10-K405 1 rfi10k01.txt FORM 10-K FOR YEAR ENDING 12-31-2001 SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 or 15(d) of THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001 Commission File Number 1-9399 RESEARCH FRONTIERS INCORPORATED (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) DELAWARE 11-2103466 (State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer incorporation or organization) Identification No.) 240 CROSSWAYS PARK DRIVE WOODBURY, NEW YORK 11797-2033 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code) Registrant's telephone number, including area code (516) 364-1902 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Name of Exchange Title of Class on Which Registered None Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock, $0.0001 Par value (Title of Class) 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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. [X] As of March 27, 2002 there were 12,130,395 shares of Research Frontiers Incorporated common stock outstanding (of which 625,389 shares were held, either directly or indirectly, by affiliates of the Company), and the aggregate market value of the common shares (based upon the closing trading price of these shares on NASDAQ on March 27, 2002) held by non-affiliates was approximately $204,789,107. In making this computation, all shares known to be owned by directors and executive officers of the Company and all shares known to be owned by other persons holding in excess of 5% of the Company's common stock have been deemed held by "affiliates" of the Company. Nothing herein shall prejudice the right of the Company or any such person to deny that any such director, executive officer, or stockholder is an "affiliate." Exhibit Index at pages 19-23. Page 1 of 43 PART I ITEM 1. BUSINESS General Research Frontiers Incorporated ("Research Frontiers" or the "Company") was incorporated in New York in 1965 and reincorporated in Delaware in 1989. Research Frontiers' business is to develop and license its suspended particle technology for controlling the amount of light passing through a device. Such suspended particle devices are often referred to as "SPDs" or "light valves." SPDs use microscopic light-absorbing particles that are either in a liquid suspension or a film. The microscopic particles align when an electrical voltage is applied. This permits light to pass through the device, and allows the amount of light to be controlled. The first light valve of this type was invented by Dr. Edwin Land, founder of Polaroid Corporation, in the 1930s. Since 1965, Research Frontiers has been actively working to develop and license its own technology, which it protects using patents, trade secrets and know- how. Although patent and trade secret protection is not a guarantee of commercial success, Research Frontiers currently has approximately 365 patents and pending patent applications throughout the world protecting its technology. SPD technology may have wide commercial applications in many types of products where variable light transmission is desired, such as: - "smart" windows - variable light transmission eyewear such as goggles and sunglasses - self-dimmable automotive sunroofs, sunvisors and rear-view mirrors,and - flat panel information displays for use in computers, televisions, telephones and other electronic instruments. Various licensees of Research Frontiers have developed prototypes of smart window, and eyewear products. Also, prototypes of flat panel displays and self-dimming automotive rear-view mirrors have also been developed. These prototypes demonstrate the feasibility and operation of the products they relate to, but they may need additional product design, engineering or testing before commercial products are introduced. Our licensees may consider the exact stage of development, product introduction strategies and timetables, and other plans to be proprietary or secret. At least two licensees of the Company to date have announced production of actual products using SPD technology. InspecTech Aero Service Inc. has received FAA certification for, and have already installed SPD windows on various aircraft. In April 2001, Hankuk Glass Industries, Inc., another licensee of the Company, announced that its subsidiary devoted exclusively to the production of SPD film and end-products, SPD Inc., had acquired a factory in Incheon, Korea. SPD Inc. announced in January 2002 that this factory had begun production of SPD film and end-products made from SPD film. Another licensee of RFI, ThermoView Industries, has begun demonstrating SPD-Smart windows to the public in Times Square, New York and at their annual shareholders meeting, and ThermoView expects to begin sales of SPD variable light transmission windows to the residential customers in the third quarter of 2002. The following table summarizes Research Frontiers' existing license agreements and lists the year these agreements were entered into: Licensee or Optionee Products Covered Territory AP Technoglass Co. Sunroof glass for other licensees (2001) Worldwide Avery Dennison Corp. SPD displays (2001) Worldwide BOS GmbH Variable light transmission SPD sunshades Worldwide and sunvisors. (2002) Dainippon Ink and SPD emulsions for other licensees (1999) Worldwide Chemicals Incorporated Film Technologies Int'l SPD film for other licensees and Worldwide prospective licensees (2001) General