10-Q 1 d898684d10q.htm FORM 10-Q Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 28, 2015

 

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission File Number 0-21074

 

 

SUPERCONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGIES INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   77-0158076

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

  (IRS Employer
Identification No.)

9101 Wall Street, Suite 1300, Austin, Texas 78754

(Address of principal executive offices & zip code)

(512) 334-8900

(Registrant’s telephone number including area code)

 

 

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  x    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  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer”, and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large Accelerated Filer   ¨    Accelerated Filer   ¨
Non-Accelerated Filer   ¨  (do not check if smaller reporting company)    Smaller reporting company   x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨ or No  x

We had 18,243,689 shares of our common stock outstanding as of the close of business on May 8, 2015.

 

 

 


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SUPERCONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGIES INC.

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

Three Months Ended March 28, 2015

 

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

  1   

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. Financial Statements

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

  2   

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

  3   

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

  4   

Notes to Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

  5   
ITEM 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations   15   
ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk   19   
ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures   19   

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings   20   
ITEM 1A. Risk Factors   20   
ITEM 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds   20   
ITEM 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities   20   
ITEM 4. Mine Safety Disclosures   20   
ITEM 5. Other Information   20   
ITEM 6. Exhibits   20   

SIGNATURES 

  21   

 

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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Report contains 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. We claim the protection of the safe harbor contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for these forward looking statements. Our forward-looking statements relate to future events or our future performance and include, but are not limited to, statements concerning our business strategy, future commercial revenues, market growth, capital requirements, new product introductions, expansion plans and the adequacy of our funding. Other statements contained in this Report that are not historical facts are also forward-looking statements. We have tried, wherever possible, to identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates” and other comparable terminology.

We caution investors that any forward-looking statements presented in this Report, or that we may make orally or in writing from time to time, are based on the beliefs of, assumptions made by, and information currently available to, us. Such statements are based on assumptions and the actual outcome will be affected by known and unknown risks, trends, uncertainties and factors that are beyond our control or ability to predict. Although we believe that our assumptions are reasonable, they are not guarantees of future performance and some will inevitably prove to be incorrect. As a result, our actual future results can be expected to differ from our expectations, and those differences may be material. Accordingly, investors should use caution in relying on past forward-looking statements, which are based on known results and trends at the time they are made, to anticipate future results or trends.

Some of the risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements include the following:

 

    limited cash and a history of losses;

 

    our ability to raise sufficient capital to fund our operations, and the impact on our strategic initiatives of any inability to raise such funds;

 

    the impact of any such financing activity on the level of our stock price;

 

    the performance and use of our equipment to produce wire in accordance with our timetable;

 

    our need to overcome additional technical challenges necessary to develop and commercialize HTS Conductus wire;

 

    limited number of potential customers and customer acceptance of our HTS wire;

 

    customer pressures on the selling prices of our products;

 

    rapidly advancing technology in our target markets;

 

    the impact of competitive products, technologies and pricing;

 

    limited number of suppliers for some of our components;

 

    no significant backlog from quarter to quarter;

 

    fluctuations in sales and product demand from quarter to quarter can be significant;

 

    our proprietary rights, while important to our business, are difficult and costly to protect;

 

    manufacturing capacity constraints and difficulties;

 

    cost and uncertainty from compliance with environmental regulations; and

 

    local, regional, and national and international economic conditions and events, and the impact they may have on us and our customers.

For further discussion of these and other factors see, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2014.

This Report and all subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements contained or referred to in this section. We do not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to our forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this Report.

 

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PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements.

SUPERCONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGIES INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended  
     March 28, 2015     March 29, 2014  

Net revenues

   $ 55,000      $ 389,000   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Costs and expenses:

Cost of revenues

  755,000      370,000   

Research and development

  1,457,000      1,470,000   

Selling, general and administrative

  1,528,000      1,348,000   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

  3,740,000      3,188,000   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss from operations

  (3,685,000   (2,799,000

Other Income and Expense:

Adjustments to fair value of warrant derivatives

  2,633,000      (232,000

Adjustments to warrant exercise price

  (367,000   —     

Other income

  1,000      96,000   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net loss

$ (1,418,000 $ (2,935,000
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic and diluted net loss per common share

$ (0.10 $ (0.25
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic and diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding

  13,712,906      11,880,889   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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SUPERCONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGIES INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

     March 28,     December 31,  
     2015     2014  
     (Unaudited)     (See Note)  
ASSETS     

Current Assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 5,258,000      $ 1,238,000   

Accounts receivable, net

     36,000        86,000   

Inventory, net

     —          74,000   

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     258,000        358,000   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Current Assets

  5,552,000      1,756,000   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $5,617,000 and $4,908,000, respectively

  7,239,000      7,902,000   

Patents, licenses and purchased technology, net of accumulated amortization of $813,000 and $794,000, respectively

  873,000      886,000   

Other assets

  223,000      255,000   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Assets

$ 13,887,000    $ 10,799,000   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current Liabilities:

Accounts payable

$ 749,000    $ 762,000   

Accrued expenses

  394,000      455,000   

Current portion of derivative fair value—warrants

  153,000      946,000   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Current Liabilities

  1,296,000      2,163,000   

Other long term liabilities

  2,503,000      4,634,000   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

  3,799,000      6,797,000   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Commitments and contingencies-Notes 5 and 6

Stockholders’ Equity:

Preferred stock, $.001 par value, 2,000,000 shares authorized, 328,925 and 328,925 shares issued and outstanding, respectively

  —        —     

Common stock, $.001 par value, 250,000,000 shares authorized, 18,243,689 and 14,264,041 shares issued and outstanding, respectively

  18,000      14,000   

Capital in excess of par value

  293,856,000      286,356,000   

Accumulated deficit

  (283,786,000   (282,368,000
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Stockholders’ Equity

  10,088,000      4,002,000   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity

$ 13,887,000    $ 10,799,000   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

See accompanying notes to the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

Note – December 31, 2014 balances were derived from audited financial statements.

