Filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)

File No. 333-187734

 

PROSPECTUS

 

 

PRECISION OPTICS CORPORATION, INC.

OFFERING UP TO 700,000 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK

 

 

This prospectus relates to the sale or other disposition of up to 700,000 shares of our common stock and shares underlying warrants by selling stockholders. We are not selling any securities in this offering and therefore will not receive any proceeds from this offering. We may receive proceeds from the possible future exercise of warrants. All costs associated with this registration will be borne by us. Our common stock is quoted on the OTCQB under the symbol “PEYE.” On October 28, 2013, the last reported sale price of our common stock on the OTCQB was $0.70 per share.

 

 

 

 

 

THIS INVESTMENT INVOLVES A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK. YOU SHOULD PURCHASE

SECURITIES ONLY IF YOU CAN AFFORD A COMPLETE LOSS.

 

SEE “RISK FACTORS” BEGINNING ON PAGE 3.

 

 

  

 

You should rely only on the information provided in this prospectus or any supplement to this prospectus and information incorporated by reference. We have not authorized anyone else to provide you with different information. Neither the delivery of this prospectus nor any distribution of the shares of common stock pursuant to this prospectus shall, under any circumstances, create any implication that there has been no change in our affairs since the date of this prospectus.

 

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

The date of this prospectus is October 30, 2013.

  

 
 

  

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

  

    Page
Prospectus Summary   1
Risk Factors   3
Use of Proceeds   6
Selling Security Holders   6
Plan of Distribution   9
Description of Securities to be Registered   10
Interests of Named Experts and Counsel   10
Information about the Company   11
Description of Business   11
Description of Property   14
Legal Proceedings   14
Market Price of and Dividends on Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters   15
Financial Statements   F-1
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations   16
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure   20
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk   20
Directors, Executive Officers, Promoters and Control Persons   20
Executive Compensation   22
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management   25
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions   30
Director Independence   33
Legal Matters   33
Experts   33
Disclosure of Commission Position on Indemnification for Securities Act Liabilities   33

  

 

-i-
 

 

   

PRECISION OPTICS CORPORATION, INC.

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

 

The following information is a summary of the prospectus and it does not contain all of the information you should consider before making an investment decision. You should read the entire prospectus carefully, including the financial statements and the notes relating to the financial statements.

 

ABOUT US

 

We incorporated in Massachusetts in December 1982 and have been publicly-owned since November 1990. References to our Company contained herein include our two wholly-owned subsidiaries, Precise Medical, Inc. and Wood’s Precision Optics Corporation, Limited, except where the context otherwise requires. Our fiscal year end is June 30. Our principal executive offices are located at 22 East Broadway, Gardner, Massachusetts 01440-3338. Our telephone number is (978) 630-1800. Our website is www.poci.com. Information contained on our website does not constitute part of this prospectus.

 

We have been developing and manufacturing advanced optical instruments since 1982. Today, the vast majority of our business is the design and manufacture of high-quality medical devices and approximately 10% of our business is the design and manufacture of military and industrial products. Our medical instrumentation line includes traditional endoscopes and endocouplers as well as other custom imaging and illumination products for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures. Much of our recent development efforts have been targeted at the development of next generation endoscopes. For the last ten years, we have funded internal research and development programs to develop next generation capabilities for designing and manufacturing 3D endoscopes and very small Microprecision™ lenses, anticipating future requirements as the surgical community continues to demand smaller and more enhanced imaging systems for minimally invasive surgery. Our unique proprietary technology in these areas, combined with recent developments in the areas of 3D displays and millimeter sized image sensors, has allowed us to begin commercialization of these technologies. We believe that new products based on these technologies provide enhanced imaging for existing surgical procedures and can enable development of many new procedures. While we have continued to provide custom optics solutions to our medical device company customers, we simultaneously focused significant development efforts on further advancement of proprietary technology for 3D endoscopy and Microprecision™ optical components and micro medical camera assemblies.

SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA

 

Because this is only a summary of our financial information, it does not contain all of the financial information that may be important to you.  Therefore, you should carefully read all of the information in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, including the financial statements and their explanatory notes and the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” before making a decision to invest in our common stock. The information contained in the following summary is derived from our financial statements for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2013 and 2012.

 

    

Fiscal Year
Ended

06/30/2013

    

Fiscal Year
Ended

06/30/2012

 
Revenues  $2,519,743   $2,152,396 
Cost of Goods Sold   1,865,315    1,594,990 
Gross profit   654,428    557,406 
Research and Development Expenses, net   630,294    664,696 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses   1,261,141    1,187,665 
Gain on Sale of Assets   (4,498)   (10,226)
Total operating expenses   1,886,937    1,842,135 
Operating loss   (1,232,509)   (1,284,729)
Gain on Sale of Patents       2,276,286 
Non-cash provision for Claims for Liquidated Damages   (629,000)    
Other Income   76,149    535 
Interest Expense   (1,408)   (30,208)
Income (Loss) before provision for income taxes   (1,786,768)   961,884 
Provision for Income Taxes   912    912 
Net Income (loss)  $(1,787,680)  $960,972 

 

 

 

1
 

THE OFFERING

  

Common stock outstanding as of October 28, 2013   4,455,134 shares
     
Common stock to be registered   700,000 shares
     
Use of proceeds   We will not receive any proceeds from the sale or other disposition of common stock by the selling stockholders. We may receive proceeds from the exercise of warrants. We intend to use the proceeds from the exercise of warrants, if any, for working capital purposes.
     
Stock symbol   PEYE

 

THE TRANSACTION

 

On February 12, 2013, we entered into a settlement agreement with two of our stockholders, Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. and Special Situations Private Equity Fund, L.P. (along with Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P., “Special Situations”) (the “Settlement Agreement”). As previously disclosed in our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 24, 2013, we received a demand letter from Special Situations on January 17, 2013. The letter alleged that we failed to maintain a current registration statement for the sale of stock purchased by Special Situations pursuant to registration rights agreements entered into with us in February 1, 2007 and June 25, 2008, and sought prompt payment of $719,100 as liquidated damages and an amendment to the terms of certain warrants purchased in 2008. A registration statement covering the shares in question is currently effective.

 

Without agreeing to the alleged damages, we entered into the Settlement Agreement with Special Situations in order to resolve the claim without requiring a cash payment or extended distraction of our resources away from operational activities. Under the terms of the Settlement Agreement, Special Situations agreed to forego their claims for cash damages. In return, we agreed to: (a) issue an aggregate of (i) 350,000 shares of our common stock, and (ii) warrants to purchase an aggregate of 350,000 shares of our common stock, and (b) amend the expiration date of the warrants issued to Special Situations in conjunction with our June 25, 2008 private placement (the “2008 Warrants”), as payment in full of the alleged damages sought by Special Situations. The expiration date of the 2008 Warrants was amended from June 25, 2015 to May 11, 2017. The new warrants issued in connection with the Settlement Agreement have an exercise price of $1.50 per share, subject to adjustment, expire three years from February 12, 2013, and are exercisable in whole or in part, at any time prior to expiration.

 

In conjunction with the Settlement Agreement, we also entered into a registration rights agreement dated February 12, 2013 with Special Situations, whereby we were obligated to register the resale by Special Situations of the Securities, consisting of 350,000 shares of our common stock and the 350,000 shares of our common stock underlying the warrants issued on February 12, 2013. We filed the registration statement on April 4, 2013. The registration statement became effective on April 26, 2013.

 

The selling stockholders who were party to the Settlement Agreement were as follows:

 

Selling Stockholder Common stock issued in February 2013 Settlement Shares that may be issued upon exercise of warrants issued in the February 2013 Settlement
Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. 175,000 175,000
Special Situations Private Equity Fund, L.P. 175,000 175,000
TOTAL 350,000 350,000

 

2
 

 

 

 

USE OF PROCEEDS

 

We will not receive any proceeds from the sale or other disposition of our common stock by selling stockholders. We may receive proceeds from the exercise of warrants.  We intend to use the proceeds from the exercise of warrants, if any, for working capital.

   

MARKET FOR THE SECURITIES

 

Our common stock is quoted on the OTCQB under the symbol “PEYE.”

 

RISK FACTORS

 

An investment in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. Before making an investment decision, you should give careful consideration to the following risk factors, in addition to the other information included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2013 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 30, 2013. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be materially and adversely affected and you may lose some or all of your investment.

  

Risks Related to Our Business

 

We rely on a small number of customers who may not consistently purchase our products in the future and if we lose any one of these customers, our revenues may decline.

 

In the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013, our two largest customers represented approximately 54% and 13%, respectively, of our total revenues. In the fiscal year ended June 30, 2012, our two largest customers represented approximately 34% and 22%, respectively, of our total revenues. No other customer accounted for more than 10% of our revenues during those periods. At June 30, 2013, receivables from our three largest customers were 26%, 24% and 12%, respectively, of the total accounts receivable.

 

In the future, a small number of customers may continue to represent a significant portion of our total revenues in any given period. These customers may not consistently purchase our products at a particular rate over any subsequent period. A loss of any of these customers could adversely affect our revenues.

 

Negative economic conditions increase the risk that we could suffer unrecoverable losses on our customers’ accounts receivable which would adversely affect our financial results.

 

At June 30, 2013, receivables from our three largest customers were 26%, 24% and 12%, respectively, of the total accounts receivable. While we believe we have a varied customer base and have experienced strong collections in the past, if current economic conditions fail to improve we may experience changes in our customer base, including reductions in purchasing commitments, which could also have a material adverse effect on our revenues and liquidity. We have not purchased insurance on our accounts receivable balances.

 

We rely heavily upon the talents of our Chief Executive Officer, the loss of whom could severely damage our business.

 

Our performance depends to a large extent on a small number of key scientific, technical, managerial and marketing personnel. In particular, we believe our success is highly dependent upon the services and reputation of our Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Joseph N. Forkey. The loss of Dr. Forkey’s services could severely damage our business. Dr. Forkey provides highly valuable contributions to our capabilities in optical instrument development, in management of new technology and in potentially significant longer-term Company initiatives related to biophysics and biomedical instrumentation.

 

We must continue to be able to attract employees with the scientific and technical skills that our business requires and if we are unable to attract and retain such individuals, our business could be severely damaged.

 

Our ability to attract employees with a high degree of scientific and technical talent is crucial to the success of our business. There is intense competition for the services of such persons, and we cannot guarantee that we will be able to attract and retain individuals possessing the necessary qualifications. If we cannot attract such individuals, we may not be able to produce our products and our business could be damaged.

 

We are subject to a high degree of regulatory oversight and, if we do not continue to receive the necessary regulatory approvals, our revenues may decline.

 

The FDA has granted us clearance to market the medical products we currently sell in the United States. However, prior FDA approval may be required before we can market additional medical products that we may develop in the future. We may also seek to sell current or future medical products in a manner that requires us to obtain FDA permission to market such products. We may also require the regulatory approval or license of other federal, state or local agencies or comparable agencies in other countries.

 

We may lose the FDA’s permission to market our current products or may not obtain the necessary regulatory permission, approvals or licenses for the marketing of any of our future products. Also, we cannot predict the impact on our business of FDA regulations or determinations arising from future legislation or administrative action. If we lose the FDA’s permission to market our current products or we do not obtain regulatory permission to market our future products, our revenues may decline and our business may be harmed.

 

3
 

We face risks inherent in product development and production under fixed price purchase orders and these purchase orders may not be profitable over time.

A portion of our business has been devoted to research, development and production under fixed price purchase orders. For our purposes, a fixed price purchase order is any purchase order under which we will provide products or services for a fixed price over an extended period of time, usually six months or longer. Fixed price purchase orders represented approximately 25% to 50% of our total revenues during the last several years. We expect that revenues from fixed price purchase orders will continue to represent a significant portion of our total revenues in future fiscal years.

Because they involve performance over time, we cannot predict with certainty the expenses involved in meeting our obligations under fixed price purchase orders. Therefore, we can never be sure at the time we enter into any single fixed price purchase order that such purchase order will be profitable for us.

Third parties may infringe on our intellectual property and, as a result, we could incur significant expense in protecting our patents or not have sufficient resources to protect them.

We utilize a number of licensed patents that are important to our business. In July 2011, we entered into an asset purchase agreement with Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc., in which we received $2.5 million in connection with the sale of certain intellectual property. Pursuant to the agreement, we agreed to assign to Intuitive Surgical all of our currently issued and non-expired patents and pending patent applications and, in return, Intuitive Surgical agreed to grant to us a royalty-free, worldwide license to these patents in fields outside of medical robotics.

Although we are not currently aware of any past or present infringements of our patents, we plan, jointly with Intuitive Surgical, to protect these patents from infringement and obtain additional patents whenever feasible. To this end, we have obtained confidentiality agreements from our employees and consultants and others who have access to the design of our products and other proprietary information. Protecting and obtaining patents, however, is both time consuming and expensive. We therefore may not have the resources necessary to assert all potential patent infringement claims or pursue all patents that might be available to us. If our competitors or other third parties infringe on our patents, our business may be harmed.

Third parties may claim that we have infringed on their patents and, as a result, we could be prohibited from using all or part of any technology used in our products.

Should third parties claim a proprietary right to all or part of any technology that we use in our products, such a claim, regardless of its merit, could involve us in costly litigation. If successful, such a claim could also result in us being unable to freely use the technology that was the subject of the claim, or sell products embodying such technology. If we engage in litigation, our expenses may increase and our business may be harmed. If we are prohibited from using a particular technology in our products, our revenues may decline and our business may be harmed.

We depend on the availability of certain key supplies and services that are available from only a few sources and if we experience difficulty with a supplier, we may have difficulty finding alternative sources of these supplies or services.

We require certain key supplies to develop and manufacture our products, in particular, precision grade optical glass, which is available from only a few sources, each of which is located outside the United States. Additionally, we rely on outside vendors to grind and polish certain of our lenses and other optical components, such as prisms and windows. Based upon our ordering experience to date, we believe the materials and services required for the production of our products are currently available in sufficient quantities. Our requirements are small relative to the total supply, and we are not currently encountering problems with availability. However, this does not mean that we will continue to have timely access to adequate supplies of essential materials and services in the future or that supplies of these materials and services will be available on satisfactory terms when the need arises. Our business could be severely damaged if we become unable to procure these essential materials and services in adequate quantities and at acceptable prices.

From time to time, subcontractors may produce certain of our products for us, and our business is subject to the risk that these subcontractors fail to make timely delivery. Our products and services are also from time to time used as components of the products and services of other manufacturers. We are therefore subject to the risk that manufacturers that integrate our products or services into their own products or services are unable to acquire essential supplies and services from third parties in a timely fashion. If this occurs, we may not be able to deliver our products on a timely basis and our revenues may decline.

Our customers may claim that the products we sold them were defective and if our insurance is not sufficient to cover a claim, we would be liable for the excess.

Like any manufacturer, we are and always have been exposed to liability claims resulting from the use of our products. We maintain product liability insurance to cover us in the event of liability claims, and as of September 15, 2013, no such claims have been asserted or threatened against us. However, our insurance may not be sufficient to cover all possible future product liabilities.

4
 

We would be liable if our business operations harmed the environment and a failure to maintain compliance with environmental laws could severely damage our business.

Our operations are subject to a variety of federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment. From time to time, we use hazardous materials in our operations. Although we believe that we are in compliance with all applicable environmental laws and regulations, our business could be severely damaged by any failure to maintain such compliance.

Our quarterly financial results vary quarter to quarter and depend on many factors. As a result, we cannot predict with a high degree of certainty our operating results in any particular fiscal quarter.

Our quarterly operating results may vary significantly depending upon factors such as:

 

·the timing of completion of significant customer orders;
·the timing and amount of our research and development expenditures;
·the costs of initial product production in connection with new products;
·the timing of new product introductions—both by us and by our competitors;
·the timing and level of market acceptance of new products or enhanced versions of our existing products;
·our ability to retain existing customers and customers’ continued demand for our products and services;
·our customers’ inventory levels, and levels of demand for our customers’ products and services; and
·competitive pricing pressures.

 

We may not be able to grow or sustain revenues or achieve or maintain profitability on a quarterly or annual basis and levels of revenue and/or profitability may vary from one such period to another.

 

Some of our competitors are large, well-financed companies who have research and marketing capabilities that are superior to ours.

 

The industries in which we operate are highly competitive. Many of our existing and potential competitors have greater financial resources and manufacturing capabilities, more established and larger marketing and sales organizations and larger technical staffs than we have. Other companies, some with greater experience in the optics, semiconductor or medical products industries, are seeking to produce products and services that compete with our products and services.

 

Risks Related to Our Stock

 

Trading in our common stock is limited and the price of our common stock may be subject to substantial volatility.

 

Our common stock was delisted from the NASDAQ Capital Market at the opening of business on December 27, 2005. Our common stock (OTCQB: PEYE) is quoted on OTCQB, the OTC market tier for companies that report to the SEC. We expect our common stock to continue to be quoted on the OTCQB for the foreseeable future. Broker-dealers may decline to trade in OTCQB stocks given the market for such securities is often limited, the stocks are more volatile and the risk to investors is greater. These factors may reduce the potential market for our common stock by reducing the number of potential investors. This may make it more difficult for investors in our common stock to sell shares to third parties or to otherwise dispose of their shares. This could cause our stock price to decline.

 

Additionally, the price of our common stock may be volatile as a result of a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the following:

 

·our ability to successfully conceive and to develop new products and services to enhance the performance characteristics and methods of manufacture of existing products;
·our ability to retain existing customers and customers’ continued demand for our products and services;
·the timing of our research and development expenditures and of new product introductions;
·the timing and level of acceptance of new products or enhanced versions of our existing products; and
·price and volume fluctuations in the stock market at large which do not relate to our operating performance.

 

“Penny stock” rules may make buying or selling our securities difficult which may make our stock less liquid and make it harder for investors to buy and sell our securities.

Trading in our securities is subject to the SEC’s “penny stock” rules and it is anticipated that trading in our securities will continue to be subject to the penny stock rules for the foreseeable future. The SEC has adopted regulations that generally define a penny stock to be any equity security that has a market price of less than $5.00 per share, subject to certain exceptions. These rules require that any broker-dealer who recommends our securities to persons other than prior customers and accredited investors must, prior to the sale, make a special written suitability determination for the purchaser and receive the purchaser’s written agreement to execute the transaction. Unless an exception is available, the regulations require the delivery, prior to any transaction involving a penny stock, of a disclosure schedule explaining the penny stock market and the risks associated with trading in the penny stock market. In addition, broker-dealers must disclose commissions payable to both the broker-dealer and the registered representative and current quotations for the securities they offer. The additional burdens imposed upon broker-dealers by these requirements may discourage broker-dealers from recommending transactions in our securities, which could severely limit the liquidity of our securities and consequently adversely affect the market price for our securities.

5
 

We are contractually obligated to issue shares in the future, diluting your interest in us.

As of June 30, 2013, there were 400,087 shares of our common stock issuable upon exercise of stock options outstanding, at a weighted average exercise price of $4.47 per share. A total of 117,200 shares and 36,198 shares, respectively, of our common stock, including shares rolled forward from the 1997 Incentive Plan, are reserved for issuance under our 2011 and 2006 Equity Incentive Plans as of June 30, 2013. As of June 30, 2013, there are also warrants outstanding for the issuance of an aggregate of an additional 2,994,599 shares of our common stock, at a weighted average exercise price of $1.25 per share. Moreover, we expect to issue additional shares and options to purchase shares of our common stock to compensate employees, consultants and directors, and we may issue additional shares to raise capital. Any such issuances will have the effect of further diluting the interest of the holders of our securities.

 

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This prospectus contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties.  You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.  Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements for many reasons, including the reasons described in our “Risk Factors” section. Although we believe the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, they relate only to events as of the date on which the statements are made. We do not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this prospectus to conform these statements to actual results or to changes in our expectations, except as required by law.

