10-K 1 cas_10k-18185.htm FORM 10-K -- YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017

 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549
 


FORM 10‑K
 

 
Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2017

 Commission File Number 0-13839
 
 

CAS MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
 (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
   
Delaware
06-1123096
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
Incorporation or organization)
 

44 East Industrial Road, Branford, Connecticut  06405
(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

(203) 488-6056
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
 

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

   
Title of Each Class
Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, $.004 par value
The Nasdaq Capital Market

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  None

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

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

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

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

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.  See the definitions of "large accelerated filer", "accelerated filer", "smaller reporting company", and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (Check one):
 
Large accelerated filer ☐
Accelerated filer ☐
 
Non-accelerated filer  ☐
Smaller reporting company  ☒
 
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Emerging growth company ☐
 
 

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ☐      No ☒
 
As of June 30, 2017, which is the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter, the aggregate market value of the registrant's common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $20,821,000 based on the closing price as reported on the Nasdaq Capital Market.  This calculation does not reflect a determination that persons are affiliates for any other purpose.
 
As of March 22, 2018, there were 28,709,763 shares of common stock outstanding.
 


DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Registrant's Proxy Statement for its Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held on June 20, 2018, are incorporated by reference in Part III of this Report.  Except as expressly incorporated by reference, the Registrant's Proxy Statement shall not be deemed to be part of this Form 10‑K.


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
PART I
 
Page
     
Item 1
Business
4
Item 1A
Risk Factors
13
Item 1B
Unresolved Staff Comments
19
Item 2
Properties
19
Item 3
Legal Proceedings
19
Item 4
Mine Safety Disclosures
19
     
     
PART II
   
     
Item 5
Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters
    and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
20
Item 6
Selected Financial Data
20
Item 7
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
    Condition and Results of Operations
20
Item 7A
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
27
Item 8
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
28
     
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
F-1
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016
F-2 to F-3
 
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended
    December 31, 2017 and 2016
F-4
 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity
    for the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
F-5
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended
    December 31, 2017 and 2016
F-6
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-7 to F-19
     
Item 9
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on
    Accounting and Financial Disclosure
29
 
Item 9A
Controls and Procedures
29
Item 9B
Other Information
29
     
     
PART III
   
     
Item 10
Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
30
Item 11
Executive Compensation
30
Item 12
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
    and Related Stockholder Matters
30
Item 13
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions and Director Independence
30
Item 14
Principal Accountant Fees and Services
30
     
     
PART IV
   
     
Item 15
Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
31
Item 16
Form 10-K Summary
31
     
Signatures
 
34
- 3 -

PART I
 
This report contains information that includes or is based on forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are subject to risks and uncertainties.  These statements may be identified by the use of words such as "anticipates", "expects", "estimates", "projects", "goal", "intends", and "believes", and variations thereof, and other terms of similar meaning.  Factors that could cause the Company's actual results and financial condition to differ from the Company's expectations include, but are not limited to, potential liquidity constraints, price and product competition, rapid technological changes, dependence on new product development, failure to introduce new products effectively or on a timely basis, the mix of products sold, supply and prices of raw materials and products, customer demand for the Company's products, regulatory actions, changes in reimbursement levels from third-party payors, product liability or other litigation claims, changes in economic conditions that adversely affect the level of demand for the Company's products, changes in foreign exchange markets, changes in financial markets, changes in the competitive environment, and other risks described in Item 1A "Risk Factors" and Item 7 "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  While the Company believes that the assumptions underlying such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that future events or developments will not cause such statements to be inaccurate.  All forward-looking statements contained in this report are qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.
 
The Company cautions you not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their respective dates. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.

Unless the context indicates otherwise, as used in this report, the terms "CAS", "CASMED", the "Company", "we", "us", and "our" refer to CAS Medical Systems, Inc.


Item 1. Business

Overview

We are a medical technology company that develops, manufactures, and markets non-invasive cerebral and tissue oximeters used in patient monitoring that are consistent with our Vision:

"That no patient is harmed by undetected tissue hypoxia."

Our principal products are the FORE-SIGHT® and FORE-SIGHT ELITE® brand tissue oximeters and sensors.  With a simple non-invasive adhesive sensor applied to the skin, these products alert clinicians to the oxygenation levels of a patient's brain or other body tissue during medical procedures to avoid harm caused by insufficient oxygen, otherwise known as hypoxia.  The FORE-SIGHT product line represented nearly all of our 2017 sales from continuing operations.  We also sell a small volume of service repairs for legacy products.

We believe that our best-in-class FORE-SIGHT tissue oximetry products place CASMED in a unique position both to gain accounts from competitors and expand the clinical application for monitoring tissue oxygenation. Standard non-invasive parameters, such as pulse oximetry and blood pressure, provide only surrogate markers of tissue oxygen delivery.  The indirect or systemic nature of these parameters forces clinicians to infer the adequacy of oxygenation in vital organs, including the brain, during medical procedures.  However, data convincingly show that clinician inferences of cerebral oxygenation during medical procedures often do not correlate with actual tissue oxygenation levels. Therefore, potentially dangerously low levels of cerebral oxygenation often go unrecognized, correlating to high levels of patient harm.  However, direct monitoring of cerebral oxygenation with FORE-SIGHT oximeters provides a unique and powerful tool that allows clinicians to recognize and treat potentially dangerous tissue hypoxia to avoid adverse clinical outcomes.
 
 

- 4 -

As clinician education and experience demonstrates that use of cerebral and tissue oximetry improves patient care, the market for these monitors should continue to expand at attractive rates as the industry penetrates what we believe is more than an $800-million addressable market.  We believe the FORE-SIGHT tissue oximeter provides clinicians the most accurate and reliable readings and is well-positioned to compete in that expanding market.

Our products are typically sold to hospitals. Clinician users include anesthesiologists, perfusionists, and surgeons in an operating room, and intensivists and nurses in intensive care units.

Strategy Execution

CASMED completed significant transitions in 2017 and has now successfully executed its multi-year strategic goal of solely focusing on the market opportunity for FORE-SIGHT oximetry.  With the divestiture of its last two non-FORE-SIGHT legacy product lines completed in 2017, the Company's transformation from a low-margin, commodity, capital medical equipment business into a high-growth, high-margin business is now complete, with disposable sensor sales  representing 87% of 2017 sales from continuing operations.

Given the unique clinical value of FORE-SIGHT and its position as a best-in-class cerebral oximeter in an expanding market, we believe that continued investment in the FORE-SIGHT opportunity is warranted to drive increases in the Company's enterprise value over the longer term, with material investments in two principal areas First, we have made a substantial commitment to build and improve our entire commercial organization over the last two years.  That effort is now complete.  With sales execution and productivity increasing, the Company returned to double digit revenue growth in the fourth quarter.

Second, in addition to our investment in our commercial organization, we continue to fund substantial R&D efforts to continuously improve FORE-SIGHT's industry-leading performance, to develop an OEM FORE-SIGHT module which can materially expand our distribution scale and reach, to reduce product costs and drive gross margins higher, and to fund clinical research that supports the expanding applications of tissue oximetry.

Ultimately, we believe, with an improved commercial organization, a growing revenue base, flat operating expenses, and lower product costs, the Company can achieve positive EBITDA in late 2018.

Specific 2017 and recent achievements include:

·
The Company has completed the substantial upgrade of its U.S. field selling organization in order to improve its quality and effectiveness. The field disruptions from that reorganization, which began in 2016, affected the Company's sales results particularly in the first half of 2017 causing what had been multi-year revenue growth to stall.  However, the Company's sales organization is now fully staffed with high-quality professionals that are executing well on our sales strategies, gaining tenure and deepening their pipelines of sales opportunities. As a result, in the fourth quarter of 2017, this new sales organization placed a record 80 new FORE-SIGHT monitor placements and grew U.S. FORE-SIGHT sales by 18% over the fourth quarter of the prior year.

·
Worldwide FORE-SIGHT sales rebounded in the fourth quarter of 2017, increasing 12% over the fourth quarter of 2016.  In the fourth quarter, the Company shipped a record net 110 FORE-SIGHT monitors.

·
We shipped a net of 301 FORE-SIGHT monitors worldwide in 2017, including 198 net monitors in the U.S., raising the U.S. installed base to 1,318 monitors, an increase of 18% over the prior year-end installed base.

·
The five-year FORE-SIGHT sales compound average growth rate was 18% at the end of 2017 for overall sales and 21% for U.S. sales.

·
Following a comprehensive multi-hospital evaluation, the Company secured a dual-source supply agreement for cerebral and tissue oximetry with one of the most prestigious hospital systems in the U.S.  During the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company sold monitors and sensors across seven member hospitals of that system covering locations which perform the majority of that system's major cardiac operations.

·
In early January 2017, the Company completed its obligations under a transition services agreement for its non-FORE-SIGHT, neonatal disposable product line that it had divested to a third party in March 2016.
 

 
- 5 -

·
In July 2017, the Company sold its OEM non-invasive blood pressure business to a third party and completed its obligations under a transition services agreement for those products in the fourth quarter The Company is also eligible to receive an earn-out from that transaction of up to $2.0 million in mid-2019 should certain sales targets be met.  With these divestitures, the Company is now focused solely on selling its FORE-SIGHT line of tissue oximeters and disposables.

·
In January 2018, the Company applied for FDA 510(k) approval for its FORE-SIGHT OEM Oximetry Module.  The OEM Module permits the use of FORE-SIGHT oximetry without a standalone FORE-SIGHT monitor.  The design allows tissue oximetry values to be displayed on a third-party monitor with minimal user-interface modifications. We believe, by partnering with third-party monitoring companies to incorporate FORE-SIGHT oximetry technology through the use of the OEM Module, the Company can open new distribution channels and leverage its selling resources to more quickly expand the market for tissue oximetry.

·
As a result of the Company's R&D investment to improve sensor design for manufacturability, and coincident with increasing volume commitments with our suppliers, the Company expects substantial product cost reductions will be realized in mid-2018 on its disposable sensor sales as it begins to receive and sell these new lower cost sensors.  The full benefit of those cost reductions should be realized by Q3 of 2018.

Description of Products and Services
 
The Company reports two categories of sales within one reportable business unit:
 
·
Tissue Oximetry Monitoring – includes sales of the Company's FORE-SIGHT tissue oximeter monitors, sensors, and accessories.
 
·
Service and Other  includes sales of service parts and repairs and other miscellaneous sales.
 
 
Tissue Oximetry Monitoring

CASMED's FORE-SIGHT tissue oximeter technology provides clinicians with a simple, non-invasive, quantitative measurement of oxygenation of cerebral tissue typically during surgery or critical care situations.  The percentage saturation of cerebral hemoglobin with oxygen is obtained by placing a sensor on the skin on both the right and the left side of the patient's forehead. The FORE-SIGHT ELITE sensors emit five different wavelengths of infrared light that harmlessly penetrate into the cerebral tissue and are reflected back to photo-detectors in the same sensor.  An exclusive algorithm then determines the percentage of hemoglobin that is saturated with oxygen in the blood of the brain tissue underlying each sensor. Through these proprietary and patented processes, FORE-SIGHT provides clinicians with an accurate, absolute numerical measure of tissue oxygenation.

In addition to cerebral monitoring, FORE-SIGHT can also be used to monitor the oxygenation of other tissues such as muscle tissues of adults and the abdominal tissues in newborns even weighing less than four kilograms.

By non-invasively and continuously measuring absolute cerebral and tissue oxygen levels, our FORE-SIGHT tissue oximeter enables clinicians to identify and quickly react to dangerously low brain oxygen levels and empowers them to provide better care.

We believe that FORE-SIGHT incorporates a combination of features that permit obtained oxygenation values to be more reliable and more accurate and, therefore, more actionable by clinicians in critical care environments.

·
CASMED's FORE-SIGHT ELITE monitor emits five wavelengths of light, permitting an increased level of signal acquisition, thus providing sufficient data to solve for other optical variables in the tissue sample, such as melanin in the skin, which would otherwise confound a tissue oximetry reading.

·
CASMED's FORE-SIGHT sensors for adults are designed with a preferred geometry, maximizing the distance between the light source and the farthest photo-detector, thereby providing a light pathway that penetrates deeper into the tissue, giving a greater tissue sample for interrogation, particularly if the grey matter of the brain is farther from the scalp.
 

- 6 -

 
·
CASMED'S FORE-SIGHT sensors also are maximized for children and come in different configurations with each being tailored precisely to the size of the patient to maximize accuracy and ease of use, all with the preservation of skin integrity in mind.

·
CASMED's FORE-SIGHT patented and proprietary algorithm utilizes a combination of methods including a unique on-patient calibration to sort out optical signals created by non-critical background tissue that otherwise confound measurement of oxygenated hemoglobin levels.

·
CASMED's FORE-SIGHT algorithms are specifically designed for different body locations given that we believe clinicians' expected levels of accuracy cannot be met with the same algorithm for such materially different physiologies as, for example, that of an adult forehead and that of a newborn's flank.

Monitors that predominantly provide trend-based values differ significantly from the FORE-SIGHT oximeter which provides absolute values.  Trend-based monitors rely upon a baseline measurement from which a declination of some percentage is then considered to be an actionable "desaturation" event.  However, the baseline presumes the patient's oxygenation levels are not already compromised by the introduction of anesthesia, inspired oxygen, existing cardiovascular disease, compromised physiology, or other confounding factors.  Therefore, in those instances where a patient is already ill or is already being treated, a valid baseline measurement may not be available.

With FORE-SIGHT's absolute tissue oxygenation measurement, clinicians can have confidence that the value displayed is an accurate reflection of the actual tissue oxygenation to enable clinical interventions once a predetermined absolute threshold is reached (for example, if the oxygen saturation levels drop below an absolute value of 60%).

We believe our FORE-SIGHT oximeter helps clinicians solve a serious deficit in the care of many critical care patients.  Unrecognized and dangerous desaturation events occur with much greater frequency than previously known and can only be properly identified with the direct measurement that tissue oximeters provide.  Given this evidence, we believe our best-in-class FORE-SIGHT technology continues to gain clinical adoption in new and existing accounts and is well-positioned in the market for future growth.

During 2017, a net total of 301 monitors were shipped worldwide. As of December 31, 2017, the installed base of U.S. monitors was 1,318 monitors, up 18% from the installed base at December 31, 2016. The quantity of "net units shipped" that we report each fiscal quarter adds to this cumulative total and reflects the number of monitors shipped to customers less returns.  The cumulative total is not affected by exchanges or monitor upgrades.

The Need for Tissue Oxygenation Monitoring

Oxygen is necessary to keep cells viable.  The brain has a very high metabolic rate, consuming approximately 20% of the body's oxygen at rest.  The brain, of course, through cognitive function and memory, defines who we are.  It is also the organ that is least resistant to oxygen deprivation. Lack of sufficient oxygenation in the brain causes neurologic injury such as cognitive impairment, stroke, paralysis, coma, and/or hypoxic encephalopathy.  These injuries can result in severe morbidity or even death. Dangerous deficits in brain hemoglobin saturation (reflecting decreased brain oxygen levels) are termed "desaturation events" because the hemoglobin of the blood is no longer sufficiently "saturated" with oxygen molecules.  Desaturations can be caused by many factors.  The brain responds to insufficient levels of oxygen by increasing ventilation, cardiac output, and blood pressure in order to increase oxygen delivery.  It also vasodilates to increase brain blood flow.  This biologic process is called "auto-regulation".  However, auto-regulation is compromised by illness, surgical intervention, trauma, and anesthesia; and neonates and children have immature auto-regulation capabilities.

