Commitments and Contingencies

9 Months Ended

Sep. 28, 2018

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]

Note 12 - Commitments and Contingencies

Lines of Credit

Since 1998, the Company’s wholly owned Japanese subsidiary, STAAR Japan, has had an agreement with Mizuho Bank which provides for borrowings of up to 500,000,000 Yen, at an interest rate equal to the uncollateralized overnight call rate (approximately 0.06% as of September 28, 2018) plus a 0.50% spread, and may be renewed quarterly (the current line expires on November 21, 2018). The credit facility is not collateralized. The Company had 472,500,000 Yen and 500,000,000 Yen outstanding on the line of credit as of September 28, 2018 and December 29, 2017, respectively (approximately $4,162,000 and $4,438,000 based on the foreign exchange rates on September 28, 2018 and December 29, 2017, respectively), which approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity and market interest rates of the line of credit. In case of default, the interest rate will be increased to 14% per annum. As of September 28, 2018 there was 27,500,000 Yen (approximately $242,000) available for borrowing and as of December 29, 2017 there were no available borrowings under the line. At maturity on November 21, 2018, the Company expects to renew this line of credit for an additional three months, with similar terms.

In September 2013, the Company’s wholly owned Swiss subsidiary, STAAR Surgical AG, entered into a framework agreement for loans (“framework agreement”) with Credit Suisse (the “Bank”). The framework agreement provides for borrowings of up to 1,000,000 CHF (Swiss Francs) (approximately $1,000,000 at the rate of exchange on September 28, 2018 and December 29, 2017), to be used for working capital purposes. Accrued interest and 0.25% commissions on average outstanding borrowings is payable quarterly and the interest rate will be determined by the Bank based on the then prevailing market conditions at the time of borrowing. The framework agreement is automatically renewed on an annual basis based on the same terms assuming there is no default. The framework agreement may be terminated by either party at any time in accordance with its general terms and conditions. The framework agreement is not collateralized and contains certain conditions such as providing the Bank with audited financial statements annually and notice of significant events or conditions, as defined in the framework agreement. The Bank may also declare all amounts outstanding to be immediately due and payable upon a change of control or a “material qualification” in STAAR Surgical independent auditors’ report, as defined. There were no borrowings outstanding as of September 28, 2018 and December 29, 2017.

Covenant Compliance

The Company is in compliance with the covenants of its credit facilities as of the date of this filing.

Lease Line of Credit (Capital Leases)

On March 8, 2018, the Company entered into lease schedule 011 with Farnam Street Financial, Inc. (“Farnam”). The line of credit provides for borrowings of up to $500,000 at a lease rate factor of 3.94% per $1 for hardware equipment and 4.75% per $1 for non-hardware equipment. Interim rent is paid until the full amount of the line is used at which time the lease commences. As of September 28, 2018, approximately $392,000 of the line was available for borrowing.

On March 8, 2018, the Company entered into lease schedule 010R with Farnam. Under 010R, equipment with a cost of $1,560,000 was financed over a period of 24 months at a lease rate factor of 3.94% per $1 for hardware equipment and 4.75% per $1 for non-hardware equipment. At the end of the lease the Company can opt to continue to rent the equipment, return the equipment, or exercise a fair market value purchase option. As of September 28, 2018, approximately $1,044,000 was outstanding on this capital lease.

On January 31, 2017, the Company entered into lease schedule 009R with Farnam. Under 009R, equipment with a cost of $1,957,000 was financed over a period of 24 months at a lease rate factor of 3.94% per $1 for hardware equipment and 4.75% per $1 for non-hardware equipment. At the end of the lease the Company can opt to continue to rent the equipment, return the equipment, or exercise a fair market value purchase option. As of September 28, 2018 and December 29, 2017, approximately $330,000 and $1,067,000, respectively, was outstanding on this capital lease.

Litigation and Claims

From time to time, the Company is involved in various legal proceedings and other matters arising in the normal course of business. These legal proceedings and other matters may relate to, among other things, contractual rights and obligations, employment matters, or claims of product liability. STAAR maintains insurance coverage for various matters, including product liability and certain securities claims. While the Company does not believe that any of the claims known is likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations, new claims or unexpected results of existing claims could lead to significant financial harm.

Employment Agreements

The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and certain officers have as provisions of their agreements certain rights, including continuance of cash compensation and benefits, upon a “change in control,” which may include an acquisition of substantially all of its assets, or termination “without cause or for good reason” as defined in the employment agreements.