 

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SUPERCONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGIES INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended  
     March 28, 2015     March 29, 2014  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

    

Net loss

   $ (1,418,000   $ (2,935,000

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:

    

Depreciation and amortization

     727,000        330,000   

Stock-based compensation expense

     552,000        187,000   

Adjustments to fair value of warrant derivatives

     (2,633,000     232,000   

Adjustments to warrant exercise price

     367,000     

Provision for excess or obsolete inventory

     58,000        —     

Gain on disposal of property and equipment

     (1,000     (96,000

Changes in assets and liabilities:

    

Accounts receivable

     50,000        (302,000

Inventories

     16,000        (3,000

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

     100,000        108,000   

Patents and licenses

     (6,000     (20,000

Other assets

     32,000        32,000   

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities

     (62,000     426,000   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in operating activities

  (2,218,000   (2,041,000
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

Purchases of property and equipment

  (46,000   (1,497,000

Net proceeds from the sale of property and equipment

  1,000      96,000   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

  (45,000   (1,401,000
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

Net proceeds from the sale of common stock

  4,596,000      —     

Net proceeds from the exercise of outstanding warrants

  1,687,000      3,751,000   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

  6,283,000      3,751,000   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

  4,020,000      309,000   

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

  1,238,000      7,459,000   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

$ 5,258,000    $ 7,768,000   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental non-cash financing disclosure:

Warrant liability converted to capital in excess of par

$ 669,000    $ —     

See accompanying notes to the unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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SUPERCONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGIES INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. General

We are a leading company in developing and commercializing high temperature superconductor (“HTS”) materials and related technologies. Superconductivity is the unique ability to conduct electricity with little or no resistance when cooled to “critical” temperatures. HTS materials are a family of elements that demonstrate superconducting properties at temperatures significantly warmer than previous superconducting materials. Electric currents that flow through conventional conductors encounter resistance that requires power to overcome and generates heat. HTS materials can substantially improve the performance characteristics of electrical systems, reduce power loss, and lowering heat generation providing extremely high current carrying density and zero resistance to direct current.

We were established in 1987 shortly after the discovery of HTS materials. Our stated objective was to develop products based on these materials for the commercial marketplace.

After analyzing the market opportunities available, we decided to develop products for the utility and telecommunications industries.

Our initial product was completed in 1998 and we began delivery to a number of wireless network providers. In the following 13 years, we continued to refine and improve the platform, with the primary focus on improving reliability, increasing performance and runtime, and most importantly, removing cost from the manufacturing process of the required subsystems. Our cost reducing efforts led to the invention of our proprietary, high-yield and high throughput HTS material deposition manufacturing process.

In late 2010, we transitioned our research and development efforts to adapting our proprietary HTS material deposition techniques to the production of our HTS Conductus® wire for next generation power applications, which is our primary opportunity to grow our future revenues. We continue to generate revenue from our legacy wireless communications products. This revenue has been declining and we expect this trend to continue until we completely abandon these products.

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial information furnished herein has been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and reflects all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, which in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair statement of the results of operations for the periods presented.

The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates and such differences may be material to the condensed consolidated financial statements. This quarterly report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with our Form 10-K for 2014. The results of operations for the three months ended March 28, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results for all of 2015.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

We have incurred significant net losses since our inception and have an accumulated deficit of $283.8 million. In 2014, we incurred a net loss of $8.3 million and had negative cash flows from operations of $10 million. At March 28, 2015, we had $5.3 million in cash. Our cash resources will not be sufficient to fund our business for the next 12 months. From January 1, 2015 through March 28, 2015, we raised, net to us, more than $6.3 million from the exercise of outstanding warrants and the sale of our common stock and undertook steps to reduce our ongoing operating costs through headcount reductions and other cost saving efforts. Even with this additional cash and cost reductions, we may need to raise funds to meet our working capital needs. Additional financing may not be available on acceptable terms or at all. If we issue additional equity securities to raise funds, the ownership percentage of our existing stockholders would be reduced. New investors may demand rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of existing holders of common stock. If we cannot raise any needed funds, we might be forced to make further substantial reductions in our operating expenses, which could adversely affect our ability to implement our current business plan and ultimately our viability as a company. These factors raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.

 

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Our plans regarding improving our future liquidity will require us to successfully use our expertise and our technology to generate revenues in various ways, including commercial operations, joint ventures and licenses. We have invested and will continue to in our Austin, Texas manufacturing facility to enable us to produce our Conductus wire products. However, delays in the timing of our ability to, including but not limited to, raise additional capital, unexpected production delays, and our ability to sell our Conductus wire products in large scale could substantially impact our estimates used in the determination of expected future cash flows and/or expected future profitability.

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that may result from the outcome of the uncertainties set forth above. In addition, we identified certain critical accounting policies which affect certain of our more significant estimates and assumptions used in preparing our consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2014. We have not made any material changes to these policies.

We have reviewed recently issued Financial Accounting Standards Board pronouncements and do not believe they will have a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Principles of Consolidation

The interim condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Superconductor Technologies Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated from the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. Cash and cash equivalents are maintained with what we believe to be quality financial institutions and from time to time exceed FDIC limits. Historically, we have not experienced any losses due to such concentration of credit risk.

Accounts Receivable

We grant uncollateralized credit to our customers. We perform usual and customary credit evaluations of our customers before granting credit. Trade accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The allowance for doubtful accounts is our best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in our existing accounts receivable. We determine the allowance based on historical write-off experience. Past due balances are reviewed for collectibility. Accounts balances are charged off against the allowance when we deem it is probable the receivable will not be recovered. We do not have any off -balance sheet credit exposure related to our customers.

Revenue Recognition

Our revenues have principally been derived from the sale of our wireless communications products, and to an increasing extent our Conductus wire, and are recognized once all of the following conditions have been met: a) an authorized purchase order has been received in writing, b) the customer’s credit worthiness has been established, c) shipment of the product has occurred, d) title has transferred, and e) if stipulated by the contract, customer acceptance has occurred and all significant vendor obligations, if any, have been satisfied.

Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs

Shipping and handling fees billed to customers are included in net commercial product revenues. Shipping and handling fees associated with freight are generally included in cost of commercial product revenues.

Warranties

We offer warranties generally ranging from one to five years, depending on the product and negotiated terms of purchase agreements with our customers. Such warranties require us to repair or replace defective product returned to us during such warranty period at no cost to the customer. An estimate by us for warranty related costs is recorded by us at the time of sale based on our actual historical product return rates and expected repair costs. Such costs have been within our expectations.

Indemnities

In connection with the sales and manufacturing of our commercial products, we indemnify, without limit or term, our customers and contract manufacturers against all claims, suits, demands, damages, liabilities, expenses, judgments, settlements and penalties arising from actual or alleged infringement or misappropriation of any intellectual property relating to our products or other claims arising from our products. We cannot reasonably develop an estimate of the maximum potential amount of payments that might be made under our indemnities because of the uncertainty as to whether a claim might arise and how much it might total. Historically, we have not incurred any expenses related to these indemnities.

 

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Research and Development Costs

Research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred and include salary, facility, depreciation and material expenses. Research and development costs are charged to research and development expense.

Inventories

Inventories were stated at the lower of cost or market, with costs primarily determined using standard costs, which approximate actual costs utilizing the first-in, first-out method. We review inventory quantities on hand and on order and record, on a quarterly basis, a provision for excess and obsolete inventory and/or vendor cancellation charges related to purchase commitments. If the results of the review determine that a write-down is necessary, we recognize a loss in the period in which the loss is identified, whether or not the inventory is retained. Our March 28, 2015 net inventory value was $0, compared to a December 31, 2014 value of $74,000. Our inventory reserves establish a new cost basis for inventory and are not reversed until we sell or dispose of the related inventory. Such provisions are established based on historical usage, adjusted for known changes in demands for such products (minimal sales in the current quarter and no backlog of sales orders as of March 28, 2015 related to our wireless business), or the estimated forecast of product demand and production requirements. Costs associated with idle capacity are charged to expense immediately.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Equipment is depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives ranging from three to seven years. Leasehold improvements and assets financed under capital leases are amortized over the shorter of their useful lives or the lease term. Furniture and fixtures are depreciated over seven years. Expenditures for additions and major improvements are capitalized. Expenditures for minor tooling, repairs and maintenance and minor improvements are charged to expense as incurred. When property or equipment is retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from the accounts. Gains or losses from retirements and disposals are recorded in selling, general and administration expenses. In the first quarters of 2015 and 2014, there were no retirements or disposals and we realized gains of $1,000 and $96,000, respectively, from sale of previously retired equipment.