Electric Company SPD film for other licensees and Worldwide prospective licensees (1995) Glaverbel, S.A. Automotive vehicle rear-view mirrors, Worldwide transportation vehicle sunvisors, and (except Korea architectural and automotive windows (1996)for windows) Global Mirror GmbH Rear-view mirrors and sunvisors (1999) Worldwide Hankuk Glass Industries Inc. Broad range of SPD light control products Worldwide including windows, flat panel displays, automotive vehicle rear-view mirrors and sunvisors (installed as original equipment on Korean-made cars), and sunroofs; SPD film for licensees and prospective licensees (1997) Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd. SPD emulsions and films for other Worldwide licensees (1999) InspecTech Aero Service,Inc. Aircraft windows and cabin dividers(2001) Worldwide (except Korea) Isoclima S.p.A. Architectural and automotive windows (2002) Worldwide (except Korea) N.V. Bekaert S.A (acquired Architectural and automotive windows, Worldwide from Material Sciences Corp.)SPD film for other licensees, prospective licensees and architectural and automotive window companies (1997) Polaroid Corporation SPD emulsions and films for other licensees(2000)Worldwide ThermoView Industries, Inc. Architectural windows (2000) Worldwide (except Korea) Licensees of Research Frontiers who incorporate SPD technology into end products will pay Research Frontiers a royalty of 5-10% of net sales of licensed products under license agreements currently in effect, and may also be required to pay Research Frontiers minimum annual royalties. Licensees who sell products or components to other licensees of Research Frontiers do not pay a royalty on such sale and Research Frontiers will collect such royalty from the licensee incorporating such products or components into their own end- products. Research Frontiers' license agreements typically allow the licensee to terminate the license after some period of time, and give Research Frontiers only limited rights to terminate before the license expires. Most licenses are non-exclusive and generally last as long as our patents remain in effect. The license granted to Hankuk Glass Industries is exclusive within Korea for certain applications through December 2004. Global Mirror's license restricts new licenses from being granted in the truck mirror original equipment market for a period of time if certain sales milestones are met with respect to commercial vehicles in Classes 5 through 8 with gross vehicle weights in excess of 16,000 pounds. Although the Company believes based upon the status of current negotiations that additional license agreements with third parties will be entered into, there can be no assurance that any such additional license agreements will be consummated, or that any licensee of the Company will produce or sell commercial products using the Company's technology. The Company plans to continue to exploit its SPD light valve technology by entering into additional license and other agreements with end-product manufacturers such as manufacturers of flat glass, flat panel displays, automotive products, and with other interested companies who may wish to acquire rights to manufacture and sell the Company's proprietary liquid suspensions and films. The Company's plans also call for further development of its SPD light valve technology and the provision of additional technological and marketing assistance to its licensees to develop commercially viable products using SPD technology and expand the markets therefor. The Company cannot predict when or if new license agreements will be entered into or if commercial products will result from its existing or future licenses because of the risks inherent in the developmental process and because commercialization is dependent upon the efforts of its licensees as well as on the continuing research and development efforts of the Company. On March 27, 2002, the Company had thirteen full-time employees, six of whom are technical personnel, and the rest of whom perform legal, marketing, investor relations, and administrative functions. Of these employees, two have obtained a doctorate in chemistry, one has a masters in chemistry, two have extensive industrial experience in electronics and electrical engineering, and one has majored in physics. Three employees also have additional postgraduate degrees in business administration. Also the Company's suppliers and licensees have people on their teams with advanced degrees in a number of areas relevant to the commercial development of products using the Company's technology. The success of the Company is dependent on, among other things, the services of its senior management, the loss of whose services could have a material adverse effect upon the prospects of the Company. The Company expects to compete against various display technologies that are currently being used commercially. In particular, the Company expects its SPD technology to compete on the basis of the performance characteristics with liquid crystal displays ("LCDs") and organic light emitting diodes ("OLEDs"). An LCD is generally similar in construction to an SPD display, but instead of a liquid or film suspension, utilizes an organic material called a liquid crystal which, although comprised of molecules that flow like a liquid, has some of the characteristics of solid crystals. Like SPD displays, LCDs are "passive" devices