  

USE OF PROCEEDS

 

This prospectus relates to shares of our common stock that may be offered and sold from time to time by certain selling stockholders. We will not receive proceeds from the sale or other disposition of shares of common stock being sold by our selling stockholders. However, we may receive proceeds from the exercise of warrants. We cannot predict when or if the warrants will be exercised. It is possible that the warrants may expire and may never be exercised. If we receive proceeds from the exercise of warrants, we intend to use the proceeds for working capital.

 

SELLING SECURITY HOLDERS

 

Based upon information available to us as of April 1, 2013, the following table sets forth the names of the selling stockholders, the number of shares owned, the number of shares registered by this registration statement and the number and percent of outstanding shares that the selling stockholders will own, assuming all of the shares registered by this registration statement are sold. The information provided in the table and discussions below has been obtained from the selling stockholders. The selling stockholders may have sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of, or may sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of, at any time or from time to time since the date on which it provided the information regarding the shares beneficially owned, all or a portion of the shares of common stock beneficially owned in transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933. As used in this prospectus, “selling stockholder” includes donees, pledgees, transferees or other successors-in-interest selling shares received from the named selling stockholder as a gift, pledge, distribution or other transfer. 

 

6
 

 

Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3(d) promulgated by the Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Unless otherwise noted, each person or entity identified possesses sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares, subject to community property laws where applicable.

 

Name of Selling Security Holder Beneficial
Ownership Before Offering
(1), (3)
Percentage of Outstanding Shares Owned Prior to Offering
(2), (5)
Number of Shares Offered (3) Number of Shares Owned After Offering (4) Percentage of Shares Owned After Offering
(4), (5)
Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. (6) 1,752,323 33.2% 350,000 1,402,323 24.2%
Special Situations Private Equity Fund, L.P. (7) 725,332 15.0% 350,000 375,332 7.0%

 

(1)  This column includes common stock beneficially owned and shares that may be acquired upon exercise of warrants, including shares being registered by this prospectus. For the purposes of this table, we have not assumed the limitations on exercise set forth in certain warrants, which limit the number of shares of common stock that the holder, together with all other shares of common stock beneficially owned by such entity, does not exceed 4.999% of the total outstanding shares of common stock.

 

(2)  Based on 4,455,134 shares outstanding as of April 1, 2013. Amounts listed have been adjusted, if necessary, to reflect a 1-for-25 reverse split, effective December 11, 2008.
   
(3) Includes shares that may be issued upon exercise of warrants.
   
(4)  These numbers assume the selling stockholders sell all of their shares being registered in this prospectus, including shares exercisable upon the exercise of warrants which are being registered in this prospectus, and they do not sell any of the other shares of common stock they own on April 1, 2013, or exercise any of the other warrants they own on April 1, 2013, that are not included in this prospectus. For the purposes of this table, we have not assumed the limitations on exercise set forth in certain warrants, which limit the number of shares of common stock that the holder, together with all other shares of common stock beneficially owned by such entity, does not exceed 4.999% of the total outstanding shares of common stock. We have also not assumed selling by the selling stockholder of shares registered in any other registration statement we may have filed.
   
(5) Percentages are calculated on the basis of the amount of issued and outstanding common stock plus, for each entity, any securities that such entity has the right to acquire within 60 days pursuant to options, warrants, conversion privileges or other rights.
   
(6) Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. is a Delaware limited partnership. Messrs. Austin W. Marxe and David M. Greenhouse are the controlling principals of AWM Investment Company, Inc., the general partner of MGP Advisers Limited Partnership, the general partner of Special Situations Fund III QP. AWM Investment Company serves as the investment adviser to Special Situations Fund III QP. On February 12, 2013, we entered into a settlement agreement with Special Situations Fund III QP and we agreed to issue to Special Situations Fund III QP: (i) 175,000 shares of our common stock, and (ii) warrants to purchase up to 175,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $1.50 per share, subject to adjustment, with an expiration date of February 12, 2016, and exercisable in whole or in part, at any time prior to expiration. The shares being registered for Special Situations Fund III QP also include shares exercisable upon exercise of warrants.
   
(7) Special Situations Private Equity Fund, L.P. is a Delaware limited partnership. Messrs. Austin W. Marxe and David M. Greenhouse are the controlling principals of AWM Investment Company, Inc. Messrs. Marxe and Greenhouse are also members of MG Advisers L.L.C., the general partner of Special Situations Private Equity Fund. AWM Investment Company serves as the investment adviser to Special Situations Private Equity Fund. On February 12, 2013, we entered into a settlement agreement with Special Situations Private Equity Fund and we agreed to issue to Special Situations Private Equity Fund (i) 175,000 shares of our common stock, and (ii) warrants to purchase up to 175,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $1.50 per share, subject to adjustment, with an expiration date of February 12, 2016, and exercisable in whole or in part, at any time prior to expiration. The shares being registered for Special Situations Private Equity Fund also include shares exercisable upon exercise of warrants.

 

7
 

 

 

Material Relationships between the Selling Stockholder and Our Company or Our Affiliates

 

As of April 1, 2013, in addition to the information provided in the “Prospectus Summary” regarding the Transaction, in the past three years, we have had the following material relationships with the selling stockholder or an affiliate of a selling stockholder:

 

  · In our private placement of common stock and warrants on September 28, 2012, Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. purchased 611,112 shares of our common stock, and warrants to purchase up to 427,779 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $1.25 per share, subject to adjustment and a call provision if certain market price targets are reached, and an expiration date of September 28, 2017. We registered the shares and the shares underlying the warrants purchased by Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. in the September 2012 private placement in a registration statement that is currently effective.

 

  · On June 25, 2008, we entered into a purchase agreement, as amended on December 11, 2008, with Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P., Special Situations Private Equity Fund, L.P., and other accredited investors pursuant to which we sold a total of $600,000 of 10% Senior Secured Convertible Notes, referred to as the “Notes,” that are convertible into a total of 480,000 shares of our common stock at a conversion rate of $1.25. We also issued warrants to purchase a total of 316,800 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $1.75 per share, referred to as the “Warrants.” Interest accrued on the Notes at a rate of 10% per year and was payable in cash upon the earlier of conversion or maturity of the Notes. The original maturity of the Notes was June 25, 2010 and the original expiration date of the Warrants was June 25, 2015, subject to extension. By mutual agreement with us, the investors amended the Notes on several dates to extend the “Stated Maturity Date” of the Notes. Pursuant to the terms of the settlement agreement entered into with Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. and Special Situations Private Equity Fund, L.P. on February 12, 2013, the expiration date of the Warrants held by Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. and Special Situations Private Equity Fund, L.P. was amended from June 25, 2015 to May 11, 2017. The exercise price of the Warrants may be adjusted downward in the event we issue shares of common stock or securities convertible into common stock at a price lower than the exercise price of the Warrants at the time of issuance. On December 15, 2011, we repaid Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. a principal repayment of $275,000 and accrued interest of $95,486, for a total payment of $370,486. On December 15, 2011, we repaid Special Situations Private Equity Fund, L.P. a principal repayment of $275,000 and accrued interest of $95,486, for a total payment of $370,486. The Notes held by Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. and Special Situations Private Equity Fund, L.P. have been satisfied in full and the obligations thereunder have been terminated. We registered the shares and the shares underlying the Warrants purchased by Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. and Special Situations Private Equity Fund, L.P. in the June 2008 private placement in a registration statement that is currently effective.

8
 

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

 

The selling stockholders, which as used herein includes donees, pledgees, transferees or other successors-in-interest selling shares of common stock or interests in shares of common stock received after the date of this prospectus from a selling stockholder as a gift, pledge, partnership distribution or other transfer, may, from time to time, sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any or all of their shares of common stock or interests in shares of common stock on any stock exchange, market or trading facility on which the shares are traded or in private transactions. These dispositions may be at fixed prices, at prevailing market prices at the time of sale, at prices related to the prevailing market price, at varying prices determined at the time of sale, or at negotiated prices.

 

The selling stockholders may use any one or more of the following methods when disposing of shares or interests therein:

 

  · ordinary brokerage transactions and transactions in which the broker-dealer solicits purchasers;

 

  · block trades in which the broker-dealer will attempt to sell the shares as agent, but may position and resell a portion of the block as principal to facilitate the transaction;

 

  · purchases by a broker-dealer as principal and resale by the broker-dealer for its account;

 

  · an exchange distribution in accordance with the rules of the applicable exchange;

 

  · privately negotiated transactions;

 

  · short sales effected after the date the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part is declared effective by the SEC;

 

  · through the writing or settlement of options or other hedging transactions, whether through an options exchange or otherwise;

 

  · broker-dealers may agree with the selling stockholders to sell a specified number of such shares at a stipulated price per share;

 

  · a combination of any such methods of sale; and

 

  · any other method permitted by applicable law.

 

The selling stockholders may, from time to time, pledge or grant a security interest in some or all of the shares of common stock owned by them and, if they default in the performance of their secured obligations, the pledgees or secured parties may offer and sell the shares of common stock, from time to time, under this prospectus, or under an amendment to this prospectus under Rule 424(b)(3) or other applicable provision of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), amending the list of selling stockholders to include the pledgee, transferee or other successors in interest as selling stockholders under this prospectus. The selling stockholders also may transfer the shares of common stock in other circumstances, in which case the transferees, pledgees or other successors in interest will be the selling beneficial owners for purposes of this prospectus.

 

In connection with the sale of our common stock or interests therein, the selling stockholders may enter into hedging transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions, which may in turn engage in short sales of the common stock in the course of hedging the positions they assume. The selling stockholders may also sell shares of our common stock short and deliver these securities to close out their short positions, or loan or pledge the common stock to broker-dealers that in turn may sell these securities. The selling stockholders may also enter into option or other transactions with broker-dealers or other financial institutions or the creation of one or more derivative securities which require the delivery to such broker-dealer or other financial institution of shares offered by this prospectus, which shares such broker-dealer or other financial institution may resell pursuant to this prospectus (as supplemented or amended to reflect such transaction).

 

The aggregate proceeds to the selling stockholders from the sale of the common stock offered by them will be the purchase price of the common stock less discounts or commissions, if any. Each of the selling stockholders reserves the right to accept and, together with their agents from time to time, to reject, in whole or in part, any proposed purchase of common stock to be made directly or through agents. We will not receive any of the proceeds from this offering. Upon any exercise of the warrants by payment of cash, however, we will receive the exercise price of the warrants.

 

The selling stockholders also may resell all or a portion of the shares in open market transactions in reliance upon Rule 144 under the Securities Act, provided that they meet the criteria and conform to the requirements of that rule.

 

The selling stockholders and any underwriters, broker-dealers or agents that participate in the sale of the common stock or interests therein may be "underwriters" within the meaning of Section 2(11) of the Securities Act. Any discounts, commissions, concessions or profit they earn on any resale of the shares may be underwriting discounts and commissions under the Securities Act. Selling stockholders who are "underwriters" within the meaning of Section 2(11) of the Securities Act will be subject to the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act.

 

9
 

 

 

To the extent required, the shares of our common stock to be sold, the names of the selling stockholders, the respective purchase prices and public offering prices, the names of any agents, dealer or underwriter, any applicable commissions or discounts with respect to a particular offer will be set forth in an accompanying prospectus supplement or, if appropriate, a post-effective amendment to the registration statement that includes this prospectus.

 

In order to comply with the securities laws of some states, if applicable, the common stock may be sold in these jurisdictions only through registered or licensed brokers or dealers. In addition, in some states the common stock may not be sold unless it has been registered or qualified for sale or an exemption from registration or qualification requirements is available and is complied with.

 

We have advised the selling stockholders that the anti-manipulation rules of Regulation M under the Exchange Act may apply to sales of shares in the market and to the activities of the selling stockholders and their affiliates. In addition, to the extent applicable we will make copies of this prospectus (as it may be supplemented or amended from time to time) available to the selling stockholders for the purpose of satisfying the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act. The selling stockholders may indemnify any broker-dealer that participates in transactions involving the sale of the shares against certain liabilities, including liabilities arising under the Securities Act.

 

We have agreed to indemnify the selling stockholders against liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act and state securities laws, relating to the registration of the shares offered by this prospectus.

 

We have agreed with the selling stockholders to keep the registration statement of which this prospectus constitutes a part effective until the earlier of (1) such time as all of the shares covered by this prospectus have been disposed of pursuant to and in accordance with the registration statement or (2) the date on which the shares may be sold without restriction pursuant to Rule 144 of the Securities Act.

 

 

DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED

 

The following description of our capital stock and provisions of our Articles of Organization, as amended, and Bylaws, as amended, is only a summary. You should also refer to our Articles of Organization, as amended, a copy of which is incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and our Bylaws, a copy of which is incorporated by reference as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

 

Common Stock

 

We are authorized to issue up to a total of 50,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share. Holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held on all matters submitted to a vote of our stockholders. Holders of our common stock have no rights under our Articles of Organization, as amended, or our Bylaws regarding dividends unless and until dividends are declared by the board of directors, nor do they have any rights under our Articles of Organization, as amended, or our Bylaws regarding preemption rights. Each outstanding share of common stock is, and all shares of common stock to be issued in this offering, when they are paid for will be, fully paid and non-assessable.

 

Warrants

 

In connection with the February 2013 settlement, we issued warrants to purchase up to 350,000 shares of our common stock. The warrants have an exercise price of $1.50 per share, subject to adjustment, expire three years from February 12, 2013, and are exercisable in whole or in part, at any time prior to expiration.

 

INTERESTS OF NAMED EXPERTS AND COUNSEL

 

No expert or counsel named in this prospectus as having prepared or certified any part of this prospectus or having given an opinion upon the validity of the securities being registered or upon other legal matters in connection with the registration or offering of the securities being registered was employed for such purpose on a contingency basis, or had, or is to receive, in connection with this offering, a substantial interest, direct or indirect, in us or any of our subsidiaries, nor was any such person connected with us or any of our subsidiaries as a promoter, managing or principal underwriter, voting trustee, director, officer, or employee.

10
 

INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANY

 

DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

 

Overview

 

We have been developing and manufacturing advanced optical instruments since 1982. Today, the vast majority of our business is the design and manufacture of high-quality medical devices and approximately 10% of our business is the design and manufacture of military and industrial products. Our medical instrumentation line includes traditional endoscopes and endocouplers as well as other custom imaging and illumination products for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures. Much of our recent development efforts have been targeted at the development of next generation endoscopes. For the last ten years, we have funded internal research and development programs to develop next generation capabilities for designing and manufacturing 3D endoscopes and very small Microprecision™ lenses, anticipating future requirements as the surgical community continues to demand smaller and more enhanced imaging systems for minimally invasive surgery. Our unique proprietary technology in these areas, combined with recent developments in the areas of 3D displays and millimeter sized image sensors, has allowed us to begin commercialization of these technologies. We believe that new products based on these technologies provide enhanced imaging for existing surgical procedures and can enable development of many new procedures. While we have continued to provide custom optics solutions to our medical device company customers, we simultaneously focused significant development efforts on further advancement of proprietary technology for 3D endoscopy and Microprecision™ optical components and micro medical camera assemblies.

 

History

 

We incorporated in Massachusetts in December 1982 and have been publicly-owned since November 1990. References to our Company contained herein include our two wholly-owned subsidiaries, Precise Medical, Inc. and Wood’s Precision Optics Corporation, Limited, except where the context otherwise requires. Our website is www.poci.com. Information contained on our website does not constitute part of this prospectus.

 

Principal Products and Services

 

Our Current Core Business:  Since 1982, we have manufactured medical products such as endoscopes and endocouplers. We have developed and sold endoscopes incorporating various optical technologies including our proprietary Lenslock™ technology, for use in a variety of minimally invasive surgical and diagnostic procedures. Today, we produce endoscopes for various applications, which are CE marked and therefore certified for sale throughout the European Economic Area. Since 1985, we have developed, manufactured and sold a proprietary product line of endocouplers. We also design and manufacture custom optical medical devices to satisfy our customers’ specific requirements. In addition to medical devices, we also manufacture and sell components and assemblies specially designed for industrial and military use.

 

Microprecision™ Lenses and Micro Medical Cameras: While the size of endoscopes has gradually decreased over time, the widespread use of very small endoscopes, with diameters of one millimeter or smaller, has been limited in part, we believe, by the inability of traditional lens fabrication methods to support these smaller sizes with good image quality and acceptable manufacturing costs. We believe our Microprecision™ optics technology provides a solution to this problem. Combined with recent advances by other companies in complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor fabrication techniques, our Microprecision™ lenses and proprietary manufacturing techniques enable the manufacture of micro medical cameras at low prices and with sizes on the order of one millimeter or less, characteristics that make them well suited to medical applications. While we have manufactured Microprecision™ components for the last few years, we only recently received production orders for endoscopes and camera assemblies that use Microprecision™ technology.

 

3D Endoscopes: Our 3D endoscopes provide next generation optical imaging for minimally invasive surgical procedures that utilize hand-held rigid endoscopes by using the brain’s natural ability to perceive depth (the third dimension) by viewing one’s environment through two eyes. Utilizing our proprietary technology to provide independent images to right and left eyes enables surgeons to view the operative field with 3D perception.

 

Competition and Markets

 

We sell our products in a highly competitive market and we compete for business with both foreign and domestic manufacturers. Many of our current competitors are larger than us and have substantially greater resources than we do. In addition, there is an ongoing risk that other domestic or foreign companies who do not currently service or manufacture products for our target markets, some with greater experience in the optics industry and greater financial resources than we have, may seek to produce products or services that compete directly with ours.

 

We believe that, while our resources are substantially more limited than those of some of our competitors, we can compete successfully in this market on the bases of product quality, price, delivery and innovation. Our success will depend in part on our ability to maintain a technological advantage over our competitors. To this end, we intend to continue to aggressively support and augment our internal engineering, research and development resources and to aggressively pursue patent protection for existing and new technology. We believe that our unique technical capabilities in the areas of Microprecision™ optics and micro medical cameras, as well as 3D endoscopes currently represent competitive advantages for us in the minimally invasive surgical device market.

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Market Opportunities

 

Microprecision™ lenses and Micro Medical Cameras: While other approaches exist for the manufacture of camera lenses, we believe that none on the market today has the combination of low cost, small size, range of optical specifications and high image quality required for many medical applications. By enabling the production of millimeter sized and smaller cameras with low manufacturing costs, we believe this technology opens the possibility to replace existing re-sterilizable endoscopes with a single-use alternative. Also, the small size of our Microprecision™ lenses and micro medical cameras can provide visualization for existing procedures that are currently performed blind or with sub-optimal imaging, and we believe can facilitate the development of new surgical procedures that are currently impractical without sub-mm visualization instrumentation.

 

3D Endoscopes: 3D endoscopes have been used for many years as part of robotic surgery systems partly because the market price of robotic surgery systems is high enough to support the cost of a high quality custom 3D display. However, we believe the use of 3D endoscopes in hand-held (non-robotic) systems has been limited in the past by the high cost of good quality 3D display systems. Recently, the cost of high quality 3D display systems has dropped dramatically, driven by demand in the consumer market. Now, low cost, high quality 3D display systems (i.e. 3D televisions) are newly available in the market, which we believe enables the development of 3D hand-held endoscopy and creates a new market opportunity for our 3D endoscopes. To take advantage of this developing market, we have designed and built a high definition 3D endoscope for use in hand-held 3D endoscopy systems. We are now demonstrating this prototype to potential customers.

 

Sales and Marketing

 

We market our 3D endoscopes, Microprecision™ optical components and micro medical cameras by leveraging our existing relationships with major medical device companies – many of which are current customers. We intend to make our existing and future technologies available to our customers for use in their current and newly developed minimally invasive surgical products and to eventually develop and market our own proprietary products, which incorporate these new technologies. In addition to direct sales channels through our existing customer relationships, we also develop new sales opportunities through our website, email mailings, and attendance at market specific tradeshows.