Patents, Licenses and Purchased Technology

Patents and licenses are recorded at cost and are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or seventeen years.

Other Assets and Investments

The realizability of long-lived assets is evaluated periodically as events or circumstances indicate a possible inability to recover the carrying amount. Long-lived assets that will no longer be used in the business are written off in the period identified since they will no longer generate any positive cash flows for us. Periodically, long lived assets that will continue to be used by us will need to be evaluated for recoverability. Such evaluation is based on various analyses, including cash flow and profitability projections. The analyses necessarily involve significant management judgment. In the event the projected undiscounted cash flows are less than net book value of the assets, the carrying value of the assets will be written down to their estimated fair value. We tested our long lived assets for recoverability during 2014, and at March 28, 2015, and determined there was no impairment.

Loss Contingencies

In the normal course of our business we are subject to claims and litigation, including allegations of patent infringement. Liabilities relating to these claims are recorded when it is determined that a loss is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. The costs of our defense in such matters are expensed as incurred. Insurance proceeds recoverable are recorded when deemed probable.

Income Taxes

We recognize deferred tax liabilities and assets based on the differences between the financial statement carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities, using enacted tax rates in effect in the years the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred income tax benefit (expense) results from the change in net deferred tax assets or deferred tax liabilities. A valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that some or all deferred tax assets will not be realized. The guidance further clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes and sets a consistent framework to determine the

 

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appropriate level of tax reserve to maintain for uncertain tax positions. This interpretation uses a two-step approach wherein a tax benefit is recognized if a position is more-likely-than-not to be sustained. The amount of the benefit is then measured to be the highest tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely to be realized and sets out disclosure requirements to enhance transparency of our tax reserves. The adoption of this guidance has not had a material impact on our consolidated financial statements as we concluded our tax positions are highly certain of being settled at 100% of the benefit claimed. Guidance is also provided on the accounting for the related interest and penalties, financial statement and disclosure. We are currently not under examination by any taxing authority nor have we been notified of an impending examination. The oldest tax year that remains open to possible evaluation and interpretation of our tax position is 2011.

As of December 31, 2014, we had net operating loss carryforwards for federal and state income tax purposes of $325.3 million and $141.1 million, respectively, which expire in the years 2018 through 2034. However, during 2014, we concluded that under the Internal Revenue Code change of control limitations, a maximum of $28.9 million and $28.3 million, respectively, would be available for reduction of taxable income and reduced both the deferred tax asset and valuation allowance accordingly. Due to the uncertainty surrounding their realization, we recorded a full valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets. Accordingly, no deferred tax asset has been recorded in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Marketing Costs

All costs related to marketing and advertising our products are charged to expense as incurred or at the time the advertising takes place. Advertising costs were not material in each of the quarters ended March 28, 2015 and March 29, 2014.

Net Loss Per Share

Basic and diluted net loss per share is computed by dividing net loss available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding in each year. Potential common shares are not included in the calculation of diluted loss per share because their effect is anti-dilutive.

Stock-based Compensation

We grant both restricted stock awards and stock options to our key employees, directors and consultants. For the quarter ended March 28, 2015 no options or awards were granted. At March 29, 2014, the weighted average fair value of options was estimated at the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The following are the significant weighted average assumptions used for estimating the fair value under our stock option plans:

 

     Three months ended  
     March 28,
2015
     March 29,
2014
 

Expected life in years

     —           4.0   

Risk free interest rate

     —           1.1

Expected volatility

     —           100.2

Dividend yield

     —           0

The stock-based compensation expense for our restricted stock awards is measured at fair value on the date of grant based on the number of shares expected to vest and the quoted market price of our common stock. The expected life was based on the contractual term of the options and expected employee exercise behavior. Typically, options to our employees have a 2 to 4 year vesting term and a 10 year contractual term. The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with a remaining term equal to the expected option life assumed at the grant date. The future volatility is based on our 4 year historical volatility. We used an expected dividend yield of 0% because we have never paid a dividend and do not anticipate paying dividends.

The following table presents details of total stock-based compensation expense that is included in each functional line item on our condensed consolidated statements of operations:

 

     Three months ended  
     March 28,
2015
     March 29,
2014
 

Research and development

   $ 91,000       $ 48,000   

Selling, general and administrative

     461,000         139,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total stock-based compensation expense

$ 552,000    $ 187,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Use of Estimates

The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. The significant estimates in the preparation of the financial statements relate to the assessment of the carrying amount of accounts receivable, fixed assets, intangibles, estimated provisions for warranty costs, fair value of warrant derivatives, income taxes and disclosures related to litigation. Actual results could differ from those estimates and such differences may be material to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

We have estimated the fair value amounts of our financial instruments using the available market information and valuation methodologies considered appropriate. We determined the book value of our cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and other current assets and other current liabilities as of March 28, 2015 approximate fair value.

The fair value of our warrant derivative liability was estimated using the Binomial Lattice option valuation model.

Fair value for financial reporting purposes is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date, ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures”, also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. ASC 820 describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1 — quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities

Level 2 — quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable

Level 3 — inputs that are unobservable (for example cash flow modeling inputs based on assumptions)

The fair value of our warrant liabilities was determined based on level 3 inputs. These derivative liabilities are adjusted to reflect fair value at each period end, with any increase or decrease in the fair value being recorded in results of operations as Adjustments to fair value of derivatives. See Note 3 — Stockholders’ Equity: Warrants.

Comprehensive Income

We have no items of other comprehensive income in any period and consequently have not included a Statement of Comprehensive Income.

Segment Information

We have historically operated in a single business segment: the research, development, manufacture and marketing of high performance products used in cellular base stations. We derived net commercial product revenues primarily from the sales of our AmpLink and SuperPlex products which we sold directly to wireless network operators in the United States. As discussed in this Report, we are adapting our unique HTS material deposition techniques to produce our energy efficient, cost-effective and high performance Conductus wire. We expect commercial level sales of our Conductus wire products later this year.

Certain Risks and Uncertainties

Our long-term prospects are dependent upon the successful commercialization and market acceptance or our Conductus wire products. We do not currently have a customer buying significant amounts of our wire products.