which do not generate light, but merely reflect or modulate existing light. OLEDs emit light rather than transmit it, and unlike LCDs but similar to SPD displays, OLEDs promise to have wide viewing angles and low power consumption. However, several technological and manufacturing hurdles remain in the production of OLEDs including limited life expectancy, sensitivity to degradation from exposure to air and water, and cost. The market for flat panel displays was estimated by others to have been approximately $22.5 billion for 2001. The Company believes that some of its licensees may begin to challenge OLEDs and liquid crystal displays with SPDs for part of the flat panel display market during the next several years. The Company believes that its SPD light valves and related technology have significant advantages over existing display devices and related technology. In comparison to existing twisted nematic type LCDs, the Company's SPD displays are believed to have (i) higher contrast and brightness, (ii) a wider angle of view, (iii) lower estimated production costs, (iv) a less complex fabrication procedure, (v) the ability to function over a wider temperature range, (vi) the ability to make displays without using sheet polarizers or alignment layers, and (vii) lower light loss and a corresponding reduction in backlighting requirements. With respect to other types of displays which emit their own light, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and cathode ray tubes (CRTs), the Company's SPD light valves should have the advantages of lower power consumption and make possible larger displays that are easier to read in bright light. The Company also believes that its SPD light valve technology will have certain performance advantages over other technologies for so-called "smart windows," windows which electrically vary the amount of light passing through them, and automatically self-dimmable automotive rear-view mirrors. Variable light transmission technologies can be classified into two basic types: "smart" technologies that can be controlled electrically by the user either automatically or manually, and passive technologies that can only react to ambient environmental conditions. One type of passive variable light transmission technology is photochromic technology; such devices change their level of transparency in reaction to external radiation. As compared to photochromic technology, the Company's technology permits the user to adjust the amount of light passing through the viewing area of the device rather than merely reacting to external radiation. In addition, the reaction time necessary to change from light to dark with SPDs can be almost instantaneous, as compared to the much slower reaction time for photochromic devices. Unlike SPD technology, photochromic technology does not function well at the high end of the temperature range in which smart windows are normally expected to operate. The second category of variable light transmission window technology comprises user-controllable "smart" technologies: These "smart" technologies include electrochromic technology, liquid crystal technology, and the Company's SPD technology. Electrochromic Technology: When compared to electrochromic windows and rear-view mirrors, which use a direct current voltage to alter the molecular structure of electrochromic materials (which can be in the form of either a liquid, gel or solid film) causing the material to darken, SPDs have numerous potential performance, manufacturing and cost advantages. In comparing the Company's SPD light valves to electrochromic technologies, SPDs are expected to have some or all of the following advantages: (i) faster response time, (ii) lower estimated costs, (iii) more reliable performance over a wider temperature range, (iv) capability of achieving darker off- states, (v) lower current drain, (vi) higher estimated battery life in applications where batteries are used, and (vii) no "iris effect" (where light transmission changes first occur at the outer edges of a window or mirror and then work their way toward the center) when changing from clear to dark and back again. Many companies with substantially greater resources than Research Frontiers such as 3M, Asahi Glass, Gentex Corp., Pilkington, PPG Industries, Schott Donnelly, and other large corporations have pursued or are pursuing projects in the electrochromic area. Pilkington has reportedly introduced an electrochromic window in Germany having an estimated installed cost of about $125 per square foot. Many of these companies listed have reported discontinuing or substantially curtailing their work on electrochromics due to technical problems and issues relating to the expense of these technologies. Liquid Crystal Technology: To date, the main types of liquid crystal smart windows have been produced by Taliq Corp. (a subsidiary of Raychem Corp. which has since discontinued its liquid crystal operations and licensed its technology to others), Nippon Sheet Glass, Saint Gobain Vitrage SA, Polytronix, Inc. and 3M (which has also reportedly discontinued its liquid crystal film making operations). These windows are very expensive (having an estimated installed cost of about $200-250 per square foot), and only change from a cloudy opaque milky-white to a hazy clear state, with no useful intermediate states. As compared to liquid crystal windows, SPD smart windows