UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549 

 

FORM 8-K

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) August 11, 2020

  

Retractable Technologies, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

  

Texas 001-16465 75-2599762
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation)
(Commission
File Number)
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)

 

511 Lobo Lane, Little Elm, Texas 75068-5295
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

Registrant's telephone number, including area code (972) 294-1010

 

None

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class Trading Symbol(s) Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock RVP NYSE American

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

 

¨ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

¨ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

¨ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

 

  Emerging growth company  ¨

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

 

 

 

 

 

Item 5.05 Amendments to the Registrant’s Code of Ethics, or Waiver of a Provision of the Code of Ethics.

 

On August 11, 2020, the Directors of Retractable Technologies, Inc. (the “Company”) approved amendments to the Company’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”). The Code applies to the Company’s Directors, officers, and employees. The amendments expand the Code’s description of prohibited stock transactions, blackout periods, and adds a section on maintaining a tolerant and respectful work environment. This description of the amendments to the Code does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the amended Code, which is attached as Exhibit 14 to this report. The revised Code has been posted on the Company’s website at www.retractable.com.

 

Item 8.01 Other Events.

 

On August 17, 2020, the Company issued a press release, a copy of which is attached to this Form 8-K as Exhibit 99, announcing financial results as of June 30, 2020.

 

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

(d) Exhibits

 

14 Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

 

99 Press release

 

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 hereunto duly authorized.

 

 

DATE:  August 17, 2020 RETRACTABLE TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
  (Registrant)
     
  BY: /s/ JOHN W. FORT III
    JOHN W. FORT III
    VICE PRESIDENT, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER, AND CHIEF ACCOUNTING OFFICER

 

 

 

 

Exhibit 14

 

Retractable Technologies, Inc.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

 

Introduction

 

Retractable Technologies, Inc. (“RTI” or the “Company”) has adopted this Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”) to set forth the Company’s standards and practices relating to the business ethics of its directors, officers, and employees (directors, officers, and employees are collectively referred to herein as “Covered Persons”). The Code is in addition to, and not in replacement of, other policies the Company may currently have in place. RTI has adopted this Code to deter wrongdoing and to promote:

 

· Honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual or apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships;
   
· Full, fair, accurate, timely, and understandable disclosure in reports and documents that RTI files with, or submits to, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and in other public communications made by RTI;
   
· Compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules, and regulations as well as NYSE American rules and regulations;
   
· The prompt internal reporting of violations of the Code to appropriate RTI personnel; and
   
· Accountability for adherence to the Code.

 

The effectiveness of this Code depends in part on the cooperation of all directors, officers, and employees in promptly disclosing to the designated persons within the Company any conduct believed to violate the standards described in this Code. To that end, the Company has established procedures to ensure that Covered Persons may report any suspected violations anonymously. The Company encourages such reports and has zero tolerance for retaliation.

 

The Company seeks to foster a culture of compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations and the highest standards of business conduct. All Covered Persons at the Company are expected to promote this culture of compliance. Suspected violations of this Code or applicable laws, rules, or regulations must be reported, and the Company will take appropriate steps to investigate them internally. Violators will be subject to discipline, as deemed appropriate by the Company in its sole discretion, including immediate termination.

 

This Code is neither a contract nor a comprehensive manual that covers every situation Covered Persons might encounter. This Code creates no contractual rights. If any Covered Person has a question about any provision of this Code, or about how Covered Persons should conduct themselves in a particular situation, such person should consult his/her supervisor or department head, the Company's General Counsel, or the Director of Human Resources.

 

Standards of Conduct

 

The success of RTI depends on public confidence in our integrity and professionalism. To reinforce that confidence, RTI expects all directors, officers, and employees to observe the highest standards of professional, responsible, and appropriate conduct in the course and scope of their duties and while engaged in RTI’s business. Director, officer, and employee conduct away from work should not adversely affect the Company, its reputation, its operational success, or its relationship with employees, customers, vendors, investors, lenders, or others doing business with RTI. This Code sets forth the standards of conduct expected of all Covered Persons and prohibits general areas of irresponsible or inappropriate conduct.