Current sales of our wireless products are to wireless network operators in the United States and our product sales have historically been concentrated in a small number of customers. At March 28, 2015, we had one customer that represented 85% of total net revenues and 87% of accounts receivable. In 2014, two customers represented 52% and 31% of total net revenues and 89% of accounts receivable. The loss of or reduction in sales, or the inability to collect outstanding accounts receivable, from any of these customers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We currently rely on a limited number of suppliers for key components of our products. The loss of any of these suppliers could have material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

 

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In connection with the sales of our commercial products, we indemnify, without limit or term, our customers against all claims, suits, demands, damages, liabilities, expenses, judgments, settlements and penalties arising from actual or alleged infringement or misappropriation of any intellectual property relating to our products or other claims arising from our products. We cannot reasonably develop an estimate of the maximum potential amount of payments that might be made under our indemnity obligations because of the uncertainty as to whether a claim might arise and how much it might total.

3. Stockholders’ Equity

The following is a summary of stockholders’ equity transactions for the three months ended March 28, 2015:

 

    Convertible
Preferred Stock
    Common Stock     Capital in
Excess of
    Accumulated        
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Par Value     Deficit     Total  

Balance at December 31, 2014

    328,925      $ —          14,264,041      $ 14,000      $ 286,356,000      $ (282,368,000   $ 4,002,000   

Issuance of common stock (net of costs)

        3,062,790        3,000        4,593,000          4,596,000   

Issuance of common stock from exercise of outstanding warrants

        916,858        1,000        1,686,000          1,687,000   

Reclassification of warrant liability upon exercise

            669,000          669,000   

Stock-based compensation

            552,000          552,000   

Net loss

              (1,418,000     (1,418,000
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance at March 28, 2015

  328,925    $ —        18,243,689    $ 18,000    $ 293,856,000    $ (283,786,000 $ 10,088,000   
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Stock Options

At March 28, 2015, we had two active equity award option plans, the 2003 Equity Incentive Plan and the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan (collectively, the “Stock Option Plan”), although we can only grant new options under the 2013 Equity Incentive Plan. Under our Stock Option Plan, stock awards were made to our directors, key employees, consultants, and non-employee directors and consisted of stock options, restricted stock awards, performance awards, and performance share awards. Stock options were granted at prices no less than the market value on the date of grant. There were no stock option exercises during the three months ended March 28, 2015 or during the three months ended March 29, 2014.

The impact to the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the quarter ended March 28, 2015 on net loss was $112,000 and $0.01 on basic and diluted net loss per common share and for the quarter ended March 29, 2014 the impact was $152,000 and $0.01 on basic and diluted net loss per common share. No stock compensation cost was capitalized during either period. The total compensation cost related to nonvested awards not yet recognized was $1.0 million and the weighted-average period over which the cost is expected to be recognized was 1.5 years at March 28, 2015.

The following is a summary of stock option transactions under our stock option plans at March 28, 2015:

 

     Number of
Shares
    Price Per Share      Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
     Number of
Options
Exercisable
     Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
 

Balance at December 31, 2014

     1,200,948      $ 2.12 - $159.60       $ 5.32         624,282       $ 8.21   

Granted

     —             —           

Exercised

     —             —           

Canceled

     (19,588     2.12 - 159.60         21.20         
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at March 28, 2015

  1,181,360    $ 2.12 - $159.60    $ 5.06      647,974    $ 7.44   
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The outstanding options expire on various dates through the end of March 2024. The weighted-average contractual term of options outstanding is 8.3 years and the weighted-average contractual term of stock options currently exercisable is 7.9 years. The exercise prices for these options range from $2.12 to $159.60 per share, for an aggregate exercise price of $6 million. At March 28, 2015, no options had an exercise price less than the current market value.

Restricted Stock Awards

The grant date fair value of each share of our restricted stock awards is equal to the fair value of our common stock at the grant date. Shares of restricted stock under awards all have service conditions and vest over one to four years. Some of our grants also have performance conditions. The following is a summary of our restricted stock award transactions at March 28, 2015:

 

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     Number of
Shares
     Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
 

Balance nonvested at December 31, 2014

     1,057,535       $ 2.80   

Granted

     —           —     

Vested

     (8,334      2.76   

Forfeited

     (593      2.52   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance nonvested at March 28, 2015

  1,048,608    $ 2.80   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The impact to the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 28, 2015 was $440,000 and $0.03 on basic and diluted net loss per common share and for the quarter ended March 29, 2014 the impact was $35,000 and $0.01 on basic and diluted net loss per common share. No stock compensation cost was capitalized during the period. The total compensation cost related to nonvested awards not yet recognized was $1.8 million and the weighted-average period over which the cost is expected to be recognized was 9 months.

Warrants

The following is a summary of outstanding warrants at March 28, 2015:

 

          Common Shares  
          Total      Currently
Exercisable
     Price per
Share
     Expiration Date  
(1)    Warrants related to February 2012 financing      419,451         419,451       $ 16.20         February 22, 2017   
(2)    Warrants related to November 2012 financing      8,333         8,333         4.50         November 26, 2015   
(3)    Warrants related to December 2012 financing      15,625         15,625         4.50         December 18, 2015   
(4)    Warrants related to April 2013 financing      256,914         256,914         5.45         April 26, 2015   
(5)    Warrants related to April 2013 financing      256,913         256,913         5.45         April 26, 2019   
(6)    Warrants related to August 2013 financing      117,670         117,670         2.25         August 5, 2016   
(7)    Warrants related to August 2013 financing      6,117,383         6,117,383         1.63         August 9, 2018   
(8)    Warrants related to August 2013 financing      1,389,802         1,389,802         1.63         August 9, 2015   
(9)    Warrants related to February 2015 agreement      45,843         0         3.00         February 13, 2020   
(10)    Warrants related to March 2015 financing      1,531,395         1,531,395         1.63         September 25, 2020   
(11)    Warrants related to March 2015 financing      153,140         0         2.04         March 20, 2020   

Warrants (1)-(6) and (9)-(11) are exercisable by paying cash or, solely in the absence of an effective registration statement or prospectus, by cashless exercise for unregistered shares of common stock. The exercise price of the warrants is subject to standard antidilutive provision adjustment in the case of stock dividends or other distributions on shares of common stock or any other equity or equity equivalent securities payable in shares of common stock, stock splits, stock combinations, reclassifications or similar events affecting our common stock, and also, subject to limitations, upon any distribution of assets, including cash, stock or other property to our stockholders. The exercise price of the warrants is not subject to “price-based” anti-dilution adjustment. We have determined that these warrants related to issuance of common stock are subject to equity treatment because the warrant holder has no right to demand cash settlement and there are no unusual anti-dilution rights.

On February 14, 2015, we entered into Warrant Exercise Agreements with certain holders of our outstanding (8) warrants to purchase an aggregate of 916,858 shares of our common stock. The warrants were originally issued as part of an underwritten public offering that we closed on August 9, 2013. Pursuant to the terms of the Warrant Exercise Agreements, the exercise price of the warrants being exercised was adjusted, immediately prior to their exercise, to $2.00 per share down from the previously agreed $2.57. In connection with the adjustment to the warrant exercise price, we charged to expense $0.4 million under the following fair value assumptions: expected life of six months; risk free interest rates of 0.07%; expected volatility of 33.6% and; dividend yield of 0%. In connection with the warrants exercised, we reclassified $0.7 million relating to the fair value of the warrant derivative liability to capital in excess of par. We received gross proceeds of $1.8 million, and net proceeds of $1.7 million from the exercises under the Warrant Exercise Agreements. Additionally, the underwriter received a five-year warrant to purchase 45,843 shares at a per share exercise price of $3.003.

