment of directors to Board committees and the selection of Board committee chairs, upon request of the Board.

 

2



 

7.              As necessary in the Committee’s judgment from time to time, retain and compensate third party search firms to assist in identifying or evaluating potential nominees to the Board.

 

8.              Evaluate and consider matters relating to the qualifications of directors.

 

9.              Review and maintain oversight of matters relating to the independence of Board and committee members, keeping in mind the independence standards of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the rules of the AMEX and any other applicable rules and regulations promulgated by the SEC.

 

10.            Make regular reports to the Board concerning its activities.

 

11.            Annually review and reassess the adequacy of this Charter and recommend any proposed changes to the Board of Directors for approval.

 

12.            Annually prepare a report detailing disclosure issues relating to the nomination process required to be included in the Company’s Proxy Statement, if any.

 

D.             LIMITATION ON POWERS, DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, under circumstances where the Company is legally required by contract or otherwise to provide third parties with the ability to nominate and/or appoint directors (e.g., preferred stock rights to elect directors upon dividend default), the selection and nomination of such directors is not subject to approval by the Nominating Committee.

 

E.              MEETINGS

 

The Nominating Committee shall meet at least once per year and as often as it deems necessary or appropriate, in its judgment, either in person or in any other manner permitted by law, and at such times and places as the Committee determines. The majority of the members of the Nominating Committee shall constitute a quorum.

 

The above constitutes the complete Nominating Committee Charter of Retractable Technologies, Inc. effective as of September 26, 2008.

 

 

 

 s/ Thomas J. Shaw

 

THOMAS J. SHAW

 

Chairman of the Board

 

 

ATTEST:

 

 

 

s/ Michele Larios

 

 

MICHELE LARIOS, Secretary

 

 

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