 

Conflicts of Interest and Corporate Opportunities

 

Covered Persons must ensure that any financial, business, or other activities in which such persons are involved outside the workplace are free of conflicts with responsibilities to RTI. A “conflict of interest” may occur when a Covered Person’s private interest in any way interferes - or even appears to interfere - with the interests of the Company. A conflict situation can arise when a Covered Person has interests that may impair the objective performance of his or her duties to the Company. Conflicts of interest may also arise when a Covered Person (or his or her family member) receives improper personal benefits as a result of his or her position in the Company.

 

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics Page 1 of 6

 

 

Covered Persons must disclose any matter that they believe might raise doubt regarding their ability to act objectively and in the Company's best interest. The following is a non-exhaustive list of examples of situations involving potential conflicts of interest that should be disclosed:

 

· Ownership by a Covered Person or by a member of his/her immediate family of an interest in any outside enterprise which does or seeks to do business with, or is a competitor of, the Company;
   
· Serving as an officer, director, partner, consultant, or in a managerial or technical capacity with an outside enterprise which does or is seeking to do business with, or is a competitor of, the Company;
   
· Acting as a broker, finder, go-between, or otherwise for the benefit of a third party in transactions involving, or potentially involving, the Company or its interest;
   
· Any other arrangements or circumstances, including family or other personal relationships, which might dissuade the Covered Person from acting in the best interest of the Company;
   
· Communicating with shareholders, partners, investors, the media, suppliers, customers, brokers, consultants, or other third parties on confidential matters concerning the Company. All communication must be consistent with established business procedures;
   
· Giving testimony as a compensated or uncompensated expert witness for either party for a dispute in litigation or arbitration, whether or not RTI is involved;
   
· Any Company loan to any Covered Person or Company guarantee of any personal obligation;
   
· Using Company assets, intellectual property, or other resources for personal gain;
   
· Taking an opportunity that came to you as a result of your position without first offering it to the Company; and
   
· Accepting anything of more than nominal value - such as gifts, discounts, or compensation - from an individual or entity that does or seeks to do business with the Company.

 

Directors and officers shall disclose any actual or apparent conflict situation to the General Counsel. Employees who are not officers shall disclose all such situations of which they are aware to any designee set forth in the “Reporting and Enforcement” section of this Code.

 

Company directors must notify the Board of Directors before accepting any position as an officer or director of any outside business concern or entity that has a business relationship with RTI, or that now is or foreseeably is expected to become a competitor of the Company.

 

Company officers and employees must obtain necessary approvals before accepting (i) any position as an officer or director of an outside business concern, or (ii) any position as an officer or director of a not-for-profit entity if there is or may be a Company business relationship with the entity or an expectation of financial or other support from the Company. Company officers must obtain such approvals from the Board of Directors; other employees must obtain such approvals from the General Counsel or the Director of Human Resources.

 

Directors, officers, and employees who have obtained such approvals must promptly notify the appropriate persons specified above in the event of any change in the nature of such business concern's or entity's relationship with the Company or if such concern or entity later becomes a competitor of the Company.

 

All Covered Persons owe a duty to the Company to advance its legitimate interests. Thus, Covered Persons may not (i) take for themselves corporate opportunities that are discovered through the use of Company property, information, or position, without first offering such opportunities to the Company; (ii) use corporate property, information, or position for personal gain; or (iii) compete with the Company.

 

Directors and officers of RTI must adhere to their fundamental duties of good faith, due care, and loyalty owed to all shareholders, and to act at all times with the Company's and its shareholders' best interests in mind.

 

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics Page 2 of 6

 

 

Confidentiality

 

The protection of confidential and proprietary business information and trade secrets is vital to the interests and success of RTI. RTI is engaged in the manufacture, sale, and distribution of medical devices. Such medical devices, now existing or to be developed, comprise technology which is expressly proprietary and confidential in nature and protected from infringement by federal and state laws.

 

RTI prohibits the disclosure or use of RTI’s confidential product data and other proprietary, trade secret, or confidential information. This includes all information or data obtained by Covered Persons during the course of their work. Confidential information is any Company information that is not known generally to the public or the industry and includes, without limitation, all processes and procedures, technical data, marketing strategies, pending projects and proposals, computer records, customer and contract information, personnel files, financial and marketing data, formulas, trade secrets, product specifications, compensation, and financial data, inventory, inventions, formulas, techniques, product development strategies, programs, technological developments, systems, concepts, and any other information used in RTI’s operations or in RTI’s possession and not generally known about RTI’s business.