should be less expensive to produce, could be viewed at wide angles without a light scattering haze effect when activated, would operate over a wider temperature range, and would permit an infinite number of intermediate states between a transparent state with no visible haze to a dark blue state. LCDs and other types of displays, as well as electrochromic self-dimmable rear-view mirrors, are already on the market, whereas products incorporating SPD technology have only begun to appear in the marketplace, so long-term durability and performace of SPD light valves have not yet been fully ascertained. The companies manufacturing LCD and other display devices, LCD windows, and electrochromic self- dimmable rear-view mirrors, have substantially greater financial resources and manufacturing experience than the Company. There is no assurance that comparable systems having the same advantages of the Company's SPD light valves could not be developed by competitors at a lower cost or that other products could not be developed which would render the Company's products difficult to market or technologically or otherwise obsolete. In each of the last three fiscal years the Company has devoted substantially all of its time to the development of one class of products and therefore revenue analysis per class is not provided herein. The Company does not believe that future sales will be seasonal in any material respect. Due to the nature of the Company's business operations and the fact that the Company is not presently a manufacturer, there is no backlog of orders for the Company's products, although there may be backlogs of orders at licensees which are currently being filled now that SPD Inc.'s factory has commenced production of SPD film and end products using such film. The Company believes that compliance with federal, state and local provisions which have been enacted or adopted regulating the discharge of materials into the environment, or otherwise relating to the protection of the environment, will not have a material effect upon the capital expenditures, earnings and competitive position of the Company. The Company has no material capital expenditures for environmental control facilities planned for the remainder of its current fiscal year or its next succeeding fiscal year. Research and Development As a result of the Company's research and development efforts, the Company believes that its SPD light valves will be usable in a number of commercial products. Such products may include one or more of the following fields: "smart" windows, variable light transmission eyewear such as sunglasses and goggles, self-dimmable automotive sunroofs, sunvisors and mirrors, and instruments and other information displays that use digits, letters, graphic images, or other symbols to supply information, including scientific instruments, aviation instruments, automobile dashboard displays and, if certain improvements can be made in various features of the Company's SPD light valves, portable computer displays and flat panel television displays. The Company believes that most of its research and development efforts have applicability to products that may incorporate the Company's technology. Although the Company believes that the state of development of its technology is sufficiently advanced that commercial products should be producible hereafter by its licensees, such potential commercialization is beyond the control of the Company. In addition, the Company intends to continue its research and development efforts for the foreseeable future to improve its SPD light valve technology and thereby assist in the commercialization of the Company's SPD light valve technology by the Company's licensees. The Company has devoted most of the resources it has heretofore expended to research and development activities with the goal of producing commercially viable light valves and already has developed working prototypes of its SPD light valves for several different applications including smart windows, mirrors and flat panel displays. Research Frontiers' main goals in its research and development are: - developing wider ranges of light transmission and quicker switching speeds, - developing different colored particles, - reducing the voltage required to operate SPDs, and - obtaining data and developing improved materials regarding environmental stability and longevity. Research Frontiers incurred about $2,635,000, $2,619,000, and $1,971,000 (which includes the purchase of patents), during the years ended December 31, 2001, 2000, and 1999, respectively, for research and development. Research Frontiers plans to engage in substantial continuing research and development activities. Patents and Proprietary Information The Company has 23 United States patents in force. Five United States and six international patent applications are pending. The Company's United States patents expire at various dates from 2006 through 2020. The Company has approximately 137 issued patents and a substantial number of patent applications pending in foreign countries. The Company's foreign patents expire at various dates from 2002 through 2019. The Company believes that its SPD light valve technology is adequately protected by its patent position and by its proprietary technological know-how. However, the validity of the Company's patents has never been contested in any litigation. To a lesser