 

International Business

 

We have had negligible direct export sales to date. However, our medical products have received the CE Mark certification, which permits sales into the European Economic Area. In the future, we may establish or use additional production facilities overseas to produce key components for our business, such as lenses. Since the 1990s, we have maintained a Hong Kong subsidiary to support business and quality control activities as required throughout Asia. We believe that the cost savings from such overseas production may be essential to our ability to compete on a price basis in the medical products area particularly and to our profitability generally.

 

Research and Development

 

We believe that our future success depends to a large degree on our ability to continue to conceive and develop new optical products and technologies to enhance the performance characteristics and methods of manufacture of existing and new products. Research and development expenses are incurred on our own proprietary products and technology such as Microprecision™ optics, micro medical cameras and 3D endoscopes, as well as on certain custom projects on behalf of customers. Accordingly, we expect to continue to seek to obtain product-related design and development contracts with customers and to invest our own funds on research and development. For the years ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, research and development expenses, net amounted to $630,294 and $664,696, respectively. For the years ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, research and development expenses were net of reimbursement from customers of related costs of $87,496 and $80,023, respectively.

 

Raw Materials and Principal Suppliers

 

A key raw material component for our products is precision grade optical glass, which we obtain from a few suppliers, principally SCHOTT North America, Inc. and Ohara Corporation. For optical thin film coatings, the basic raw materials we utilize are metals and dielectric compounds, which we obtain from a variety of chemical suppliers. Certain of the thin film coatings utilized in our products are currently procured from an outside supplier, but most thin film coatings are produced in-house. We believe that our demand for these raw materials and thin film coating services is small relative to the total supply, and that the materials and services required for the production of our products are currently available in sufficient production quantities and will remain available for fiscal year 2014.

12
 

 

Patents and Trademarks

 

We rely, in part, upon patents, trade secrets and proprietary knowledge as well as personnel policies and employee confidentiality agreements concerning inventions and other creative efforts to develop and to maintain our competitive position. We plan to file for patents, copyrights and trademarks in the United States and in other appropriate countries to protect our intellectual property rights to the extent practicable. We currently hold rights to fourteen United States patents, and have five patent applications pending, including applications for our new generation of micro medical cameras and 3D endoscopes. Our current patent portfolio includes patents, rights to patents and patent applications that cover various aspects of our technology in the following areas:

 

·Medical devices: 8 issued, 1 pending
·3-D endoscopes: 3 issued, 2 pending
·Microprecision™ lenses and micro medical cameras: 2 issued, 2 pending
·Military products: 1 issued

 

The patents contained in our current patent portfolio have expiration dates ranging from May 2014 to August 2026. We are not aware of any infringements of these patents. While we believe that our pending applications relate to patentable devices or concepts, these patents may not ultimately be issued and we may not be able to successfully defend these patents or effectively limit the development of competitive products and services.

 

In July 2011, we entered into an asset purchase agreement with Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc., in which we received $2.5 million in connection with the sale of certain intellectual property. Pursuant to the agreement, we agreed to assign to Intuitive Surgical all of our currently issued and non-expired patents and pending patent applications, and in return, Intuitive Surgical agreed to grant to us a royalty-free, worldwide license to these patents in fields outside of medical robotics.

 

We intend to continue to innovate and extend our technological capabilities in the areas of 3-D endoscopy Microprecision™ optics and micro medical cameras and to aggressively pursue patent protection for such developments.

 

Employees

 

As of June 30, 2013, we had 32 employees, 27 of which were full-time employees. There were 18 employees in manufacturing, 5 in engineering/research and development, 1 in sales and marketing and 8 in finance and administration. We are not a party to any collective bargaining agreements. We believe our relations with our employees are good.

  

Customers

Revenues from our largest customers, as a percentage of total revenues, for fiscal years 2013 and 2012 were as follows:

 

   2013   2012 
Customer A   54%   22%
Customer B   13    34 
All others   33    44 
    100%   100%

 

No other customer accounted for more than 10% of our revenues in fiscal years 2013 and 2012. At June 30, 2013, receivables from our three largest customers were 26%, 24% and 12%, respectively, of total accounts receivable.

 

Environmental Matters

 

Our operations are subject to a variety of federal, state and local laws and regulations relating to the discharge of materials into the environment or otherwise relative to the protection of the environment. From time to time, we use a small amount of hazardous materials in our operations. We believe that we currently comply with all applicable environmental laws and regulations and intend to do our best efforts to remain in compliance.

 

Government Regulations

 

Domestic Regulation. We currently develop, manufacture and sell several medical products, the marketing of which is subject to governmental regulation in the United States. Medical devices are regulated in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, and, in some cases, by certain state agencies. The FDA regulates the research, testing, manufacture, safety, effectiveness, labeling, promotion and distribution of medical devices in the United States. Generally, medical devices require clearance or approval prior to commercial distribution. Additionally, certain material changes to, and changes in intended use of, medical devices also are subject to FDA review and clearance or approval. Non-compliance with applicable requirements can result in failure of the FDA to grant pre-market clearance or approval, withdrawal or suspension of approval, suspension of production, or the imposition of various other penalties.

13
 

 

We previously notified the FDA of our intent to market our endoscopes, image couplers, beamsplitters, adapters and video ophthalmoscopes, and the FDA has determined that we may market such devices, subject to the general control provisions of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. We obtained this FDA permission without the need to undergo a lengthy and expensive approval process due to the FDA’s determination that such devices met the regulatory standard of being substantially equivalent to existing FDA-approved devices.

 

In the future, we plan to market additional medical devices that may require the FDA’s permission to market such products. We may also develop additional products or seek to sell some of our current or future medical products in a manner that requires us to obtain the permission of the FDA to market such products, as well as the regulatory approval or license of other federal, state and local agencies or similar agencies in other countries. The FDA has authority to conduct detailed inspections of manufacturing plants in order to assure that “good manufacturing practices” are being followed in the manufacture of medical devices, to require periodic reporting of product defects to the FDA and to prohibit the sale of devices which do not comply with law.

 

Foreign Requirements. Sales of medical device products outside the United States are subject to foreign regulatory requirements that may vary from country to country. Our failure to comply with foreign regulatory requirements would jeopardize our ability to market and sell our products in foreign jurisdictions. The regulatory environment in the European Union member countries of the European Economic Area for medical device products differs from that in the United States. Medical devices sold in the European Economic Area must bear the CE mark. Devices are classified by manufacturers according to the risks they represent, with a classification of Class III representing the highest risk devices and Class I representing the lowest risk devices. Once a device has been classified, the manufacturer can follow one of a series of conformity assessment routes, typically through a registered quality system, and demonstrate compliance to a “European Notified Body.” The CE mark may then be applied to the device. Maintenance of the system is ensured through annual on-site audits by the notified body and a post-market surveillance system requiring the manufacturer to submit serious complaints to the appropriate governmental authority. All of our medical products are CE mark certified.

 

Available Information

 

Our website is www.poci.com. We make available on our website, free of charge, copies of our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file or furnish such materials to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC. Our website and the information contained therein or connected thereto are not intended to be incorporated into this prospectus.

You may also read and copy any materials we file with the SEC at the SEC's Public Reference Room, located at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. The SEC maintains an Internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. 

DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY

 

We conduct our domestic operations at two facilities in Gardner, Massachusetts. The main Gardner facility is leased from a corporation owned by an individual who serves on our board of directors. The lease terminated in December 1999 and we are currently a tenant-at-will, paying rent of $9,000 per month. We rent the other Gardner facility on a month-to-month basis. We also rent office space in Hong Kong for sales, marketing and supplier quality control and liaison activities related to our Hong Kong subsidiary.

 

We believe these facilities are adequate for our current operations and are adequately covered by insurance. Significant increases in production or the addition of significant equipment additions or manufacturing capabilities in connection with the production of our line of endoscopes and other products may, however, require the acquisition or lease of additional facilities. We may establish production facilities domestically or overseas to produce key assemblies or components, such as lenses, for our products. Overseas facilities may subject us to the political and economic risks associated with overseas operations. The loss of or inability to establish or maintain such additional domestic or overseas facilities could materially adversely affect our competitive position and profitability.

 

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

  

On March 21, 2013, we received a letter from one of our stockholders demanding either (i) return of its capital investment in our Company and rescission of the purchase agreement entered into by us and the stockholder in September 2012, or (ii) compensation for its alleged damages in the amount of $179,316. The stockholder claims that our settlement agreement with Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. and Special Situations Private Equity Fund, L.P., as disclosed in our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 13, 2013, prompted the stockholder’s letter.

 

To our knowledge, the stockholder has not filed a lawsuit. We do not believe that the stockholder’s claims have any merit. In the event the stockholder files a lawsuit, we intend to vigorously defend against any claims.

 

Our Company, on occasion, may also be involved in other legal matters arising in the ordinary course of our business. While management believes that such matters are currently insignificant, matters arising in the ordinary course of business for which we are or could become involved in litigation may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations. We are not aware of any pending or threatened litigation against us or our officers and directors in their capacity as such that could have a material impact on our operations or finances, other than as set forth above.

 

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MARKET PRICE OF AND DIVIDENDS ON COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

  

Market Information

 

Our common stock (OTCQB: PEYE) is quoted on OTCQB, the OTC market tier for companies that report to the SEC. Our common stock was quoted on the OTCBB until February 23, 2011. The following table sets forth the high and low bid prices for our common stock for each quarter during the last two fiscal years as quoted on OTCQB. Such OTC market quotations reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail markup, markdown or commissions and may not necessarily represent actual transactions.

 

    High     Low  
For the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2012                
First Quarter ended September 30, 2011   $ 1.35     $ 1.25  
Second Quarter ended December 31, 2011   $ 1.45     $ 1.25  
Third Quarter ended March 31, 2012   $ 1.45     $ 0.13  
Fourth Quarter ended June 30, 2012   $ 2.01     $ 1.10  
                 
For the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2013                
First Quarter ended September 30, 2012   $ 1.50     $ 0.85  
Second Quarter ended December 31, 2012   $ 1.19     $ 0.80  
Third Quarter ended March 31, 2013   $ 0.90     $ 0.44  
Fourth Quarter ended June 30, 2013   $ 0.86     $ 0.25  
                 
For the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2014                
First Quarter ended September 30, 2013 (through September 15, 2013)   $ 1.09     $ 0.33  

 

Holders

 

As of September 15, 2013, we had approximately 100 holders of record of our common stock. Holders of record include nominees who may hold shares on behalf of multiple owners.

 

Dividends

 

We have not declared any dividends during the last two fiscal years. At present, we intend to retain our earnings, if any, to finance research and development and expansion of our business.

 

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities; Use of Proceeds from Registered Securities

 

We did not issue any unregistered equity securities during the quarter ended June 30, 2013.

 

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

 

The following table summarizes information about our equity compensation plans as of June 30, 2013.

 

Plan category   Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights     Weighted-average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights     Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))  
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders     192,287     $ 8.05       36,198  
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders     207,800     $ 1.20       117,200  
Total     400,087     $ 4.49       153,398  

 

2006 Equity Incentive Plan

 

On November 28, 2006, our stockholders approved the Precision Optics Corporation, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”), which succeeded the Precision Optics Corporation, Inc. Amended and Restated 1997 Equity Incentive Plan (the “1997 Plan”). No further awards have been or will be granted under the 1997 Plan. The 2006 Plan allows for the grant of stock options to selected employees, directors and other persons who provide services to us or our affiliates.

 

2011 Equity Incentive Plan

 

The Precision Optics Corporation, Inc. 2011 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan”) was adopted by our Board of Directors on October 13, 2011. The 2011 Plan allows for the grant of stock options to selected employees, directors and other persons who provide services to us or our affiliates.

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FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

 

Index to Financial Statements Page
     
  Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm F-2
     
  Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2013 and 2012 F-3
     
  Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 F-4
     
  Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the Years Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 F-5
     
  Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 F-6
     
  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements F-7
     

 

F-1
 

 

   

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of

Precision Optics Corporation, Inc.:

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Precision Optics Corporation, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of June 30, 2013 and 2012 and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for the years then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

 

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal controls over financial reporting. An audit includes consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Precision Optics Corporation, Inc. and subsidiaries as of June 30, 2013 and 2012 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

 

/s/ Stowe & Degon LLC

 

Westborough, Massachusetts

September 23, 2013

 

 

F-2
 

 

PRECISION OPTICS CORPORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2013 and 2012

 

   2013   2012 
ASSETS          
Current Assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents  $1,034,587   $145,923 
Accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $15,000 in 2013 and $11,446 in 2012)   278,700    341,900 
Inventories   896,173    682,900 
Prepaid expenses   61,567    33,719 
Total current assets   2,271,027    1,204,442 
Fixed Assets:          
Machinery and equipment   2,367,029    2,355,968 
Leasehold improvements   553,596    553,596 
Furniture and fixtures   148,303    148,303 
Vehicles   19,674    19,674 
    3,088,602    3,077,541 
Less—Accumulated depreciation and amortization   3,056,554    3,035,584 
Net fixed assets   32,048    41,957 
   $2,303,075   $1,246,399 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
Current Liabilities:          
10% senior secured convertible notes  $   $51,250 
Accounts payable   289,255    410,316 
Customer advances   38,044    6,387 
Accrued employee compensation   151,915    171,205 
Accrued professional services   70,000    62,000 
Accrued warranty expense   25,000    25,000 
Other accrued liabilities   18,672    912 
Total current liabilities   592,886    727,070 
Commitments (Note 3)          
Stockholders’ Equity:          
Common stock, $0.01 par value: 50,000,000 shares authorized; 4,455,134 and 1,251,339 shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2013 and June 30, 2012, respectively   44,551    12,513 
Additional paid-in capital   41,955,717    39,009,215 
Accumulated deficit   (40,290,079)   (38,502,399)
           
Total stockholders’ equity   1,710,189    519,329 
   $2,303,075   $1,246,399 

 

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

 

 

F-3
 

 

PRECISION OPTICS CORPORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Operations

for the Years Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012

 

   2013   2012 
Revenues  $2,519,743   $2,152,396 
Cost of Goods Sold   1,865,315    1,594,990 
Gross profit   654,428    557,406 
Research and Development Expenses, net   630,294    664,696 
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses   1,261,141    1,187,665 
Gain on Sale of Assets   (4,498)   (10,226)
Total operating expenses   1,886,937    1,842,135 
Operating loss   (1,232,509)   (1,284,729)
Gain on Sale of Patents       2,276,286 
Non-cash provision for Claims for Liquidated Damages   (629,000)    
Other Income   76,149    535 
Interest Expense   (1,408)   (30,208)
Income (Loss) before provision for income taxes   (1,786,768)   961,884 
Provision for Income Taxes   912    912 
Net Income (loss)  $(1,787,680)  $960,972 
Income (Loss) Per Share:          
Basic  $(0.51)  $0.83 
Diluted  $(0.51)  $0.78 
           
Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding:          
Basic   3,521,387    1,163,775 
Diluted   3,521,387    1,275,938 

 

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

 

 

 

F-4
 

 

PRECISION OPTICS CORPORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

for the Years Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012

 

   Number of Shares   Common
Stock
   Additional
Paid-in
Capital
   Accumulated
Deficit
   Total
Stockholders’
Equity (Deficit)
 
                          
Balance, July 1, 2011   971,013   $9,710   $38,259,029   $(39,463,371)  $(1,194,632)
Restricted stock issued to officers and directors   245,326    2,453    672,192        674,645 
Stock-based compensation   35,000    350    77,994        78,344 
Net income               960,972    960,972 
Balance, June 30, 2012   1,251,339   $12,513   $39,009,215   $(38,502,399)  $519,329 
Proceeds from sale of common stock and warrants   2,777,795    27,778    2,163,340        2,191,118 
Exercise of warrants   50,000    500    49,500        50,000 
Issuance of common stock to settle claims for liquidated damages   370,000    3,700    625,300        629,000 
Stock-based compensation   6,000    60    108,362        108,422 
Net loss               (1,787,680)   (1,787,680)
Balance, June 30, 2013   4,455,134   $44,551   $41,955,717   $(40,290,079)  $1,710,189 

 

 

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

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

F-5
 

 

PRECISION OPTICS CORPORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the

Years Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012

 

 

   2013   2012 
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:          
Net income (loss)   (1,787,680)  $960,972 
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities-          
Depreciation and amortization   20,970    23,368 
Gain on sale of patents       (2,276,286)
Gain on sale of assets   (4,498)   (10,226)
Gain on settlement of accounts payable   (76,149)    
Provision for inventory write-down   19,337    14,033 
Stock-based compensation expense   108,422    78,344 
Non-cash provision for settlement of claims for liquidated damages   629,000     
Non-cash interest expense   1,250    30,208 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities-          
Accounts receivable, net   63,200    (193,076)
Inventories   (232,610)   (30,648)
Prepaid expenses   (27,848)   3,945 
Accounts payable   (44,912)   (129,079)
Customer advances   31,657    (29,905)
Accrued expenses   6,469    (27,165)
Net cash used in operating activities   (1,293,392)   (1,585,515)
           
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:          
Net proceeds from sale of patents       2,463,171 
Proceeds from sale of assets   4,498    10,226 
Purchases of property and equipment   (11,061)   (1,724)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities   (6,563)   2,471,673 
           
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:          
Gross proceeds from September 2012 private placement of common stock and warrants   2,500,015     
Private placement expenses incurred and paid   (308,896)    
Payment of principal and interest on 10% Senior Convertible Notes   (52,500)   (759,791)
Proceeds from exercise of warrants to purchase common stock (50,000 shares)   50,000     
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities   2,188,619    (759,791)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents   888,664    126,367 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year   145,923    19,556 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year  $1,034,587   $145,923 
           
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:          
Cash paid during the year for income taxes  $912   $912 
           
Supplemental Disclosure of Noncash Investing and Financing Activities:          
Issuance of common stock to satisfy deferred compensation obligations (245,326 shares)  $   $674,645 

 

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

 

F-6
 

 

PRECISION OPTICS CORPORATION, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

(1)           SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

(a)           Nature of Business

 

Precision Optics Corporation, Inc. (the “Company”) designs, develops, manufactures and sells specialized optical systems and components and optical thin-film coatings. The Company conducts business in one industry segment only and its customers are primarily domestic. The Company’s products and services fall into two principal areas: (i) medical products for use by hospitals and physicians; and (ii) advanced optical system design and development services and products used by military and industrial customers.

 

(b)           Principles of Consolidation

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its two wholly-owned subsidiaries. All inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

(c)           Revenues

 

The Company recognizes revenue when four basic criteria are met: (1) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (2) delivery has occurred or services rendered; (3) the price to the buyer is fixed and determinable; and (4) collectability is reasonably assured. The Company’s shipping terms are customarily FOB shipping point.

 

The sales price of products and services sold is fixed and determinable after receipt and acceptance of a customer’s purchase order or properly executed sales contract, typically before any work is performed. Management reviews each customer purchase order or sales contract to determine that the work to be performed is specified and there are no unusual terms and conditions that would raise questions as to whether the sales price is fixed or determinable. The Company assesses credit worthiness of customers based upon prior history with the customer and assessment of financial condition. Accounts receivable are stated at the amount management expects to collect from outstanding balances. An allowance for doubtful accounts is provided for that portion of accounts receivable considered to be uncollectible, based upon historical experience and management’s evaluation of outstanding accounts receivable at the end of the year. Bad debts are written off against the allowance when identified.

 

The Company’s revenue transactions typically do not contain multiple deliverable elements for future performance obligations to customers, other than a standard one-year warranty on materials and workmanship, the estimated costs for which are provided for at the time revenue is recognized.