- 7 -

Inadequate oxygen delivery to the brain can be caused by:

·
Hypoxemia: a decrease of hemoglobin oxygen saturation in arterial blood (inadequate oxygenation of the supply);

·
Ischemia: a decrease in blood flow to the brain caused by inadequate cardiac output, occlusion of cerebral vessels, or increased intracranial pressure (inadequate volume of supply); and

·
Anemia: a decrease in the concentration of red blood cells in the blood (inadequate oxygen carrying capacity).

Oxygen delivery must also match oxygen consumption related to the metabolic rate of the brain.

Most conventional monitoring is ultimately employed to assure an adequate balance between oxygen supply and demand.  Reliably measuring the impact of complicated interactions among factors affecting cerebral oxygenation requires unacceptably invasive techniques.  Standard parameters, such as pulse oximetry, heart rate and blood pressure determinations, capnometry, and cardiac output assessment, each provide only indirect predictions of cerebral oxygenation.  From that information, a clinician can only infer that a patient's brain inadequately oxygenated.  Data from cerebral oximetry convincingly shows that the estimations clinicians make about cerebral oxygenation based solely on these indirect measures are frequently wrong and that threatening cerebral desaturation events occur without recognition.   Thus, in many acute care settings, such as surgery, intensive care, and other critical care environments, patients are exposed to potentially damaging cerebral hypoxia that could likely be prevented if recognized.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
- 8 -

Data in support of this clinical proposition is substantial.  FORE-SIGHT and FORE-SIGHT ELITE have been well validated with FDA-compliant methods.  FORE-SIGHT also has proven to have high levels of accuracy even when compared to competitive technologies.  The incidence rate of cerebral desaturation events (CDE's) is very high and is prevalent in many common surgeries as indicated in the sampling of studies cited in the following table.

Incidence
Of
CDEs
 
 
Procedure
 
 
Citation
73%
Aortic arch
surgery
Fischer GW, et.al. Noninvasive cerebral oxygenation may predict outcome in patients undergoing aortic arch surgery.
J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2011;141(3):815-21.
63%
Cardiac Surgery
Deschamps A, et.al. Cerebral oximetry monitoring to maintain normal cerebral oxygen saturation during high-risk cardiac surgery.  A randomized controlled feasibility trial.  Anesthesiology. 2016 Apr;124(4):826-36.
25% with shunts
3.9% without
Carotid Endarterectomy
DeNaeyer S, et.al. Non-invasive absolute cerebral oximetry and intraluminal shunting during carotid endarterectomy. Presented at American Society of Anesthesiologists Annual Meeting 2010 # A398.
45.9± 134 (min-%)
EP Lab
Miller MA,et.al. Activation and entrainment mapping of hemodynamically unstable ventricular tachycardia using a percutaneous left ventricular assist device. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2011; 58(13):1363-71.
50%
ICU, Post-cardiac surgery
Greenberg SB,et.al. The Incidence of cerebral oxygen desaturation event
in the intensive care unit (ICU) following cardiac surgery. Presented at American Society of Anesthesiologists Annual Meeting 2011 #A1454.
80%
Shoulder surgery-
beach chair position
Murphy GS,et.al. Cerebral oxygen desaturation events assessed by near-infrared spectroscopy during shoulder arthroscopy in the beach chair and lateral decubitus positions. Anesth Analg 2010; 111(20: 496-5.
36%
Spine surgery in prone position
Hemmerling, Thomas M., et.al. Decrease of Cerebral Oxygen Saturation in Prone Position During Spine Surgery Measured by Absolute Cerebral Oximetry Presented at American Society of Anesthesiologists Annual Meeting 2010 #LB07.
43%
Thoracic Surgery
Roberts, et.al. Cerebral Oximetry and Recovery in Thoracic Surgery Presented at American Society of Anesthesiologists Annual Meeting 2013 #A2030.

The harm associated with these cerebral desaturations is well documented. Low levels of cerebral oxygen saturation correlate to poorer outcomes such as:  post-operative nausea; cognitive impairment including memory loss; longer lengths of stay; stroke; and even death. Yet, very simple interventions are available to clinicians to successfully reverse these low levels of oxygen.  Standard interventions include eliminating mechanical blockage, increasing inspired oxygen levels, increasing blood flow or blood pressures, or transfusing units of blood.  When clinicians are alerted to CDEs and do successfully intervene to reverse low levels of brain oxygenation, patient outcomes improve.

This solid and growing body of clinical evidence substantiates the premise that measuring cerebral oximetry offers valuable insight to clinicians during the management of critical care patients which could permit them to increase safety, improve clinical outcomes, and reduce costs.

The Market for Tissue Oximetry

Cerebral desaturation events occur with much greater frequency than previously believed.  The large and growing body of published literature in support of cerebral oximetry provides a solid academic and data-driven support for the expanded use of the product in a variety of critical care settings including: heart surgery; lung surgery; major vascular surgery; neurosurgery; surgeries that provide a risk of large blood loss, such as orthopedic hip and spine; surgeries on elderly patients or those with compromised vascular systems or other co-morbidities; surgeries with non-supine patient positioning, such as orthopedic "beach chair" shoulder surgery and bariatric surgery; trauma care; cardiac arrest; and intensive care patient management in adult, pediatric, and neonatal wards, among others. Therefore, in the U.S. alone, cerebral monitoring could safeguard millions of patients each year.

- 9 -

While we believe the eventual addressable market for tissue oximetry exceeds $800 million, we estimate current total worldwide annual sales of tissue oximetry to be approximately $125 million.  Given the broad potential applicability of this parameter and the small current rate of market penetration, we also believe that market rates of growth can accelerate, particularly as the use of oximetry moves toward becoming a standard of care.

The literature in support of tissue oximetry, in general, and FORE-SIGHT oximetry, in particular, will play an increasingly important role in the expansion of the tissue oximetry market as clinicians continue to be educated regarding the potential benefits of this parameter.  Consequently, a significant part of our longer-term strategy is to continue to encourage and support research related to the need for cerebral oximetry and its efficacy in improving care.  FORE-SIGHT has already been referenced in hundreds of papers, abstracts, and posters, and the literature in support of the product grows every year.

Service and Other

The Company provides various repair services from its main offices in Branford, Connecticut, to its customers for legacy and FORE-SIGHT monitors installed in the field.

Sales and Marketing

The Company markets its products globally, primarily to hospitals, surgery centers, and outpatient facilities.

The Company's FORE-SIGHT tissue oximeters are sold via a direct sales force in the U.S. (with the exception of a single manufacturer's representative), and stocking distribution partners outside the U.S.  As of December 31, 2017, the Company's U.S. selling organization was comprised of 23 management, sales, sales operations, and clinical support personnel in 16 territories.  The international sales organization included one executive vice president and three sales consultants located in Europe, the Middle East, and the Pacific Rim, all managing FORE-SIGHT sales through our distribution partners.

The Company continues to invest significant resources in hiring, engaging, educating, and supporting its FORE-SIGHT field sales organization.

Total sales from continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows:
 
   
Financial Information Relating to Sales 
 
   
Year Ended December 31, 
 
               
%
 
   
2017
   
2016
   
Change
 
                   
Domestic Sales
 
$
16,063,173
   
$
15,267,034
     
5%
 
International Sales
   
2,699,963
     
3,407,112
     
(21%)
 
Total
 
$
18,763,136
   
$
18,674,146
     
0%
 

Competition

The Company competes in the broader medical equipment market for patient monitoring equipment and supplies. We believe that our reputation for producing innovative, accurate, and reliable products that are user-friendly and contain best-in-class technology are key factors in our ability to successfully compete with larger organizations in the medical products market.

We believe that the principal competitive factors that our Company and other companies competing in our markets face are:

·
FDA clearance and other regulatory approvals;
·
The accuracy, reliability, and precision of any biologic measurements provided;
·
Publication of peer-reviewed clinical studies in support of the clinical use of product;
 
 
 
- 10 -

·
Acceptance by thought-leaders in anesthesia, surgery, perfusion, and other key clinical roles for new technologies, such as cerebral oxygenation monitoring;
·
Documented correlation to improved patient outcomes and lower costs;
·
The cost effectiveness of monitoring solutions and overall pricing;
·
Data interfaces with multi-parameter patient monitoring and data solutions;
·
The overall ease-of-use and product quality;
·
The scale and capability of sales and marketing organizations, including established sales distribution channels;
·
Contractual arrangements with hospitals, hospital systems, buying groups, and professional service providers; and
·
Proprietary technology.

Competitors for our Tissue Oximetry products include Medtronic, Masimo, Nonin Medical, and Hamamatsu.

Research and Development

As of December 31, 2017, our Research and Development ("R&D") organization consisted of a staff of 15 engineers and scientists focused on the following primary areas:

·
Advanced algorithm research,
·
Sensor and optical development,
·
Hardware and OEM development and support, and
·
Clinical research.

Our R&D efforts in 2017 were primarily focused on the development of our FORE-SIGHT OEM Oximetry Module and reducing FORE-SIGHT ELITE sensor manufacturing costs. During 2017 and 2016, the Company incurred R&D expenses of approximately $3,234,000 and $3,273,000, or 17% and 18% of sales, respectively.

Trademarks, Patents, and Copyrights

Certificates of Registration have been issued to the Company by the United States Patent and Trademark Office for the following marks:  CAS®, CASMED®, FORE-SIGHT®, FORE-SIGHT ELITE®, COOL-LIGHT®, FOR WHAT'S VITAL®, INTELLIGENT MONITORING DEFINED®, and THE CONFIDENCE OF KNOWING®.
                                                                                                                                                                                           
The Company holds 20 U.S. patents and 16 non-U.S. patents and has multiple pending patent applications for its FORE-SIGHT technologies, which it believes provide it with a competitive market advantage.  The Company believes the design concepts covered in its patents, patent applications, and provisional patent applications are important to providing a tissue oximeter capable of absolute tissue oxygen saturation measurements with the FORE-SIGHT oximeter level of accuracy. Although the Company holds such patents and has patents pending related to certain products, it does not believe that its business as a whole is significantly dependent upon patent protection.  The Company also relies on trade secret, copyright, and other laws and on confidentiality agreements to protect its technology.  The Company has copyright protection for the software used in its tissue oximeter monitors.

The Company will continue to seek patent, trademark, and copyright protections as it deems advisable to protect the markets for its products and its R&D efforts.

Employees

As of December 31, 2017, the Company had 76 employees, nearly all of which were full-time.  The Company has no collective bargaining agreements and believes that relations with its employees are good.

Government Regulation

Medical products of the type currently being marketed and under development by the Company are subject to regulation under the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (the "FD&C Act") and numerous acts and amendments such as the Quality System Regulations ("QSR").

- 11 -

In addition, depending upon product type, the Company must also comply with those regulations governing the Conduct of Human Investigations, Pre‑Market Notification Regulations, and other requirements, as promulgated by the FDA.  The FDA is authorized to inspect a device, its labeling and advertising, and the facilities in which it is manufactured, in order to ensure that the device is not manufactured or labeled in a manner which could cause it to be in violation of the FD&C Act.

The FDA has adopted regulations which classify medical devices based upon the degree of regulation believed necessary to assure safety and efficacy.  A device is classified as a Class I, II, or III device.  Class I devices are subject only to general controls.  Class II devices, in addition to general controls, are or will be subject to "performance standards."  Most devices are also subject to the 510(k) pre‑market notification provision.  In addition, some Class III devices require FDA pre‑market studies before they may be marketed commercially because their safety and effectiveness cannot be assured by the general controls and performance standards of Class I or II devices.

The Company's products are Class II devices, and most require FDA clearance under Section 510(k) of the FD&C Act.

The last factory inspection of the Company by the FDA occurred during April 2016.  The inspection resulted in an FDA-483 Inspection Observation Report which listed various non-conformities.  The Company provided a written response to those observations.  The FDA, satisfied with the Company's response and the related actions taken, closed the inspection on June 2, 2016.

International Regulatory Compliance

CASMED maintains certification to ISO 13485:2003 by the Notified Body, BSI Inc., for its manufacturing facility. These certifications and compliance with the Medical Device Directive allow CASMED to use the "CE" mark on its products.  The CE mark is required for medical devices to gain access to the European Union ("EU") common market and other non-EU markets as well.  The FDA, recognizing the value of this universally-accepted quality system, has patterned its Quality System Regulations after ISO 9001 and ISO 13485. CASMED maintains full compliance with ISO 13485:2003 and the EU's Medical Device Directive, as evaluated by annual assessment.

Manufacturing and Quality Assurance

The Company assembles, tests, packages, or ships its products from its facility in Branford, Connecticut.  The various finished goods or components for the products, which include plastic moldings, wire, printed circuit boards, sub-assemblies, and many other parts, are obtained from outside vendors, some of which are outside of the United States.  The Company has not experienced any sustained interruption in production or the supply of components and does not anticipate any difficulties in obtaining the components necessary to manufacture its products.

Quality assurance procedures are performed by the Company at its Branford, Connecticut, facility and at its suppliers' facilities to standards set forth in the FDA's "Quality System Regulations".  These procedures include the initial qualification of the supplier, inspection of components, and testing of finished goods.

Customers

Our five largest customers accounted for approximately 14% and 15% of sales from continuing operations in 2017 and 2016, respectively.  Each of these customers accounted for less than 10% of sales from continuing operations.

Backlog

The Company's backlog generally includes orders for products shippable on a current basis.  The majority of the Company orders are shipped within several days of customer purchase order acceptance. Total backlog, therefore, is not a meaningful indicator of the Company's future sales.

Corporate Information

CAS Medical Systems, Inc. is a Delaware corporation organized in 1984. Our corporate offices are located at 44 East Industrial Road, Branford, CT 06405, and our telephone number is (203) 488-6056. Our website address is www.casmed.com. The information available on our website is not a part of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


- 12 -

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

Our business faces many risks.  If any of the events or circumstances described in the following risk factors actually occur, our business, financial condition, or results of operations could suffer, and the trading price of our common stock could decline.  The risks described below may not be the only risks we face.  Additional risks that we do not yet know of or that we currently believe are immaterial may also impair our business operations.  You should consider the following risks, as well as the other information included or incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K, before deciding to invest in our common stock.

We have a recent history of net losses and are subject to risks regarding future liquidity.

We have experienced operating losses during our last nine fiscal years.  The loss from continuing operations was approximately $5,725,000 for the 2017 calendar year, and the accumulated deficit was approximately $43,427,000 as of December 31, 2017.  We do not anticipate a return to operating profits in the near-term, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to improve our results of operations in the near-term or at all.

As of December 31, 2017, the Company had cash-on-hand and amounts available under its Loan Agreement totaling $7,501,000.  As such, our ordinary short-term capital needs are expected to be met from cash-on-hand and borrowings available from the revolving line-of-credit under our Loan Agreement which was unused as of December 31, 2017.  Management also believes its cash balances and available borrowings are sufficient to support operations through March 31, 2019. Management further believes that given the Company's current and expected rate of cash consumption over the next 12 months, together with the principal repayments required under its Loan Agreement, it should, nonetheless, take action to improve its liquidity until such time that the Company can generate positive cash flow from operations.  Management estimates it can achieve positive cash flow in early 2019.  Such actions to enhance liquidity may include seeking further changes in its debt instruments (including waivers, modifications, and/or replacement of current agreements), reducing otherwise planned expenditures and operating expenses, or raising additional funds through the issuance of equity securities.