 

As a condition of employment, all employees must, upon request, execute and abide by agreements not to disclose RTI’s protectable interests both during and after employment with RTI.

 

Fair Dealing

 

All Covered Persons must act fairly, honestly, and in good faith in any dealings on behalf of the Company with any of its customers, suppliers, competitors, employees, and all others. Furthermore, in their role with the Company, Covered Persons may not take unfair advantage of anyone through manipulation, concealment, abuse of privileged information, misrepresentation of material facts, or any other unfair-dealing practice.

 

Protection and Proper Use of Company Assets

 

Covered Persons should protect and seek to ensure the efficient use of Company assets. In addition, Covered Persons should protect against the improper disclosure, theft, or misuse of the Company's intellectual and physical property.

 

Compliance with Laws, Rules, and Regulations/Insider Trading

 

It is the policy of RTI to conduct business in accordance with the applicable laws, rules, and regulations of the United States and all other countries in which RTI operates. Each and every director, officer, and employee must comply with the law. Unethical business practices will subject Covered Persons to appropriate internal disciplinary action and may result in prosecution for violating federal, state, or foreign laws.

 

All Covered Persons and third parties who are in a confidential relationship with RTI (as well as such individuals’ household members and close relatives), shall not trade in or recommend the purchase or sale of RTI’s common shares (or any other equity or debt securities of RTI) while they are in possession of material information regarding the operations or prospects of RTI that has not been publicly disclosed and disseminated.

 

Covered Persons shall also similarly abstain from trading in, or recommending the purchase or sale of the securities of any other company that issues publicly-traded securities of which they have obtained material non-public information as a result of their employment by or affiliation with RTI. Covered Persons shall not disclose any such material non-public information to third parties except when done for valid business purposes. In such cases the Covered Persons must have no reason to believe the information will be misused or the disclosure might otherwise violate Federal securities laws. United States securities laws prohibit selective disclosures of material non-public information to third parties who are not bound by confidentiality agreements or certain confidential relationships to preserve the confidentiality of such information. Covered Persons should consult with the Legal Department before making disclosures to third parties that might constitute selective disclosure or if they believe a selective disclosure may have already been made by inadvertence or otherwise.

 

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics Page 3 of 6

 

 

“Material information” is information which, if publicly disclosed, could reasonably be expected to affect the market value of a company’s securities or to influence a reasonable investor’s decisions with respect to those securities. Specific examples of material information include generally unanticipated changes in revenues, annual and quarterly earnings or dividend rates, significant write-offs or significant increases in reserves, public offerings of any RTI securities, significant acquisitions or dispositions, joint ventures, proposed tender offers or stock splits, and senior management changes. Information regarding major new product developments, collaborations, suppliers, customers, contract awards or terminations, expansion plans, or significant litigation or regulatory proceedings may also fall in the category of material information.

 

Information that has not been disclosed to the public is generally considered to be nonpublic information. In order to establish that the information has been disclosed to the public, it may be necessary to demonstrate that the information has been widely disseminated. Information generally would be considered widely disseminated if it has been disclosed through newswire services, a broadcast on widely-available radio or television programs, publication in a widely-available newspaper, magazine or news website, or public disclosure documents filed with the SEC that are available on the SEC’s website. By contrast, information would likely not be considered widely disseminated if it is available only to the Company’s employees, or if it is only available to a select group of analysts, brokers and institutional investors. Once information is widely disseminated, it is still necessary to afford the investing public with sufficient time to absorb the information. As a general rule, information should not be considered fully absorbed by the marketplace until after the second business day after the day on which the information is released.

 

Blackout Periods

 

Announcements of quarterly or annual financial results almost always has the potential to have a material effect on the market for the Company’s securities. Therefore, to avoid the appearance of trading on the basis of material, non-public information, the Company has determined that blackout periods shall be in effect until the end of the second trading day following public announcement of financial results. If, for example, the Company were to make an announcement on a Monday, you should not trade in Company securities until Thursday. The same blackout period shall apply in all cases where the Company has made a public announcement which is likely to materially affect its financial results. Questions about blackout periods should be directed to the Company’s Chief Financial Officer. Trading outside a blackout period should not be considered a “safe harbor” and Covered Persons shall use good judgment at all times.