 

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On March 25, 2015, in a registered direct offering, we sold 3,062,790 shares of our common stock, and 1,531,395 warrants to purchase additional shares over the next 5.5 years, at a price of $1.6325 per share. The net proceeds to us from the registered offering of the common stock, after deducting the placement agent fees and our estimated offering expenses, was $4.6 million. The sale of these shares reset the exercise price of warrants (7) and (8) to $1.6325. The placement agent received 153,140 five-year warrants at an exercise price of $2.0406.

We have determined that warrants ‘(7) and (8)’ are not considered indexed to our common shares under ASC 815-40, and require separate accounting as derivative instruments with changes in fair value recognized in earnings each period. The warrants contain a provision whereby the warrant exercise price would be decreased in the event that future common stock issuances are made at a price less than the then exercise price. Due to the potential variability of their exercise price, these warrants do not qualify for equity treatment, and therefore are recognized as a liability. The warrant liability is adjusted to fair value each reporting period, and any change in value is recognized in the statement of operations. Their initial August 9, 2013 valuation was determined using the binomial lattice valuation model, including an equal probabilities tree and early exercise factor of 30%, the significant weighted average assumptions for estimating the fair value of these warrants were, respectively, as follows: expected life of five years and two years; risk free interest rates of 1.36% and 0.32%; expected volatility of 111% and 116% and; dividend yield of 0% and 0%. The initial fair value at August 9, 2013 was estimated to be approximately $4.2 million.

Using the binomial lattice valuation model, including an equal probabilities tree and early exercise factor of 30%, the significant weighted average assumptions for estimating the fair value of warrants ‘(7) and (8)’ at March 28, 2015 were, respectively, as follows: expected life of 3.36 years and 0.36 years; risk free interest rates of 1.09% and 0.05%; expected volatility of 98% and 60% and; dividend yield of 0% and 0%, and the March 28, 2015 fair value of these warrants was estimated to be $2.3 million. The fair value was reduced by $2.6 million from December 31, 2014 to March 28, 2015.

Using the binomial lattice valuation model, including an equal probabilities tree and early exercise factor of 30%, the significant weighted average assumptions for estimating the fair value of warrants ‘(7) and (8)’ at December 31, 2014 were, respectively, as follows: expected life of 3.6 years and 0.6 years; risk free interest rates of 1.27% and 0.17%; expected volatility of 97% and 39% and; dividend yield of 0% and 0%, and the December 31, 2014 fair value of these warrants was estimated to be $5.2 million.

4. Earnings Per Share

Basic and diluted net earnings (loss) per share is based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding.

Since their impact would be anti-dilutive, our net loss per common share does not include the effect of the assumed exercise or vesting of the following shares:

 

     March 28, 2015      March 29, 2014  

Outstanding stock options

     1,181,360         1,201,954   

Unvested restricted stock awards

     1,048,608         54,233   

Outstanding warrants

     10,312,469         9,629,022   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

  12,542,437      10,885,209   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Also, the preferred stock convertible into 274,104 shares of common stock was not included since its impact would be anti-dilutive.

5. Commitments and Contingencies

Operating Leases

We lease our offices and production facilities under non-cancelable operating leases in Santa Barbara, CA and Austin, TX that expire in November 2016 and March 2017, respectively. The leases contain minimum rent escalation clauses that require additional rental amounts after the first year. Rent expense for these leases with minimum annual rent escalation is recognized on a straight line basis over the minimum lease term. These leases also require us to pay utilities, insurance, taxes and other operating expenses and contain one five-year renewal option.

In February 2015 we amended our Santa Barbara, CA building operating lease and reduced our lease commitment. Instead of leasing 35,000 square feet we will now lease 22,000 square feet. We will pay an early termination fee, ratably, over the next eleven months roughly equal to the reduced lease amount. Other terms and conditions of the lease remain the same.

 

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For the three months ended March 28, 2015 and March 29, 2014, rent expense was $203,000 and $229,000 respectively.

Patents and Licenses

We have entered into various licensing agreements requiring royalty payments ranging from 0.13% to 2.5% of specified product sales. Certain of these agreements contain provisions for the payment of guaranteed or minimum royalty amounts. In the event that we fail to pay minimum annual royalties, these licenses may automatically become non-exclusive or be terminated. These royalty obligations terminate at various times from 2015 to 2020. For each of the three months ended March 28, 2015 and March 29, 2014, royalty expense totaled $6,000. Under the terms of certain royalty agreements, royalty payments made may be subject to audit. There have been no audits to date and we do not expect future audit adjustments to be significant.

The minimum lease payments under operating leases and license obligations are as follows:

 

Years ending December 31,

   Licenses      Operating Leases  

Remainder of 2015

   $ 45,000       $ 1,030,000   

2016

     45,000         1,251,000   

2017

     45,000         236,000   

2018

     45,000         40,000   

2019

     —           27,000   

Thereafter

     —           —     
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total payments

$ 180,000      2,584,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

6. Contractual Guarantees and Indemnities

During our normal course of business, we make certain contractual guarantees and indemnities pursuant to which we may be required to make future payments under specific circumstances. We have not recorded any liability for these contractual guarantees and indemnities in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

Warranties

We establish reserves for future product warranty costs that are expected to be incurred pursuant to specific warranty provisions with our customers. Our warranty reserves are established at the time of sale and updated throughout the warranty period based upon numerous factors including historical warranty return rates and expenses over various warranty periods.

Intellectual Property Indemnities

We indemnify certain customers and our contract manufacturers against liability arising from third-party claims of intellectual property rights infringement related to our products. These indemnities appear in development and supply agreements with our customers as well as manufacturing service agreements with our contract manufacturers, are not limited in amount or duration and generally survive the expiration of the contract. Given that the amount of potential liabilities related to such indemnities cannot be determined until an infringement claim has been made, we are unable to determine the maximum amount of losses that we could incur related to such indemnities.

Director and Officer Indemnities and Contractual Guarantees

We have entered into indemnification agreements with our directors and executive officers which require us to indemnify such individuals to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law. Our indemnification obligations under such agreements are not limited in amount or duration. Certain costs incurred in connection with such indemnities may be recovered under certain circumstances under various insurance policies. Given that the amount of any potential liabilities related to such indemnities cannot be determined until a lawsuit has been filed against a director or executive officer, we are unable to determine the maximum amount of losses that we could incur relating to such indemnities. Historically, any amounts payable pursuant to such director and officer indemnities have not had a material negative effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

We have also entered into severance and change in control agreements with certain of our executives. These agreements provide for the payment of specific compensation benefits to such executives upon the termination of their employment with us.