Cash flows may be impacted by a number of factors, including changing market conditions, market acceptance of the FORE-SIGHT system, and the loss of one or more key customers. There can be no assurance that we will be successful in modifying or refinancing our debt instruments or raising additional capital if the need arises.  The failure to raise any necessary additional capital on acceptable terms, or at all, would have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

We are a small company in a highly competitive industry.

Competition from other medical device companies, diversified healthcare companies, and research and academic institutions is intense and expected to increase.  Many companies engaged in the medical device sector have substantially greater financial and other resources, as well as greater development capabilities, and substantially greater experience in testing products, obtaining regulatory approvals, and manufacturing, marketing, and distributing medical devices than we do.

Other companies may succeed in developing and commercializing products earlier than we do.  In addition to competing with universities and other research institutions in the development of products, technologies, and processes, the Company may compete with other companies in acquiring rights to products or technologies from universities.  Also, the medical device market is experiencing increasing customer concentration, due to the emergence of large purchasing groups and hospital systems.  We cannot assure you that we will develop products that are more effective or achieve greater market acceptance than competitive products or that our competitors will not succeed in developing products and technologies that are more effective than those being developed by us or that would render our products and technologies less competitive or obsolete.  Moreover, there can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully sell to large purchasing groups, which are increasingly looking to suppliers that can provide a broader range of products than we currently offer.

- 13 -

Our business is almost entirely dependent on our FORE-SIGHT tissue oximetry products.

Sales of our FORE-SIGHT tissue oximetry products represented nearly all of our net sales from continuing operations for both 2017 and 2016.  Our business strategy in recent years has been to transform CASMED from a low-margin commodity capital medical equipment business into a high-growth, high-margin medical disposables business.  A key aspect of this strategy has been to focus on the growth of our FORE-SIGHT tissue oximetry products, while exiting or de-emphasizing our other various lines of business.  However, this strategy results in additional concentration risks.  In the absence of significant other lines of business, we are subject to a greater degree on the success of our FORE-SIGHT tissue oximetry products.  Any adverse business or other events relating to our FORE-SIGHT tissue oximetry products, including the inability to obtain sufficient levels of product from our overseas or U.S. based suppliers due to manufacturing disruptions, transportation delays, new or substantial customs or tariffs on the manufacture of foreign goods, or other risks as described elsewhere in this Item 1A, will result in a proportionately greater potential negative impact on our business and financial condition.

Our business is impacted by customer concentration.

The Company's five largest customers accounted for approximately 14% and 15% of sales from continuing operations in 2017 and 2016, respectively.  The loss of significant customers, especially in the aggregate, could have a material adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations.

We are devoting substantial resources to the development and marketing of our tissue oximetry products.

We expect to devote a significant amount of resources to continue the development and marketing of our FORE-SIGHT tissue oximetry products. We believe that substantial additional resources are required to further penetrate the markets for these products.  Such investments include further research and development, involving significant expenditures for clinical studies, equipment for placements at customer sites, further expansion of our selling organization, marketing expenditures, and general working capital requirements. Due to our limited financial resources, there can be no assurance that we will be successful in these endeavors.

The sale of our products may result in significant product liability exposure.

As a manufacturer of medical equipment and products, we face product liability claims.  We maintain product liability insurance in an aggregate amount of $5 million.  We cannot assure you that this insurance coverage will be adequate to cover any product liability claims that occur in the future or that product liability insurance will continue to be available at reasonable prices. Any product liability judgments or settlements in excess of insurance coverage could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Our business could be adversely affected if we cannot protect our proprietary technology or if we infringe on the proprietary technology of others.

Our proprietary technology aids our ability to compete effectively with other companies in certain markets in which we compete. Although we have been awarded or have filed applications for numerous patents, these patents may not fully protect our technology or competitive position. Further, our competitors may apply for and obtain patents that will restrict our ability to make and sell our products.

Our competitors may intentionally infringe our patents.  Third-parties may also assert infringement claims against us.  Litigation may be necessary to enforce patents issued to us, to protect our trade secrets or know-how, to defend ourselves against claimed infringement of the rights of others, or to determine the scope and validity of the proprietary rights of others.  The defense and prosecution of patent suits are both costly and time-consuming, even if the outcome is favorable to us. Such proceedings can be extremely expensive, and their outcome very unpredictable.

An adverse outcome in the defense of a patent suit could cause us to lose proprietary rights, subject us to significant liabilities to third-parties, or require us to license rights from third-parties or to cease selling our products. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results, and financial condition.  We also rely on unpatented proprietary technology that others may independently develop or otherwise obtain access to.

Our inability to maintain the proprietary nature of our technologies could negatively affect our sales and earnings.

- 14 -

Cost-containment efforts of our customers, purchasing groups, third-party payors, and governmental organizations could adversely affect our sales and profitability.

Many existing and potential customers for our products within the United States have become members of group purchase organizations (GPOs) and integrated delivery networks (IDNs) in an effort to reduce costs. GPOs and IDNs negotiate pricing arrangements with healthcare product manufacturers and distributors and offer the negotiated prices to affiliated hospitals and other members. GPOs and IDNs typically award contracts on a category-by-category basis through a competitive bidding process. In addition, competitors often approach GPO's and IDN's with attractive discounts for the purchase of bundles of products offered by those competitors that may also include tissue oximetry. Bids are generally solicited from multiple manufacturers with the intention of driving down pricing. Due to the highly competitive nature of the GPO and IDN contracting processes, we may not be able to obtain or maintain contract positions with major GPOs and IDNs and we may lose customers as they enter into contracts with our competitors. Furthermore, the increasing leverage of organized buying groups may reduce market prices for our products, thereby reducing our profitability.

The members of such groups may choose to purchase from our competitors due to the price or quality offered by such competitors, or due to additional or "bundled" products that can be offered by our competitors to these same IDN's and GPO's.  Any of these actions could result in a decline in our sales and profitability.

Distributors of our products outside of the United States and hospital purchasers also negotiate terms of sale aggressively to increase their profitability. Reductions in our average selling prices or failure to negotiate arrangements having advantageous pricing and other terms of sale could adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.

Outside of the United States, we have also experienced pricing pressure from centralized governmental healthcare authorities and increased efforts by such authorities to lower healthcare costs. We frequently are required to engage in competitive bidding for the sale of our products to governmental purchasing agents. Our failure to offer acceptable prices to these customers could adversely affect our sales and profitability in these markets.

Defects or failures associated with our products could lead to recalls or safety alerts and negative publicity.

Manufacturing flaws, component failures, design defects, off-label uses, or inadequate disclosure of product-related information could result in an unsafe condition or the injury or death of a patient. These problems could lead to a recall of, or issuance of a safety alert relating to, our products and result in significant costs and negative publicity. Due to the strong name recognition of our brands, an adverse event involving one of our products could result in reduced market acceptance and demand for all products within that brand and could harm our reputation and our ability to market our products in the future. In some circumstances, adverse events arising from or associated with the design, manufacture, or marketing of our products could result in the suspension or delay of regulatory reviews of our applications for new product approvals. We also may undertake a voluntary recall of products or temporarily shut down production lines based on performance relative to our own internal safety and quality monitoring and testing data. Any of the foregoing problems could disrupt our business and have a material effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, and cash flows.

We depend on international distributors for a substantial portion of our sales. Failure to establish and maintain relationships with distributors could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

We depend on international distributors for a substantial percentage of our sales.  Certain of our distribution agreements may contain terms that are not favorable to us, and as our existing distribution agreements expire, we may be unable to renew with our desired distributors on favorable terms or at all.  Furthermore, competition for distributors is intense.  We compete for distributors internationally with other leading medical equipment and device companies that may have higher visibility, greater name recognition and financial resources, and a broader product selection than we do. Our competitors also often enter into long-term distribution agreements that effectively prevent their distributors from selling our products.  At times, we may also become engaged in contract disputes or other negotiations with distributors. Consequently, establishing relationships with new distributors, maintaining relationships with existing distributors, and replacing distributors may be difficult and time-consuming.  Any disruption of our distribution network, including our failure to renew distribution agreements at favorable terms or our failure to successfully negotiate contract disputes, could negatively affect our ability to effectively sell our products and could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
 

- 15 -

If we are unable to effectively structure and manage our distribution network, actions taken by our distributors could harm our corporate image and cause us to fail to meet our sales goals.

We have limited ability to manage the activities of our independent international distributors. Our distributors could take one or more of the following actions, some of which we have previously experienced and any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, and brand:

·
sell products that compete with products that they have contracted to sell for us;
·
sell our products outside of our pricing guidelines, distorting the market price of our products;
·
sell our products outside their designated territory or to non-authorized end-users, possibly in violation of the exclusive distribution rights of other distributors;
·
directly or indirectly distribute products lacking necessary certifications into markets in violation of applicable in-country laws;
·
fail to adequately promote our products; and/or
·
fail to provide proper training, repair, and service to our end-users.

Failure to adequately manage our distribution network, or non-compliance by distributors with our distribution agreements or applicable law, could harm our corporate image among end-users of our products and disrupt our sales, resulting in a failure to meet our sales goals.

Our direct sales operations are costly, and the related ongoing operational costs could have a material adverse effect on our business.

We maintain direct sales operations in the United States and rely on direct sales for nearly all of our sales from the United States. Maintaining a direct sales force is costly. In the United States, we typically provide our direct operations personnel with payroll and other benefits that we do not provide independent distributors or manufacturer representatives. Many of these benefits are fixed costs that do not depend on sales generation. Maintaining these direct operations is costly, and if we are unable to generate sales as planned, such ongoing operational costs could have a material adverse effect on our business.

We are subject to significant government regulation.

Our business is subject to varying degrees of governmental regulation in the countries in which we operate.  In the United States, our products are subject to regulation as medical devices by the FDA and by other federal and state agencies.  These regulations pertain to the manufacturing, labeling, development, and testing of our devices, as well as to the maintenance of required records. An FDA regulation also requires prompt reporting by all medical device manufacturers of an event or malfunction involving a medical device where the device caused or contributed to death or serious injury or is likely to do so.

Federal law provides for several routes by which the FDA reviews medical devices before the product enters the marketplace.  Medical products of the type currently being marketed and under development by us are subject to regulation under the FD&C Act and numerous acts and amendments such as the Quality System Regulations which replaced the regulations formerly called Good Manufacturing Practices.  In addition, depending upon product type, we must also comply with those regulations governing the Conduct of Human Investigations, Pre-Market Regulations, and other requirements, as promulgated by the FDA. The FDA is authorized to inspect a device, its labeling and advertising, and the facilities in which it is manufactured in order to ensure that the device is not manufactured or labeled in a manner which could cause it to be injurious to health.
 
 
 
 
 
 

- 16 -

The FDA has adopted regulations which classify medical devices based upon the degree of regulation believed necessary to assure safety and efficacy. A device is classified as a Class I, II, or III device.  Class I devices are subject only to general controls. Class II devices, in addition to general controls, are or will be subject to "performance standards".  Most devices are also subject to the 510(k) pre-market notification provision. In addition, some Class III devices require FDA pre-market approval before they may be marketed commercially because their safety and effectiveness cannot be assured by the general controls and performance standards of Class I or II devices.  Our products are primarily Class II devices, and several of them have required FDA notification under Section 510(k) of the FD&C Act.

Satisfaction of clearance or approval requirements may take up to several years or more and may vary substantially based upon the type, complexity, and novelty of the product.  The effect of government regulation may be to delay marketing of new products for a considerable or indefinite period of time, to impose costly procedures upon our activities, and to furnish a competitive advantage to larger companies that compete with us.  We cannot assure you that FDA or other regulatory clearance or approval for any products we develop will be granted on a timely basis, if at all, or, once granted, that clearances or approvals will not be withdrawn or other regulatory action taken which might limit our ability to market our proposed products.  Any delay in obtaining, failure to obtain, or revocation of these clearances or approvals would adversely affect the manufacturing and marketing of our products and the ability to generate additional product sales. The FDA also has the authority to, among other things, deny marketing approval until all regulatory protocols are deemed acceptable, halt the shipment of defective products, and seize defective products sold to customers.  Adverse action or publicity from the FDA, if any, could have a negative impact upon our results from operations.

Federal regulatory reforms may adversely affect our ability to successfully market our products and impact our financial condition.

Efforts to reform the U.S. healthcare industry have resulted in legislation such as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act ("Affordable Care Act") and other measures which will effect changes in healthcare delivery and coverage and public and private reimbursements for services performed.  Federal initiatives may also affect state programs. Legislative changes may affect hospital market expenditures for medical devices, the type and volume of procedures performed, and the demand for new and innovative products. These changes could be significant and may adversely affect the demand for our products, our results of operations, cash flows, and our overall financial condition.

The Affordable Care Act provisions are funded by a variety of taxes including a medical device excise tax ("MDET") of 2.3% imposed on manufacturers and importers of certain medical devices.  The Company became subject to the MDET effective January 1, 2013. The MDET tax was suspended effective January 1, 2016, until December 31, 2017.  As such, the Company did not incur MDET expenses for 2016 or 2017. The Company recorded a refund during 2016 of $205,000 for MDET expenses paid in prior periods which it received during the first quarter of 2017.  In January 2018, Congress enacted legislation which further suspended the device tax through December 31, 2019.

Outside of the U.S., healthcare delivery and reimbursement systems vary by country. Efforts to control rising healthcare costs, changes in government-sponsored programs and participation, and various other economic factors may impact our ability to successfully market our products outside of the U.S.

Our products may become rapidly obsolete.

The markets in which we compete involve rapidly developing technology. Others may develop products that might cause products being developed, distributed, or licensed by us to become obsolete, uneconomical, or result in products superior to our products.

Our international business is subject to currency, regulatory, and related risks.

Our international sales subject us to currency and related risks.  We expect that international sales will continue to constitute a significant portion of our business.  Although we sell our products in United States dollars and have only limited currency risks, an increase in the value of the United States dollar, relative to foreign currencies in our international markets, could make our products less price competitive in these markets. Our international sales accounted for 14% and 18% of our total net sales from continuing operations for the 2017 and 2016 fiscal years, respectively.

- 17 -

Substantial levels of products and components purchased by us are sourced from outside the U.S.  Changes in importation laws, regulations, duties or taxes by the U.S. or by other countries could have a material adverse impact on the costs and/or availability of our products.

Our business practices in countries other than the United States are governed by U.S. laws, including the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, as well as local laws and regulatory schemes.  While we believe we maintain a robust compliance program requiring adherence by our employees and distribution partners to all U.S. and foreign laws and regulatory schemes, there can be no assurances that our foreign distribution partners comply; therefore, failure could cause us to suffer the loss of the ability to sell in those jurisdictions or other liability.

An acquisition of the Company may be hindered.

Our Board of Directors is authorized to issue from time to time, without stockholder authorization, shares of preferred stock, in one or more designated series or classes.  We are also subject to a Delaware statute regulating business combinations.  These provisions could discourage, hinder, or preclude an unsolicited acquisition of the Company and could make it less likely that stockholders receive a premium for their shares as a result of any takeover attempt.

We have outstanding shares of preferred stock with rights and preferences superior to those of our common stock.

The issued and outstanding shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and Series A Exchangeable Preferred Stock grant the holders of such preferred stock voting, accretion, dividend, and liquidation rights that are superior to those held by the holders of our common stock.

Ownership of our shares is concentrated in the hands of a few investors which could limit the ability of our other stockholders to influence the direction of the company.