 

Prohibited Stock Transactions

 

The Company considers it improper and inappropriate for any director or employee of the Company to engage in short-term or speculative transactions in the Company’s securities. It, therefore, is the Company’s policy that directors and employees may not engage in any of the following transactions except as is otherwise set forth below:

 

Short-Term Trading. An employee’s short-term trading of the Company’s securities may be distracting to the employee and may unduly focus the employee on the Company’s short-term stock market performance instead of the Company’s long-term business objectives. For these reasons, any director or employee of the Company who purchases Company securities in the open market (not including by exercise of options) may not sell any Company securities of the same class during the six months following the purchase.

 

Short Sales. Short sales of the Company’s securities evidence an expectation on the part of the seller that the securities will decline in value and, therefore, signal to the market that the seller has no confidence in the Company or its short-term prospects. In addition, short sales may reduce the seller’s incentive to improve the Company’s performance. For these reasons, short sales of the Company’s securities are prohibited by this Code. In addition, Section 16(c) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 prohibits officers and directors from engaging in short sales.

 

In certain circumstances, the Company may approve broker-assisted cashless exercises of options, but only for employees who are not directors or officers.

 

Publicly Traded Options. A transaction in options is, in effect, a bet on the short-term movement of the Company’s stock and, therefore, creates the appearance that the director or employee is trading based on inside information. Transactions in options also may focus the director’s or employee’s attention on short-term performance at the expense of the Company’s long-term objectives. Accordingly, transactions in puts, calls, or other derivative securities, on an exchange or in any other organized market, are prohibited by this Code. Option positions arising from certain types of hedging transactions are governed by the section below captioned “Hedging Transactions.”

 

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics Page 4 of 6

 

 

Hedging Transactions. Certain forms of hedging or monetization transactions, such as zero-cost collars and forward sale contracts, allow an employee to lock in much of the value of his or her stock holdings, often in exchange for all or part of the potential for upside appreciation in the stock. These transactions allow the director or employee to continue to own the covered securities but without the full risks and rewards of ownership. When that occurs, the director or employee may no longer have the same objectives as the Company’s other shareholders. Therefore, directors and employees are required to have these transactions precleared before engaging in any such activities.

 

The foregoing restrictions are not intended to prevent Covered Persons from buying or selling securities pursuant to properly established and administered “Rule 10b5-1 Plans” which may be used to permit trading pursuant to certain kinds of prearranged plans even if a person subsequently comes into possession of material non-public information. Contact the Legal Department to establish such a Plan. The restrictions also do not apply to the exercise of an employee stock option. They do, however, apply to the sale of shares resulting from an option exercise.

 

Officers and directors without Rule 10b5-1 Plans must consult the Company’s Chief Financial Officer to preclear their trades and determine necessary reporting obligations associated with their trades.

 

Questions or concerns about compliance issues should be raised by any of the means indicated in the “Reporting and Enforcement” section of this Code.

 

Full, Fair, Accurate, Timely, and Understandable Disclosure

 

RTI is committed to ensuring that all business records and financial reports are accurate, complete, understandable, and not misleading. The Company is further committed to complying with applicable laws requiring the fair and timely disclosure of material information and ensuring the accuracy of publicly disseminated information. To that end, RTI maintains internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures designed to provide reasonable assurance of the safeguarding and proper management of the Company's assets; the reliability of its financial reporting in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles; and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The Company is committed to maintaining disclosure controls and procedures designed to ensure that financial and non-financial information is collected, analyzed, and timely reported in full compliance with applicable law.

 

If at any time a Covered Person obtains or becomes aware of information causing them to believe that the Company's books or records are not being maintained properly, or that its financial condition or results of operations are not being disclosed appropriately, the matter should be reported directly by any of the means indicated under “Reporting and Enforcement Mechanisms” below.

 

Tolerance and Respect

 

RTI expects its Covered Persons to treat each other with tolerance and respect and will not permit discrimination, harassment, bullying, or violent conduct at work. If a Covered Person becomes aware of behavior which could cause a hostile or disrespectful workplace, the matter should be reported as indicated under “Reporting and Enforcement” below. Similarly, RTI desires to maintain its reputation for respect outside the workplace. Covered Persons must ensure social media and other online posts referencing or relating to the Company must be consistent with our values and not disparage our reputation.