 

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General Contractual Indemnities/Products Liability

During the normal course of business, we enter into contracts with customers where we agree to indemnify the other party for personal injury or property damage caused by our products. Our indemnification obligations under such agreements are not generally limited in amount or duration. Given that the amount of any potential liabilities related to such indemnities cannot be determined until a lawsuit has been filed, we are unable to determine the maximum amount of losses that we could incur relating to such indemnities. Historically, any amounts payable pursuant to such indemnities have not had a material negative effect our business, financial condition or results of operations. We maintain general and product liability insurance as well as errors and omissions insurance which may provide a source of recovery to us in the event of an indemnification claim.

7. Details of Certain Financial Statement Components and Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information and Non-Cash Activities

Balance Sheet Data:

 

     March 28,
2015
     December 31,
2014
 

Accounts receivable:

     

Accounts receivable-trade

   $ 37,000       $ 87,000   

Less: allowance for doubtful accounts

     (1,000      (1,000
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 36,000    $ 86,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     March 28,
2015
     December 31,
2014
 

Inventories:

     

Raw materials

   $ 569,000       $ 580,000   

Less: Raw material reserves

     (569,000      (540,000

Work-in-process

     30,000         31,000   

Less: Work-in-process reserves

     (30,000      (25,000

Finished goods

     192,000         196,000   

Less: Finished goods reserves

     (192,000      (168,000
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 0    $ 74,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     March 28,
2015
     December 31,
2014
 

Property and Equipment:

     

Equipment

   $ 11,899,000       $ 11,853,000   

Leasehold improvements

     734,000         734,000   

Furniture and fixtures

     223,000         223,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
  12,856,000      12,810,000   

Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization

  (5,617,000   (4,908,000
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 7,239,000    $ 7,902,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Depreciation expense amounted to $709,000 and $312,000 for the three month periods ended March 28, 2015 and March 29, 2014, respectively.

 

     March 28,
2015
     December
31, 2014
 

Patents and Licenses:

     

Patents pending

   $ 460,000       $ 454,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Patents issued

  1,226,000      1,226,000   

Less accumulated amortization

  (813,000   (794,000
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net patents issued

  413,000      432,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
$ 873,000    $ 886,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Amortization expense related to these items totaled $18,000 and $18,000, for the three month periods ended March 28, 2015 and March 29, 2014, respectively. Amortization expenses are expected to total $54,000 for the remainder of 2015 and $73,000 in of 2016 and $73,000 for 2017.

 

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     March 28,
2015
     December 31,
2014
 

Accrued Expenses and Other Long Term Liabilities:

     

Salaries Payable

   $ 79,000       $ 130,000   

Compensated Absences

     163,000         231,000   

Compensation related

     38,000         19,000   

Warranty reserve

     38,000         38,000   

Deferred rent

     335,000         368,000   

Other

     103,000         21,000   

Fair value of warrant derivatives

     2,294,000         5,228,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
  3,050,000      6,035,000   

Less current portion

  (547,000   (1,401,000
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Long term portion

$ 2,503,000    $ 4,634,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     For the three months ended,  
     March 28,
2015
     March 29,
2014
 

Warranty Reserve Activity:

     

Beginning balance

   $ 38,000       $ 151,000   

Additions

     —           —     

Deductions

     —           (5,000
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending balance

$ 38,000    $ 146,000   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

General

We are a leading company in developing and commercializing high temperature superconductor (“HTS”) materials and related technologies. HTS materials can substantially improve the performance characteristics of electrical systems, reducing power loss, lowering heat generation, and decreasing electrical noise.

Commercialization

Our development efforts over the last 27 years have yielded an extensive patent portfolio as well as critical trade secrets, unpatented technology and proprietary knowledge. STI’s strategic plan is to utilize our core proprietary technology in superconductivity and leverage our proprietary manufacturing processes to build Conductus wire for use in electrical power devices. As discussed above, we are adapting our unique HTS material deposition techniques to produce our energy efficient, cost-effective and high performance Conductus wire technology for next generation power applications. We have identified several large initial target markets for superconducting wire including energy (wind turbines, cables, fault current limiters), medical (NMR and MRI), science (high performance magnets) and industrial (motors, generators) applications. We are working with leading industry device manufactures to complete qualification and acceptance testing of Conductus wire. We expect to begin commercial production of Conductus wire in late 2015.

Our development efforts (including those described under “Our Future Business” below) can take a significant number of years to commercialize, and we must overcome significant technical barriers and deal with other significant risks, some of which are set out in our public filings, including in particular the “Risk Factors” included in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2014.

Our Future Business

We have created several unique capabilities and HTS manufacturing systems related to our Conductus wire platform that we are seeking to produce by leveraging our leadership in superconducting technologies, extensive intellectual property and HTS manufacturing expertise.

 

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Table of Contents

HTS Wire Platform

Our Conductus wire product development is focused on large markets where the advantages of HTS wire are recognized by the industry. Our initial product roadmap targets three important applications: superconducting high power transmission cable, superconducting fault current limiters (SFCL) and superconducting rotating machines such as motors and generators.

Superconducting High Power Transmission Cable:

Superconducting high power transmission and distribution cable transmit 5 to 10 times the electrical current of traditional copper or aluminum cables with significantly improved efficiency. HTS power cable systems consist of the cable, which is comprised of 100’s of strands of HTS wire wrapped around a copper core, and the cryogenic cooling system to maintain proper operating conditions. HTS power cables are particularly suited to high load areas such as the dense urban business districts of large cities, where purchases of easements and construction costs for traditional low capacity cables may be cost prohibitive. The primary application for HTS cables is medium voltage feeds to load pockets in dense urban areas. In these high demand zones the grid is often saturated with aging infrastructure. HTS technology brings a considerable amount of power to new locations where the construction of additional transmission to distribution substations, with major transformer assets, is not feasible. Another potential use of HTS power cable is to improve grid power transmission by connecting two existing substations. In dense urban environments many substations often reach capacity limits and require redundant transformer capacity to improve reliability HTS cables can tie these existing stations together, avoiding very costly transformer upgrades and construction costs.

Superconducting Fault Current Limiter (SFCL):

With power demand on the rise and new power generation sources being added, the grid has become overcrowded and vulnerable to catastrophic faults. Faults are abnormal flows of electrical current like a short circuit. As the grid is stressed, faults and power blackouts increase in frequency and severity. SFCLs act like powerful surge protectors, preventing harmful faults from taking down substation equipment by reducing the fault current to a safer level (20 – 50% reduction) so that the existing switchgear can still protect the grid. Currently, electrical-utilities use massive 80kA circuit breakers, oversized transformers and fuses to prevent faults from damaging their equipment and protecting against surges. However, once a fault has occurred, standard circuit breakers suffer destructive failure and need to be replaced before service can be restored. In addition, Smart Grid and embedded alternative energy generation enhancements will increase the need for SCFLs. Grid operators face a major challenge in moving power safely and efficiently, from generators to consumers, through several stages of voltage transformation step downs and step ups. At each stage, valuable energy is lost in the form of waste heat. Moreover, while demands are continually rising, space for transformers and substations—especially in dense urban areas—is severely limited. Conventional oil-cooled transformers pose a fire and environmental hazard. Compact, efficient superconducting transformers, by contrast, are cooled by safe, abundant and environmentally benign liquid nitrogen. As an additional benefit, these actively-cooled devices will offer the capability of operating in overload, to twice the nameplate rating, without any loss of life to meet occasional utility peak load demands.

