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Forward Reports Fiscal 2010 Results

^{Published on 2010-12-08 14:40:37 - Market Wire}
 

POMPANO BEACH, Fla.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--Forward Industries, Inc. (NASDAQ:FORD), a designer and distributor of custom carry and protective solutions, today announced financial results for its fiscal year ended September 30, 2010.

"During my brief time at Forward, I am impressed by the capabilities of the Organization and even more confident than ever of the prospects to expand."

Fiscal 2010 FinancialResultsa" Compared to Fiscal 2009:

• Net sales increased $1.6 million, or 9%, to $19.0 million in Fiscal 2010 due to higher sales of diabetic products, which increased $1.1 million, or 8%, and higher sales of aOther Productsa, which increased $0.5 million, or 10%.
• Gross profit increased $0.6 million, or 18%, to $4.2 million in Fiscal 2010 primarily due to the $1.6 million increase in net sales and, to a lesser extent, decreases in Hong Kong costs and freight, duties and customs costs.
• Selling expenses decreased $0.4 million, or 17%, to $2.2 million in Fiscal 2010 from $2.6 million in Fiscal 2009 due primarily to reductions in selling personnel costs.
• General and administrative expenses increased $1.3 million, or 57%, to $3.6 million in Fiscal 2010. Of this increase, approximately $1.1 million was attributable to developments leading up to and including the Settlement Agreement entered into in August 2010.
• Other income declined $0.2 million to $10 thousand in Fiscal 2010 due primarily to lower average interest rates on slightly lower cash balances compared to Fiscal 2009.
• Net loss was $1.7 million in Fiscal 2010 compared to net loss of $1.4 million in Fiscal 2009. The higher net loss is primarily the result of higher general and administrative expenses (including the approximately $1.1 million attributable to the Settlement Agreement referred to above) and to a lesser extent lower aother incomea, offset in part by higher gross profit, lower selling expenses, and lower income tax expense.

Brett M. Johnson, Forwarda™s President and Chief Executive Officer, commented: aDuring my brief time at Forward, I am impressed by the capabilities of the Organization and even more confident than ever of the prospects to expand.

Our OEM business is strong, and Ia™m pleased with the growth in sales this year. I am committed to furthering this growth and feel there is significant opportunity to do so. In addition, Forward is well positioned to expand beyond its OEM business into new products, channels and geographies. I am confident that with the combined strength of our balance sheet and our management team we will transform the company into a leader in the technology accessories category.a

The tables below are derived from the Companya™s audited, consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed today with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Please refer to the Form 10-K for complete financial statements and further information regarding the Companya™s results of operations and financial condition relating to the fiscal years ended September 30, 2010 and 2009. Please also refer to the Form 10-K for a discussion of risk factors applicable to the company and its business.

Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

In addition to the historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements (within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ substantially from those expressed or implied in such forward looking statements due to a number of factors. Such risk factors include but are not limited to those discussed in Part I, Item 1A, aRisk Factorsa, and Part II, Item 7, aManagementa™s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operationsa included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed today with the SEC, which factors are incorporated herein by reference.

Such risk factors include, among others: the loss of any key customer or material sales in our Diabetic Products line, where customer and sales concentration are high; whether important customers reduce or discontinue inclusion of carry solutions ain boxa with their electronic products; the impact on our business and results of operations of an acquisition or the failure to make an acquisition; the concentration of our accounts receivable in a small number of customers and our ability to collect payment; the adverse impact of customer pricing pressures on gross margins; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates that could result in increased costs or reduced revenues; levels of demand and pricing generally for electronic devices sold by our customers for which we supply carry solutions; the development of quality control, delivery, or pricing issues involving our Asian suppliers; uncertainties in the financial and credit markets; changes in, governmental regulations; variability in order flow from our OEM customers; a significant change in the Companya™s relationship with one or more key customers (including changes affecting their businesses); the loss of key sales personnel who have significant influence on our relationships with some of our largest customers; and losses on our uninsured cash balances at commercial banks where a failure occurs.

About Forward Industries

Forward Industries, Inc. designs and distributes custom carrying case solutions for hand held electronic devices. Forwarda™s products can be viewed online at [ www.fwdinnovations.com ] and [ www.forwardindustries.com ].