As calculated by SEC rules of beneficial ownership, Thomas, McNerney & Partners and their affiliates, Acuta Capital Partners, LLC, and Long Focus Capital Management LLC each beneficially owned 30.2%, 18.1%, and 7.5%, respectively, of our common stock as of the dates of their most recent public filings with the SEC and other available data. Accordingly, although they are not affiliated with one another, they collectively may have the ability to significantly influence or determine the election of all of our directors or the outcome of most corporate actions requiring stockholder approval. They may exercise this ability in a manner that advances their best interests and not necessarily those of our other stockholders.

Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market, originally issued through the conversion of preferred stock, exercise of options or warrants, or additional financing transactions, could adversely affect the market price of our common stock and would have a dilutive effect upon our stockholders.

Historically, our common stock has been thinly traded.  This low trading volume may have had a significant effect on the market price of our common stock, which may not be indicative of the market price in a more liquid market. As of December 31, 2017, options and warrants for the purchase of 3,891,375 shares of our common stock were outstanding, and 9,922,032 shares of common stock were issuable upon conversion of our outstanding Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and Series A Exchangeable Preferred Stock.

We depend highly on certain key management personnel.

We believe that our future success will depend to a significant extent on the efforts and abilities of our senior management, in particular, Thomas Patton, our President and Chief Executive Officer; Dr. Paul Benni, our Chief Scientific Officer; Dr. John Gamelin, our Vice President of Research and Development; and Jeffery Baird, our Chief Financial Officer.  The loss of the services of these executives could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
 
 

- 18 -

We do not expect to pay cash dividends.

We have not paid cash dividends on our common stock since inception, and at this time, we do not anticipate that we will pay cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future.  Furthermore, we are currently precluded from issuing dividends on our common stock unless we receive the consent of holders of a majority of our outstanding Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and Series A Exchangeable Preferred Stock.

Furthermore, our agreement with our secured lender prohibits the payment of cash dividends to both common and preferred stockholders. As of December 31, 2017, $8,703,733 in dividend accretion had accumulated on the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and the Series A Exchangeable Preferred Stock.


Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.


Item 2. Properties

The Company currently leases two separate operating facilities, as described in further detail below.

The Company is leasing its headquarters and manufacturing facility in Branford, Connecticut (the "Property"), which is comprised of approximately 24,000 square feet of office and manufacturing space.  The lease had an initial term of ten years, expired on September 6, 2017, and contained an option for two additional five-year periods.  In January 2017, the Company executed a five-year extension on the lease effective February 1, 2017, through January 31, 2022.  Annual base rent is $274,000 for the first year of the lease and is subject to annual increases of 2% for the remaining term of the lease.  Under the lease, the Company is responsible for the costs of utilities, insurance, taxes, and maintenance expenses.  Further, the Company is required to maintain at least $600,000 in cash and cash equivalents (increasing at 3% per annum) and net current assets of not less than $3,600,000.

The Company is also leasing one property adjacent to its corporate facilities.  Approximately 5,008 square feet of office space is being leased under an agreement effective July 1, 2007, as amended and expiring May 31, 2018.  Minimum annual rental expense is approximately $55,000, excluding apportioned real estate taxes and certain common area maintenance charges.  The Company is planning to relocate those employees to its main facility commensurate with the conclusion of the lease.

The Company believes that its premises meet its current and expected operating needs and are adequately insured.


Item 3. Legal Proceedings

The manufacture and sale of our products exposes us to product liability claims and product recalls, including those which may arise from misuse or malfunction of, or design flaws in, our products or use of our products with components or systems not manufactured or sold by us.  Product liability claims or product recalls, regardless of their ultimate outcome, could require us to spend significant time and money in litigation or to pay significant damages. We are currently a defendant in a product liability action related to our former sleep apnea product line.  We believe that our product liability insurance is sufficient to cover any damages and costs that are likely, with respect to this matter.  There can be no assurance, however, that this will be the case with respect to this matter or any future matters.
 
In addition, we may become, in the normal course of our business operations, a party to other legal proceedings in addition to those described in the paragraph above.  None of these other proceedings would be expected to have a material adverse impact on our results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows.


Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.
 

 


- 19 -

PART II


Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The common stock of the Company trades on the Nasdaq Capital Market, under the symbol "CASM".

The following table shows the high and low sales prices for the Company's common stock during each quarterly period for the last two years.
             
Quarter Ended
 
High
   
Low
 
             
March 31, 2016
 
$
1.80
   
$
1.42
 
June 30, 2016
 
$
2.11
   
$
1.43
 
September 30, 2016
 
$
1.90
   
$
1.62
 
December 31, 2016
 
$
1.78
   
$
1.54
 
                 
March 31, 2017
 
$
1.75
   
$
1.38
 
June 30, 2017
 
$
1.50
   
$
0.80
 
September 30, 2017
 
$
1.28
   
$
0.84
 
December 31, 2017
 
$
0.99
   
$
0.59
 
                 

 
The following table sets forth the approximate number of beneficial owners of common stock of the Company on December 31, 2017.
 
Title of Class
 
Number of Stockholders
Common stock, $.004 par value
 
1,887
 
 
To date, no cash dividends have been declared on the Company's common stock.  The Company does not currently intend to pay a cash dividend on its common stock in the near future. Furthermore, we are currently precluded from issuing dividends on our common stock unless we receive the consent of holders of a majority of our outstanding Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and Series A Exchangeable Preferred Stock and are precluded from paying cash dividends on both common and preferred stock pursuant to our secured loan agreement.

As of December 31, 2017, a dividend accretion of $8,703,733 had accumulated on the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and the Series A Exchangeable Preferred Stock.

The Company did not issue any shares of common stock during the fourth quarter of 2017 that were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.  In addition, the Company did not repurchase any of its common stock during the fourth quarter of 2017.


Item 6.  Selected Financial Data

Information is not required for smaller reporting company filers.


Item 7.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Certain statements in this report, including without-limitation statements in the Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, which are not historical facts, are "forward looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements represent the Company's current expectations regarding future events. The Company cautions that such statements are qualified by important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expected results which may be contained in the forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the following:  potential liquidity constraints; price and product competition; rapid technological changes; dependence on new product development; failure to introduce new products effectively or on a timely basis; the mix of products sold; supply and prices of raw materials and products; customer demand for the Company's products; regulatory actions; changes in reimbursement levels from third-party payors; product liability or other litigation claims; changes in economic conditions that adversely affect the level of demand for the Company's products; changes in foreign exchange markets; changes in financial markets; changes in the competitive environment; and other risks described in Item 1A of this filing.

- 20 -

Overview

CASMED completed significant transitions in 2017 and has now successfully executed its multi-year strategic goal of solely focusing on the market opportunity for FORE-SIGHT oximetry.  With the divestiture of its last two non-FORE-SIGHT legacy product lines, the Company's transformation from a low-margin, commodity, capital medical equipment business into a high-growth, high-margin business is now complete, with disposable sensor sales  representing 87% of 2017 sales from continuing operations.

Given the unique clinical value of FORE-SIGHT and its position as a best-in-class cerebral oximeter in an expanding market, we believe that continued investment in the FORE-SIGHT opportunity is warranted to drive increases in the Company's enterprise value over the longer term.  In addition to our commercial organization, those investments include substantial R&D efforts to continuously improve FORE-SIGHT's industry-leading performance, to develop an OEM FORE-SIGHT module, and to reduce engineering costs that have, and should continue to drive, higher gross margins.  As a result of the latter effort, the Company expects substantial product cost reductions will be realized in mid-2018 through design changes and volume-based purchase commitments.

Ultimately, we believe, with an improved sales organization growing the revenue base, flat operating expenses, and lower product costs, the Company can achieve positive EBITDA in late 2018.

Specific 2017 and recent achievements include:
 
·
The Company has completed the substantial upgrade of its U.S. field selling organization in order to improve its quality and effectiveness. The field disruptions from that reorganization, which began in 2016, affected the Company's sales results particularly in the first half of 2017 causing what had been multi-year revenue growth to stall.  However, the Company's sales organization is now fully staffed with high-quality professionals that are executing well on our sales strategies, gaining tenure and deepening their pipelines of sales opportunities. As a result, in the fourth quarter of 2017, this new sales organization placed a record 80 new FORE-SIGHT monitor placements and grew U.S. FORE-SIGHT sales by 18% over the fourth quarter of the prior year.

·
Worldwide FORE-SIGHT sales rebounded in the fourth quarter of 2017, increasing 12% over the fourth quarter of 2016.  In the fourth quarter, the Company shipped a record net 110 FORE-SIGHT monitors.

·
We shipped a net of 301 FORE-SIGHT monitors worldwide in 2017, including 198 net monitors in the U.S., raising the U.S. installed base to 1,318 monitors, an increase of 18% over the prior year-end installed base.

·
The five-year FORE-SIGHT sales compound average growth rate was 18% at the end of 2017 for overall sales and 21% for U.S. sales.

·
Following a comprehensive multi-hospital evaluation, the Company secured a dual-source supply agreement for cerebral and tissue oximetry with one of the most prestigious hospital systems in the U.S.  During the fourth quarter of 2017, the Company sold monitors and sensors across seven member hospitals of that system covering locations which perform the majority of that system's major cardiac operations.

·
In early January 2017, the Company completed its obligations under a transition services agreement for its non-FORE-SIGHT, neonatal disposable product line that it had divested to a third party in March 2016.
 
·
In July 2017, the Company sold its OEM non-invasive blood pressure business to a third party and completed its obligations under a transition services agreement for those products in the fourth quarter The Company is also eligible to receive an earn-out from that transaction of up to $2.0 million in mid-2019 should certain sales targets be met.  With these divestitures, the Company is now focused solely on selling its FORE-SIGHT line of tissue oximeters and disposables.

·
In January 2018, the Company applied for FDA 510(k) approval for its FORE-SIGHT OEM Oximetry Module.  The OEM Module permits the use of FORE-SIGHT oximetry without a standalone FORE-SIGHT monitor.  The design allows tissue oximetry values to be displayed on a third-party monitor with minimal user-interface modifications. We believe, by partnering with third-party monitoring companies to incorporate FORE-SIGHT oximetry technology through the use of the OEM Module, the Company can open new distribution channels and leverage its selling resources to more quickly expand the market for tissue oximetry.

·
As a result of the Company's R&D investment to improve sensor design for manufacturability, and coincident with increasing volume commitments with our suppliers, the Company expects substantial product cost reductions will be realized in mid-2018 on its disposable sensor sales as it begins to receive and sell these new lower cost sensors.  The full benefit of those cost reductions should be realized by Q3 of 2018.
 
- 21 -

The following discussion and analysis should be read together with our consolidated financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Year Ended December 31, 2017 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2016

Management Summary

During 2017, the Company completed the divestiture of its third and final legacy product line. Those divestitures are summarized below:

·
On July 25, 2017, the Company entered into an agreement pursuant to which it sold assets related to its NIBP technology product line in exchange for $4,500,000 in cash at closing and an additional payment for the purchase of inventory following a short transition services period, which concluded during September 2017.  The final inventory purchased by the buyer was $86,000.  The agreement also provides for an earn-out payment not to exceed $2,000,000 following a 24-month period ending June 30, 2019.

·
On March 28, 2016, the Company consummated an agreement under which it sold certain assets related to its neonatal intensive care disposable product line for $3,350,000, including $3,035,000 in cash at closing after deductions of $100,000 for funds held in escrow for 12 months following the closing and $215,000 for inventory to be purchased following a transition services agreement which was effectively concluded at December 31, 2016.  During March 2017, the funds in escrow were paid to the Company while payments on the inventory were scheduled to be made through year-end 2017, according to a promissory note executed between the Company and the seller.  As of December 31, 2017, there was $177,000 outstanding under the promissory note. The Company reserved the amounts due under the note during the first quarter of 2017. The Company is continuing to seek payment for the remaining amount due.

·
On October 26, 2015, the Company entered into an agreement pursuant to which it sold assets related to its 740 SELECT® vital signs monitoring product line in exchange for $220,000 in cash at closing and a one-year, interest-bearing promissory note in the principal amount of $329,967.  The promissory note was paid in full as of December 31, 2016.  The agreement also provides for royalty payments to the Company for sales of 740 SELECT products during the three-year period following the closing.

The Company has reclassified its divested product line results to discontinued operations for all periods reported. There have been no material charges related to the Company's exit from these markets, and management does not expect such charges to be incurred in the future.

Results of Operations

The Company incurred a loss from continuing operations for 2017 of $5,725,000, or ($0.27) per basic and diluted common share, compared to $5,926,000, or ($0.28) per basic and diluted common share, for 2016. Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes, was $3,388,000 for 2017, compared to $2,764,000 for 2016.  Income tax expense of $1,745,000 and $1,424,000, respectively, for 2017 and 2016, were offset by income tax benefits recorded against continuing operations.  The Company does not expect to pay income taxes for 2017, and none were paid for 2016.

The Company incurred a net loss applicable to common stockholders of $3,926,000 for 2017, or ($0.14) per basic and diluted common share, compared to a net loss applicable to common stockholders of $4,644,000, or ($0.17) per basic and diluted common share, for 2016.
 
 
 

- 22 -

Overall, net worldwide sales from continuing operations of $18,763,000 for 2017 were slightly ahead of 2016 sales of $18,674,000.  The following table provides comparative results of net sales by product and geographic category:
 
($000's)
                       
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
Increase /
   
%
 
   
December 31, 2017
   
December 31, 2016
   
(Decrease)
   
Change
 
                         
Tissue Oximetry:
                       
Sensors
 
$
16,373
   
$
15,883
   
$
490
     
3%
 
Monitors and Accessories
   
1,727
     
2,127
     
(400
)
   
(19%)
 
     
18,100
     
18,010
     
90
     
0%
 
                                 
Service and Other
   
663
     
664
     
(1
)
   
(0%)
 
   
$
18,763
   
$
18,674
   
$
89
     
0%
 
                                 
Domestic Sales
 
$
16,063
   
$
15,267
   
$
796
     
5%
 
International Sales
   
2,700
     
3,407
     
(707
)
   
(21%)
 
   
$
18,763
   
$
18,674
   
$
89
     
0%
 

 
Worldwide tissue oximetry product sales of $18,100,000 for 2017 were largely unchanged from sales of $18,010,000 reported for 2016.

Service and Other sales were flat at $663,000 for 2017, compared to $664,000 for 2016.

Total U.S. sales increased $796,000, or 5%, to $16,063,000 from $15,267,000 for 2016 driven by U.S. tissue oximetry sales.  Total U.S. sales accounted for 86% of total worldwide sales for 2017, compared to 82% for 2016.

International sales decreased $707,000, or 21%, to $2,700,000, or 14% of total sales from continuing operations for 2017, from $3,407,000, or 18% of total sales from continuing operations for 2016.