Superconducting Rotating Machines—Motors and Generators:

Superconducting motors, generators, turbines and other rotating machines are expected to generate large future demand for our Conductus wire. Coils utilizing Conductus wire will enable electric motors and generators to operate at much higher power densities. When compared to a copper wire based electric machine with equivalent output power, future superconducting motors and generators will enable a significant size reductions for the motors with higher efficiency. One potential application for high-powered superconducting generators is expected to be 10+ megawatt offshore wind turbines. Offshore superconducting wind turbines promise to capture clean energy at a lower cost than competing renewables, while delivering power directly to growing coastal cities. Superconducting wind turbines are expected to play a unique role offshore since conventional technology cannot achieve the “power per tower” requirement.

Superconducting High Field magnets:

There are a variety of applications that utilize superconducting magnets in order to capitalize on their unique ability to create extremely high magnetic fields. The NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance) and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) machines of today utilize such superconducting magnets for this very reason. Currently, high-field superconducting magnets are manufactured using commercially available superconducting wire such as niobium-titanium (NbTi) or niobium-tin (Nb3Sn). NMR and MRI device manufacturers look towards advances in superconducting technologies to improve the overall performance of their systems by dramatically increasing the magnetic fields while reducing size. High demand for a robust, high performance and low cost superconducting wire has spurred rapid development of a next generation alternative. In the last 10 years, new second generation (2G) Rare Earth, Barium, Copper Oxide (ReBCO) superconducting materials have been proven to drastically increase magnetic field strengths, especially at low temperatures. These advanced ReBCO based superconductors now provide an excellent alternative to NbTi and Nb3Sn based materials.

 

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Results of Operations

Quarter Ended March 28, 2015 compared to the Quarter Ended March 29, 2014

Net revenues decreased by $334,000, or 86%, to $55,000 in the first quarter of 2015 from $389,000 in the first quarter of 2014. The decrease is the result of lower sales volume for our wireless communications products. We sell this legacy product to large North American wireless operators whose spending on 3G data networks, where our products are deployed, has become a secondary priority. Sales prices for these wireless products were essentially unchanged. Our largest customer accounted for 85% of our net commercial revenues in the first quarter of 2015 and 2014. This customer generally purchased products through non-binding commitments with minimal lead-times. Consequently, our commercial product revenues can fluctuate dramatically from quarter to quarter based on changes in our customers’ capital spending patterns. Sales of our new Conductus wire were not yet significant in first quarter of 2015.

Cost of revenues includes all direct costs, manufacturing overhead and provision for excess and obsolete inventories. The cost of revenues increased to $755,000 in the first quarter of 2015 compared to $370,000 for the first quarter of 2014, an increase of $385,000 or 104%. Our cost of revenues includes both variable and fixed cost components. The variable component consists primarily of materials, assembly and test labor, overhead, which includes equipment and facility depreciation, transportation costs and warranty costs. The fixed component includes test equipment and facility depreciation, purchasing and procurement expenses and quality assurance costs. Given the fixed nature of such costs, the absorption of our production overhead costs into inventory decreases and the amount of production overhead variances charged to cost of sales increases as production volumes decline since we have fewer units to absorb our overhead costs against. Conversely, the absorption of our production overhead costs into inventory increases and the amount of production overhead variances expensed to cost of sales decreases as production volumes increase since we have more units to absorb our overhead costs against. As a result, our gross profit margins generally decrease as revenue and production volumes decline due to lower sales volume and higher amounts of production overhead variances expensed to cost of sales; and our gross profit margins generally increase as our revenue and production volumes increase due to higher sales volume and lower amounts of production overhead variances expensed to cost of sales.

The following is an analysis of our product gross profit and margins:

 

     For the quarters ended  
     March 28, 2015     March 29, 2014  
     (Dollars in thousands)  

Net product sales

   $ 55         100   $ 389         100

Total cost of product sales

     755         1,373     370         95
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gross profit (loss)

$ (700   (1,273 )%  $ 19      5
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

We had a gross loss of $700,000 in the first quarter of 2015 from the sale of our products compared to a gross profit of $19,000 in the first quarter of 2014. We experienced a gross loss in the first quarter of 2015 due to: increases in equipment depreciation, as we bring new Conductus wire equipment into service; our increased manufacturing efforts to bring our Conductus wire production to market; and our sales being insufficient to cover our overhead. To further reduce our costs, in February 2015, we reduced our workforce and implemented certain other cost cutting measures. We also increased our legacy wireless inventory reserve by $58,000 during the quarter, thus reducing this legacy inventory value to zero during the quarter.

Research and development expenses relate to development of new Conductus wire products and new wire products manufacturing processes. Total expenses totaled $1.5 million in the first quarter of 2015 and 2014.

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $1.5 million in the first quarter of 2015 and $1.3 million in the first quarter of 2014. Stock award non-cash expenses were the principal cause of this increase.

We had income from the adjustment to the fair value of our warrant derivatives of $2.6 million in the first quarter of 2015 and an expense of $0.3 million in the first quarter of 2014. The primary reason for the gain was the drop in our stock price offset by the resulting effect of the reduction in the exercise price of certain warrants. This warrant liability is adjusted to fair value each reporting period, and any change in value is recognized in the statement of operations. We also had a $0.4 million expense from the revaluation of warrants just prior to their exercise due to the decrease in their exercise price. See Note 3 — Stockholders’ Equity: Warrants.

Other income from the sale of property and equipment was $1,000 in the first quarter of 2015 and $96,000 in the first quarter of 2014.

We had a net loss of $1.4 million for the quarter ended March 28, 2015, compared to a net loss of $2.9 million in the first quarter of 2014.

The net loss available to common stockholders totaled $0.10 per common share in the first quarter of 2015, compared to a net loss of $0.25 per common share in the first quarter of 2014. The reduction in net loss available to common stockholders is largely due to the fair value adjustments of our warrant derivatives.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash Flow Analysis

As of March 28, 2015, we had working capital of $4.3 million, including $5.3 million in cash and cash equivalents, compared to negative working capital of $0.4 million at December 31, 2014, which included $1.2 million in cash and cash equivalents. We currently invest our excess cash in short-term, investment-grade, money-market instruments with maturities of three months or less.

Cash and cash equivalents increased by $4.1 million from $1.2 million at December 31, 2014 to $5.3 million at March 28, 2015. In the first quarter of 2015, cash was used principally in operations. These uses were offset by net cash proceeds of $6.3 million provided by the sale of common stock and from the exercise of outstanding warrants.