 

Revenues for industrial and medical products sold in the normal course of business are recognized upon shipment when delivery terms are FOB shipping point and all other revenue recognition criteria have been met. Gross shipping charges reimbursable from customers, to deliver product, are insignificant and are included in “Revenues” section of the Company’s consolidated statement of operations, while shipping costs are classified in the “selling, general and administrative expenses” section of the Company’s consolidated statement of operations.

 

(d)           Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

The Company includes in cash equivalents all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the time of acquisition. Cash and cash equivalents of $1,034,587 and $145,923 at June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively, consist primarily of cash at banks and money market funds. The Company maintains its cash and cash equivalents in bank deposit accounts that, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts. The Company believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on its cash and cash equivalents.

 

(e)           Inventories

 

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market and include material, labor and manufacturing overhead. The components of inventories at June 30, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:

 

    2013     2012  
Raw material   $ 302,448     $ 277,392  
Work-in-progress     392,991       289,748  
Finished goods     200,734       115,760  
    $ 896,173     $ 682,900  

 

The Company provides for estimated obsolescence on unmarketable inventory based upon assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If actual demand and market conditions are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory write-downs may be required. Inventory, once written down, is not subsequently written back up, as these adjustments are considered permanent adjustments to the carrying value of the inventory.

F-7
 

 

 

During fiscal year 2013, the Company recorded a pre-tax non-cash provision for slow-moving and obsolete inventories of $19,337. During fiscal year 2012, the Company recorded a pre-tax non-cash provision for slow-moving and obsolete inventories of $14,033.

 

(f)            Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Maintenance and repair items are expensed as incurred. The Company provides for depreciation and amortization by charges to operations, using the straight-line and declining-balance methods, which allocate the cost of property and equipment over the following estimated useful lives:

 

Asset Classification   Estimated Useful Life
Machinery and equipment   2-7 years
Leasehold improvements   Shorter of lease term or estimated useful life
Furniture and fixtures   5 years
Vehicles   3 years

 

Depreciation expense was $20,970 and $20,269 for the years ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

(g)           Significant Customers and Concentration of Credit Risk

 

Financial instruments that subject the Company to credit risk consist primarily of cash equivalents and trade accounts receivable. The Company places its investments with highly rated financial institutions. The Company has not experienced any losses on these investments to date. At June 30, 2013, receivables from the Company’s three largest customers were 26%, 24% and 12% of the total accounts receivable. At June 30, 2012, receivables from the Company’s two largest customers were 31% and 27%, of the total accounts receivable. No other customer accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s receivables as of June 30, 2013 and 2012. The Company has not experienced any material losses related to accounts receivable from individual customers. The Company generally does not require collateral or other security as a condition of sale, rather it relies on credit approval, balance limitation and monitoring procedures to control credit risk of trade account financial instruments. Management believes that allowances for doubtful accounts, which are established based upon review of specific account balances and historical experience, are adequate.

 

Revenues from the Company’s largest customers, as a percentage of total revenues, were as follows:

 

    Year Ended June 30   
    2013     2012  
Customer A     54 %     22 %
Customer B     13       34  
All others     33       44  
      100 %     100 %

 

No other customer accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s revenues in fiscal years 2013 and 2012.

 

(h)          Income (Loss) per Share

 

Basic income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income or net loss by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period. Diluted income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income or net loss (adjusted by adding back interest expense on the Company’s previously issued senior convertible notes) by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the period, plus the number of potentially dilutive securities outstanding during the period such as stock options and warrants and shares issuable upon conversion of senior convertible notes. For the year ended June 30, 2013, the effect of such securities was antidilutive and not included in the diluted calculation because of the net loss generated in that period.

 

F-8
 

 

 

The following is the calculation of income (loss) per share for the years ended June 30, 2013 and 2012:

 

   Year Ended June 30 
   2013   2012 
         
Net Income (Loss) – Basic  $(1,787,680)  $960,972 
Interest Expense on Senior Convertible Notes       30,208 
Net Income (Loss) – Diluted  $(1,787,680)  $991,180 
           
Basic Weighted Average Shares Outstanding   3,521,387    1,163,775 
Potentially Dilutive Securities       112,114 
Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding   3,521,387    1,275,889 
           
Income (Loss) Per Share          
Basic  $(0.51)  $0.83 
Diluted  $(0.51)  $0.78 

 

The number of shares issuable upon the exercise of outstanding stock options and warrants that were excluded from the computation as their effect was antidilutive was approximately 3,434,000 and 620,000 for the years ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

(i)            Stock-Based Compensation

 

The measurement and recognition of all compensation costs for all stock-based awards made to employees and the Board of Directors are based upon fair value over the requisite service period for awards expected to vest. The Company estimates the fair value of share-based awards on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Stock-based compensation costs recognized for the years ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 amounted to $108,422 and $78,344, respectively.

 

(j)            Patents

 

Patent costs are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of their legal or estimated useful lives, generally five to ten years. Amortization expense was $0 and $3,099 for the years ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

In July 2011, the Company assigned all of its currently issued and pending patents, as well as new inventions that it conceives before July 28, 2012, to Intuitive Surgical.

 

(k)           Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

Financial instruments consist principally of cash equivalents, accounts receivable, senior secured convertible notes payable, accounts payable, and accrued expenses. The estimated fair value of these financial instruments approximates their carrying value due to their short-term nature.

 

(l)          Long-Lived Assets

 

Long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.

 

(m)          Warranty Costs

 

The Company does not incur future performance obligations in the normal course of business other than providing a standard one-year warranty on materials and workmanship to its customers (except in certain unusual and infrequently occurring situations where extended warranty terms beyond one year are negotiated with the customer). The Company provides for estimated warranty costs at the time product revenue is recognized. Warranty costs have been included as a component of cost of goods sold in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The following tables summarize warranty reserve activity for the years ended June 30, 2013 and 2012:

 

   2013   2012 
Balance at beginning of period  $25,000   $25,000 
Provision for warranty claims   2,006    1,321 
Warranty claims incurred   (2,006)   (1,321)
Balance at end of period  $25,000   $25,000 

 

F-9
 

 

(n)           Research and Development

 

Research and development expenses are charged to operations as incurred. The Company groups development and prototype costs and related reimbursements in research and development. For the years ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, research and development expense is shown net of reimbursements of $87,496 and $80,023, respectively, in the accompanying statements of operations.

 

(o)           Comprehensive Income

 

Comprehensive income or loss is defined as the change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owners sources. The Company’s comprehensive loss or income for the years ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 was equal to its net loss for the same periods.

 

(p)           Income Taxes

 

Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. In assessing the likelihood of utilization of existing deferred tax assets, management has considered historical results of operations and the current operating environment.

 

(q)           Segment Reporting

 

Operating segments are identified as components of an enterprise about which separate discrete financial information is available for evaluation by the chief operating decision maker, or decision-making group, in making decisions about how to allocate resources and assess performance. The Company’s chief decision-maker is its Chief Executive Officer. To date, the Company has viewed its operations and manages its business as principally one segment. For all periods presented, over 90% of the Company’s sales have been to customers in the United States.

 

(r)           Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting standards generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

(s)           Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASC 2013-02, which is an update to improve the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). Companies are also required to present reclassifications by component when reporting changes in AOCI balances. The updated accounting guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2012 on a prospective basis. This guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

 

(2)          10% SENIOR SECURED CONVERTIBLE NOTES

 

On June 25, 2008, the Company entered into a purchase agreement, as amended on December 11, 2008, with institutional and other accredited investors (the “Investors”) pursuant to which it sold a total of $600,000 of 10% Senior Secured Convertible Notes (the “Notes”). The Company repaid the outstanding principal and accrued interest respectively owed to Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. and Special Situations Private Equity Fund, L.P. on December 15, 2011, and repaid the outstanding obligations owed to Mr. Arnold Schumsky on September 28, 2012. As of September 28, 2012, the Notes held by the Investors have been satisfied in full and the obligations thereunder have been terminated.

 

The Notes consisted of the following:

  

    June 30,
2013
    June 30,
2012
 
10% Senior Secured Convertible Notes issued on June 25, 2008, convertible into common stock at $1.25 per share, bearing interest at 10% per annum. Outstanding principal and accrued interest were due at maturity, September 30, 2012   $     $ 50,000  
Accrued interest—10% coupon           1,250  
    $     $ 51,250  

 

(3)           COMMITMENTS

 

(a)           Related Party Transactions

 

The Company leases its main Gardner facility from a corporation owned by a member of the Company’s Board of Directors. The Company is currently a tenant-at-will, paying rent of $9,000 per month. Total rent expense paid or accrued to such related party was $108,000 in each of fiscal years 2013 and 2012, and is included in the Company’s accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

F-10
 

 

 

The Company made payments to a director totaling $26,606 in fiscal year 2012 for consulting services. It did not incur any such fees in fiscal year 2013.

 

On September 28, 2012, the Company closed on agreements with investors for the sale and purchase of units consisting of an aggregate of (i) 2,777,795 shares of common stock, and (ii) warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,944,475 shares of common stock, at a per unit price of $0.90. Each unit consisted of one share of common stock and 70% warrant coverage. The warrants have an exercise price of $1.25 per share, subject to adjustment and a call provision if certain market price targets are reached, expire five years from September 28, 2012, and are exercisable in whole or in part, at any time prior to expiration. The Company received $2.5 million in gross proceeds from the offering.

 

Certain of the Company’s directors and officers participated in the offering on the same terms as the other investors and purchased a total aggregate amount of approximately $80,000 of units in the offering, in such amounts as follows:

 

Name of Purchaser Company Affiliation Securities Purchased in Offering Unit Price Subscription Amount
Shares of Common Stock Warrants
Forkey, Richard E. Director 27,778 19,445 $0.90 $25,000.20
Joseph N. Forkey and Heather C. Forkey JTTEN Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, President, and Treasurer 22,223 15,557 $0.90 $20,000.70
Major, Donald A. Executive Vice President for Corporate Development and Director 27,778 19,445 $0.90 $25,000.20
Miles, Richard Director 11,112 7,779 $0.90 $10,000.80

 

On February 12, 2013, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with one of its directors and stockholders, Joel Pitlor (the “Pitlor Settlement Agreement”). Under the terms of the Pitlor Settlement Agreement, the Company issued 10,000 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase 10,000 shares of common stock as payment in full of any amounts due to Mr. Pitlor under the registration rights agreement the Company entered into with Mr. Pitlor, and other parties, on February 1, 2007. The warrants issued in connection with the Pitlor Settlement Agreement have an exercise price of $1.50 per share, subject to adjustment, expire three years from February 12, 2013, and are exercisable in whole or in part, at any time prior to expiration. The Company valued the securities issued to Mr. Pitlor at $17,000.

 

Transactions with Stockholders Known by the Company to Own 5% or More of the Company’s Common Stock

 

Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. and Special Situations Private Equity Fund, L.P.

 

On June 25, 2008, the Company entered into a purchase agreement, as amended on December 11, 2008, with Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P., Special Situations Private Equity Fund, L.P., and other accredited investors pursuant to which it sold a total of $600,000 of 10% Senior Secured Convertible Notes, referred to as the “Notes,” that are convertible into a total of 480,000 shares of common stock at a conversion rate of $1.25. The Company also issued warrants to purchase a total of 316,800 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.75 per share, referred to as the “Warrants.” Interest accrued on the Notes at a rate of 10% per year and was payable in cash upon the earlier of conversion or maturity of the Notes. The original maturity of the Notes was June 25, 2010 and the original expiration date of the Warrants was June 25, 2015, subject to extension. By mutual agreement with the Company, Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. and Special Situations Private Equity Fund, L.P. agreed to amend its Notes on December 11, 2008, June 25, 2010, July 26, 2010, September 15, 2010, October 15, 2010, November 15, 2010, November 30, 2010, December 1, 2010, December 3, 2010, December 17, 2010, January 10, 2011, January 24, 2011, February 7, 2011, February 25, 2011, March 11, 2011, March 31, 2011, April 14, 2011, April 29, 2011, May 13, 2011, June 3, 2011, June 28, 2011, July 6, 2011, July 20, 2011, July 25, 2011, July 27, 2011, August 31, 2011, September 30, 2011, and October 31, 2011 to extend the “Stated Maturity Date” of the Notes. At the time of each of the amendments of the Notes, Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. and Special Situations Private Equity Fund, L.P. owned over 5% of the Company’s common stock. Pursuant to the terms of the settlement agreement entered into with Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. and Special Situations Private Equity Fund, L.P. on February 12, 2013 (as discussed in further detail below), the expiration date of the Warrants held by Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. and Special Situations Private Equity Fund, L.P. was amended from June 25, 2015 to May 11, 2017. The exercise price of the Warrants may be adjusted downward in the event the Company issues shares of common stock or securities convertible into common stock at a price lower than the exercise price of the Warrants at the time of issuance. On December 15, 2011, the Company repaid Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. a principal repayment of $275,000 and accrued interest of $95,486, for a total payment of $370,486. On December 15, 2011, the Company repaid Special Situations Private Equity Fund, L.P. a principal repayment of $275,000 and accrued interest of $95,486, for a total payment of $370,486. The Notes held by Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. and Special Situations Private Equity Fund, L.P. have been satisfied in full and the obligations thereunder have been terminated. The Company registered the shares and the shares underlying the Warrants purchased by Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. and Special Situations Private Equity Fund, L.P. in the June 2008 private placement in a registration statement that is currently effective.

 

F-11
 

 

 

In the Company’s private placement of common stock and warrants on September 28, 2012, Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. purchased 611,112 shares of common stock, and warrants to purchase up to 427,779 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.25 per share, subject to adjustment and a call provision if certain market price targets are reached, and an expiration date of September 28, 2017. At the time of the transaction, Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. owned 5% or more of the Company’s common stock. The Company registered the shares and the shares underlying the warrants purchased by Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. in the September 2012 private placement in a registration statement that is currently effective.

 

On February 12, 2013, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. and Special Situations Private Equity Fund, L.P. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, the Company agreed to: (a) issue an aggregate of (i) 350,000 shares of common stock, and (ii) warrants to purchase an aggregate of 350,000 shares of common stock, and (b) amend the expiration date of the warrants issued to Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. and Special Situations Private Equity Fund, L.P. in conjunction with the Company’s June 25, 2008 private placement (the “2008 Warrants”), as payment in full of the alleged damages sought by Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. and Special Situations Private Equity Fund, L.P. The expiration date of the 2008 Warrants was amended from June 25, 2015 to May 11, 2017. The warrants issued in connection with the settlement agreement have an exercise price of $1.50 per share, subject to adjustment, expire three years from February 12, 2013, and are exercisable in whole or in part, at any time prior to expiration. The Company valued the securities issued to Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. and Special Situations Private Equity Fund, L.P. at $595,000. At the time of the transaction, Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. and Special Situations Private Equity Fund, L.P. owned more than 5% of the Company’s common stock.

 

Arnold Schumsky

 

On June 25, 2008, the Company entered into a purchase agreement, as amended on December 11, 2008, with Mr. Arnold Schumsky and other accredited investors pursuant to which it sold a total of $600,000 of 10% Senior Secured Convertible Notes, referred to as the “Notes,” that are convertible into a total of 480,000 shares of common stock at a conversion rate of $1.25. The Company also issued warrants to purchase a total of 316,800 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.75 per share, referred to as the “Warrants.” Interest accrued on the Notes at a rate of 10% per year and was payable in cash upon the earlier of conversion or maturity of the Notes. The original maturity of the Notes was June 25, 2010 and the original expiration date of the Warrants was June 25, 2015, subject to extension. By mutual agreement with the Company, Mr. Schumsky agreed to amend his Note on December 11, 2008, June 25, 2010, July 26, 2010, September 15, 2010, October 15, 2010, November 15, 2010, November 30, 2010, December 1, 2010, December 3, 2010, December 17, 2010, January 10, 2011, January 24, 2011, February 7, 2011, February 25, 2011, March 11, 2011, March 31, 2011, April 15, 2011, April 29, 2011, May 13, 2011, June 3, 2011, June 28, 2011, July 6, 2011, July 20, 2011, July 25, 2011, July 27, 2011, August 31, 2011, September 30, 2011, October 31, 2011, December 15, 2011, and January 31, 2012 to extend the “Stated Maturity Date.” On March 31, 2012, Mr. Schumsky further amended his Note to extend the “Stated Maturity Date” of the principal to July 31, 2012 and to modify the Note such that all accrued and unpaid interest on the Note up to and including March 31, 2012 shall be due on or before April 13, 2012, on the condition that the Company issue to him a warrant for 5,000 shares of common stock with an exercise price of $1.20 per share and a term of three years. On April 13, 2012, the Company repaid Mr. Schumsky a payment of the accrued interest of $18,819, and such payment included all accrued and unpaid interest on the Note up to and including March 31, 2012. On May 8, 2012, the Company issued Mr. Schumsky the warrant according to the terms described in the amended Note. On July 31, 2012, Mr. Schumsky further amended his Note to extend the “Stated Maturity Date” of the principal to August 31, 2012. On August 31, 2012, Mr. Schumsky further amended his Note to extend the “Stated Maturity Date” of the principal to September 30, 2012. On September 28, 2012, the Company repaid Mr. Schumsky the outstanding and accrued interest of $2,500 due under his Note and such payment satisfied its obligations in regards to the accrued interest due on the Note in full. On that same date, Mr. Schumsky presented the outstanding principal balance of the Note to the Company and agreed to exchange the $50,000 principal balance of his Note for participation in the Company’s September 2012 private placement and was awarded units consisting of 55,555 shares of common stock and 38,889 warrants upon the same terms as the units sold in the September 2012 private placement. Accordingly, the Note held by Mr. Schumsky has been satisfied in full and the obligations thereunder have been terminated. At the time of each of the amendments and the 2012 transactions, Mr. Schumsky owned 5% or more of the Company’s stock. The Company registered the shares and the shares underlying the Warrants purchased by Mr. Schumsky in the June 2008 private placement in a registration statement that is currently effective.

 

On September 28, 2012, Mr. Schumsky presented the outstanding principal balance of his Note to the Company and agreed to exchange the $50,000 principal balance of his Note for participation in the Company’s September 2012 private placement. Mr. Schumsky was issued units consisting of 55,555 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase up to 38,889 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.25 per share, subject to adjustment and a call provision if certain market price targets are reached, and an expiration date of September 28, 2017. On September 28, 2012, Mr. Schumsky also purchased additional shares in the private placement consisting of 27,779 shares of common stock, and warrants to purchase up to 19,445 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.25 per share, subject to adjustment and a call provision if certain market price targets are reached, and an expiration date of September 28, 2017. At the time of the exchange and transaction, Mr. Schumsky owned 5% or more of the Company’s stock. The Company registered the shares and the shares underlying the warrants purchased by Mr. Schumsky in the September 2012 private placement in a registration statement that is currently effective.

 

F-12
 

  

On February 12, 2013, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with Mr. Schumsky (the “Schumsky Settlement Agreement”). Under the terms of the Schumsky Settlement Agreement, the Company issued 10,000 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase 10,000 shares of common stock as payment in full of any amounts due to Mr. Schumsky under the registration rights agreement the Company entered into with Mr. Schumsky, and other parties, on February 1, 2007 and under the registration rights agreement the Company entered into with Mr. Schumsky, and other parties, on June 25, 2008. The warrants issued in connection with the Schumsky Settlement Agreement have an exercise price of $1.50 per share, subject to adjustment, expire three years from February 12, 2013, and are exercisable in whole or in part, at any time prior to expiration. The Company valued the securities issued to Mr. Schumsky at $17,000. At the time of the transaction, Mr. Schumsky owned 5% or more of the Company’s stock. 

 

(b)           Operating Lease Commitments

 

The Company has entered into operating leases for its office space and equipment that expire at various dates through fiscal year 2017. Total future minimum rental payments under all non-cancelable operating leases are $40,557 in fiscal year 2014 and $6,330 in the fiscal years thereafter.