The following table provides tissue oximetry details by geographic category:
 
($000's)
                       
                         
   
Year Ended
   
Year Ended
   
Increase /
   
%
 
   
December 31, 2017
   
December 31, 2016
   
(Decrease)
   
Change
 
                         
Sensor Sales:
                       
Domestic
 
$
14,298
   
$
13,827
   
$
471
     
3%
 
International
   
2,075
     
2,056
     
19
     
1%
 
   
$
16,373
   
$
15,883
   
$
490
     
3%
 
                                 
Monitor and Accessory Sales:
                               
Domestic
   
1,207
     
903
     
304
     
34%
 
International
   
520
     
1,224
     
(704
)
   
(58%)
 
   
$
1,727
   
$
2,127
   
$
(400
)
   
(19%)
 
                                 
                                 
Total Domestic Sales
 
$
15,505
   
$
14,730
   
$
775
     
5%
 
Total International Sales
   
2,595
     
3,280
     
(685
)
   
(21%)
 
   
$
18,100
   
$
18,010
   
$
90
     
0%
 

 
 
 
- 23 -

Worldwide tissue oximetry sensor sales for 2017 were $16,373,000, an increase of $490,000, or 3%, over 2016 sensor sales of $15,883,000.  Worldwide sales of oximetry monitors and accessories for 2017 decreased $400,000, or 19%, to $1,727,000 from 2016 sales of $2,127,000. As of December 31, 2017, the Company's worldwide cumulative shipments of oximetry monitors were 2,389 units, an increase of 14%, compared to December 31, 2016.  The U.S. installed base increased 18% over 2017 to 1,318 monitors as of December 31, 2017.

Gross profit as a percentage of net sales from continuing operations was 54.7% for 2017 and 56.2% for 2016. The decrease was largely related to lower international FORE-SIGHT selling prices partially offset by manufacturing and service operational efficiencies.

Research and development ("R&D") expenses were $3,234,000 and $3,273,000, respectively for 2017 and 2016.  The decrease of $39,000, or 1%, in 2017 was due to lower R&D project expenses.  R&D expenses were approximately 17% of sales from continuing operations in 2017, down from 18% in 2016.

Selling, general, and administrative ("S,G&A") expenses decreased $152,000, or 1%, to $13,418,000 for 2017 from $13,570,000 for 2016. The decreases in spending resulted primarily from lower G&A and marketing expenses which were partially offset by increases in U.S. selling expenses.

Interest expense for 2017 was $1,077,000, an increase of $29,000 over 2016, reflecting increased debt levels, higher interest rates, and amortization of deferred finance charges.

There was no income tax benefit in the aggregate recorded for either 2017 or 2016.  The Company does not expect to record taxable income during its 2017 fiscal year.  Income tax benefits that have been recorded during 2017 have been offset by a deferred income tax asset valuation allowance.  Further, on December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax reform legislation which, among other changes, reduced the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018.  As a result of that rate change, we have revalued our net deferred tax assets in the amount of $5,898,000 as of December 31, 2017.  The effect of the rate change was offset by a full valuation allowance.

Management established the valuation allowance as of December 31, 2009, as a result of then recent cumulative pre-tax losses and its estimates of future taxable income. Management has continued to perform the required analysis regarding the realization of our deferred income tax assets, concluding that a full valuation allowance is warranted.  As of December 31, 2017, the deferred income tax asset valuation allowance balance was $11,561,000.

Financial Condition, Liquidity, and Capital Resources
 
The Company's continuing operations used $4,675,000 of cash for 2017, compared to $6,005,000 used in continuing operations during 2016, due to reduced losses from continuing operations and favorable changes in working capital, particularly inventory and notes and other receivables.

Net cash provided by investing activities of continuing operations was $3,863,000 for 2017, compared to $1,945,000 for 2016.  Cash provided by investing activities for 2017 included $4,527,000 pertaining to the sale of the Company's non-invasive blood pressure product line.  Proceeds of $3,304,000 for 2016 pertain to the sale of the Company's neonatal disposal supplies product line.  The Company incurred $596,000 of capital expenditures during 2017, compared to $1,265,000 for 2016. For both periods, the expenditures were primarily related to placements of FORE-SIGHT oximeter monitors at customer locations.  The significantly higher expenditures for 2016 pertain to the Company's upgrade program under which U.S. customers, utilizing first-generation FORE-SIGHT technology, were upgraded to FORE-SIGHT ELITE technology.  In addition, a higher percentage of units shipped to U.S. customers in 2016 were placed at customer locations versus sold to customers. The Company also expended $67,000 and $94,000 during 2017 and 2016, respectively, to purchase intangible assets which were primarily related to patent costs.

Net cash used in financing activities of continuing operations was $215,000 for 2017, compared to cash provided of $144,000 for 2016. During 2016, the Company entered into a bank agreement with new lenders, as described below, and repaid the outstanding balance under its previous loan.

 
- 24 -

On June 30, 2016, the Company entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (the "Loan Agreement") with Solar Capital Ltd. ("Solar") and Western Alliance Bank (collectively, the "Lenders").  Pursuant to the Loan Agreement, the Lenders have provided the Company with a 48-month secured term loan in the amount of $8,000,000 (the "Term Loan") and a Revolving Loan in the maximum amount of $2,500,000 (the "Revolver").  The Revolver, as amended, expires on July 1, 2019, and the Term Loan matures on July 1, 2020.  The obligations under the Loan Agreement are secured by a lien on substantially all assets of the Company.

The Loan Agreement was amended on November 3, 2017, extending the maturity date of the Revolver to July 1, 2019, from July 1, 2018. The amendment also modified the rate on the unused facility fee of the Revolver from 0.3% to 1.0%.

Under the Term Loan, 30 equal principal payments of $266,667 were scheduled to commence on February 1, 2018. The Company has accordingly initiated repayment.

The Term Loan bears interest at a floating rate equal to 8.75% plus the 30-day LIBOR rate (10.1% as of December 31, 2017).

Revolver advances will bear interest at a floating rate equal to 2.5% plus the higher of 3.5% per annum or a specified prime rate (for a total rate of 7.0% as of December 31, 2017).  Maximum borrowings under the Revolver are based upon the Company's eligible accounts receivable as defined in the Loan Agreement. There were no borrowings under the Revolver as of December 31, 2017, and the amount available for borrowing at that date was $1,848,000, according to the borrowing formula contained in the Loan Agreement and subject to other terms and conditions.

The Company has the right to prepay the loans under the Loan Agreement in full at any time.  If the Term Loan is prepaid prior to maturity, a fee of 1% of the Term Loan amount shall be due.  Amounts prepaid under the Term Loan may not be re-borrowed.  Upon repayment of the Term Loan at any time, the Lenders are entitled to an additional fee equal to 4.0%, or $320,000, of the Term Loan amount.

The Loan Agreement, as amended, contains customary affirmative covenants, including covenants regarding the payment of taxes and other obligations, maintenance of insurance, reporting requirements, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Further, the Loan Agreement contains customary negative covenants limiting the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries, among other things, to grant liens on the pledged collateral, incur additional indebtedness, make certain investments and acquisitions, and dispose of assets outside the ordinary course of business.  The Loan Agreement also contains a financial covenant requiring the Company to maintain a continuing level of cash plus available borrowing capacity based on a formula.  The Company was in compliance with all covenants as of December 31, 2017.

Upon an event of default, the Lenders may declare all outstanding principal and accrued but unpaid interest under the Loan Agreement immediately due and payable and may exercise the other rights and remedies provided under the Loan Agreement. The events of default under the Loan Agreement include payment defaults, breaches of covenants or representations and warranties, a material adverse change, certain adverse regulatory events, specified change of control events, and bankruptcy events.

The Company's prior secured term loan with Solar was repaid in full at the closing, and the revolving line-of-credit with Solar, which had no outstanding balance, was terminated.  The Company paid a fee of $218,000 in connection with the termination of the prior credit facility, in lieu of the original contractual fee.

In connection with the Loan Agreement, on June 30, 2016, the Company issued warrants (the "Warrants") to the Lenders, which provide for the right to purchase an aggregate of 64,655 shares of the Company's common stock for a ten-year period, expiring on June 30, 2026, at an exercise price of $1.856 per share (of which 48,491 shares may be purchased by Solar and 16,164 shares may be purchased by Western Alliance Bank).

The amount of shares issuable pursuant to the Warrants, and the exercise price thereof, are subject to adjustment only in the event of stock splits, subdivisions, reclassifications, exchanges, combinations, and similar transactions.  The Warrants also contain a cashless exercise provision.

The shares associated with the Warrants were fully vested at the time of issuance. The value of the Warrants were estimated on the date of grant to be $1.44 per share using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, assuming a weighted-average expected stock price volatility of 73.4%, an expected warrant term of ten years, an average risk-free interest rate of 1.48%, and a 0.0% average dividend yield. The value of the Warrants of $92,906, as calculated above, has been recorded as a debt discount and is being recognized as interest expense over the 48-month term of the Loan Agreement.

- 25 -

The Company financed its directors' and officers' insurance premiums during 2017 under a note payable in the amount of $95,441.  The note payable requires ten payments of $9,771, including interest, and is scheduled to be repaid in full by September 2018.

The Company currently leases two facilities and certain equipment under non-cancellable operating leases. The following table sets forth a summary of the Company's cash commitments under contractual obligations as of December 31, 2017.
 
Contractual Obligations
 
Total
   
Less than
One Year
   
2 - 3
Years
   
4 - 5
Years
   
More Than
Five Years
 
                               
Operating leases
 
$
1,224,960
   
$
322,107
   
$
581,632
   
$
321,221
   
$
 
 
 
As of December 31, 2017, the Company had cash-on-hand and amounts available under its Loan Agreement totaling $7,501,000.  As such, our ordinary short-term capital needs are expected to be met from cash-on-hand and borrowings available from the revolving line-of-credit under our Loan Agreement which was unused as of December 31, 2017.  Management believes its cash balances and available borrowings are sufficient to support operations through March 31, 2019. Management further believes that given the Company's current and expected rate of cash consumption over the next 12 months, together with the principal repayments required under its Loan Agreement, it should, nonetheless, take action to improve its liquidity until such time that the Company can generate positive cash flow from operations.  Management estimates it can achieve positive cash flow in early 2019.  Such actions to enhance liquidity may include seeking further changes in its debt instruments (including waivers, modifications, and/or replacement of current agreements), reducing otherwise planned expenditures and operating expenses, or raising additional funds through the issuance of equity securities.

Cash flows may be impacted by a number of factors, including changing market conditions, market acceptance of the FORE-SIGHT system, the loss of one or more key customers, and other factors, including those detailed in Item 1A of this report, entitled Risk Factors.  There can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in modifying or refinancing our debt instruments or raising additional capital if the need arises.  The failure to raise any necessary additional capital on acceptable terms, or at all, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business and results of operations.

The Company's 2018 business plans call for operating expenditures to be equivalent to 2017 levels. Capital expenditures for 2018 are expected to increase over 2017 levels.  Capital expenditures include the Company's placement of FORE-SIGHT monitors in customer accounts, whereby the Company retains title to the monitor in exchange for customer purchases of disposable sensors.

The Company's results of operations were not significantly affected by inflation during 2017.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The Company has no off-balance sheet arrangements other than operating leases for office and warehouse space.

Critical Accounting Policies

The Company's financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. In preparing the financial statements, the Company is required to make estimated judgments. Such judgments are based upon historical experience and certain assumptions that are believed to be reasonable in the particular circumstances. Those judgments affect both balance sheet and income statement accounts and disclosures. The Company evaluates its assumptions on an ongoing basis by comparing actual results with its estimates. Actual results may differ from the original estimates. The following accounting policies are those that the Company believes to be most critical to the preparation of its financial statements.
 
 

- 26 -

Inventory Valuation – The Company's inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. The Company provides allowances on inventories for any material that has become obsolete or may become unsalable based on estimates of future demand and the sale price in the market.  Judgments with respect to salability and usage of inventories, estimated market value, and recoverability upon sale are complex and subjective.  Such assumptions are reviewed periodically, and adjustments are made, as necessary, to reflect changed conditions.  There were no significant inventory write-offs for any period presented.

Deferred Income Tax Assets – The Company has recorded deferred income tax assets for the estimated benefit of future tax deductions on inventories, property and equipment, and other accruals, as well as net operating loss carryforwards and tax credits.  Based on recent cumulative pre-tax losses and the Company's estimates of future taxable income, management has established a deferred tax asset valuation allowance.

Accrued Warranty Costs – The Company generally warranties its products for up to two years and records the estimated cost of such product warranties at the time the sale is recorded. Estimated warranty costs are based upon actual past experience of product returns and the related estimated cost of labor and material to make the necessary repairs. Warranty costs have not been historically material to operating results.  However, if actual future product return rates or the actual costs of material and labor differ from the estimates, adjustments to the accrued warranty liability would be made.

Stock-based Compensation - The Company records the fair value of stock-based compensation awards as expenses in its consolidated statements of operations. In order to determine the fair value of stock options on the date of grant, we apply the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. Inherent in this model are assumptions related to expected dividend yield, risk-free interest rate, expected stock-price volatility, expected term, and forfeiture rate. Restricted stock awards are generally based upon the closing price of the common stock on the date of the grant. Amortization of stock-based awards takes place over the vesting period associated with the award.

Sales and Accounts Receivable Recognition - Sales and accounts receivable are recognized when evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred based upon shipping terms, the selling price is fixed and determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. Terms of sale for most domestic sales are FOB origin and for most international sales are EX-Works, reflecting that ownership and risk-of-loss are assumed by the buyer at the shipping point. In addition, the Company has certain agreements with its customers to ship FOB destination, reflecting that ownership and risk-of-loss are assumed by the buyer upon receipt.  While the Company accepts returns of products from its customers from time to time for various reasons, including defective goods, order entry, shipping or other errors, the Company's business practices do not include providing a right-of-return at the time of sale. Historically, such returns have not been significant. Payment terms range from prepayment to net 90 days, depending upon certain factors, including customer credit worthiness, geographic location and customer type (i.e., end-user, distributor, government, or private entity) and also includes irrevocable letters of credit for certain international shipments.  Price discounts that may be taken by customers under contractual arrangements for payment of invoices within specified periods are recorded as reductions to net sales. Further, the Company accrues expected payment discounts based upon specific customer accounts receivable balances. The Company does not incur post-shipment obligations with the exception of product warranties which are generally fulfilled from the Company's corporate facilities and which costs are not material relative to the sale of the product. Accounts receivable are charged to the allowance for doubtful accounts when deemed uncollectible.


Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

The Company holds no derivative securities for trading purposes and is not subject in any material respect to currency or other commodity risk.
 
 
 
 
 
- 27 -


   
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Page
 
 
 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
F-1
   
Financial Statements
 
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016
F-2 to F-3
   
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
F-4
   
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
F-5
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
F-6
   
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
F-7 to F-19
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
- 28 -

 
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Stockholders and Board of Directors
CAS Medical Systems, Inc.
 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of CAS Medical Systems, Inc. and Subsidiary (the "Company") as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in stockholders' equity, and cash flows for the years then ended, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. Federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits, we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, 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.

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.



/s/ CohnReznick LLP

We have served as CAS Medical Systems, Inc.'s auditor since 2010.