Cash used in operations totaled $2.2 million in the first quarter of 2015. We used $2.3 million to fund the cash portion of our net loss and $0.1 million was provided by changes in our working capital.

Net cash used in investing activities totaled $45,000. Our Conductus wire initiative used $46,000 and there was $1,000 in equipment sales in the first quarter of 2015. In the first quarter of 2014, $1.4 million was used to purchase property and equipment and there were $96,000 in equipment sales.

Net cash provided by financing activities in the first quarter of 2015 was $6.3 million. Cash provided by the exercise of 916,858 outstanding warrants issued in connection with our August 2013 underwritten public offering was $1.7 million and, an additional $4.6 million was provided by the registered direct sale of 3,062,790 shares of our common stock and 1,531,395 warrants.

Financing Activities

We have historically financed our operations through a combination of cash on hand, cash provided from operations, equipment lease financings, available borrowings under bank lines of credit and both private and public equity offerings.

On February 14, 2015, we entered into warrant exercise agreements with certain holders of our outstanding warrants to purchase an aggregate of 916,858 shares of our common stock. The warrants were originally issued as part of an underwritten public offering that we closed on August 9, 2013. Pursuant to the terms of the agreements, the exercise price of the warrants being exercised was adjusted, immediately prior to their exercise, to $2.00 per share down from the previously agreed $2.57. We received gross proceeds of $1.8 million, and net proceeds to us of $1.7 million from their exercise.

On March 25, 2015, in a registered direct offering, we sold 3,062,790 shares of our common stock, and 1,531,395 warrants to purchase additional shares over the next 5.5 years, at a price of $1.6325 per share. After deducting the placement agent fees and our estimated offering expenses, the net proceeds to us from this registered direct offering of common stock, was $4.6 million.

Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

We lease all of our properties. All of our operations, including our manufacturing facilities, are located in industrial complexes in Santa Barbara, California and Austin, Texas. We occupy 22,000 square feet in Santa Barbara, California and 94,000 square feet in Austin, Texas under long-term leases that expire in November 2016 and April 2017, respectively. Although we currently have excess capacity, we believe these facilities can be managed in a flexible and cost effective manner and are adequate to meet current and reasonably anticipated needs for the next two years. Both leases contain renewal options.

We have not had other material changes outside of the ordinary course of business in our contractual obligations as disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2014.

Capital Expenditures

We invested $46,000 for fixed assets in the first quarter of 2015 and we plan to invest $350,000 in fixed assets during the remainder of 2015. These amounts, and the amounts spent in 2014, are for the purchase of equipment and facilities improvements for our Conductus wire initiative. We do not plan any additional fixed asset expenditures in 2015 for our existing wireless business.

Future Liquidity

For the quarter ended March 28, 2015, we incurred a net loss of $1.4 million and had negative cash flows from operations of $2.2 million. In the full 2014 year, we incurred a net loss of $8.3 million and had negative cash flows from operations of $10 million. Our independent registered public accounting firm has included in its audit reports for 2014 and 2013 an explanatory paragraph expressing substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.

 

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At March 28, 2015, we had $5.3 million in cash and cash equivalents. We believe our current cash resources will not be sufficient to fund our business for the next twelve months. We believe the key factors to our future liquidity will be our ability to successfully use our expertise and our technology to generate revenues in various ways, including commercial operations, joint ventures, licenses and we plan to leverage our leadership in superconducting technologies, extensive intellectual property, and HTS manufacturing expertise to develop and produce Conductus wire. Because of the expected timing and uncertainty of these factors, we may need to raise funds to meet our working capital needs.

Additional financing may not be available on acceptable terms or at all. If we issue additional equity securities to raise funds, the ownership percentage of our existing stockholders would be reduced. New investors may demand rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of existing holders of common stock. If we cannot raise any needed funds, we might be forced to make further substantial reductions in our operating expenses, which could adversely affect our ability to implement our current business plan and ultimately our viability as a company.

Net Operating Loss Carryforward

As of December 31, 2014, we had net operating loss carryforwards for federal and state income tax purposes of $325.3 million and $141.1 million, respectively, which expire in the years 2018 through 2034. However, during 2014, we concluded that under the Internal Revenue Code change of control limitations, a maximum of $28.9 million and $28.3 million, respectively, would be available for reduction of taxable income and reduced both the deferred tax asset and valuation allowance accordingly. Due to the uncertainty surrounding their realization, we recorded a full valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets. Accordingly, no deferred tax asset has been recorded in the accompanying balance sheets.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our discussion and analysis of our historical financial condition and results of operations are based upon our condensed consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. The preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with those principles requires us to make estimates of certain items and judgments as to certain future events including for example those related to bad debts, inventories, recovery of long-lived assets (including intangible assets), income taxes, warranty obligations, and contingencies. These determinations, even though inherently subjective and subject to change, affect the reported amounts of our assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. While we believe that our estimates are based on reasonable assumptions and judgments at the time they are made, some of our assumptions, estimates and judgments will inevitably prove to be incorrect. As a result, actual outcomes will likely differ from our accruals, and those differences—positive or negative—could be material. Some of our accruals are subject to adjustment, as we believe appropriate, based on revised estimates and reconciliation to the actual results when available.

In addition, we identified certain critical accounting policies which affect certain of our more significant estimates and assumptions used in preparing our consolidated financial statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2014. We have not made any material changes to these policies.

Backlog

Our commercial backlog consists of accepted product purchase orders with scheduled delivery dates during the next twelve months. We had commercial backlog of $60,000 at March 28, 2015, compared to $63,000 at December 31, 2014.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

We do not believe that there was a material change in our exposure to market risk at March 28, 2015 compared with our market risk exposure on December 31, 2014. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Market Risk” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2014.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

We have established disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). As of the end of the period covered by this report we carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective.

 

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There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 28, 2015 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

We do not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal controls will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected.

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

From time to time, we are party to various lawsuits, claims and other legal proceedings that arise in the ordinary course of our business. Excluding ordinary, routine litigation incidental to our business, we are not currently a party to any legal proceedings that we believe would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operation or cash flow.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

A description of the risk factors associated with our business is contained in Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2014 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 12, 2015. We are not aware of any material changes to those risk factors.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

None.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

None.

Item 5. Other Information.

None.

Item 6. Exhibits.

 

Number    Description of Document
31.1    Statement of CEO Pursuant to 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
31.2    Statement of CFO Pursuant to 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
32.1    Statement of CEO Pursuant to 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
32.2    Statement of CFO Pursuant to 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002*
101.INS    XBRL Instance Document*
101.SCH    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document*
101.CAL    XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document*
101.DEF    XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document*
101.LAB    XBRL Label Linkbase Document*
101.PRE    XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document*

 

* Filed herewith.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on our behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

SUPERCONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGIES INC.
Dated: May 12, 2015

/s/ William J. Buchanan

William J. Buchanan
Chief Financial Officer

/s/ Jeffrey A. Quiram

Jeffrey A. Quiram
President and Chief Executive Officer

 

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