extent, the Company relies on trade secrets and nondisclosure agreements to protect its technology. The Company generally requires any employee, consultant, or licensee having access to its confidential information to execute an agreement whereby such person agrees to keep such information confidential. Rights Plan In February 1993, the Company's Board of Directors adopted a Stockholders' Rights Plan and declared a dividend distribution of one Right for each outstanding share of Company common stock to stockholders of record at the close of business on April 12, 1993. If a person or group has acquired beneficial ownership of, or commences a tender or exchange offer for, 20% or more of the Company's common stock, unless redeemed by the Company's Board of Directors, each Right entitles the holder (other than the acquiring person) to purchase from the Company $90 worth of common stock for $45. If the Company is merged into, or 50% or more of its assets or earning power is sold to, the acquiring company, the Rights will also enable the holder (other than the acquiring person) to purchase $90 worth of common stock of the acquiring company for $45. The Rights will expire at the close of business on February 16, 2003, unless the Rights Plan is extended by the Company's Board of Directors or unless the Rights are earlier redeemed by the Company at a price of $.0000424 per Right. The Rights are not exercisable during the time when they are redeemable by the Company. The above description highlights some of the features of the Company's Rights Plan and is not a complete description of the Rights Plan. A more detailed description and a copy of the Rights Plan is available from the Company upon request. ITEM 2. PROPERTIES The Company currently occupies approximately 8,100 square feet of space at a minimum annual rental of approximately $141,500 (which rises over the term of the lease to approximately $143,500) for its executive office and research facility at 240 Crossways Park Drive, Woodbury, New York 11797 under a lease expiring January 31, 2004. The Company believes that its space, including its laboratory facilities, is adequate for its present needs. ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS There are no legal proceedings pending by or against the Company. ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS None PART II ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS (a) Market Information (1) The Company's common stock is traded on the NASDAQ National Market. As of March 27, 2002, there were 12,130,395 shares of common stock outstanding. (2) The following table sets forth the range of the high and low selling prices (as provided by the National Association of Securities Dealers) of the Company's common stock for each quarterly period within the past two fiscal years: Quarter Ended Low High March 31, 2000 14.6250 40.0000 June 30, 2000 9.6875 32.0000 September 30, 2000 14.7500 31.7500 December 31, 2000 13.7500 22.4375 March 31, 2001 10.5000 24.2500 June 30, 2001 17.0000 30.0000 September 30, 2001 9.0000 29.0000 December 31, 2001 13.1500 19.0000 These quotations may reflect inter-dealer prices, without retail mark-up, mark-down, or commission, and may not necessarily represent actual transactions. (b) Approximate Number of Security Holders As of March 27, 2002, there were 606 holders of record of the Company's common stock. The Company estimates that there are approximately 10,675 beneficial holders of the Company's common stock. (c) Dividends The Company did not pay dividends on its common stock in 2001 and does not expect to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. There are no restrictions on the payment of dividends. ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA The following table sets forth selected data regarding the Company's operating results and financial position. The data should be read in conjunction with Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, all of which are contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Year ended December 31, 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 Statement of Operations Data: Fee income $142,002 $333,652 $128,096 $108,735 $ 60,000 Operating expenses 2,744,059 3,027,655 1,605,028 1,631,179 1,884,038 Research and development(1)2,634,671 2,618,567 1,971,341 1,647,448 1,831,397 Non-recurring non-cash compensation expense (2) -- 3,133,748 671,052 -- -- 5,378,730 8,779,970 4,247,421 3,278,627 3,715,435 Operating loss (5,236,728)(8,446,318)(4,119,325)(3,169,892)(3,655,435) Net investment income (3) 696,058 878,518 386,303 460,572 425,990 Other income -- -- -- 91,379 -- Net loss (4,540,670)(7,567,800)(3,733,022)(2,617,941)(3,229,445) Basic and diluted net loss per common share (.38) (.63) (.34) (.24) (.32) Dividends per share -- -- -- -- -- As of December 31, 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 Balance Sheet Data: Total current assets $8,272,677 $15,358,819 $9,695,137 $ 6,728,453 $9,728,285 Total assets 9,324,902 15,729,127 10,037,063 7,021,291 10,033,663 Long-term debt, including accrued interest -- -- -- -- -- Total shareholders'equity9,049,920 14,737,917 9,507,736 6,740,489 9,621,979 (1) Research and development expenses for 1999 include $289,177 paid by the Company for 74 patents and patent applications acquired from Glaverbel, SA. (2) During 1999, the Company granted 237,800 contingent performance options to employees, which vested only, if a certain performance milestone in the price of the Company's common stock was achieved during 2000. The charges recorded as a result of the issuance of these performance options were calculated based upon changes in the Company's stock price as of the end of each quarter until the vesting date, and are non-cash compensation charges. (3) Net investment income for 2001, 2000, 1999, 1998, and 1997 includes $0, $0, $95,001, $50,968, and $68,810, respectively, of interest income received from officers of the Company upon payment of notes receivable, and $6,382 of unrealized loss on investments in 1997. Prior to July 1997, the Company classified its investments as trading securities which resulted in the unrealized gains and losses recorded in the statement of operations. ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Accounting Policies The following accounting policies are important to understanding our financial condition and results of operations and should be read as an integral part of the discussion and analysis of the results of our operations and financial position. For additional accounting policies, see note 2 to our consolidated financial statements, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies". We have entered into a number of license agreements covering potential products using the Company's SPD technology. Under these agreements, we generally recognize income from royalties when earned in accordance with the terms of the agreements. The Company expenses costs relating to the development or acquisition of patents due to the uncertainty of the recoverability of these items. All of our research and development costs are charged to operations as incurred. Our research and development expenses consist of costs incurred for internal and external research and development. These costs include direct and research-related overhead expenses. On occasion, the Company may issue to consultants either options or warrants to purchase shares of common stock of the Company at specified share prices. These options or warrants may vest based upon specific services being performed or performance criteria being met. In accordance with EITF Issue 96-18, "Accounting for Equity Instruments that are Issued to Other than Employees for Acquiring, or in Conjunction with Selling, Goods or Services," the Company would be required to record consulting expenses based upon the fair value of such options or warrants on the date that such options or warrants vest as determined using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. Depending upon the difference between the exercise price and the market price of the Company's common stock on the date that such options or warrants vest, the amount of non-cash expenses that could be recorded as a result of the vesting of such options or warrants can be material. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from these estimates. An example of a critical estimate is the full valuation allowance for deferred taxes that was recorded based on the uncertainty that such tax benefits will be realized in future periods. Results of Operations Year ended December 31, 2001 Compared to the Year ended December 31, 2000 The Company's fee income from licensing activities for 2001 was $142,002 as compared to $333,652 for 2000. Certain license fees, which are paid to the Company in advance of the accounting period in which they are earned resulting in the recognition of deferred revenue for the current accounting period, will be recognized as fee income in future periods. Also, licensees may offset some or all of their royalty payments on sales of licensed products for a given period by applying these advance payments towards such earned royalty payments. Operating expenses decreased by $283,596 for 2001 to $2,744,059 from $3,027,655 for 2000. This decrease was primarily the result of a lower non-cash accounting charge of $43,596 which was recorded by the Company during 2001 compared to a non-cash accounting charge of $598,758 which was recorded by the Company during 2000, relating to the vesting of warrants based upon performance criteria being achieved or services performed, which expense was based upon the fair value of such warrants on the date the warrants vested as determined using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. Partially offsetting this decrease were increases with respect to payroll, marketing, public relations and insurance expenses. Research and development expenditures increased modestly in 2001 to $2,634,671 from $2,618,567 for 2000. This increase was primarily the result of higher patent, payroll and insurance expenses, offset partially by lower costs of materials and lower consulting expenses. Operating expenses and research and development expenses listed above included amounts paid under a performance bonus plan of $496,790 and $288,710, respectively during 2001 and $477,500 and $277,500, respectively during 2000. The Company also recorded a non-cash compensation charge of $3,133,748 during 2000 which did not recur during 2001 which is related to the non-recurring grant of certain contingent performance options issued to employees and directors during 1999. Because of the performance milestones which must have been achieved in order for these options to vest, the Company was required to account for these options as variable plan under APB Opinion No. 