Roseland, New Jersey
March 26, 2018
 
 
 
 
F-1

CAS Medical Systems, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
As of December 31, 2017 and 2016
 
 
 
 
 
ASSETS
 
2017
   
2016
 
             
CURRENT ASSETS:
 
           
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
5,652,996
   
$
5,488,706
 
Accounts receivable, net
   
2,918,950
     
2,958,551
 
Notes and other receivables
   
15,012
     
557,217
 
Inventories
   
1,076,261
     
1,373,864
 
Other current assets
   
338,067
     
322,148
 
Assets associated with discontinued operations
   
     
675,019
 
Total current assets
   
10,001,286
     
11,375,505
 
 
 
               
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:
 
               
Leasehold improvements
   
151,377
     
151,377
 
Equipment at customers
   
3,506,386
     
3,762,632
 
Machinery and equipment
   
4,593,473
     
4,829,002
 
     
8,251,236
     
8,743,011
 
Accumulated depreciation and amortization
   
(6,080,350
)
   
(6,182,586
)
Property and equipment, net
   
2,170,886
     
2,560,425
 
                 
Intangible and other assets, net
   
802,391
     
788,036
 
                 
Total assets
 
$
12,974,563
   
$
14,723,966
 
 
 
 

 
 
F-2

CAS Medical Systems, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
As of December 31, 2017 and 2016
 
 
 
 
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
2017
   
2016
 
             
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
           
             
Accounts payable
 
$
691,596
   
$
1,027,911
 
Accrued expenses
   
1,651,873
     
2,201,965
 
Note payable
   
86,079
     
70,015
 
Current portion of long-term debt, less unamortized debt issuance costs
   
2,733,831
     
840,471
 
Liabilities associated with discontinued operations
   
35,000
     
177,990
 
Total current liabilities
   
5,198,379
     
4,318,352
 
                 
Deferred gain on sale and leaseback of property
   
     
91,603
 
Long-term debt, less current portion and unamortized debt issuance costs
   
4,943,195
     
6,580,851
 
Other long-term liability
   
320,000
     
320,000
 
Total liabilities
   
10,461,574
     
11,310,806
 
                 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)
               
                 
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY:
 
               
Preferred stock, $.001 par value per share, 1,000,000 shares authorized
         
Series A convertible preferred stock, 95,500 shares issued and
         
outstanding, liquidation value of $15,091,377 and $14,079,629 at
         
December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively
   
8,802,000
     
8,802,000
 
Series A exchangeable preferred stock, 54,500 shares issued and
         
outstanding, liquidation value of $8,612,356 and $8,034,971 at
         
December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively
   
5,135,640
     
5,135,640
 
Common stock, $.004 par value per share, 60,000,000 shares authorized,
         
28,621,697 and 27,428,752 shares issued at December 31, 2017
         
and December 31, 2016, respectively, including shares held in treasury
   
114,487
     
109,715
 
Common stock held in treasury, at cost - 86,000 shares
   
(101,480
)
   
(101,480
)
Additional paid-in capital
   
31,989,207
     
30,557,093
 
Accumulated deficit
   
(43,426,865
)
   
(41,089,808
)
Total stockholders' equity
   
2,512,989
     
3,413,160
 
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
 
$
12,974,563
   
$
14,723,966
 
                 
 
 


See accompanying notes.

F-3

CAS Medical Systems, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016

 
 
 
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
             
Net sales from continuing operations
 
$
18,763,136
   
$
18,674,146
 
                 
Cost of sales
   
8,505,010
     
8,175,487
 
Gross profit
   
10,258,126
     
10,498,659
 
                 
Operating expenses:
               
Research and development
   
3,234,101
     
3,272,718
 
Selling, general and administrative
   
13,418,332
     
13,569,939
 
Total operating expenses
   
16,652,433
     
16,842,657
 
                 
Operating loss
   
(6,394,307
)
   
(6,343,998
)
                 
Interest expense
   
1,076,913
     
1,048,207
 
Other income
   
(513
)
   
(42,522
)
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes
   
(7,470,707
)
   
(7,349,683
)
Income tax benefit
   
(1,745,441
)
   
(1,424,067
)
Loss from continuing operations
   
(5,725,266
)
   
(5,925,616
)
Discontinued operations:
               
Income from discontinued operations
   
745,396
     
1,277,415
 
Gain on sale of discontinued operations
   
4,388,254
     
2,911,016
 
Income tax expense
   
1,745,441
     
1,424,067
 
Income from discontinued operations
   
3,388,209
     
2,764,364
 
Net loss
   
(2,337,057
)
   
(3,161,252
)
Preferred stock dividend accretion
   
1,589,134
     
1,482,595
 
Net loss applicable to common stockholders
 
$
(3,926,191
)
 
$
(4,643,847
)
                 
Loss per common share from continuing
               
operations - basic and diluted
 
$
(0.27
)
 
$
(0.28
)
                 
Income per common share from discontinued
               
operations - basic and diluted
   
0.13
     
0.11
 
                 
Per share basic and diluted net loss applicable to
               
common stockholders
 
$
(0.14
)
 
$
(0.17
)
                 
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding:
               
Basic and diluted
   
27,260,688
     
26,826,792
 
 
 
 

See accompanying notes.

F-4

CAS Medical Systems, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity
For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
 
 
 
 
   
Preferred Stock
   
Common Stock Issued
   
Common Stock Held in Treasury
   
Additional Paid-in
   
Accumulated
       
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Capital
   
Deficit
   
Total
 
                                                       
BALANCE, December 31, 2015
   
150,000
   
$
13,937,640
     
27,391,722
   
$
109,567
     
86,000
   
$
(101,480
)
 
$
29,636,087
   
$
(37,928,556
)
 
$
5,653,258
 
                                                                         
Net loss
                                                           
(3,161,252
)
   
(3,161,252
)
                                                                 
Common stock issued under stock purchase plan
                   
6,079
     
24
                     
9,438
             
9,462
 
                                                                   
Common stock issued - options exercised
                   
30,951
     
124
                     
32,835
             
32,959
 
                                                                         
Warrants issued to lenders
                                                   
92,906
             
92,906
 
                                                                         
Stock compensation
                                                   
785,827
             
785,827
 
                                                                         
BALANCE, December 31, 2016
   
150,000
     
13,937,640
     
27,428,752
     
109,715
     
86,000
     
(101,480
)
   
30,557,093
     
(41,089,808
)
   
3,413,160
 
                                                                         
Net loss
                                                           
(2,337,057
)
   
(2,337,057
)
                                                                 
Common stock issued under stock purchase plan
                   
14,455
     
58
                     
18,836
             
18,894
 
                                                           
Issuance of common stock to settle accrued liability
                   
390,240
     
1,561
                     
572,092
             
573,653
 
                                                                         
Restricted stock granted
                   
788,250
     
3,153
                     
(3,153
)
           
 
                                                                         
Stock compensation
                                                   
844,339
             
844,339
 
                                                                         
BALANCE, December 31, 2017
   
150,000
   
$
13,937,640
     
28,621,697
   
$
114,487
     
86,000
   
$
(101,480
)
 
$
31,989,207
   
$
(43,426,865
)
 
$
2,512,989
 
 


 
 

See accompanying notes.

F-5

CAS Medical Systems, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
 
 

   
2017
   
2016
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
           
Net loss
 
$
(2,337,057
)
 
$
(3,161,252
)
Income from discontinued operations
   
3,388,209
     
2,764,364
 
Loss from continuing operations
   
(5,725,266
)
   
(5,925,616
)
                 
Adjustments to reconcile loss from continuing operations to net cash
               
used in operating activities of continuing operations:
               
Depreciation and amortization
   
1,025,786
     
1,011,089
 
Amortization of debt issuance costs and discounts
   
255,705
     
351,636
 
Deferred income taxes
   
(1,745,441
)
   
(1,424,067
)
Provision for doubtful accounts
   
191,567
     
 
Stock compensation
   
844,339
     
781,834
 
Impairment of capitalized costs
   
17,276
     
56,857
 
Amortization of gain on sale and leaseback of property
   
(91,603
)
   
(134,637
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts receivable
   
(151,966
)
   
(516,433
)
Notes and other receivables
   
542,205
     
(505,550
)
Inventories
   
297,603
     
(122,456
)
Other current assets
   
178,254
     
286,478
 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
   
(313,839
)
   
135,554
 
Net cash used in operating activities of continuing operations
   
(4,675,380
)
   
(6,005,311
)
                 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Expenditures for property and equipment
   
(596,381
)
   
(1,265,095
)
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations
   
4,527,206
     
3,303,739
 
Additions to intangible assets
   
(67,480
)
   
(93,572
)
Net cash provided by investing activities of continuing operations
   
3,863,345
     
1,945,072
 
                 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Proceeds from long-term debt
   
     
8,000,000
 
Repayment of long-term debt
   
     
(7,280,000
)
Payment of end-of-term loan fee
   
     
(218,000
)
Deferred financing costs
   
     
(144,030
)
Proceeds from line-of-credit
   
1,000,000
     
 
Repayment of line-of-credit
   
(1,000,000
)
   
 
Repayments of notes payable
   
(234,087
)
   
(256,543
)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
   
18,894
     
42,421
 
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities of continuing operations
   
(215,193
)
   
143,848
 
                 
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents from continuing operations
   
(1,027,228
)
   
(3,916,391
)
                 
CASH FLOWS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:
               
Cash provided by operating activities of discontinued operations
   
1,191,518
     
1,876,805
 
Cash used in investing activities of discontinued operations
   
     
 
Net cash provided by discontinued operations
   
1,191,518
     
1,876,805
 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
   
164,290
     
(2,039,586
)
                 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
   
5,488,706
     
7,528,292
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR
 
$
5,652,996
   
$
5,488,706
 
                 
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
               
Cash paid during the period for interest
 
$
808,544
   
$
656,985
 
Accrued liability settled with common stock
 
$
573,653
   
$
 
Insurance premiums funded with note payable
 
$
250,151
   
$
244,182
 
End-of-term fee payable to lenders
 
$
   
$
320,000
 
Warrants issued to lenders
 
$
   
$
92,906
 

 
 
 
See accompanying notes.

F-6

CAS Medical Systems, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 
(1)
THE COMPANY

CAS Medical Systems, Inc. ("CASMED" or the "Company") is a medical technology company that develops, manufactures, and distributes non-invasive patient monitoring products that are vital to patient care and are consistent with our vision that no patient is harmed by undetected tissue hypoxia.  The Company's products include the FORE-SIGHT® series of absolute tissue oximeters and sensors, including the FORE-SIGHT ELITE® oximeter.  We also perform service repairs that are separately categorized as Service/Other sales.  CASMED markets its products worldwide through its sales force, distributors, and manufacturers' representatives.  The Company's facility and manufacturing operations are located in the United States.
 

(2)
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Use of estimates

The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of sales and expenses during the reporting period.  Estimates that are particularly sensitive to change in the near-term are inventory valuation allowances, deferred income tax asset valuation allowances, allowance for doubtful accounts, and warranty accrual. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Principles of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of CASMED and one inactive subsidiary.

Cash and cash equivalents

The Company considers all highly-liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost, determined by the first-in-first-out method, or market.

Property and equipment

Property and equipment, including leasehold improvements, are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method based on the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from two to five years for machinery and equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the life of the improvement or the lease term, whichever is shorter.  Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense when incurred.

The Company owns certain FORE-SIGHT tissue oximetry monitors primarily located at customer sites within the United States.  Such equipment is typically held under a no-cost program whereby customers purchase disposable sensors for use with the Company's equipment.  The Company retains title to the monitors shipped to its customers under this program. The monitors are depreciated to cost-of-sales on a straight-line basis over five years.

Depreciation expense on property and equipment was $987,000 in 2017 and $943,000 in 2016.
 
 
 

F-7

Intangible and other assets

The Company reviews its intangible and other long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. During 2017 and 2016, the Company charged-off $17,276 and $56,857, respectively, of capitalized costs related to certain abandoned patents and trademarks. The Company believes that the carrying amounts of its long-lived assets are fully recoverable.

Intangible and other assets at December 31, 2017 and 2016 consist of:
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
             
Patents and other assets
 
$
738,805
   
$
651,631
 
Patents pending
   
297,746
     
335,702
 
     
1,036,551
     
987,333
 
Accumulated amortization
   
(234,160
)
   
(199,297
)
Total
 
$
802,391
   
$
788,036
 
 
 
Intangible and other assets are stated at cost. Patents are amortized on a straight-line basis over 20 years.

Expected amortization expense of intangible assets as of December 31, 2017, over the next five calendar years follows:
 
2018
 
$
37,300
 
2019
 
$
33,300
 
2020
 
$
32,800
 
2021
 
$
32,400
 
2022
 
$
31,800
 
 

Sales and accounts receivable recognition

Sales and accounts receivable are recognized when evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred based upon shipping terms, the selling price is fixed and determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured. Terms of sale for most domestic sales are FOB origin and for most international sales are EX-Works, reflecting that ownership and risk-of-loss are assumed by the buyer at the shipping point. In addition, the Company has certain agreements with its customers to ship FOB destination, reflecting that ownership and risk-of-loss are assumed by the buyer upon receipt.  While the Company accepts returns of products from its customers from time to time for various reasons, including defective goods, order entry, shipping, or other errors, the Company's business practices do not include providing a right-of-return at the time of sale. Historically, such returns have not been significant. Payment terms range from prepayment to net 90 days, depending upon certain factors, including customer credit worthiness, geographic location, and customer type (i.e., end-user, distributor, government, or private entity) and also includes irrevocable letters of credit for certain international shipments. Price discounts that may be taken by customers under contractual arrangements for payment of invoices within specified periods are recorded as reductions to net sales. Further, the Company accrues expected payment discounts based upon specific customer accounts receivable balances. The Company does not incur post-shipment obligations with the exception of product warranties, which are generally fulfilled from the Company's corporate facility and which costs are not material, relative to the sale of the product. Accounts receivable are charged to the allowance for doubtful accounts when deemed uncollectible.

In the normal course of business, the Company grants credit to its customers and does not require collateral.  Credit losses are provided for in the period the related sales are recognized, based upon experience and an evaluation of the likelihood of collection.  Credit losses have been within management's expectations.

The Company's five largest customers accounted for approximately 14% and 15% of sales from continuing operations in 2017 and 2016, respectively.    Each of these customers accounted for less than 10% of sales from continuing operations.

F-8

Income taxes

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax reform legislation.in the form of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the "Tax Act").  The Tax Act establishes new tax laws that affect 2017 and beyond. One of the principal new tax laws effective January 1, 2018, is the reduction on the U.S. Federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%.

The Company recognizes deferred income tax assets and liabilities for future tax consequences resulting from differences between the book and tax bases of existing assets and liabilities as well as for loss carryforwards.  A valuation allowance is provided for that portion of deferred income tax assets which may not be realized.

The Company accrues for uncertain tax positions in accordance with accounting standards which prescribe a more-likely-than-not threshold for financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.

The Company files U.S. Federal and multiple State income tax returns.  The Company's U.S. Federal and State income tax returns prior to 2014 are closed for audit.  Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are classified with income taxes.

Warranty costs

The Company generally warrants products against defects and failures for up to two years and records the estimated cost of such warranties at the time the sale is recorded. Estimated warranty costs are based upon actual past experiences of product returns and the related estimated cost of labor and material to make the necessary repairs.

A summary of the changes in the Company's warranty accrual at December 31, 2017 and 2016 follows:

   
2017
   
2016
 
             
Beginning balance
 
$
100,000
   
$
100,000
 
Provision
   
27,616
     
40,705
 
Warranty costs incurred
   
(62,616
)
   
(40,705
)
Ending balance
 
$
65,000
   
$
100,000
 
 
 
Research and development costs

The Company expenses all research and development costs as incurred. Research and development ("R&D") includes, among other expenses, direct costs for salaries, employee benefits, professional services, clinical studies, materials, and facility-related expenses.

Advertising costs

Non-direct response advertising costs are expensed as incurred and include product promotion, samples, meetings and conventions, and print media. Advertising expense related to continuing operations was $696,000 and $734,000 in 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Loss per common share applicable to common stockholders

Basic loss per share is calculated by dividing net loss applicable to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted loss per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if common stock equivalents, such as unvested restricted common shares, outstanding warrants and options, or convertible preferred stock were exercised or converted into common stock. For all periods reported, the Company incurred net losses from continuing operations. Therefore, for each period reported, diluted loss per share is equal to basic loss per share because the effect of including such common stock equivalents or other securities would have been anti-dilutive.
 