 

Rent expense on operating leases, excluding the related party rent described above, was $64,627 and $61,089 for the years ended June 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

(4)           STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

(a)           Stock Options

 

Stock-based compensation costs recognized during the year ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 amounted to $108,422 and $78,344, respectively, and were included in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations in: selling, general and administrative expenses (2013 — $98,589; 2012 — $64,910), cost of goods sold (2013 — $7,633; 2012 — $11,234), and research and development expenses, net (2013 — $2,200; 2012 — $2,200). No compensation has been capitalized because such amounts would have been immaterial. There was no net income tax benefit recognized related to such compensation for the years ended June 30, 2013 or 2012, as the Company is currently in a loss position. There were 9,000 stock options granted during the year ended June 30, 2013 and 298,449 stock options granted (net) during the year ended June 30, 2012.

 

As of June 30, 2013, the unrecognized compensation costs related to options vesting in the future is $132,933. The Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model as the most appropriate method for determining the estimated fair value for the stock awards. The Black-Scholes method of valuation requires several assumptions: (1) the expected term of the stock award; (2) the expected future stock volatility over the expected term; and (3) risk-free interest rate. The expected term represents the expected period of time the Company believes the options will be outstanding based on historical information. Estimates of expected future stock price volatility are based on the historic volatility of the Company’s common stock and the risk free interest rate is based on the U.S. Zero-Bond rate. The Company utilizes a forfeiture rate based on an analysis of the Company’s actual experience. The fair value of options at date of grant was estimated with the following assumptions for options granted in fiscal 2013:

 

    Year Ended  
    June 30,
2013
 
Assumptions:        
Option life     5.0 years  
Risk-free interest rate     1.25%  
Stock volatility     479%  
Dividend yield     0  
Weighted average fair value of grants   $ 0.85  

 

Stock Option and Other Compensation Plans:

 

The type of share-based payments currently utilized by the Company is stock options.

 

The Company has various stock option and other compensation plans for directors, officers, and employees. The Company has the following stock option plans outstanding as of June 30, 2013: the Precision Optics Corporation, Inc. 2011 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2011 Plan”); the Precision Optics Corporation, Inc. 2006 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”), and the Precision Optics Corporation, Inc. Amended and Restated 1997 Incentive Plan (the “1997 Plan”). Vesting periods under the 2011 Plan, the 2006 Plan, and the 1997 Plan are at the discretion of the Board of Directors and typically average three to five years. Options under these Plans are granted at fair market value on the date of grant and have a term of ten years from the date of grant.

 

The 2011 Plan, which provides eligible participants (certain employees, directors, consultants, etc.) the opportunity to receive a broad variety of equity based and cash awards. Options granted vest and are exercisable for periods determined by the Board of Directors, not to exceed 10 years from the date of grant. A total of 325,000 shares of common stock, including shares rolled forward from the 1997 Plan, have been reserved for issuance under the 2011 Plan. At June 30, 2013, a total of 207,800 stock options are outstanding and 117,200 shares of common stock were available for future grants under the 2011 Plan.

F-13
 

  

The 2006 Plan, which provides eligible participants (certain employees, directors, consultants, etc.) the opportunity to receive a broad variety of equity based and cash awards. Options granted vest and are exercisable for periods determined by the Board of Directors, not to exceed 10 years from the date of grant. A total of 139,898 shares of common stock, including shares rolled forward from the 1997 Plan, have been reserved for issuance under the 2006 Plan. At June 30, 2013, a total of 103,700 stock options are outstanding and 36,198 shares of common stock were available for future grants under the 2006 Plan.

 

The 1997 Plan provided eligible participants (certain employees, directors, consultants, etc.) the opportunity to receive a broad variety of equity based and cash awards. Options granted vested and were exercisable for periods determined by the Board of Directors, not to exceed 10 years from the date of grant. Options for a total of 88,587 shares of common stock were outstanding at June 30, 2013 under the 1997 Plan, as amended and restated in fiscal year 2006. Prior to the adoption of the 2006 Plan, 9,000 stock options were granted in fiscal year 2007 under the 1997 Plan. Upon the adoption of the 2006 Plan, no new awards were granted under the 1997 Plan. No shares are available for future grants under the 1997 Plan.

 

The following tables summarize stock option activity for the years ended June 30, 2013 and 2012:

 

    Options Outstanding  
    Number of
Shares
    Weighted Average
Exercise Price
    Weighted Average
Contractual Life
 
Outstanding at July 1, 2011     94,138     $ 15.97       4.50 years  
Grants     506,600       0.27-1.20          
Cancellations     (208,151 )     0.55-13.75          
Outstanding at June 30, 2012     392,587     $ 4.56       8.15 years  
Grants     9,000                  
Cancellations     (1,500)       0.55          
Outstanding at June 30, 2013     400,087     $ 4.49       7.21 years  

 

Information related to the stock options outstanding as of June 30, 2013 is as follows:

 

 

Range of Exercise
Prices
    Number of
Shares
    Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (years)
    Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
    Exercisable
Number
of Shares
    Exercisable
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price
 
$ 1.20       207,800       8.68     $ 1.20       102,800     $ 1.20  
$ 0.85       9,000       9.52       0.85       9,000       0.85  
$ 0.55       49,500       8.62       0.55       34,667       0.55  
$ 0.27       40,000       8.04       0.27       26,667       0.27  
$ 1.35       1,200       6.41       1.35       1,200       1.35  
$ 1.25       1,200       5.41       1.25       1,200       1.25  
$ 6.25       1,600       3.42       6.25       1,600       6.25  
$ 7.75       1,200       4.41       7.75       1,200       7.75  
$ 11.50       800       2.42       11.50       800       11.50  
$ 13.75       50,427       2.86       13.75       50,427       13.75  
$ 20.75       37,360       1.96       20.75       37,360       20.75  
$ 0.27–$20.75       400,087       7.20     $ 4.49       266,921     $ 6.21  

 

The aggregate intrinsic value of the Company’s “in-the-money” outstanding and exercisable options as of June 30, 2013 was $24,625 and $16,667, respectively.

 

(b)Warrants

 

During the quarter ended December 31, 2010, the Company issued warrants to purchase 100,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.00 per share to several consultants to the Company. The warrants became exercisable beginning six months after December 16, 2010 (the issue date) and expire on December 16, 2013. In December 2012, warrants for 50,000 shares were exercised, and accordingly, 50,000 shares of restricted common stock were issued.

 

On June 25, 2008, the Company entered into a Purchase Agreement, as amended on December 11, 2008, with institutional and other accredited investors pursuant to which it sold a total of $600,000 of 10% senior secured convertible notes (the “Notes”) that were convertible at the investor’s option into a total of 480,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at a conversion rate of $1.25. On March 31, 2012, the remaining investor, Arnold Schumsky, further amended his remaining Note to extend the “Stated Maturity Date” of the principal to July 31, 2012 and to modify the Note such that all accrued and unpaid interest on the Note up to and including March 31, 2012 shall be due on or before April 13, 2012, on the condition that the Company issue to him a warrant for 5,000 shares of common stock with an exercise price of $1.20 per share and a term of three years. On April 13, 2012, the Company repaid Mr. Schumsky a payment of the accrued interest of $18,819, and such payment included all accrued and unpaid interest on the Note up to and including March 31, 2012. On May 8, 2012, the Company issued Mr. Schumsky the warrant according to the terms described in the amended Note.

F-14
 

 

 

In conjunction with the sale of the Notes on June 25, 2008 mentioned above, the Company also issued warrants to purchase an aggregate of 316,800 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.75 per share.  In conjunction with the issuance of warrants to purchase 100,000 shares of common stock in December 2010, certain anti-dilution provisions of the existing warrants were triggered. As a result, the number of existing warrants was increased from 316,800 to 318,621 and the related exercise price was decreased from $1.75 per share to $1.74 per share. In conjunction with the issuance of warrants to purchase 1,944,475 shares of common stock in September 2012, certain anti-dilution provisions of the existing warrants were triggered. As a result, the number of existing warrants was increased from 318,621 to 469,831 and the related exercise price was decreased from $1.74 per share to $1.18 per share. 39,153 of these warrants expire on June 25, 2015, and the remaining 430,678 warrants expire on May 11, 2017.

 

As of June 30, 2013, there are warrants outstanding for the issuance of an aggregate of 3,033,752 shares of common stock, including warrants for a total of 2,138,921 shares issued on September 28, 2013 as described below under “Sale of Stock,” and warrants for a total of 370,000 shares issued on February 12, 2013 as described below under Note 10, “Claims for Liquidated Damages,” all at a weighted average exercise price of $1.25 per share.

 

(c)            Sale of Stock

 

On September 28, 2012, the Company closed on agreements with accredited investors (the “Investors”) for the sale and purchase of units consisting of an aggregate of (i) 2,777,795 shares of the Company’s common stock, and (ii) warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,944,475 shares of common stock, at a per unit price of $0.90. Each unit consisted of one share of common stock and 70% warrant coverage. The warrants have an exercise price of $1.25 per share, subject to adjustment and a call provision if certain market price targets are reached, an expiration date of September 28, 2017, and are exercisable in whole or in part, at any time prior to expiration. Certain directors and officers participated in the offering and purchased a total aggregate amount of approximately $80,000 of units in the offering.

 

The Company received $2.5 million in gross proceeds from the offering. The Company retained Loewen, Ondaatje, McCutcheon USA LTD as the exclusive placement agent for the offering. In addition to the payment of certain cash fees upon closing of the offering, the Company issued a warrant to the placement agent to purchase up to 194,446 shares of common stock on substantially similar terms to the warrants issued in the offering, except that the placement agent warrant has an exercise price of $0.95 per share.

 

In conjunction with the offering, the Company also entered into a registration rights agreement dated September 28, 2012 with the Investors, whereby it was obligated to file a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on or before thirty calendar days after September 28, 2012 to register the resale by the Investors of the 2,777,795 shares of common stock purchased in the offering, and the 1,944,475 shares of common stock underlying the warrants purchased in the offering. The Company filed a registration statement with the SEC on October 26, 2012, prior to the filing deadline. The registration statement became effective on December 14, 2012. The Company is obligated to continue to keep the securities registered and, in the event the Company does not comply with such provision of the registration rights agreement, it may have to pay damages to the Investors.

 

In conjunction with the offering, certain anti-dilution provisions of the warrants issued in conjunction with the Company’s June 25, 2008 financing transaction were triggered. As a result, the number of existing June 25, 2008 warrants increased from 318,621 to 469,831 and the related exercise price of the warrants decreased from $1.74 per share to $1.18 per share. The June 25, 2008 warrants expire on June 25, 2015.

 

(5)            INCOME TAXES

 

The Company has identified its federal tax return and its state tax return in Massachusetts as “major” tax jurisdictions. The periods subject to examination for its federal and state income tax returns are the years ended in 2011 and thereafter. The Company believes its income tax filing positions and deductions will be sustained on audit and it does not anticipate any adjustments that would result in a material change to its financial position. Therefore, no liabilities for uncertain income tax positions have been recorded.

 

The provision for income taxes in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations consists of the minimum statutory state income tax liability of $912 for the years ended June 30, 2013 and 2012.

 

A reconciliation of the federal statutory rate to the Company’s effective tax rate for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:

 

   2013   2012 
Income tax expense (benefit) at federal statutory rate   (34.0)%   34.0%
Increase (decrease) in tax resulting from:          
State taxes, net of federal benefit   (6.3)   6.3 
Change in valuation allowance   30.1    (94.3)
Nondeductible items   1.0    1.7 
Prior-year tax adjustments   7.5    48.8 
Other   1.6    3.6 
Effective tax rate   (0.1)%   0.1%

 

F-15
 

 

The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities at June 30, 2013 and 2012 are approximately as follows:

 

   2013   2012 
Deferred tax assets:          
Net operating loss carry forwards  $2,582,000   $1,913,000 
Tax credit carry forwards   381,000    362,000 
Reserves and accruals not yet deducted for tax purposes   301,000    451,000 
Total deferred tax assets   3,264,000    2,726,000 
Valuation allowance   (3,264,000)   (2,726,000)
Net deferred tax asset  $   $ 

 

The Company has provided a valuation allowance to reduce the net deferred tax asset to an amount the Company believes is “more likely than not” to be realized. The valuation allowance increased in fiscal 2013, as compared to the prior year, by approximately $538,000.

 

At June 30, 2013, the Company had federal and state net operating loss carry forwards of approximately $6,000,000 and $2,850,000, respectively, which will, if not used, expire at various dates from 2014 through 2032. In addition, the Company had net operating loss carry forwards from its Hong Kong operations of approximately $2,040,000, which carry forward indefinitely.

 

(6)            PROFIT SHARING PLAN

 

The Company has a defined contribution 401(k) profit sharing plan. Employer profit sharing and matching contributions to the plan are discretionary. No employer profit sharing or matching contributions were made to the plan in fiscal years 2013 and 2012.

 

(7)            SALE OF ASSETS

 

In fiscal year 2013, the Company sold equipment that was previously written off for proceeds totaling $4,498 and recorded a gain of $4,498.  In fiscal year 2012, the Company sold equipment that was previously written off for proceeds totaling $10,226 and recorded a gain of $10,226. These gains are included within operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 

(8)           SALE OF PATENTS

 

On July 28, 2011, the Company entered into an asset purchase agreement with Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc. (“Intuitive Surgical”), in which it received gross proceeds of $2,500,000 (less transaction expenses of  $36,829) in connection with the sale of certain intellectual property. Pursuant to the agreement, the Company agreed to assign to Intuitive Surgical all of its currently issued and non-expired patents and pending patent applications, and Intuitive Surgical agreed to grant back to the Company a royalty-free, worldwide license to the patents in all fields outside of medical robotics, except in certain exceptional circumstances.

 

In connection with this agreement, the Company recorded a gain on the sale of such intellectual property of $2,276,286 in the quarter ended September 30, 2011.

 

(9)            CLAIMS FOR LIQUIDATED DAMAGES

 

Settlement Agreement with Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. and Special Situations Private Equity Fund, L.P.

 

On January 17, 2013, the Company received a demand letter from two of its stockholders, Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. and Special Situations Private Equity Fund, L.P. (along with Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P., “Special Situations”). The letter alleged that the Company failed to maintain a current registration statement for the sale of stock purchased by Special Situations pursuant to registration rights agreements entered into with the Company on February 1, 2007 and June 25, 2008, and sought prompt payment of $719,100 as liquidated damages and an amendment to the terms of certain warrants purchased in 2008. A registration statement covering the shares in question is currently effective.

 

On February 12, 2013, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with Special Situations (the “Settlement Agreement”). Without agreeing to the alleged damages, the Company entered into the Settlement Agreement in order to resolve the claim without requiring a cash payment or extended distraction of its resources away from operational activities. Under the terms of the Settlement Agreement, Special Situations agreed to forego their claims for cash damages. In return, the Company agreed to: (a) issue an aggregate of (i) 350,000 shares of common stock, and (ii) warrants to purchase an aggregate of 350,000 shares of common stock (the “Securities”), and (b) amend the expiration date of the warrants issued to Special Situations in conjunction with the Company’s June 25, 2008 private placement (the “2008 Warrants”), as payment in full of the alleged damages sought by Special Situations. The Securities were issued on February 12, 2013. The expiration date of the 2008 Warrants was amended from June 25, 2015 to May 11, 2017. The new warrants issued in connection with the Settlement Agreement have an exercise price of $1.50 per share, subject to adjustment, expire three years from February 12, 2013, and are exercisable in whole or in part, at any time prior to expiration.

F-16
 

 

 

In conjunction with the Settlement Agreement, the Company also entered into a registration rights agreement dated February 12, 2013 with Special Situations, whereby it was obligated to register the resale by Special Situations of the Securities, consisting of 350,000 shares of common stock and the 350,000 shares of common stock underlying the warrants issued on February 12, 2013. A registration statement covering the Securities was declared effective on April 26, 2013.

  

Settlement Agreement with Joel Pitlor

 

On February 12, 2013, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with one of its directors and stockholders, Joel Pitlor (the “Pitlor Settlement Agreement”). Under the terms of the Pitlor Settlement Agreement, the Company agreed to issue 10,000 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase 10,000 shares of common stock as payment in full of any amounts due to Mr. Pitlor under the registration rights agreement the Company entered into with Mr. Pitlor, and other parties, on February 1, 2007. The shares and warrants were issued on February 12, 2013. The warrants issued in connection with the Pitlor Settlement Agreement have an exercise price of $1.50 per share, subject to adjustment, expire three years from February 12, 2013, and are exercisable in whole or in part, at any time prior to expiration. There are no registration rights associated with the securities acquired pursuant to the Pitlor Settlement Agreement.

 

By virtue of Mr. Pitlor’s directorship with the Company, he is considered a related party of the Company under federal securities law. The Company’s Board of Directors has acknowledged that Mr. Pitlor’s entry into the Pitlor Settlement Agreement is a related party transaction and has approved such transaction.

 

Settlement Agreement with Arnold Schumsky

 

On February 12, 2013, the Company also entered into a settlement agreement with one of its stockholders, Arnold Schumsky (the “Schumsky Settlement Agreement”). The terms of the Schumsky Settlement Agreement and the accompanying Form of Warrant of the Schumsky Settlement Agreement are substantially similar to the terms of the Pitlor Settlement Agreement and the accompanying Form of Warrant of the Pitlor Settlement Agreement. Under the terms of the Schumsky Settlement Agreement, the Company agreed to issue 10,000 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase 10,000 shares of common stock as payment in full of any amounts due to Mr. Schumsky under the registration rights agreement the Company entered into with Mr. Schumsky, and other parties, on February 1, 2007 and under the registration rights agreement the Company entered into with Mr. Schumsky, and other parties, on June 25, 2008. The shares and warrants were issued on February 12, 2013. The warrants issued in connection with the Schumsky Settlement Agreement have an exercise price of $1.50 per share, subject to adjustment, expire three years from February 12, 2013, and are exercisable in whole or in part, at any time prior to expiration. There are no registration rights associated with the securities acquired pursuant to the Schumsky Settlement Agreement.

 

The Company has estimated the fair value of the non-cash consideration exchanged for the settlement of claims with Special Situations, Mr. Pitlor, and Mr. Schumsky to be a total of $629,000 as of December 31, 2012, and recorded this amount as a non-cash expense and current liability in its consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2012, and for the quarter and six months then ended.

 

The Company used the Black-Scholes option-pricing model for determining the estimated fair value of the new warrants to be issued to Special Situations, Mr. Pitlor, and Mr. Schumsky, and for determining the value of the extension of the maturity date of the 2008 Warrants held by Special Situations. The Company valued its issued common stock as of the closing price of the stock at December 31, 2012, which was $0.85 per share.

 

Letter From one of the Company’s Stockholders

 

On March 21, 2013, the Company received a letter from one of its stockholders demanding either (i) return of its capital investment in the Company and rescission of the purchase agreement entered into by the Company and the stockholder in September 2012, or (ii) compensation for its alleged damages in the amount of $179,316. The stockholder claims that the Company’s settlement agreement with Special Situations, disclosed in the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed February 13, 2013, prompted the stockholder’s letter.

 

To the Company’s knowledge, the stockholder has not filed a lawsuit. The Company does not believe that the stockholder’s claims have any merit. In the event the stockholder files a lawsuit, it intends to vigorously defend against any claims.

 

(10)           SETTLEMENT OF ACCOUNTS PAYABLE

 

In December 2012, the Company settled $106,149 of accounts payable with a vendor for a negotiated payment of $30,000, and recorded a gain of $76,149. The gain is included within other income for the year ended June 30, 2013 in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.  

    

F-17
 

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION

AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Financial Statements and Notes thereto, and other financial information included elsewhere in this prospectus and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, including our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2013 included in our Annual Report, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 30, 2013. This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains descriptions of our expectations regarding future trends affecting our business. The following discussion sets forth certain factors we believe could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements.