 

Reporting and Enforcement

 

As a director, officer, or employee of this Company, Covered Persons are obligated to (1) comply with this Code and all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, and (2) report any situation or conduct they believe may constitute a possible violation of the Code or the law. Failure to report or disclose relevant information concerning a violation of the Code or the law may be grounds for disciplinary action.

 

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics Page 5 of 6

 

 

If any Covered Person learns of a potential or suspected violation of the Code, such Covered Person has an obligation to report the relevant information to one of the persons listed below. Covered Persons may also address questions about ethics issues and raise any concerns about a possible violation of the Code or applicable law to:

 

· a supervisor or department head;
   
· the General Counsel of RTI; and/or
   
· the Director of Human Resources.

 

Frequently, a supervisor or department head will be in the best position to resolve the issue quickly. However, Covered Persons may also raise any question or concern with any of the other persons listed above. Covered Persons may do so orally or in writing and, if preferred, anonymously. All supervisors and department heads who receive such reports must forward them promptly to the General Counsel.

 

If the issue or concern relates to the internal accounting controls of the Company or any auditing matter, Covered Persons may also report it anonymously to the Audit Committee, pursuant to procedures established by the Audit Committee.

 

Penalties for Violations

 

RTI is committed to taking prompt and consistent action in response to violations of this Code. Any Covered Person who violates the Code is subject to disciplinary action, including immediate termination in the case of employees. The Company will promptly investigate reports of suspected violations. It will evaluate suspected violations on a case-by-case basis and apply an appropriate sanction, including, in its sole discretion, reporting the violation to outside authorities.

 

Waivers and Amendments

 

Only the Board of Directors may waive application of or amend any provision of this Code. A request for such a waiver should be submitted in writing to the Board of Directors, or a Committee of the Board of Directors designated for this purpose, for its consideration. The Board of Directors will promptly disclose to investors, by means of a filing with the SEC, all amendments to the Code as well as all waivers of the Code granted to directors or officers, including the reasons for such waivers.

 

Acknowledgment

 

I acknowledge that I have read and understand this Code of Business Conduct and Ethics.

 

 

Signature:    
   
Print name:    
   
Date:    

 

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics Page 6 of 6

 

Exhibit 99

 

RETRACTABLE TECHNOLOGIES, INC. REPORTS INCREASED INCOME AND SALES FOR SECOND QUARTER OF 2020

 

LITTLE ELM, TEXAS, August 17, 2020 — Retractable Technologies, Inc. (NYSE American: RVP) reports that its operating income was $960 thousand in the second quarter of 2020, compared to an operating income for the same period last year of $329 thousand, and that income applicable to common shareholders was $3.6 million for the second quarter of 2020. During the second quarter, Retractable had an increase in net sales of approximately $2.0 million over the prior period, of which $1.4 million is attributable to sales to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a previously reported $83.8 million delivery order. Other material changes in the Statement of Operations for the three months ended June 30, 2020 include an unrealized gain of approximately $900 thousand in an investment account and a recognition of approximately $1.8 million in deferred tax assets. Retractable also reports recent activity under the $53.7 million Technology Investment Agreement with the U.S. government, including placing orders for approximately $20 million in equipment and engagement of professionals to expand Retractable’s facilities in Little Elm, Texas.

 

Retractable reports the following results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

 

Comparison of Three Months Ended June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2019

 

Domestic sales accounted for 81.5% and 83.2% of revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Domestic revenues increased 20.1% principally due to the increase in units sold. Domestic unit sales increased 25.4%. Domestic unit sales were 78.7% of total unit sales for the three months ended June 30, 2020. International revenue and unit sales increased 35.6% and 25.2%, respectively, due to increased orders. Overall unit sales increased 25.3%. With the exception of the Department of Health and Human Services, increased sales are predominantly attributable to existing customers. Despite the global disruption of the pandemic, none of the markets in which the Company sells its products have experienced material decline. Sales to the Department of Health and Human Services in the quarter ended June 20, 2020 were approximately $1.4 million and the Company expects such sales to increase each quarter through May 2021.