 
 

F-9

 
At December 31, 2017, stock options and warrants to purchase 3,573,250 and 318,125 shares of common stock, respectively, were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation as they would have been anti-dilutive. On an as-converted basis, 9,922,032 shares of common stock pertaining to the private placement of 150,000 shares of Series A convertible and exchangeable preferred stock issued on June 8, 2011, were also excluded as they would have been anti-dilutive.
 

(3)
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

On July 25, 2017, the Company entered into an agreement pursuant to which it sold assets related to its NIBP technology product line in exchange for $4,500,000 in cash at closing and an additional payment for the purchase of inventory following a short transition services period, which concluded during September 2017.  The final inventory purchased by the buyer was $86,000.  The agreement also provides for an earn-out payment not to exceed $2,000,000 following a 24-month period ending June 30, 2019.

On March 28, 2016, the Company consummated an agreement under which it sold certain assets related to its neonatal intensive care disposable product line for $3,350,000, including $3,035,000 in cash at closing after deductions of $100,000 for funds held in escrow for 12 months following the closing and $215,000 for inventory to be purchased following a transition services agreement which was effectively concluded at December 31, 2016.  The inventory to be purchased from the Company was $167,000 as of that date.  During March 2017, the funds in escrow were paid to the Company while payments on the inventory were scheduled to be made through year-end 2017, according to a promissory note executed between the Company and the  seller. As of December 31, 2017, there was $177,000 outstanding under the promissory note.  The Company  reserved the amounts due under the note during the first quarter of 2017.  The Company is continuing to seek  payment for the remaining amount due.

The following table presents the assets and liabilities related to the vital signs monitoring and neonatal intensive care disposables product lines, classified as assets and liabilities associated with discontinued operations in the consolidated balance sheets as of the periods below:
 
   
December 31,
   
December 31,
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
             
Accounts receivable
 
$
   
$
449,198
 
Inventories
   
     
221,804
 
Property and equipment, net
   
     
1,082
 
Intangible assets
   
     
2,935
 
Total assets associated with discontinued operations
 
$
   
$
675,019
 
                 
Accounts payable
 
$
   
$
69,720
 
Accrued expenses
   
35,000
     
108,270
 
Total liabilities associated with discontinued operations
 
$
35,000
   
$
177,990
 
 
 
 
 

 
F-10

The following table represents the results of the discontinued operations for years ended December 31:
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
             
Net sales
 
$
2,147,741
   
$
4,363,370
 
Cost of sales
   
1,340,089
     
2,906,916
 
Gross profit
   
807,652
     
1,456,454
 
Operating expenses
   
62,256
     
179,039
 
               
Income from discontinued operations before income taxes
   
745,396
     
1,277,415
 
Gain on sale of discontinued operations
   
4,388,254
     
2,911,016
 
Income tax expense
   
(1,745,441
)
   
(1,424,067
)
Income from discontinued operations
 
$
3,388,209
   
$
2,764,364
 

 
(4)
ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS

Changes in the allowance for doubtful accounts during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 follow:

   
2017
   
2016
 
             
Balance at beginning of year
 
$
110,000
   
$
110,000
 
Provision
   
15,000
     
 
Accounts written off
   
     
 
Balance at end of year
 
$
125,000
   
$
110,000
 


(5)
INVENTORIES

Inventories at December 31, 2017 and 2016 consist of:
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
             
Raw materials
 
$
559,737
   
$
839,694
 
Work in process
   
1,633
     
23,252
 
Finished goods
   
514,891
     
510,918
 
Total
 
$
1,076,261
   
$
1,373,864
 
 

(6)
FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS
 
Private Placement of Preferred Stock

As of December 31, 2017, 95,500 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and 54,500 shares of Series A Exchangeable Preferred Stock,  issued on June 8, 2011, in connection with a 2011 private placement (collectively, the "Preferred Stock"), are outstanding. The Company received an aggregate cash purchase price of $15,000,000, representing a per-share purchase price of $100 for the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and $100 for the Series A Exchangeable Preferred Stock. The Company received net proceeds, after transaction costs and expenses, of $13,825,000.

The Preferred Stock has a par value of $0.001 per share and is convertible into common stock of the Company at a price of $2.389 per share.  The Company can force conversion of all of the outstanding Preferred Stock if the closing price of its common stock meets certain share price, trading volume requirements, and other conditions.  The stated value ($100 per share) of the Preferred Stock accretes at an
 
 
F-11

 
annual rate of 7% compounded quarterly.  While such accretion may be paid in cash at the Company's option, the Company's current loan agreement prohibits the payment of cash dividends.  As of December 31, 2017, dividend accretion of $8,703,733 had accumulated on the Preferred Stock. The Preferred Stock is entitled to a liquidation preference equal to the greater of 100% of the total accreted value for each share of Preferred Stock, outstanding on the date of a liquidation, plus all accrued and unpaid dividends, or the amount a holder would have been entitled to had the holder converted the shares of Preferred Stock into common stock immediately prior to the liquidation.  Accordingly, based upon the liquidation value of the Preferred Stock at December 31, 2017, there were 9,922,032 shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the Preferred Stock. The Preferred Stock votes together with the common stock as if converted on the original date of issuance.  Holders of Preferred Stock are entitled to purchase their pro rata share of additional stock issuances in certain future financings.

The Company can force conversion of all, and not less than all, of the outstanding Preferred Stock into Company common stock as long as the closing price of its common stock is at least 250% of the Conversion Price, or $5.9725 per common share, for at least 20 of the 30 consecutive trading days immediately prior to the conversion and the average daily trading volume is greater than 50,000 shares per day over the 30 consecutive trading days immediately prior to such conversion.  The Company's ability to cause a conversion is subject to certain other conditions as provided pursuant to the terms of the Preferred Stock described above.

The Company's bank agreement with Solar Capital prohibits the payment of cash dividends. As of December 31, 2017, dividend accretion of $8,703,733 has accumulated on the Preferred Stock.

Bank Financing

On June 30, 2016, the Company entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (the "Loan Agreement") with Solar Capital Ltd. ("Solar") and Western Alliance Bank (collectively, the "Lenders").  Pursuant to the Loan Agreement, the Lenders have provided the Company with a 48-month secured term loan in the amount of $8,000,000 (the "Term Loan") and a Revolving Loan in the maximum amount of $2,500,000 (the "Revolver").  The Revolver, as amended, expires on July 1, 2019, and the Term Loan matures on July 1, 2020.  The obligations under the Loan Agreement are secured by a lien on substantially all assets of the Company.

The Loan Agreement was amended on November 3, 2017, extending the maturity date of the Revolver to July 1, 2019, from July 1, 2018. The amendment also modified the rate on the unused facility fee of the Revolver from 0.3% to 1.0%.

Under the Term Loan, 30 equal principal payments of $266,667 were scheduled to commence on February 1, 2018. The Company has accordingly initiated repayment.

The Term Loan bears interest at a floating rate equal to 8.75% plus the 30-day LIBOR rate (10.1% as of December 31, 2017).

Revolver advances will bear interest at a floating rate equal to 2.5% plus the higher of 3.5% per annum or a specified prime rate (for a total rate of 7.0% as of December 31, 2017).  Maximum borrowings under the Revolver are based upon the Company's eligible accounts receivable as defined in the Loan Agreement. There were no borrowings under the Revolver as of December 31, 2017, and the amount available for borrowing at that date was $1,848,000, according to the borrowing formula contained in the Loan Agreement and subject to other terms and conditions.

The Company has the right to prepay the loans under the Loan Agreement in full at any time.  If the Term Loan is prepaid prior to maturity, a fee of 1% of the Term Loan amount shall be due.  Amounts prepaid under the Term Loan may not be re-borrowed.  Upon repayment of the Term Loan at any time, the Lenders are entitled to an additional fee equal to 4.0%, or $320,000, of the Term Loan amount.

The Loan Agreement, as amended, contains customary affirmative covenants, including covenants regarding the payment of taxes and other obligations, maintenance of insurance, reporting requirements, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. Further, the Loan Agreement contains customary negative covenants limiting the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries, among other things, to grant liens on the pledged collateral, incur additional indebtedness, make certain investments and acquisitions, and dispose of assets outside the ordinary course of business. The Loan Agreement also contains a financial covenant requiring the Company to maintain a continuing level of cash plus available borrowing capacity based on a formula.  The Company was in compliance with all covenants as of December 31, 2017.
 

F-12

Upon an event of default, the Lenders may declare all outstanding principal and accrued but unpaid interest under the Loan Agreement immediately due and payable and may exercise the other rights and remedies provided under the Loan Agreement. The events of default under the Loan Agreement include payment defaults, breaches of covenants or representations and warranties, a material adverse change, certain adverse regulatory events, specified change of control events, and bankruptcy events.

The Company's prior secured term loan with Solar was repaid in full at the closing, and the revolving line-of-credit with Solar, which had no outstanding balance, was terminated.  The Company paid a fee of $218,000 in connection with the termination of the prior credit facility, in lieu of the original contractual fee.

In connection with the Loan Agreement, on June 30, 2016, the Company issued warrants (the "Warrants") to the Lenders, which provide for the right to purchase an aggregate of 64,655 shares of the Company's common stock for a ten-year period, expiring on June 30, 2026, at an exercise price of $1.856 per share (of which 48,491 shares may be purchased by Solar and 16,164 shares may be purchased by Western Alliance Bank).

The amount of shares issuable pursuant to the Warrants, and the exercise price thereof, are subject to adjustment only in the event of stock splits, subdivisions, reclassifications, exchanges, combinations, and similar transactions.  The Warrants also contain a cashless exercise provision.

The shares associated with the Warrants were fully vested at the time of issuance. The value of the Warrants were estimated on the date of grant to be $1.44 per share using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, assuming a weighted-average expected stock price volatility of 73.4%, an expected warrant life of ten years, an average risk-free interest rate of 1.48%, and a 0.0% average dividend yield. The value of the Warrants of $92,906, as calculated above, has been recorded as a debt discount and is being recognized as interest expense over the 48-month term of the Loan Agreement.

The outstanding balance of the bank term loan at December 31, 2017 and 2016 was as follows:

   
December 31, 2017
   
December 31, 2016
   
Principal
   
Unamortized Debt Issuance Cost and Discounts
   
Debt, Net
   
Principal
   
Unamortized Debt Issuance Cost and Discounts
   
Debt, Net
                                   
Balance of term loan
 
$
8,000,000
   
$
322,974
   
$
7,677,026
   
$
8,000,000
   
$
578,678
   
$
7,421,322
Less current portion
   
2,933,333
     
199,502
     
2,733,831
     
1,111,111
     
270,640
     
840,471
Long-term portion
 
$
5,066,667
   
$
123,472
   
$
4,943,195
   
$
6,888,889
   
$
308,038
   
$
6,580,851
 
 
The Company financed its directors' and officers' insurance premiums during 2017 under a note payable in the amount of $95,441.  The note payable requires ten payments of $9,771, including interest, and is scheduled to be repaid in full by September 2018. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
F-13

(7)
ACCRUED EXPENSES

Accrued expenses at December 31, 2017 and 2016 consist of:
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
             
Payroll
 
$
394,527
   
$
367,193
 
Employee compensation
   
275,236
     
791,228
 
Professional fees
   
316,057
     
287,252
 
Warranty
   
65,000
     
100,000
 
Sales and use tax
   
215,086
     
297,844
 
Other
   
385,967
     
358,448
 
   
$
1,651,873
   
$
2,201,965
 
 
 
(8)
SHARE-BASED PAYMENT PLANS

On June 22, 2016, the Company's stockholders approved an amendment to the CAS Medical Systems, Inc. 2011 Equity Incentive Plan (the "Plan") which increased the maximum number of shares that can be issued under the Plan by 1,500,000 to 4,500,000. Awards that may be granted under the Plan include options, restricted stock and restricted stock units, and other stock-based awards. In addition, the sublimit of awards of restricted stock and restricted stock units was increased from 500,000 to 1,250,000 shares. The purposes of the Plan are to make available to our key employees and directors certain compensatory arrangements related to growth in value of our stock so as to generate an increased incentive to contribute to the Company's financial success and prosperity; to enhance the Company's ability to attract and retain exceptionally qualified individuals whose efforts can affect the Company's financial growth and profitability; and to align, in general, the interests of employees and directors with the interests of our stockholders. As of December 31, 2017, there remained 115,345 total shares available for issuance, including a sublimit of 286 shares available for restricted stock and restricted stock units.

The Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, which in turn determines the employees, officers, and directors to receive awards and the terms and conditions of these awards.

Stock Options

As of December 31, 2017, options to purchase 3,573,250 shares remain outstanding, of which 2,682,750 pertain to options granted under the Plan; 390,500 pertain to stock options granted under the now-expired 2003 Plan; and 500,000 were issued as non-plan inducement grants to officers commensurate with the start of their employment with the Company.

The unamortized stock compensation expense associated with the stock options at December 31, 2017, was $517,000 and will be recognized through 2021.

A summary of the Company's stock options and changes during the years follow:
 
 
 
 
 
F-14

 
   
2017
   
2016
 
                                     
         
Weighted-
   
Aggregate
         
Weighted-
   
Aggregate
 
   
Option
   
Average
   
Intrinsic
   
Option
   
Average
   
Intrinsic
 
   
Shares
   
Exercise Price
   
Value
   
Shares
   
Exercise Price
   
Value
 
                                     
Outstanding at beginning of year
   
3,229,500
   
$
1.97
           
3,374,875
   
$
1.95
       
Granted
   
465,000
     
0.84
           
30,000
     
1.78
       
Exercised
   
     
           
(30,951
)
   
1.61
       
Cancelled
   
(121,250
)
   
1.79
           
(144,424
)
   
1.57
       
Outstanding at end of year
   
3,573,250
   
$
1.83
   
$
31,968
     
3,229,500
   
$
1.97
   
$
82,250
 
Exercisable at end of year
   
2,698,875
   
$
2.03
   
$
     
2,360,375
   
$
2.08
   
$
20,563
 
Vested and expected to vest at end of year
   
3,547,018
   
$
1.83
   
$
31,009
     
3,203,432
   
$
1.97
   
$
80,399
 
                                                 
                                                 
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted during the year
         
$
0.72
                   
$
0.98
         
 
 
During 2017, the Company granted non-qualified stock options to employees to purchase 465,000 shares of common stock at a weighted-average exercise price of $0.84.  The stock options were granted at exercise prices based upon the Nasdaq official closing price on the date of each grant.  The fair values of the options were estimated on the grant dates using the Black-Scholes option pricing model.  Similar to other option pricing models, the Black-Scholes model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions which may materially affect the estimated fair value of the Company's stock options.  The fair value of the stock options granted was $0.72 and assumed a weighted-average expected stock volatility of 54.9%, a weighted-average expected option term of 6.25 years, an average risk-free interest rate of 2.09%, and a 0.0% dividend yield. The risk-free interest rate approximated U.S. Treasury yields in effect at the time of the grant.  The expected life of the stock option was determined using historical data adjusted for the estimated exercise dates of unexercised options.  Volatility was determined using both current and historical implied volatilities of the underlying stock which are obtained from public data sources.

During 2017, no stock options to purchase shares of common stock were exercised, and options to purchase 121,250 shares were cancelled.