 

Overview

 

We have been a developer and manufacturer of advanced optical instruments since 1982. Today, the vast majority of our business is the design and manufacture of high-quality medical devices and approximately 10% of our business is the design and manufacture of military and industrial products. Our medical instrumentation line includes traditional endoscopes and endocouplers as well as other custom imaging and illumination products for use in minimally invasive surgical procedures. Much of our recent development efforts have been targeted at the development of next generation endoscopes. For the last ten years, we have funded internal research and development programs to develop next generation capabilities for designing and manufacturing 3D endoscopes and very small Microprecision™ lenses, anticipating future requirements as the surgical community continues to demand smaller and more enhanced imaging systems for minimally invasive surgery. Our unique proprietary technology in these areas, combined with recent developments in the areas of 3D displays and millimeter sized image sensors, has allowed us to begin commercialization of these technologies. We believe that new products based on these technologies provide enhanced imaging for existing surgical procedures and can enable development of many new procedures. While we have continued to provide custom optics solutions to our medical device company customers, we simultaneously focused significant development efforts on further advancement of proprietary technology for 3D endoscopy and Microprecision™ optical components and micro medical camera assemblies.

 

We are registered to the ISO 9001:2008 and ISO 13485:2003 Quality Standards and comply with the FDA Good Manufacturing Practices and the European Union Medical Device Directive for CE marking of our medical products. Our internet website is www.poci.com. Information on our website is not intended to be integrated into this prospectus.

 

The areas in which we do business are highly competitive and include both foreign and domestic competitors. Many of our competitors are larger and have substantially greater resources than we do. Furthermore, other domestic or foreign companies, some with greater financial resources than we have, may seek to produce products or services that compete with ours. We routinely outsource specialized production efforts as required to obtain the most cost effective production. Over the years, we have achieved extensive experience collaborating with other optical specialists worldwide.

 

Since the 1990s, we have maintained a Hong Kong subsidiary to support business and quality control activities as required throughout Asia. We believe that the cost savings from such production are essential to our ability to compete on a price basis in the medical products area in particular and to our profitability in general.

 

We believe that competition for sales of our medical products and services, which have been principally sold to original equipment manufacturer, or OEM, customers, is based on performance and other technical features, as well as other factors, such as scheduling and reliability, in addition to competitive price.

 

We believe that our future success depends to a large degree on our ability to continue to conceive and to develop new optical products and services to enhance the performance characteristics and methods of manufacture of existing products. Accordingly, we expect to continue to seek to obtain product-related design and development contracts with customers and to selectively invest our own funds on research and development, particularly in the areas of Microprecision™ optics, micro medical cameras and 3D endoscopes.

 

16
 

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

Our critical accounting policies are included in the notes to our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2013 included in our Annual Report, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 30, 2013

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

On September 28, 2012, we closed on agreements with accredited investors (the “Investors”) for the sale and purchase of units consisting of an aggregate of (i) 2,777,795 shares of our common stock, and (ii) warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,944,475 shares of common stock, at a per unit price of $0.90. Each unit consisted of one share of common stock and 70% warrant coverage. The warrants have an exercise price of $1.25 per share, subject to adjustment and a call provision if certain market price targets are reached, an expiration date of September 28, 2017, and are exercisable in whole or in part, at any time prior to expiration. We received $2.5 million in gross proceeds from the offering. Certain directors and officers participated in the offering and purchased a total aggregate amount of approximately $80,000 of units in the offering.

  

We intend to build upon our recent successes in operational results, technology development and new product introductions. We believe the following technology areas continue to represent significant opportunities for future sales growth of our Company:

 

  · Microprecision™ optical elements and micro medical camera assemblies with sizes on the order of 1 mm and smaller, that enable the introduction of imaging capabilities in locations in the body previously inaccessible; and
  · next generation handheld 3D endoscopes that provide high definition 3D images for use in minimally invasive surgery.

 

We compete in a highly technical, very competitive and in most cases, price driven segment of the medical instrument marketplace where products can take years to develop and introduce to distributors and end users. Furthermore, research and development, manufacturing, marketing and distribution activities are strictly regulated by the FDA, ISO and other regulatory bodies that, while intended to enhance the ultimate quality and functionality of products produced, can contribute to the significant cost and time needed to maintain existing products and develop and introduce product enhancements and new product innovations.

 

We have traditionally funded working capital needs through product sales, management of working capital components of our business, and by cash received from public and private offerings of our common stock, warrants to purchase shares of our common stock and convertible notes. We have incurred quarter to quarter operating losses during our efforts to develop current products including Microprecision™ optical elements, micro medical camera assemblies and 3D endoscopes. Our management expects that such operating losses will continue until sales increase to breakeven and profitable levels. Our management also believes that the opportunities represented by these products have the potential to generate sales increases to achieve breakeven and profitable results.

 

We have sustained recurring net operating losses for several years. During the year ended June 30, 2013, we incurred a net loss from operations of $1,232,509 and used cash in operations of $1,293,392, a $292,123 improvement from the cash used in operating activities of $1,585,515 during the previous fiscal year. For the quarter ended June 30, 2013, cash used in operating activities was $236,185, a $107,354 improvement from the cash used in operating activities of $343,539 recorded for the previous quarter ended March 31, 2013. As of June 30, 2013, cash and cash equivalents were $1,034,587, accounts receivable were $278,700, and current liabilities were $592,886.

 

Capital equipment expenditures during fiscal year 2013 and 2012 were $3,550 and $0, respectively. Future capital equipment expenditures will be dependent upon future sales and success of on-going research and development efforts.

 

17
 

 

Contractual cash commitments for the fiscal years subsequent to June 30, 2013 are summarized as follows:

 

   2014   2015   Thereafter   Total 
Operating Leases  $40,557   $6,330   $   $46,887 

 

As of June 30, 2013, we had contractual cash commitments related to open purchase orders for fiscal year 2014 of approximately $163,000.

 

Results of Operations

 

Total revenues for fiscal year 2013 were $2,519,743, an increase of $367,347, or 17.1%, from revenues for fiscal year 2012 of $2,152,396. The increase in revenues for fiscal year 2013 as compared to the prior year was due to higher unit volume sales of micro optics and higher unit volume sales of the advanced surgical visualization system used in spinal surgery, partially offset by lower unit volume sales of endoscopes and couplers. The increase in unit volume sales of micro optics and of the advanced surgical visualization system used in spinal surgery was accompanied by decreases in average product sales prices of those products, totaling approximately $22,000.

 

Revenues from our largest customers, as a percentage of total revenues, were as follows:

 

   Year Ended June 30 
   2013   2012 
Customer A   54%   22%
Customer B   13    34 
All others   33    44 
    100%   100%

 

No other customer accounted for more than 10% of our revenues in fiscal years 2013 and 2012.

 

Gross profit for fiscal year 2013 of $654,428 reflected an increase of $97,022 as compared to gross profit for fiscal year 2012 of $557,406. Gross profit as a percentage of revenues for fiscal year 2013 was 26.0% and remained relatively flat as compared to gross profit as a percentage of revenues for fiscal year 2012 of 25.9%. The slight increase in our gross profit percentage was due primarily to higher overall unit sales volume, partially offset by less favorable product mix and certain nonrecurring manufacturing startup expenses related to the introduction of new products.

 

Research and development expenses, net were $630,294 for fiscal year 2013 as compared to $664,696 for fiscal year 2012. The decrease of $34,402, or 5.2%, for fiscal year 2013 as compared to the prior year was due primarily to lower spending on R&D related efforts. Research and development expenses depend on our assessment of new product opportunities and available resources. Research and development expenses were net of reimbursement from customers of related costs of $87,496 during fiscal year 2013 and $80,023 during fiscal year 2012.

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $73,476, or 6.2%, to $1,261,141 for fiscal year 2013 as compared to $1,187,665 for fiscal year 2012. The increase for fiscal year 2013 was primarily due to higher stock-based compensation, consulting and insurance expenses.

 

The gain on sale of patents of $2,276,286 in fiscal year 2012 reflects gross proceeds of $2,500,000 (less transaction expenses of $36,829 and book value of patents of $186,885) in connection with the sale of certain intellectual property to Intuitive Surgical.

 

The gain on sale of assets and other in fiscal years 2013 and 2012 of $4,498 and $10,226, respectively, represents primarily the sale of previously written off assets for proceeds of $4,498 and $10,226, respectively.

 

Interest expense decreased by $28,800 during fiscal year 2013 to $1,408 as compared to interest expense in fiscal year 2012 of $30,208. The decrease for fiscal year 2013 as compared to the prior year was due to repayment of our 10% senior convertible notes in fiscal years 2013 and 2012, resulting in an overall lower average debt balance.

 

In December 2012, we settled $106,149 of accounts payable with a vendor for a negotiated payment of $30,000, and recorded a gain of $76,149. The gain is included within other income in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.  

 

The income tax provisions in fiscal years 2013 and 2012 represent the minimum statutory state income tax liability.

 

18
 

 

Known Trends and Uncertainties That May Affect Future Results

 

During fiscal year 2010 after implementing a number of changes to reduce cash usage and increase sales and profitability, our cash flow was positive for the first time in many years. In fiscal year 2011, the major focus of our senior management shifted to finding a long-term solution to our obligations under the 10% Senior Secured Convertible Notes (the “Notes”) issued on June 25, 2008, which initially became due just before the beginning of fiscal year 2011. While we continued to work during fiscal year 2011 to advance product development and sales and marketing efforts, the requirement to find a solution for the Notes while simultaneously continuing operations of our Company with limited capital resources resulted in an overall reduction in sales volume and delay of business plans. With the consummation of an asset purchase agreement with Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc. in July 2011, we received sufficient cash to retire the Notes, and to provide working capital for our Company. On September 28, 2012, we received $2.5 million in connection with our completion of an offering of stock and warrants, and we anticipate the proceeds will be used for working capital purposes and for the development of new products. With the fiscal year 2013 year-over-year increase in sales of 17.1%, we are beginning to see the effect of management’s renewed focus on operations.

 

We are excited about the continued development, commercialization, and market acceptance of our new products and technical innovations based upon our unique proprietary technology. In March 2013, we received a follow-on purchase order for $660,000 for custom-designed endoscopes to be manufactured and delivered over a sixteen-month period beginning in July 2013. The delivery schedule on this order was recently accelerated by the customer to request deliveries over a ten-month period beginning in July 2013. The order is from one of our largest medical customers and the requested endoscopes represent two distinct designs which include various aspects of our unique proprietary MicroprecisionTM lens technology and optical visualization system expertise. As previously disclosed in our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 18, 2012, we accepted an order from a customer to purchase endoscopes for a total purchase amount of $1,032,000 (the “April 2012 Order”). We recently completed pre-production activities and are now beginning shipments against previously announced orders, including the April 2012 Order, for products incorporating Microprecision™ technology for very small endoscopes and micro medical cameras with diameters on the order of 1 millimeter and smaller.

 

We have also focused recent operational efforts on sales and marketing activities intended to broaden awareness of the benefits of our new technology platforms, which we believe are ready for general application to medical device projects requiring surgery-grade visualization from sub-millimeter sized devices and handheld 3D endoscopy. During January and February of 2013, we visited three large medical device companies who are existing customers of ours and conducted successful demonstrations of our latest technology and products. All three of these meetings have led to additional, ongoing discussions related to near- and long-term business opportunities, including, in all three cases, customer-initiated requests for quotations for new products based on our proprietary technology.

 

In June 2013, we attended the Medical Design & Manufacturing (MD&M) East show located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Our new technology was well received during this show and other recent trade shows, which have resulted in numerous follow-on discussions with a number of existing and new potential customers.

 

Due to the introductory stage of many of our new products and the unpredictable timing of orders from customers, it is difficult to predict with certainty the detailed rate of future revenue growth. However, during the last 12 months, we have received significant new orders for a number of new products including the April 2012 Order for small endoscopes and an approximate $250,000 order for micro medical camera assemblies, both of which rely on our Microprecision™ lens technology. We believe these orders will help to increase our revenues in future quarters. Also, we expect that current discussions with existing and new potential customers could lead to increases in our revenues. To continue to support orders for new products as well as ongoing and future discussions, we intend to continue to develop and commercialize new products and technical innovations, including:

 

  new components and instruments utilizing our patented Microprecision™ lens technology for optical components and micro medical camera assemblies with sizes on the order of 1 mm and smaller; and
     
  new 3D imaging technology for use in handheld 3D endoscopes, and for 3D monitor based visualization through surgical microscopes.

 

19
 

Over the past few years, we have implemented significant changes in new product and technology development by shifting the emphasis of research and development efforts from developing underlying technologies to commercializing the applications of these new technologies. These efforts have already been realized to some degree in the area of Microprecision™ lenses with ongoing shipments now in place, including shipments against orders for micro medical camera assemblies. While most of our current orders for Microprecision™ lenses support medical applications, we are now beginning to explore additional applications including those in the defense and surveillance markets.

 

We have developed and manufactured prototypes of a new 3D endoscope with high definition quality imaging and 10 mm diameter for use in general laparoscopic surgery. This next generation 3D endoscope has been evaluated by a number of medical professionals and has been received enthusiastically. We believe that with the advent of commercially available high quality flat panel 3D displays, handheld 3D endoscopy represents an opportunity for sales growth for our Company. In addition, the technology we have developed for 3D endoscopy can also be used for 3D monitor based visualization through surgical microscopes. We are now in discussions with a major medical product supplier to leverage our 3D technology for use with surgical microscopes.

 

For fiscal year 2013, revenues from our largest customer were 54% of total sales, as compared to 22% of total sales for the same period in the prior year. The concentration of sales to certain significant customers may fluctuate depending on factors such as the magnitude and the timing of receipt and fulfillment of customer orders, and may vary significantly from period to period. However, we believe that the introduction of new products with new customers, including those discussed above, will reduce the influence of any one customer on sales in any specific period.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

We currently have no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future material effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

  

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

 

There have been no disagreements with our independent registered public accounting firm in regards to accounting and financial disclosure.

 

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

As a smaller reporting company, as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act and in Item 10(f)(1) of Regulation S-K, we are electing scaled disclosure reporting obligations and therefore are not required to provide the information requested by this Item.

 

DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, PROMOTERS AND CONTROL PERSONS

 

Identification of Directors and Executive Officers

 

Set forth below is certain information with respect to the individuals who are our directors and executive officers as of June 30, 2013.

 

Name   Age   Position(s) or Office(s) Held
Joseph N. Forkey   45   Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer, President and Treasurer
Jack P. Dreimiller   65   Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer
Donald A. Major   52   Executive Vice President for Corporate Development and Director
Richard E. Forkey   73   Director and Advisor to the Chief Executive Officer
Richard B. Miles   70   Director
Joel R. Pitlor   70   Director

 

20
 

Board Composition. Our Board of Directors is divided into three classes that are as nearly equal in number as possible, with each class serving for a staggered term of office. Only one class is elected each year. Each director serves a three year term and until his or her successor has been duly elected and qualified. Our Board currently consists of five directors. Our Class I director is Richard E. Forkey. Our Class II directors are Joel R. Pitlor and Donald A. Major. Our Class III directors are Joseph N. Forkey and Richard Miles.

 

Biographies and Qualifications of Our Executive Officers and Directors. The biographies of our executive officers and directors and certain information regarding each director’s experience, attributes, skills and/or qualifications that led to the conclusion that the individual should be serving as an executive officer and/or director of our Company are as follows:

 

Dr. Joseph N. Forkey

 

Dr. Joseph N. Forkey, son of Richard E. Forkey, has served as Chairman of our Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer, President and Treasurer since February 8, 2011. Dr. Forkey has been a member of our Board of Directors since 2006.  He served as our Executive Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer from April 2006 to February 2011, and held the position of our Chief Scientist from September 2003 to April 2006. Since joining us, he has been involved in general technical and management activities of our Company, as well as investigations of opportunities that leverage our newly developed technologies. Dr. Forkey holds B.A. degrees in Mathematics and Physics from Cornell University, and a Ph.D. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Princeton University. Prior to joining us, Dr. Forkey spent seven years at the University of Pennsylvania Medical School as a postdoctoral fellow and research staff member. Dr. Forkey is a valuable member of our Board due to his depth of scientific, operating, strategic, transactional, and senior management experience in our industry. Additionally, Dr. Forkey has held positions of increasing responsibility at our Company and holds an intimate knowledge of our Company due to his longevity in the industry and with us.

 

Jack P. Dreimiller

 

Mr. Jack P. Dreimiller has served as our Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer since August 15, 2008. Prior to that time, he served as our Senior Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer from April 1992 until June 2005, and as an independent consultant to our Company from June 2005 to December 2005. Since June 2005, he has served as an independent consultant serving various roles as financial/accounting executive, including interim Chief Financial Officer, for a number of companies. Mr. Dreimiller is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive) and holds a BS in Business Administration from the University of Buffalo. He has over twenty-five years of experience in various senior financial management positions, including audit and consulting experience with an international accounting firm, and Controller and VP Finance experience with both small firms and multi-national corporations.

 

Donald A. Major

 

Effective February 9, 2012, our Board of Directors appointed Mr. Donald A. Major as our Executive Vice President for Corporate Development, in addition to his ongoing role as a member of our Board of Directors. He has served as a member of our Board since 2005. Mr. Major is co-founder& Chief Manager of Window2Decor, LLC, a start-up e-commerce retailer of window coverings and complimentary home accent products, and has been employed as an independent consultant since October 2007, providing companies with interim management, turnaround, restructuring and reorganization services as well as sourcing services for a private equity firm. From October 2006 to May 2007, he served as Vice President of Corporate Development of Advanced Duplication Services LLC. From February 2002 to late 2008, Mr. Major served as Vice President and Treasurer of Anderson Entertainment, LLC (formerly Digital Excellence LLC), which was owned by a private equity firm and sold to Advanced Duplication Services LLC. He earned his B.A. in Accounting in 1984 from Michigan State University. He is a Certified Public Accountant (inactive) and has experience in the field of public accounting and in financial officer positions in publicly held and start-up medical device companies. Mr. Major is a valuable member of our Board due to his depth of operating, financial, accounting, management, and corporate efficiency experience.

 

21
 

Richard E. Forkey

 

Effective February 8, 2011, Mr. Richard E. Forkey resigned as Chief Executive Officer, President, and Treasurer of our Company. He had served in that position since he founded our Company in 1982. Mr. Forkey remains a director of our Company, a position he has held since our inception in 1982, and also holds the executive position of Advisor to the Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Forkey is a valuable member of our Board due to his depth of operating, strategic, commercial, and senior management experience in our industry and his intimate knowledge of our Company as he was our original founder and served as our Chief Executive Officer for nearly thirty years.

 

Richard B. Miles

 

Professor Richard B. Miles was appointed to our Board of Directors in November 2005. He has been a member of the faculty at Princeton University since 1972, and serves as the Director of the Applied Physics Group in Princeton University’s Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department. Professor Miles is a valuable member of our Board due to his depth of scientific experience and familiarity with the field of our technologies, insight into the academic community, and familiarity with the latest developments and innovations in science and technology.

 

Joel R. Pitlor

 

Mr. Joel R. Pitlor has served as a member of our Board of Directors since June 1990. Since 1979, he has held the position of president of J.R. Pitlor, a management consulting firm which he founded that provides strategic business planning for executive officers. Mr. Pitlor has provided business planning consultation to us since 1983. Mr. Pitlor is a valuable member of our Board due to his depth of operating, strategic, financial planning, and management experience. Additionally, Mr. Pitlor has a detailed knowledge of the history of our Company having advised senior management for over 25 years.

 

Other Involvement in Certain Legal Proceedings

 

None of our directors or executive officers has been involved in any bankruptcy or criminal proceedings, nor have there been any judgments or injunctions brought against any of our directors or executive officers during the last ten years that we consider material to the evaluation of the ability and integrity of any director or executive officer.