 

The Cost of manufactured product increased by 21.1% principally due to the increase in the volume of units sold. Gross profit increased 25.3% primarily due to the increase in net revenues.

 

Operating expenses increased 4.3%. The increase was due to employee expenses such as added payroll and related costs and consulting fees.

 

Operating income was $960 thousand compared to an operating income of $329 thousand for the same period last year due primarily to the increase in net revenues and resulting gross profit.

 

Interest and other income increased $1.0 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 compared to the same period last year principally due to a $900 thousand unrealized gain from an April 2020 investment in individual energy stocks. In addition to operating income, the increase in Interest and other income contributed significantly to the increase in net income for the second quarter of 2020.

 

The Company’s effective tax rate on the income before income taxes was (85.1)% and 0.9% for the three months ended June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2019, respectively. As of June 30, 2020, the Company released its valuation allowance for deferred tax assets based on evidence supporting the position that the potential benefit would be “more-likely-than-not” realized. As a result of the release of the valuation allowance, the Company recognized approximately $1.8 million in deferred tax assets and recognized the corresponding amount as a beneficial income tax provision. The recognition of the benefit and deferred tax asset is reflected in the second quarter of 2020.

 

     

 

 

Comparison of Six Months Ended June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2019

 

Domestic sales accounted for 78.0% and 80.5% of the revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Domestic revenues increased 27.0% principally due to the increase in units sold. Domestic unit sales increased 27.8%. Domestic unit sales were 72.6% of total unit sales for the six months ended June 30, 2020. International revenue and unit sales increased 48.5% and 41.6%, respectively, due to increased orders and the timing of the same. Overall unit sales increased 31.3%. As discussed above, sales to the Department of Health and Human Services contributed significantly to second quarter results for 2020.

 

The Cost of manufactured product increased by 30.8% principally due to the increase in the volume of units sold. Gross profit increased 32.9% primarily due to the increase in net revenues.

 

Operating expenses increased 9.4%. The increase was due to an increase in employee headcount and related costs as well as consulting fees and an increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts.

 

Operating income was $1.4 million compared to an operating income for the same period last year of $154 thousand due primarily to increased net revenues and resulting gross profit.

 

Interest and other income for the first six months of 2020 increased $767 thousand compared to the same period last year principally due to unrealized gain on investments. As discussed above, the Company’s investment in individual stocks in April 2020 contributed significantly to this increase.

 

The Company’s effective tax rate on the income (loss) before income taxes was (74.8)% and 1.31% for the six months ended June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2019, respectively. As of June 30, 2020, the Company released its valuation allowance for deferred tax assets based on evidence supporting the position that the potential benefit would be “more-likely-than-not” realized.

 

ABOUT RETRACTABLE

 

Retractable manufactures and markets VanishPoint® and Patient Safe® safety medical products and the EasyPoint® needle. The VanishPoint® syringe, blood collection, and IV catheter products are designed to prevent needlestick injuries and product reuse by retracting the needle directly from the patient, effectively reducing exposure to the contaminated needle. Patient Safe® syringes are uniquely designed to reduce the risk of bloodstream infections resulting from catheter hub contamination. The EasyPoint® is a retractable needle that can be used with luer lock syringes, luer slip syringes, and prefilled syringes to give injections. The EasyPoint® needle also can be used to aspirate fluids and for blood collection. Retractable's products are distributed by various specialty and general line distributors.

 

For more information on Retractable, visit its website at www.retractable.com.

 

Forward-looking statements in this press release are made pursuant to the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and reflect Retractable's current views with respect to future events. Retractable believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are accurate. However, Retractable cannot assure you that such expectations will materialize. Actual future performance could differ materially from such statements.

 

Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to: the impact of COVID-19 on all facets of logistics and operations, as well as costs, Retractable’s ability to complete capital improvements and ramp up domestic production in response to government agreements, potential tariffs, Retractable's ability to maintain liquidity; Retractable's maintenance of patent protection; Retractable's ability to maintain favorable third party manufacturing and supplier arrangements and relationships; foreign trade risk; Retractable's ability to access the market; production costs; the impact of larger market players in providing devices to the safety market; and other risks and uncertainties that are detailed from time to time in Retractable's periodic reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Retractable Technologies, Inc.

John W. Fort III, 888-806-2626 or 972-294-1010

Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Accounting Officer