Additional information about stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2017, follows:
 
       
Weighted
               
       
Remaining
   
Average
       
Average
Range of
 
Number
 
Contractual
   
Exercise
 
Number
   
Exercise
Exercise Prices
 
Outstanding
 
Life in Years
   
Price
 
Exercisable
   
Price
                         
$0.67 - $1.26
 
         605,000
 
6.1
 
$
0.90
 
       102,500
 
$
1.21
  1.43 -   1.98
 
      1,742,750
 
6.3
   
1.75
 
    1,395,875
   
1.77
  2.09 -   2.54
 
         897,500
 
5.6
   
2.15
 
872,500
   
2.15
  2.95 -   3.16
 
         328,000
 
2.3
   
3.09
 
       328,000
   
3.09
   
      3,573,250
 
6.0
 
$
1.83
 
    2,698,875
 
$
2.03
 
 
Restricted Stock

During 2017, members of the management team were granted 633,250 shares of restricted common stock, which vest 25% per year on each anniversary of the grant date, and 165,000 restricted common shares were granted to outside members of the Board of Directors, which vest 50% per year on each anniversary of the grant date.

As of December 31, 2017, there were 1,107,250 restricted shares issued to employees and members of the Board of Directors, which remained issued and non-vested.

F-15

A summary of the restricted shares outstanding and changes for the years follow:
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
             
Outstanding at beginning of year
   
418,500
     
508,000
 
Granted
   
798,250
     
 
Cancelled
   
(10,000
)
   
 
Vested
   
(99,500
)
   
(89,500
)
Outstanding at end of year
   
1,107,250
     
418,500
 
 
 
The fair value of the restricted common share grants have been calculated based upon the market value of the common stock on the date of issuance.  Restricted stock granted to employees typically vests over a period of not less than three years, while restricted stock granted to members of the Board of Directors typically vests over a period of not more than two years from date of grant.

Stock compensation expense of $374,000 and $147,000 related to restricted shares was recorded for 2017 and 2016, respectively. The unamortized stock compensation expense associated with the restricted shares at December 31, 2017, was $1,005,000 and will be recognized through 2021.

Total stock compensation expense was $844,339 and $785,827 for 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Warrants

Warrants to purchase 318,125 shares of common stock at a weighted-average exercise price of $1.57 per share were outstanding at December 31, 2017.  The warrants have an exercise price range of $0.38 to $1.98 per share and, with the exception of the 209,125 shares issued to the Company's current and former bank lenders, have no expiration date.

In connection with the Loan Agreement executed on June 30, 2016, the Company issued warrants to the Lenders, which provide for the right to purchase an aggregate of 64,655 shares of the Company's common stock for a ten-year period, expiring on June 30, 2026, at an exercise price of $1.856 per share (of which 48,491 shares may be purchased by Solar and 16,164 shares may be purchased by Western Alliance Bank).

Stock Purchase Plan

The Company maintains an employee stock purchase plan. The CAS Medical Systems, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "Stock Purchase Plan") was approved by stockholders on June 10, 2009, and accordingly, 150,000 shares of common stock were reserved for issuance under the Stock Purchase Plan. The initial offering period began on July 1, 2009. As of December 31, 2017, there were 88,991 shares issued under the Stock Purchase Plan, and certain amounts had been withheld from employees' compensation to purchase an additional 11,891 shares which were issued during January 2018. The Stock Purchase Plan offers the Company's employees an opportunity to participate in a payroll-deduction-based program designed to incentivize them to contribute to the Company's success.


(9)
BENEFIT PLANS

The Company maintains a 401(k) benefit plan for its employees, which generally allows participants to make contributions via salary deductions up to allowable Internal Revenue Service limits on a tax-deferred basis. Such deductions may be matched in part by discretionary contributions by the Company.  The matching contributions for 2017 and 2016 were $109,151 and $64,484, respectively.


F-16

(10)
INCOME TAXES

There are no current and deferred Federal and state income tax benefits for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax reform legislation in the form of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the "Tax Act").  The Tax Act establishes new tax laws that affect 2017 and beyond. One of the principal new tax laws effective January 1, 2018, is the reduction of the U.S. Federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21%.  As a result of the reduction in the Federal income tax rate, we have revalued our net deferred tax assets as of December 31, 2017.

A reconciliation of U.S. Federal income taxes computed at the statutory rate to income taxes shown in the statement of operations for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 follows:
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
             
Income tax benefit at the statutory rate
 
$
(2,540,040
)
 
$
(2,498,893
)
State income taxes, net of Federal effect
   
(33,130
)
   
(39,714
)
R&D and other tax credits
   
(106,772
)
   
(110,155
)
Federal rate change
   
5,897,964
     
 
Change in valuation allowance
   
(4,997,595
)
   
1,190,841
 
Other
   
34,132
     
33,854
 
Income tax benefit from continuing operations
 
$
(1,745,441
)
 
$
(1,424,067
)
 

Deferred income tax assets and (liabilities) at December 31 relate to:
 
   
2017
   
2016
 
             
Inventories
 
$
106,537
   
$
131,672
 
Warranty accrual
   
22,185
     
48,293
 
Allowance for doubtful accounts
   
66,903
     
87,475
 
Tax credits
   
1,172,824
     
1,066,052
 
Deferred gain on sale and leaseback
   
     
32,052
 
Restricted stock
   
938,157
     
1,405,001
 
Net operating loss carryforwards
   
9,531,339
     
13,684,331
 
Other
   
258,822
     
715,845
 
     
12,096,767
     
17,170,721
 
Prepaid expenses
   
(31,170
)
   
(112,719
)
Fixed assets
   
(504,106
)
   
(498,916
)
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities
   
11,561,491
     
16,559,086
 
Valuation allowance
   
(11,561,491
)
   
(16,559,086
)
Net deferred income tax assets and liabilities
 
$
   
$
 
 
 
The Company has performed the required analysis of both positive and negative evidence regarding the realization of its deferred income tax assets, including our past results of operations, recent cumulative losses, and our forecast for future taxable income. The assessment required the use of assumptions about future sales and pre-tax income, making allowance for uncertainties surrounding the rate of adoption of its products in the marketplace, competitive influences, and the investments required to increase market share in certain markets for its products. As of December 31, 2017, we have concluded that it is more likely than not that such deferred income tax assets will not be realized and, accordingly, have established a deferred income tax asset valuation allowance in the amount of $11,561,491.
 
 

F-17

The Company's Federal net operating loss carryforward of $42,343,000 is scheduled to expire beginning in 2031. State net operating loss carryforwards of $9,867,000 are scheduled to expire between 2027 and 2037.  The amount of the net operating loss carryforwards that may be utilized annually to offset future taxable income and tax liabilities may be limited as a result of certain ownership changes pursuant to Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code as well as limitations imposed by the Tax Act.  The Company has not completed a study to determine if there have been one or more ownership changes due to the costs associated with such study.

The Company does not believe that there are unrecognized income tax benefits for December 31, 2017 or 2016, and expects no significant changes in 2018.


(11)
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
Litigation
 
The manufacture and sale of our products expose us to product liability claims and product recalls, including those which may arise from misuse or malfunction of, or design flaws in, our products or use of our products with components or systems not manufactured or sold by us.  We are currently a defendant in a product liability action related to our former sleep apnea product line. Product liability claims, regardless of their ultimate outcome, could require us to spend significant time and money in litigation or to pay significant damages.  We believe that our product liability insurance is sufficient to cover any damages and costs that are likely, with respect to this matter.

Operating Leases

The Company currently leases two separate operating facilities and certain equipment under non-cancellable operating leases. Rent expense under these leases was $393,000 in 2017 and $413,000 in 2016. Future annual minimum rental payments as of December 31, 2017, to the expiration of the leases follow:
 
2018
 
$
322,000
 
2019
   
290,000
 
2020
   
291,000
 
2021
   
297,000
 
2022
   
24,000
 
Total
 
$
1,224,000
 
 
 
The table referenced above includes $1,175,000 of rental expense associated with the extension of the lease for the Company's headquarters and manufacturing facility effective February 1, 2017, through January 31, 2022.  The annual base rent is $274,000 for the first fiscal year of the lease and is subject to annual increases of 2% for the remaining term of the lease. The Company also leases a smaller adjacent facility with a lease expiration date of May 31, 2018.  Minimum annual rental expense is approximately $55,000. The Company does not expect to renew the adjacent facility lease. 


(12)
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases - Topic 842. ASU 2016-02 requires the recognition by lessees on the balance sheet of lease assets and lease liabilities for those leases classified as operating leases. The new standard is effective for consolidated financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for financial statements that have not been previously issued.  The Company is evaluating the impact that this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements and results of operations.
 
 
 
 
 

 
F-18

 
 
In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10, Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. ASU 2016-10 amends the revenue recognition standard issued in May 2014 (ASU 2014-09). The core principle of the guidance in Topic 606 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods and services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which an entity is expected to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services.  The amendments in ASU 2016-10 clarify the identification of performance obligations and the licensing implementation guidance. The new standard is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim reporting periods therein.  The Company has evaluated the effect that this standard will have on its financial statements and results of operations and does not expect the new standard to have a significant impact.  The Company recognizes revenue at the time of transfer of its products to its customers based upon shipping terms.  Further, the Company does not incur post-shipment obligations with the exception of product warranties, which are generally fulfilled from its corporate facility and which are not material relative to the sale of the product.  The Company adopted the new revenue standard effective January 1, 2018, using the Modified Retrospective method, under which prior-year results are not restated; however, supplemental information regarding the impact of the new standard must be provided for 2018 results, if material. The standard, including the cumulative effect of its adoption, is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial statements.
.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
F-19

Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
 
None.
 

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the Company's Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure based on the definition of "disclosure controls and procedures" in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management necessarily is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

The Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the Company's Chief Executive Officer and the Company's Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2017.  Based upon the foregoing evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of that date.

Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended December 31, 2017, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
 
Management's Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
 
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting, as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) and 15(d)-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, an evaluation was conducted to determine the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in 2013 Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission ("COSO"). Based on the Company's evaluation, management concluded that its internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2017.
 
Reference is made to the Certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer about these and other matters attached as Exhibits 31.1, 31.2 and 32.1 to this report.


Item 9B.  Other Information

None.
 
 

 

- 29 -

PART III

Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Reference is made to the disclosure required by Items 401, 405, 406, and 407(c)(3), -(d)(4), and -(d)(5) of Regulation S-K to be contained in the Registrant's definitive proxy statement to be mailed to stockholders on or about April 26, 2018, and to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


Item 11.  Executive Compensation

Reference is made to the disclosure required by Items 402 and 407(e)(4) and (e)(5) of Regulation S-K to be contained in the Registrant's definitive proxy statement to be mailed to stockholders on or about April 26, 2018, and to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Reference is made to the disclosure required by Item 403 of Regulation S-K to be contained in the Registrant's definitive proxy statement to be mailed to stockholders on or about April 26, 2018, and to be filed with the Securities Exchange Commission.

The following table provides information regarding the Company's equity compensation plans as of December 31, 2017:
 
   
Number of securities
         
Number of securities
 
   
to be issued upon
   
Weighted-average
   
remaining available
 
   
exercise of
   
exercise price of
   
for future issuance
 
   
outstanding options
   
outstanding options
   
under equity
 
Plan Category
 
and warrants
   
and warrants
   
compensation plans
 
                   
Equity compensation plans approved
                 
     by security holders
   
3,073,250
   
$
1.73
     
115,345
 
                         
Equity compensation plans not
                       
     approved by security holders
   
818,125
     
2.09
     
 
Total
   
3,891,375
   
$
1.81
     
115,345
 
 
 
Securities remaining available for issuance under equity compensation plans approved by security holders are from the CAS Medical Systems, Inc. 2011 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended. The equity compensation plans not approved by security holders consist of warrants to purchase 109,000 shares granted to former directors of the Company as compensation for services rendered which have no expiration date, warrants to purchase 209,125 shares granted to the Company's current and former bank lenders, and 500,000 shares under inducement stock options granted to certain officers of the Company commensurate with their employment with the Company.   See Note (8) SHARE-BASED PAYMENT PLANS to the Company's Financial Statements.


Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Reference is made to the disclosure required by Items 404 and 407(a) of Regulation S-K to be contained in the Registrant's definitive proxy statement to be mailed to stockholders on or about April 26, 2018, and to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Reference is made to the proposal regarding the approval of the Registrant's independent registered public accounting firm to be contained in the Registrant's definitive proxy statement to be mailed to stockholders on or about April 26, 2018, and to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
 

- 30 -

PART IV

Item 15.  Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a) (1) Financial Statements

The Company's financial statements are included in response to Item 8 of this report.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2017 and 2016
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(2)  Financial Statement Schedules

       Not applicable.

(3)  Exhibits

The Exhibits to this report are as set forth in the "Exhibit Index" beginning on Page 31 of this report. Management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements filed as an exhibit to this report are identified in the "Exhibit Index" with an asterisk after the exhibit number.

 
Item 16.  Form 10-K Summary

Not provided.
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
- 31 -

EXHIBIT INDEX

101
Interactive data files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

- 32 -

(1)
Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-Q filed August 12, 2011
(2)
Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-KSB filed March 31, 2005
(3)
Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form S-8 filed June 10, 2004, (333-116348)
(4)
Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form S-8 filed June 10, 2004, (333-116349)
(5)
Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 8-K filed September 10, 2007
(6)
Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 8-K filed November 30, 2007
(7) [Reserved]
(8)
Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 8-K filed December 31, 2008
(9)
Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-Q filed August 12, 2009
(10)
Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 8-K filed August 27, 2010
(11)
Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 8-K filed January 10, 2011
(12)
Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 8-K filed June 13, 2011
(13)
Incorporated by reference to the Company's Proxy Statement filed April 26, 2016
(14)
Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 8-K filed May 13, 2013
(15)
Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-Q filed August 7, 2013
(16)
Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 8-K filed June 30, 2014
(17)
Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 8-K filed June 25, 2015
(18)
Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-Q filed May 11, 2016
(19)
Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 8-K filed July 5, 2016.
(20)
Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 8-K filed July 26, 2017
(21)
Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-Q filed November 9, 2017
(22)
Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 10-K filed March 15, 2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
- 33 -

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 

CAS MEDICAL SYSTEMS, INC.
     
(Registrant)
     
       
       
/s/ Thomas M. Patton                               
 
Date:  March 26, 2018
 
By: Thomas M. Patton
     
President and Chief Executive Officer
     
 
 
     
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
       
/s / Alan W. Milinazzo                             
 
Date:  March 26, 2018
 
Alan W. Milinazzo, Director
     
       
       
/s/ Paul A. Molloy                                    
 
Date:  March 26, 2018
 
Paul A. Molloy, Director
     
       
       
/s/ Gregory P. Rainey                               
 
Date:  March 26, 2018
 
Gregory P. Rainey, Director
     
       
       
/s/ James E. Thomas                                 
 
Date:  March 26, 2018
 
James E. Thomas, Director
     
       
       
/s/ Kathleen A. Tune                                 
 
Date:  March 26, 2018
 
Kathleen A. Tune, Director
     
       
       
/s/ Kenneth R. Weisshaar                        
 
Date:  March 26, 2018
 
Kenneth R. Weisshaar, Director
     
       
       
/s/ Thomas M. Patton                               
 
Date:  March 26, 2018
 
Thomas M. Patton, President, Chief Executive
     
Officer and Director
     
       
       
/s/ Jeffery A. Baird                                   
 
Date:  March 26, 2018
 
Jeffery A. Baird, Chief Financial Officer
     
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
     
 
 
- 34 -