 

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

 

Executive and Director Compensation

 

Summary Compensation

 

The following table sets forth all compensation for our fiscal years ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 awarded to, earned by, or paid to our Principal Executive Officer and our most highly compensated employee, both of which are referred to herein as the “Named Executive Officers.” No other executive officer earned over $100,000 in the last completed fiscal year.

 

Summary Compensation Table for the Fiscal Years Ended June 30, 2013 and 2012 

 

Name and Principal Position (a)  Year
June 30,
(b)
  Salary
($) (c)
   Bonus
($) (d)
  Stock
Awards
($) (e)
  Option
Awards
($) (f) (1)
   Total
($) (j)
 
Joseph N. Forkey  2013   120,000   0  0   0    120,000 
Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer, President and Treasurer   2012   120,000   0  (2)   180,000 (3)   300,000 
                         
Richard G. Cyr  2013   129,439   1,000(4)  0   0    130,439 
Optical Shop Manager  2012   112,300   1,000(4)  0   10,800 (5)   124,100 

 

22
 

 

(1) Represents the aggregate grant date fair value of stock option awards granted in the respective fiscal year as computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation. The fair value of each stock option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. A discussion of the assumptions used in calculating the amounts in this column may be found in Note 4(a) to our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2013 set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 30, 2013. These amounts do not represent the actual amounts paid to or realized by the Named Executive Officers during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013 or 2012.
   
(2) Based upon a compensation arrangement approved by the Board of Directors on April 15, 2008, Dr. Forkey agreed to defer a portion of his salary. On December 3, 2010, we executed a compensation agreement where we agreed to pay Dr. Forkey $29,999, representing all deferred salary due to Dr. Forkey as of the date of the agreement. On October 14, 2011, we amended the compensation agreement to extend the deadline by which we were required to issue the shares of common stock. In return for Dr. Forkey’s consent to forgive the deferred salary owed to him by us, we issued him 10,909 shares of our restricted common stock in October 2011. The aggregate grant date fair value of the stock was reflected in the respective fiscal years it was earned by Dr. Forkey even though it was not received by Dr. Forkey until FY 2012.
   
(3) On February 9, 2012, our Board of Directors approved the grant of 150,000 options to Dr. Forkey as compensation for services provided to us and in lieu of an increase in salary. With Dr. Forkey’s agreement and consent, the options were repriced on March 2, 2012 in order to recover the original intent of the Board due to the low exercise price of the original grant. The exercise price of the options is $1.20 and the options expire on March 2, 2022. The options vest in increments of 25,000 shares on the first day of each quarter, as of January 1, 2013, until all shares are fully vested.

 

(4) Represents a performance award for the respective fiscal year.

 

(5) Represents options granted to Mr. Cyr as compensation for services provided to us.

 

Employment Contracts and Termination of Employment Arrangements

 

We have no employment contracts, other than the compensation agreement with Dr. Joseph N. Forkey disclosed above, in place with any Named Executive Officer. We have no compensatory plan or arrangement with respect to any Named Executive Officer where such plan or arrangement will result in payments to such Named Executive Officer upon or following his resignation, or other termination of employment with us and our subsidiaries, or as a result of a change-in-control of our Company or a change in the Named Executive Officers’ responsibilities following a change-in-control.

 

Management Incentive Arrangements

 

On February 9, 2012, our Board of Directors determined that Dr. Joseph N. Forkey, our Chief Executive Officer, would be eligible to receive an incentive bonus of $60,000 after we achieve positive EBITDA for two consecutive quarters, with such payment terms to be structured at a later date to make sure cash is sufficiently available. 

 

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End Table for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2013

 

The following table shows grants of options outstanding on June 30, 2013, the last day of our fiscal year, to each of the Named Executive Officers named in the Summary Compensation Table.

 

23
 

Option Awards

 

Name (a)  Number of securities
underlying unexercised
options exercisable
(#) (b)
   Number of securities
underlying unexercised
options unexercisable
(#) (c)
   Option exercise
price ($) (e)
   Option expiration
date (f)
 
Joseph N. Forkey   600    0    13.75    05/09/2016 
    11,208    0    13.75    06/13/2015 
    22,416    0    20.75    06/13/2015 
    50,000    100,000 (1)    1.20    03/02/2022 
                     
Richard G. Cyr   10,200    0    13.75    05/09/2016 
    26,667    13,333 (2)     0.27    07/14/2021 

 

  (1) Options with an expiration date of March 2, 2022 vest 25,000 shares per quarter as of January 1, 2013.

 

  (2) Options with an expiration date of July 14, 2021 were exercisable as follows: 13,333 shares vested on October 15, 2011, 13,333 shares vested on July 15, 2012, and the remaining 13,333 shares will vest on July 15, 2013.

 

Profit Sharing and 401(k) Plan

 

We have a defined contribution 401(k) profit sharing plan. Employer profit sharing and matching contributions to the plan are discretionary. No employer profit sharing contributions were made to the plan in fiscal years 2013 and 2012. No employer matching contributions were made to the plan in fiscal years 2013 and 2012.

 

Director Compensation

 

The following table sets forth cash amounts and the value of other compensation paid to our directors, but does not include the compensation of Dr. Joseph N. Forkey, our Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer, President and Treasurer, as his compensation is reflected in the Summary Compensation Table. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013, our Board of Directors determined that Dr. Joseph N. Forkey and Mr. Richard E. Forkey were our employee directors and, therefore, would not earn any fees related to service on our Board.

 

Director Compensation Table for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2013

 

Name of Director (a)  Fees earned or
paid in cash
($) (b) (1)
   Option awards
($) (d) (2) (3)
   All other
compensation
($) (g)
   Total
($) (h)
 
Richard E. Forkey (4)   0    0    4,544 (5)    4,544 
Donald A. Major (6)   2,000 (7)     2,550    36,150 (7)    40,700 
Richard B. Miles   1,750    2,550    0    4,300 
Joel R. Pitlor   2,000    2,550    0    4,550 

  

(1) Under our director compensation plan, each director receives $250 per board or committee meeting that the director attends. We also reimburse our directors for travel expenses. As our Board has determined that Dr. Joseph N. Forkey and Mr. Richard E. Forkey are employees of our Company, Dr. Forkey and Mr. Forkey do not earn any fees related to service on our Board of Directors.

 

(2) Represents the aggregate grant date fair value of stock option awards granted in the respective fiscal year as computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, Compensation — Stock Compensation. The fair value of each stock option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. A discussion of the assumptions used in calculating the amounts in this column may be found in Note 4(a) to our audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2013 set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 30, 2013. These amounts do not represent the actual amounts paid to or realized by the directors during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013.

 

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(3) On January 2, 2013, we granted Messrs. Major, Miles, and Pitlor options to purchase 3,000 shares of our common stock. These options were fully vested as of the date of grant, have an exercise price of $0.85 and expire on January 2, 2023.

 

(4) Mr. Richard E. Forkey holds the executive position of Advisor to the Chief Executive Officer, in addition to his continued service as a member of our Board of Directors. Mr. Forkey served as our Chief Executive Officer until February 8, 2011.

 

(5) Mr. Forkey’s FY 2013 compensation consisted of $4,544 earned as salary compensation for his services in the executive position of Advisor to the Chief Executive Officer. As previously disclosed in our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 30, 2012, on July 25, 2012, our Board of Directors approved an arrangement with Mr. Forkey to cancel Mr. Forkey’s life insurance policy, on which we had been paying the policy premiums. The timing of the cancellation of the policy was based upon mutual agreement between us and Mr. Forkey. As the one-time payment of $40,000 has not been made to date, it is not included in Mr. Forkey’s FY 2013 compensation.

 

(6) Mr. Donald A. Major was appointed to serve as our Executive Vice President for Corporate Development on February 9, 2012, in addition to his continued service as a member of our Board of Directors.

 

(7) Mr. Major’s FY 2013 compensation consisted of: (a) $2,000 earned a compensation for his services as a member of our Board of Directors; and (b) $36,150 earned as salary compensation for his services as our Executive Vice President for Corporate Development.

     

Narrative to Director Compensation Table

 

Under our director compensation plan, each director receives $250 per board or committee meeting that the director attends. We also reimburse our directors for travel expenses.

 

On February 9, 2012, our Board of Directors made the determination to also award each non-employee director an annual grant of 3,000 options, fully vested upon issuance, to be issued on the first business day of January of each year going forth. On January 2, 2013, in accordance with such resolution, we granted Messrs. Major, Miles, and Pitlor options to purchase 3,000 shares of our common stock. These options were fully vested as of the date of grant, have an exercise price of $0.85 and expire on January 2, 2023.

 

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

 

The following tables set forth information regarding our common stock owned as of the close of business on September 13, 2013 by the following persons: (i) each person who is known by us to own beneficially more than 5% of our common stock, (ii) each of our directors who beneficially owns our common stock, (iii) each of our Named Executive Officers who beneficially own our common stock and (iv) all executive officers and directors, as a group, who beneficially own our common stock. The information on beneficial ownership in the table and footnotes thereto is based upon data furnished to us by, or on behalf of, the persons listed in the table.

 

We have determined beneficial ownership in accordance with the rules of the SEC. Except as indicated by the footnotes below, we believe, based on the information furnished to us, that the persons and entities named in the table below have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of common stock that they beneficially own, subject to applicable community property laws.

 

In computing the number of shares of common stock beneficially owned by a person and the percentage ownership of that person, we deemed outstanding shares of common stock subject to options held by that person that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days after September 13, 2013. We did not deem these shares outstanding, however, for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person.

 

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Stockholders Known by Us to Own Over 5% of Our Common Stock

 

   Amount of beneficial ownership (1)   Percent of 
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner  Shares Owned   Shares –
Rights to
Acquire
   Total
Number
   Shares
Beneficially
Owned (2)
 
Austin W. Marxe (3)
c/o Special Situations Funds
527 Madison Avenue, Suite 2600
New York, NY 10022
   1,269,213    1,208,647    2,477,860    43.7% 
                     
David M. Greenhouse (4)
c/o Special Situations Funds
527 Madison Avenue, Suite 2600
New York, NY 10022
   1,269,213    1,208,443    2,477,656    43.7% 
                     
Arnold Schumsky (5)
145 East 27th Street
New York, New York 10016
   130,430    112,487    242,917    5.3% 
                     

MHW Partners, L.P. (6)

150 East 52nd Street

30th Fl.

New York, New York 10022

   222,223    155,557    377,780    8.2% 
                     
DAFNA Capital Management LLC (7)
10990 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1400
Los Angeles, CA 90024
   388,889    272,223    661,112    14.0% 
                     
Alpha Capital Anstalt (8)
150 Central Park South
New York, New York 10019
   277,778    194,445    472,223    10.2% 

  

(1) Represents shares with respect to which each beneficial owner listed has or will have, upon acquisition of such shares upon exercise or conversion of options, warrants, conversion privileges or other rights exercisable within sixty days, sole voting and investment power. Amounts listed have been adjusted, if necessary, to reflect a 1-for-25 reverse split, effective December 11, 2008. For the purposes of this table, we have not assumed the limitations on exercise set forth in certain warrants, which limit the number of shares of common stock that the holder, together with all other shares of common stock beneficially owned by such person, does not exceed 4.999% of the total outstanding shares of common stock.
   
(2) As of September 13, 2013, there were 4,455,134 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding. Percentages are calculated on the basis of the amount of issued and outstanding common stock plus, for each person or group, any securities that such person or group has the right to acquire within 60 days pursuant to options, warrants, conversion privileges or other rights.
   
(3) We relied, in part, on a Schedule 13D/A jointly filed with the SEC on March 7, 2013 by Austin W. Marxe and David M. Greenhouse for this information.
   
  Messrs. Marxe and Greenhouse are the controlling principals of AWM Investment Company, Inc., the general partner of and investment adviser to Special Situations Cayman Fund, L.P. AWM Investment Company also serves as the general partner of MGP Advisers Limited Partnership, the general partner of Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. Messrs. Marxe and Greenhouse are also members of MG Advisers L.L.C., the general partner of Special Situations Private Equity Fund, L.P. AWM Investment Company serves as the investment adviser to Special Situations Fund III QP and Special Situations Private Equity Fund.

 

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  Special Situations Cayman Fund owns 1 share of common stock. Special Situations Fund III QP owns 934,212 shares of common stock; 3,630,000 warrants to purchase 215,332 shares of common stock, expiring May 11, 2017; warrants to purchase 427,779 shares of common stock, expiring September 28, 2017; and warrants to purchase 175,000 shares of common stock, expiring February 12, 2016. Special Situations Private Equity Fund owns 335,000 shares of common stock; 3,630,000 warrants to purchase 215,332 shares of common stock, expiring May 11, 2017; and warrants to purchase 175,000 shares of common stock, expiring February 12, 2016. Messrs. Marxe and Greenhouse share the power to vote and direct the disposition of all shares of common stock owned by Special Situations Cayman Fund, Special Situations Fund III QP, and Special Situations Private Equity Fund.
   
  Messrs. Marxe and Greenhouse are deemed to beneficially own a total of 1,269,213 shares of common stock; 7,260,000 warrants to purchase an aggregate of 430,664 shares of common stock, expiring May 11, 2017; warrants to purchase 427,779 shares of common stock, expiring September 28, 2017; and warrants to purchase 350,000 shares of common stock, expiring February 12, 2016. However, the aggregate number of shares of common stock into which 427,779 warrants of the total warrants held by Special Situations Fund III QP are exercisable, and which Messrs. Marxe and Greenhouse have the right to acquire beneficial ownership, is limited to the number of shares of common stock that, together with all other shares of common stock beneficially owned by Messrs. Marxe and Greenhouse, does not exceed 4.999% of the total outstanding shares of common stock. Accordingly, the 427,779 warrants expiring September 28, 2017 are not currently exercisable into common stock until the actual shares of common stock held by Messrs. Marxe and Greenhouse is less than 4.999% of the total outstanding shares of common stock. Special Situations Fund III QP may waive this 4.999% restriction with 61 days notice to us.
   
  Mr. Marxe additionally holds an additional 204 shares of common stock that may be acquired by Mr. Marxe as an individual upon the exercise of outstanding stock options.
   
(4) We relied, in part, on a Schedule 13D/A jointly filed with the SEC on March 7, 2013 by Austin W. Marxe and David M. Greenhouse for this information.
   
  Messrs. Marxe and Greenhouse are the controlling principals of AWM Investment Company, Inc., the general partner of and investment adviser to Special Situations Cayman Fund, L.P. AWM Investment Company also serves as the general partner of MGP Advisers Limited Partnership, the general partner of Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. Messrs. Marxe and Greenhouse are also members of MG Advisers L.L.C., the general partner of Special Situations Private Equity Fund, L.P. AWM Investment Company serves as the investment adviser to Special Situations Fund III QP and Special Situations Private Equity Fund.
   
  Special Situations Cayman Fund owns 1 share of common stock. Special Situations Fund III QP owns 934,212 shares of common stock; 3,630,000 warrants to purchase 215,332 shares of common stock, expiring May 11, 2017; warrants to purchase 427,779 shares of common stock, expiring September 28, 2017; and warrants to purchase 175,000 shares of common stock, expiring February 12, 2016. Special Situations Private Equity Fund owns 335,000 shares of common stock; 3,630,000 warrants to purchase 215,332 shares of common stock, expiring May 11, 2017; and warrants to purchase 175,000 shares of common stock, expiring February 12, 2016. Messrs. Marxe and Greenhouse share the power to vote and direct the disposition of all shares of common stock owned by Special Situations Cayman Fund, Special Situations Fund III QP, and Special Situations Private Equity Fund.
   
  Messrs. Marxe and Greenhouse are deemed to beneficially own a total of 1,269,213 shares of common stock; 7,260,000 warrants to purchase an aggregate of 430,664 shares of common stock, expiring May 11, 2017; warrants to purchase 427,779 shares of common stock, expiring September 28, 2017; and warrants to purchase 350,000 shares of common stock, expiring February 12, 2016. However, the aggregate number of shares of common stock into which 427,779 warrants of the total warrants held by Special Situations Fund III QP are exercisable, and which Messrs. Marxe and Greenhouse have the right to acquire beneficial ownership, is limited to the number of shares of common stock that, together with all other shares of common stock beneficially owned by Messrs. Marxe and Greenhouse, does not exceed 4.999% of the total outstanding shares of common stock. Accordingly, the 427,779 warrants expiring September 28, 2017 are not currently exercisable into common stock until the actual shares of common stock held by Messrs. Marxe and Greenhouse is less than 4.999% of the total outstanding shares of common stock. Special Situations Fund III QP may waive this 4.999% restriction with 61 days notice to us.

 

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(5) We relied, in part, on a Schedule 13D filed with the SEC on June 6, 2007 by Arnold Schumsky for this information. Mr. Schumsky beneficially owns a total of 242,917 shares of common stock. His ownership consists of (i) 130,430 shares of common stock owned of record by Mr. Schumsky, and (ii) 112,487 shares that may be acquired upon the exercise of outstanding warrants. However, the aggregate number of shares of common stock into which 58,334 warrants of the total warrants held by Mr. Schumsky are exercisable, and which Mr. Schumsky has the right to acquire beneficial ownership, is limited to the number of shares of common stock that, together with all other shares of common stock beneficially owned by Mr. Schumsky, does not exceed 4.999% of the total outstanding shares of common stock. Accordingly, 58,334 warrants are not currently exercisable into common stock until the actual shares of common stock held by Mr. Schumsky is less than 4.999% of the total outstanding shares of common stock. Mr. Schumsky may waive this 4.999% restriction with 61 days notice to us.
   
(6)

We relied, in part, on a Schedule 13G jointly filed with the SEC on October 15, 2012 by MHW Partners, L.P., MHW Capital, LLC, MHW Capital Management, LLC and Peter H. Woodward for this information.

 

MHW Partners, L.P. is a Delaware limited partnership. MHW Capital, LLC is a Delaware limited liability company. MHW Capital Management, LLC is a Delaware limited liability company. MHW Capital, LLC is the general partner of MHW Partners, L.P. Mr. Woodward is the principal of MHW Capital Management, LLC and MHW Capital, LLC and in such capacity, Mr. Woodward holds the power to vote and direct the disposition of all shares of common stock owned by MHW Partners, L.P. MHW Partners, L.P., MHW Capital, LLC, MHW Capital Management, LLC and Mr. Woodward share the power to vote and direct the disposition of all shares of common stock owned by MHW Partners, L.P.

 

MHW Partners, L.P. beneficially owns 222,223 shares of common stock, and 155,557 shares that may be acquired upon the exercise of outstanding warrants. However, the aggregate number of shares of common stock into which such warrants are exercisable, and which MHW Partners, L.P. has the right to acquire beneficial ownership, is limited to the number of shares of common stock that, together with all other shares of common stock beneficially owned by MHW Partners, L.P., does not exceed 4.999% of the total outstanding shares of common stock. Accordingly, such warrants are not currently exercisable into common stock until the actual shares of common stock held by MHW Partners, L.P. is less than 4.999% of the total outstanding shares of common stock. MHW Partners, L.P. may waive this 4.999% restriction with 61 days notice to us.

   
(7)

We relied, in part, on a Schedule 13G jointly filed with the SEC on February 14, 2013 by DAFNA Capital Management, LLC, Nathan Fischel and Fariba Ghodsian for this information.

