SAN DIEGO, Calif., July 10, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Women First HealthCare, Inc. (Nasdaq:WFHC) today announced that its common stock has been included in the Russell 2000(r) Index, a leading investment ranking of small cap stocks compiled by Frank Russell Company.
"We are very pleased to see Women First's inclusion in the Russell 2000 Index and to have highlighted visibility within the investment community," said chairman, president, and CEO Edward F. Calesa. "The listing on this major financial index underscores the success of our specialty pharmaceutical business strategy and reflects our continuing commitment to build shareholder value."
Membership in Russell's 21 U.S. equity indexes, which are frequently used as benchmarks for investment strategies, is determined by total market capitalization as of May 31. Frank Russell Company estimates $250 billion is invested in index funds based on Russell's indexes. A recent benchmark survey ranked the small cap Russell 2000 Index as the second most commonly used benchmark in the U.S. equity market.
The addition of Women First's stock was part of the annual reconstitution of the Russell indexes. The new indexes are effective July 1, 2002 and remain in place for one year.
Women First HealthCare, Inc. (Nasdaq:WFHC) is a San Diego-based specialty pharmaceutical company. Founded in 1996, its mission is to help midlife women make informed choices regarding their health care and to provide pharmaceutical products -- the Company's primary emphasis -- and lifestyle products to meet their needs. Women First HealthCare is specifically targeted to women age 40+ and their clinicians. Further information about Women First HealthCare can be found online at www.womenfirst.com, About Us and Investor Relations.
This press release may contain certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks, and Women First HealthCare, Inc. cautions you that any forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance. Women First HealthCare, Inc. disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially due to a number of factors, including (i) we have incurred significant losses since we were founded in November 1996, and if midlife women do not use, and their clinicians do not recommend, the products we offer, we will experience losses in the future; (ii) there is a limited market awareness of our Company and the products and services we offer; (iii) we may not be able to identify appropriate acquisition, licensing, or co-promotion candidates in the future or to take advantage of the opportunities we identify; (iv) we and our products face significant competition; (v) if we do not successfully manage any growth we experience, we may experience increased expenses without corresponding revenue increases; (vi) we are dependent on single sources of supply for all of the products we offer; (vii) reduced consumer confidence could adversely affect sales by our Consumer Business Division; (viii) we have incurred significant debt obligations which will require us to make debt service payments in the future; and (ix) additional factors set forth in the Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2001 and its Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2002.