 

DAFNA Capital Management, LLC is a Delaware limited liability company. DAFNA Capital Management is the investment adviser of DAFNA LifeScience Market Neutral, Ltd., DAFNA LifeScience Select, Ltd., and DAFNA LifeScience, Ltd. DAFNA Capital Management, in its capacity as investment adviser to DAFNA LifeScience Market Neutral, DAFNA LifeScience Select, and DAFNA LifeScience, may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of the shares owned by DAFNA LifeScience Market Neutral, DAFNA LifeScience Select, and DAFNA LifeScience, as in its capacity as investment adviser it has the power to dispose, direct the disposition of, and vote the shares of the issuer owned by DAFNA LifeScience Market Neutral, DAFNA LifeScience Select, and DAFNA LifeScience. Nathan Fischel and Fariba Ghodsian are part-owners of DAFNA Capital Management and managing members of DAFNA Capital Management. As controlling persons of DAFNA Capital Management, Drs. Fischel and Ghodsian may each respectively be deemed to beneficially own the shares owned by DAFNA LifeScience Market Neutral, DAFNA LifeScience Select, and DAFNA LifeScience. Pursuant to Rule 13d-4, Drs. Fischel and Ghodsian disclaim beneficial ownership of the securities.

 

DAFNA Capital Management beneficially owns 388,889 shares of common stock, in the aggregate. DAFNA Capital Management holds common stock purchase warrants exercisable into 272,223 shares of common stock, in the aggregate. DAFNA LifeScience Market Neutral owns 77,778 shares of common stock and 54,445 shares that be acquired upon the exercise of outstanding warrants. DAFNA LifeScience Select owns 200,000 shares of common stock and 140,000 shares that be acquired upon the exercise of outstanding warrants. DAFNA LifeScience owns 111,111 shares of common stock and 77,778 shares that be acquired upon the exercise of outstanding warrants. However, the aggregate number of shares of common stock into which such warrants are exercisable, and which DAFNA Capital Management has the right to acquire beneficial ownership, is limited to the number of shares of common stock that, together with all other shares of common stock beneficially owned by DAFNA Capital Management, does not exceed 4.999% of the total outstanding shares of common stock. Accordingly, such warrants are not currently exercisable into common stock until the actual shares of common stock held by DAFNA Capital Management is less than 4.999% of the total outstanding shares of common stock. DAFNA LifeScience Market Neutral, DAFNA LifeScience Select, and DAFNA LifeScience may waive this 4.999% restriction with 61 days notice to us.

 

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(8) Alpha Capital Anstalt beneficially owns 277,778 shares of common stock and 194,445 shares that may be acquired upon the exercise of outstanding warrants. However, the aggregate number of shares of common stock into which such warrants are exercisable, and which Alpha Capital Anstalt has the right to acquire beneficial ownership, is limited to the number of shares of common stock that, together with all other shares of common stock beneficially owned by Alpha Capital Anstalt, does not exceed 4.999% of the total outstanding shares of common stock. Accordingly, such warrants are not currently exercisable into common stock until the actual shares of common stock held by Alpha Capital Anstalt is less than 4.999% of the total outstanding shares of common stock. Alpha Capital Anstalt may waive this 4.999% restriction with 61 days notice to us.

 

Officers and Directors

 

      Amount of beneficial ownership (2)   Percent of 
Name and address of beneficial owner (1)  Nature of beneficial
ownership
  Shares
Owned
   Shares – Rights
to Acquire
   Total Number   Shares
Beneficially
Owned (3)
 
Joseph N. Forkey (4)  Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer, President and Treasurer   33,620    134,224    167,844    3.7% 
Jack P. Dreimiller (5)  Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer   583    10,000    10,583    *  
Donald A. Major (6)  Executive Vice President for Corporate Development and Director   35,778    52,445    88,223    2.0% 
Richard E. Forkey (7)  Advisor to the Chief Executive Officer and Director   212,993    49,333    262,326    5.8% 
Richard B. Miles (8)  Director   15,112    20,379    35,491    *  
Joel R. Pitlor (9)  Director   205,395    22,978    228,373    5.1% 
Richard G. Cyr (10)  Optical Shop Manager   0    40,000    40,000    *  
All directors and executive officers as a group (7 persons)   503,481    329,359    832,840    17.4% 

_________________

* Percentage of shares beneficially owned donot exceed one percent of issued and outstanding shares of stock.

 

(1) Unless otherwise stated, the address of each beneficial owners listed on the table is c/o Precision Optics Corporation, Inc., 22 East Broadway, Gardner, MA 01440.

 

(2) Represents shares with respect to which each beneficial owner listed has or will have, upon acquisition of such shares upon exercise or conversion of options, warrants, conversion privileges or other rights exercisable within sixty days, sole voting and investment power. Amounts listed have been adjusted, if necessary, to reflect a 1-for-25 reverse split, effective December 11, 2008.

 

(3) As of September 13, 2013, we had 4,455,134 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding. Percentages are calculated on the basis of the amount of issued and outstanding common stock plus, for each person or group, any securities that such person or group has the right to acquire within 60 days of September 13, 2013 pursuant to options, warrants, conversion privileges or other rights.

 

(4) Dr. Forkey is Chairman of our Board of Directors and serves as our Chief Executive Officer, President and Treasurer. Dr. Forkey beneficially owns 134,224 shares of common stock which may be acquired within 60 days of September 13, 2013 upon the exercise of outstanding stock options and warrants. Dr. Forkey also beneficially owns 33,620 shares of common stock through joint ownership with his wife, Heather C. Forkey, with whom he shares voting and dispositive control.

 

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(5) Mr. Dreimiller is our Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Dreimiller beneficially owns 583 shares of common stock and 10,000 shares of common stock which may be acquired within 60 days of September 13, 2013 upon the exercise of outstanding stock options.

 

(6) Mr. Major is our Executive Vice President for Corporate Development and a member of our Board of Directors. Mr. Major beneficially owns 35,778 shares of common stock and 52,445 shares of common stock which may be acquired within 60 days of September 13, 2013 upon the exercise of outstanding stock options and warrants.

 

(7) Mr. Forkey holds the executive position of Advisor to the Chief Executive Officer and is a member of our Board of Directors. He also served as our Chief Executive Officer until February 8, 2011. Mr. Forkey beneficially owns 212,993 shares of common stock and 49,333 shares of common stock which may be acquired within 60 days of September 13, 2013 upon the exercise of outstanding stock options and warrants.

 

(8) Mr. Miles is a member of our Board of Directors. Mr. Miles beneficially owns 15,112 shares of common stock and 20,379 shares of common stock which may be acquired within 60 days of September 13, 2013 upon the exercise of outstanding stock options.

 

(9) Mr. Pitlor is a member of our Board of Directors. Mr. Pitlor beneficially owns: (i) 205,395 shares of common stock; (ii) 12,978 shares which may be acquired within 60 days of September 13, 2013 upon the exercise of outstanding stock options; and (iii) 10,000 shares which may be acquired upon the exercise of warrants at an exercise price of $1.50 per share, subject to adjustment. The warrants expire on February 12, 2016, and are exercisable in whole or in part, at any time prior to expiration.

 

(10) Mr. Cyr is our Optical Shop Manager and is considered a “named executive officer” as defined in Item 402(a)(3) of Regulation S-K for the purposes of our Annual Report on Form 10-K. Mr. Cyr beneficially owns 40,000 shares of common stock which may be acquired within 60 days of September 13, 2013 upon the exercise of outstanding stock options.

 

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

 

We lease our main facility in Gardner, Massachusetts from Equity Assets, Inc., a company wholly-owned by Mr. Richard E. Forkey, a member of our Board of Directors and our former President, Chief Executive Officer, and Treasurer. We are currently a tenant-at-will, paying rent of $9,000 per month, or an aggregate of $108,000 per year, for each of fiscal years 2013 and 2012.

 

We made payments to Mr. Donald Major, our Executive Vice President for Corporate Development and a member of our Board of Directors, totaling $26,606 in fiscal year 2012 for consulting services. We did not incur any such fees in fiscal year 2013.

 

On September 28, 2012, we closed on agreements with investors for the sale and purchase of units consisting of an aggregate of (i) 2,777,795 shares of our common stock, and (ii) warrants to purchase an aggregate of 1,944,475 shares of common stock, at a per unit price of $0.90. Each unit consisted of one share of common stock and 70% warrant coverage. The warrants have an exercise price of $1.25 per share, subject to adjustment and a call provision if certain market price targets are reached, expire five years from September 28, 2012, and are exercisable in whole or in part, at any time prior to expiration. We received $2.5 million in gross proceeds from the offering.

 

Certain of our directors and officers participated in the offering on the same terms as the other investors and purchased a total aggregate amount of approximately $80,000 of units in the offering, in such amounts as follows:

 

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      Securities Purchased in Offering         
Name of Purchaser  Company Affiliation  Shares of Common Stock   Warrants   Unit Price   Subscription Amount 
Forkey, Richard E.  Director   27,778    19,445   $0.90   $25,000.20 
                        
Joseph N. Forkey and Heather C. Forkey JTTEN  Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, President, and Treasurer   22,223    15,557   $0.90   $20,000.70 
                        
Major, Donald A.  Executive Vice President for Corporate Development and Director   27,778    19,445   $0.90   $25,000.20 
                        
Miles, Richard  Director   11,112    7,779   $0.90   $10,000.80 

 

On February 12, 2013, we entered into a settlement agreement with one of our directors and stockholders, Joel Pitlor (the “Pitlor Settlement Agreement”). Under the terms of the Pitlor Settlement Agreement, we issued 10,000 shares of our common stock and warrants to purchase 10,000 shares of our common stock as payment in full of any amounts due to Mr. Pitlor under the registration rights agreement we entered into with Mr. Pitlor, and other parties, on February 1, 2007. The warrants issued in connection with the Pitlor Settlement Agreement have an exercise price of $1.50 per share, subject to adjustment, expire three years from February 12, 2013, and are exercisable in whole or in part, at any time prior to expiration. We valued the securities issued to Mr. Pitlor at $17,000.

 

Transactions with Stockholders Known by Us to Own 5% or More of Our Common Stock

 

Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. and Special Situations Private Equity Fund, L.P.

 

On June 25, 2008, we entered into a purchase agreement, as amended on December 11, 2008, with Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P., Special Situations Private Equity Fund, L.P., and other accredited investors pursuant to which we sold a total of $600,000 of 10% Senior Secured Convertible Notes, referred to as the “Notes,” that are convertible into a total of 480,000 shares of our common stock at a conversion rate of $1.25. We also issued warrants to purchase a total of 316,800 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $1.75 per share, referred to as the “Warrants.” Interest accrued on the Notes at a rate of 10% per year and was payable in cash upon the earlier of conversion or maturity of the Notes. The original maturity of the Notes was June 25, 2010 and the original expiration date of the Warrants was June 25, 2015, subject to extension. By mutual agreement with us, Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. and Special Situations Private Equity Fund, L.P. agreed to amend its Notes on December 11, 2008, June 25, 2010, July 26, 2010, September 15, 2010, October 15, 2010, November 15, 2010, November 30, 2010, December 1, 2010, December 3, 2010, December 17, 2010, January 10, 2011, January 24, 2011, February 7, 2011, February 25, 2011, March 11, 2011, March 31, 2011, April 14, 2011, April 29, 2011, May 13, 2011, June 3, 2011, June 28, 2011, July 6, 2011, July 20, 2011, July 25, 2011, July 27, 2011, August 31, 2011, September 30, 2011, and October 31, 2011 to extend the “Stated Maturity Date” of the Notes. At the time of each of the amendments of the Notes, Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. and Special Situations Private Equity Fund, L.P. owned over 5% of our common stock. Pursuant to the terms of the settlement agreement entered into with Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. and Special Situations Private Equity Fund, L.P. on February 12, 2013 (as discussed in further detail below), the expiration date of the Warrants held by Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. and Special Situations Private Equity Fund, L.P. was amended from June 25, 2015 to May 11, 2017. The exercise price of the Warrants may be adjusted downward in the event we issue shares of common stock or securities convertible into common stock at a price lower than the exercise price of the Warrants at the time of issuance. On December 15, 2011, we repaid Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. a principal repayment of $275,000 and accrued interest of $95,486, for a total payment of $370,486. On December 15, 2011, we repaid Special Situations Private Equity Fund, L.P. a principal repayment of $275,000 and accrued interest of $95,486, for a total payment of $370,486. The Notes held by Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. and Special Situations Private Equity Fund, L.P. have been satisfied in full and the obligations thereunder have been terminated. We registered the shares and the shares underlying the Warrants purchased by Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. and Special Situations Private Equity Fund, L.P. in the June 2008 private placement in a registration statement that is currently effective.

 

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In our private placement of common stock and warrants on September 28, 2012, Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. purchased 611,112 shares of our common stock, and warrants to purchase up to 427,779 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $1.25 per share, subject to adjustment and a call provision if certain market price targets are reached, and an expiration date of September 28, 2017. At the time of the transaction, Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. owned 5% or more of our common stock. We registered the shares and the shares underlying the warrants purchased by Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. in the September 2012 private placement in a registration statement that is currently effective.

 

On February 12, 2013, we entered into a settlement agreement with Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. and Special Situations Private Equity Fund, L.P. Under the terms of the settlement agreement, we agreed to: (a) issue an aggregate of (i) 350,000 shares of our common stock, and (ii) warrants to purchase an aggregate of 350,000 shares of our common stock, and (b) amend the expiration date of the warrants issued to Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. and Special Situations Private Equity Fund, L.P. in conjunction with our June 25, 2008 private placement (the “2008 Warrants”), as payment in full of the alleged damages sought by Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. and Special Situations Private Equity Fund, L.P. The expiration date of the 2008 Warrants was amended from June 25, 2015 to May 11, 2017. The warrants issued in connection with the settlement agreement have an exercise price of $1.50 per share, subject to adjustment, expire three years from February 12, 2013, and are exercisable in whole or in part, at any time prior to expiration. We valued the securities issued to Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. and Special Situations Private Equity Fund, L.P. at $595,000. At the time of the transaction, Special Situations Fund III QP, L.P. and Special Situations Private Equity Fund, L.P. owned more than 5% of our common stock.

 

Arnold Schumsky

 

On June 25, 2008, we entered into a purchase agreement, as amended on December 11, 2008, with Mr. Arnold Schumsky and other accredited investors pursuant to which we sold a total of $600,000 of 10% Senior Secured Convertible Notes, referred to as the “Notes,” that are convertible into a total of 480,000 shares of our common stock at a conversion rate of $1.25. We also issued warrants to purchase a total of 316,800 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $1.75 per share, referred to as the “Warrants.” Interest accrued on the Notes at a rate of 10% per year and was payable in cash upon the earlier of conversion or maturity of the Notes. The original maturity of the Notes was June 25, 2010 and the original expiration date of the Warrants was June 25, 2015, subject to extension. By mutual agreement with us, Mr. Schumsky agreed to amend his Note on December 11, 2008, June 25, 2010, July 26, 2010, September 15, 2010, October 15, 2010, November 15, 2010, November 30, 2010, December 1, 2010, December 3, 2010, December 17, 2010, January 10, 2011, January 24, 2011, February 7, 2011, February 25, 2011, March 11, 2011, March 31, 2011, April 15, 2011, April 29, 2011, May 13, 2011, June 3, 2011, June 28, 2011, July 6, 2011, July 20, 2011, July 25, 2011, July 27, 2011, August 31, 2011, September 30, 2011, October 31, 2011, December 15, 2011, and January 31, 2012 to extend the “Stated Maturity Date.” On March 31, 2012, Mr. Schumsky further amended his Note to extend the “Stated Maturity Date” of the principal to July 31, 2012 and to modify the Note such that all accrued and unpaid interest on the Note up to and including March 31, 2012 shall be due on or before April 13, 2012, on the condition that we issue to him a warrant for 5,000 shares of common stock with an exercise price of $1.20 per share and a term of three years. On April 13, 2012, we repaid Mr. Schumsky a payment of the accrued interest of $18,819, and such payment included all accrued and unpaid interest on the Note up to and including March 31, 2012. On May 8, 2012, we issued Mr. Schumsky the warrant according to the terms described in the amended Note. On July 31, 2012, Mr. Schumsky further amended his Note to extend the “Stated Maturity Date” of the principal to August 31, 2012. On August 31, 2012, Mr. Schumsky further amended his Note to extend the “Stated Maturity Date” of the principal to September 30, 2012. On September 28, 2012, we repaid Mr. Schumsky the outstanding and accrued interest of $2,500 due under his Note and such payment satisfied its obligations in regards to the accrued interest due on the Note in full. On that same date, Mr. Schumsky presented the outstanding principal balance of the Note to us and agreed to exchange the $50,000 principal balance of his Note for participation in our September 2012 private placement and was awarded units consisting of 55,555 shares of common stock and 38,889 warrants upon the same terms as the units sold in the September 2012 private placement. Accordingly, the Note held by Mr. Schumsky has been satisfied in full and the obligations thereunder have been terminated. At the time of each of the amendments and the 2012 transactions, Mr. Schumsky owned 5% or more of our common stock. We registered the shares and the shares underlying the Warrants purchased by Mr. Schumsky in the June 2008 private placement in a registration statement that is currently effective.

 

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On September 28, 2012, Mr. Schumsky presented the outstanding principal balance of his Note to us and agreed to exchange the $50,000 principal balance of his Note for participation in our September 2012 private placement. Mr. Schumsky was issued units consisting of 55,555 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase up to 38,889 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $1.25 per share, subject to adjustment and a call provision if certain market price targets are reached, and an expiration date of September 28, 2017. On September 28, 2012, Mr. Schumsky also purchased additional shares in the private placement consisting of 27,779 shares of our common stock, and warrants to purchase up to 19,445 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $1.25 per share, subject to adjustment and a call provision if certain market price targets are reached, and an expiration date of September 28, 2017. At the time of the exchange and transaction, Mr. Schumsky owned 5% or more of our common stock. We registered the shares and the shares underlying the warrants purchased by Mr. Schumsky in the September 2012 private placement in a registration statement that is currently effective.

 

On February 12, 2013, we entered into a settlement agreement with Mr. Schumsky (the “Schumsky Settlement Agreement”). Under the terms of the Schumsky Settlement Agreement, we issued 10,000 shares of our common stock and warrants to purchase 10,000 shares of our common stock as payment in full of any amounts due to Mr. Schumsky under the registration rights agreement we entered into with Mr. Schumsky, and other parties, on February 1, 2007 and under the registration rights agreement we entered into with Mr. Schumsky, and other parties, on June 25, 2008. The warrants issued in connection with the Schumsky Settlement Agreement have an exercise price of $1.50 per share, subject to adjustment, expire three years from February 12, 2013, and are exercisable in whole or in part, at any time prior to expiration. We valued the securities issued to Mr. Schumsky at $17,000. At the time of the transaction, Mr. Schumsky owned 5% or more of our common stock. 

 

DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

 

During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013, the Board of Directors determined that Messrs. Richard B. Miles and Joel R. Pitlor were “independent” as defined under the standards of independence set forth in the NASDAQ Listing Rules and the rules under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

LEGAL MATTERS

 

Certain legal matters in connection with the securities will be passed upon for us by the law firm of Trombly Business Law, P.C., Lafayette, CO. Ms. Trombly, the principal of Trombly Business Law, P.C., will not receive a direct or indirect interest in our Company and has never been a promoter, underwriter, voting trustee, director, officer, or employee of our Company. Nor does Ms. Trombly have any contingent based agreement with us or any other interest in or connection to us.

 

EXPERTS

 

The June 30, 2013 and 2012 financial statements included in this prospectus have been audited by Stowe & Degon LLC, independent auditors, and have been included in reliance upon the report of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing. Stowe & Degon LLC, has no direct or indirect interest in us, nor were they a promoter or underwriter.

 

DISCLOSURE OF COMMISSION POSITION ON INDEMNIFICATION FOR SECURITIES ACT LIABILITIES

 

We have been advised that, in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission, indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities is asserted by one of our directors, officers, or controlling persons in connection with the securities being registered, we will, unless in the opinion of our legal counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit the question of whether such indemnification is against public policy to a court of appropriate jurisdiction. We will then be governed by the court’s decision.

 

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, the registrant has been informed that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is therefore unenforceable.

 

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