25. Without taking into account the non-cash accounting charge associated with the contingent performance options described above and the performance warrants described above, the Company's net loss would have been $4,497,074 ($0.37 per share) for 2001 as compared to $3,835,294 ($0.32 per share) for 2000. The Company's net gain from its investing activities for 2001 was $696,058, as compared to a net gain from its investing activities of $878,518 for 2000. This difference was primarily due to a lower level of average investment balances in 2001 compared to 2000, and lower prevailing interest rates in the U.S. Treasury markets. As a consequence of the factors discussed above, the Company's net loss was $4,540,670 ($0.38 per share) for 2001 as compared to $7,567,800 ($0.63 per share) for 2000. Without taking into account the non-cash accounting charge associated with the contingent performance options described above and the performance warrants described above, the Company's net loss would have been $4,497,074 ($0.37 per share) for 2001 as compared to $3,835,294 ($0.32 per share) for 2000. Year ended December 31, 2000 Compared to the Year ended December 31, 1999 The Company's fee income from licensing activities for 2000 was $333,652 as compared to fee income of $128,096 for 1999. The increase in fee income was due to the Company entering into additional license agreements during the year and scheduled increases in the minimum annual royalties payable thereunder. Certain license fees, which are paid to the Company in advance of the accounting period in which they are earned resulting in the recognition of deferred revenue for the current accounting period, will be recognized as fee income in future periods. Operating expenses increased by $1,422,627 for 2000 to $3,027,655 from $1,605,028 for 1999. This increase was primarily the result of increased compensation (primarily as a result of certain non-cash charges associated with performance options and warrants issued to consultants described below, the addition of two new employees during the first quarter of 2000, and the payment to employees for certain performance bonuses), marketing, insurance, stock listing fees, depreciation, general expenses, and travel expenses, offset by lower investor and public relations expenses, legal and accounting fees. During 2000, the Company incurred non-cash operating expenses of $598,758 in connection with the issuance of options to certain consultants valued by the Black-Scholes pricing model at $70,560, and a non-cash compensation charge of $528,198 relating to the vesting of certain performance based warrants issued to another consultant for services performed. Research and development expenditures increased by $647,226 to $2,618,567 for 2000 from $1,971,341 for 1999. This increase was primarily the result of higher research-related salaries and performance bonuses, and higher materials costs, patent and depreciation expenses. Operating expenses and research and development expenses listed above included amounts accrued under a performance bonus plan of $477,500 and $277,500, respectively. These performance bonuses in the amount accrued for were paid by the Company during the third quarter of 2000 because the applicable performance milestones were achieved. In addition to these performance bonus accruals, the Company also recorded a non-cash compensation charge of $3,133,748 and $671,052 with respect to 2000 and 1999, respectively, which is related to the non-recurring grant of certain contingent performance options issued to employees and directors during 1999. The Company's net gain from its investing activities for 2000 was $878,518, as compared to a net gain from its investing activities of $291,302 for 1999. This difference was primarily due to a higher level of average investment balances in 2000 compared to the same period in 1999 as a result of proceeds received from the exercise of the Class A Warrant and employee stock options. In addition, during 1999 the Company recorded $95,001 of interest income on notes receivable from one of its officers which was paid through the delivery of shares of common stock to the Company. As a consequence of the factors discussed above, the Company's net loss was $7,567,800 ($0.63 per share) for 2000 as compared to $3,733,022 ($0.34 per share) for 1999. As more fully described above, during 2000, the Company incurred non-cash accounting charges of $3,732,506 in connection with contingent performance options issued to employees of the Company in 1999 and the issuance of options and warrants to non-employees when these options and warrants vested. Without taking into account these non-cash accounting charges of $3,732,506, the Company's net loss would have been $3,835,294 ($0.32 per share) for 2000 as compared to $3,061,970 ($0.28 per share) for 1999. Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources During 2001, the Company's cash and cash equivalent balance decreased by $2,952,962 principally as a result of the $6,614,721 of proceeds received, net of expenses, from the issuance of common stock upon the exercise of options and warrants, the proceeds of which have been invested by the Company primarily in U.S. Treasury notes, offset by cash used to fund the Company's operating activities of $4,938,397, and the purchase of 407,065 shares of treasury stock for $8,144,693 (which shares were subsequently retired). At December 31, 2001, the Company had working capital of $7,997,695 and its shareholders' equity was $9,049,920. On October 1, 1998, the Company announced that Ailouros Ltd., a London-based institutional money management fund, has committed to purchase up to $15 million worth of common stock of the Company through December 31, 2001. This commitment is in the form of a Class A Warrant issued to Ailouros Ltd. which gives the Company the option in any three- month period to deliver a put notice to Ailouros requiring them to purchase an amount of common stock specified by the Company at a price equal to the greater of (A) 92% of the seven- day average trading price per share of common stock, or (B) a minimum or "floor" price per share set by the Company from time to time. The pricing was initially subject to an overall cap of $15 per share, which cap has now been eliminated by mutual agreement so that the Company may put stock to Ailouros at selling prices in excess of $15 per share. However, the Company is not required to sell any shares under the agreement. Before the beginning of each of a series of three-month periods specified by the Company, the Company determines the amount of common stock that the Company wishes to issue during such three-month period. The Company also sets the minimum selling or "floor" price, which can be reset by the Company in its sole discretion prior to the beginning of any subsequent three- month period. Therefore, at the beginning of each three-month period, the Company will determine how much common stock, if any, is to be sold (the amount of which can range from $0 to $1.5 million during such three-month period), and the minimum selling price per share. In March 2000, Ailouros agreed to expand its commitment beyond the original $15 million, thereby giving the Company the right to raise additional funds from Ailouros so long as the Company does not have to issue more shares than were originally registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and in December 2001 the expiration date of the Class A Warrant was extended to December 31, 2003. During the second quarter of 2001, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, SPD Enterprises, Inc., invested approximately $750,000 for a minority equity interest in SPD Inc., a subsidiary of Hankuk Glass Industries Inc., Korea's largest glass manufacturer, which is dedicated exclusively to the production of suspended particle device (SPD) light-control film and a wide variety of end-products using SPD film. In December 2000, the Company's Board of Directors approved a performance bonus plan which provides for a bonus to be paid on or after July 2, 2001 and on or after January 2, 2002 equal to 1% of the increase, if any, in the Company's market value during the first and second halves of 2001. Bonuses are capped at a recipient's salary in the case of employees of the Company, and are currently capped at $57,222 in the case of non-employee directors of the Company. During 2000, the Company had a similar performance plan in place. The Company recorded $785,500 and $755,000 of expenses in connection with these plans for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively. The Company's Board of Directors approved a similar bonus plan for 2002 but with higher thresholds to be met before a bonus is payable under such plan. In addition to the payment caps described above, under the current plan, in order to insure that bonuses are not paid based upon temporary fluctuations in the market value of the Company, bonuses under this plan will only be paid to the various participants under this plan if and when the market value of the Company exceeds $280,489,009 (and in the case of any bonus paid to Robert L. Saxe, if and when the market value of the Company exceeds $304,207,362). The Company expects to use its cash and the proceeds from maturities of its investments to fund its research and development of SPD light valves and for other working capital purposes. The Company's working capital and capital requirements depend upon numerous factors, including the results of research and development activities, competitive and technological developments, the timing and cost of patent filings, the development of new licensees and changes in the Company's relationships with its existing licensees. The degree of dependence of the Company's working capital requirements on each of the foregoing factors cannot be quantified; increased research and development activities and related costs would increase such requirements; the addition of new licensees may provide additional working capital or working capital requirements, and changes in relationships with existing licensees would have a favorable or negative impact depending upon the nature of such changes. Based upon existing levels of expenditures, assumed ten percent annual increases therein, existing cash reserves and budgeted revenues, the Company believes that it would not require additional funding for the next two years (without giving effect to any new financing raised). There can be no assurance that expenditures will not exceed the anticipated amounts or that additional financing, if required, will be available when needed or, if available, that its terms will be favorable or acceptable to the Company. Eventual success of the Company and generation of positive cash flow will be dependent upon the commercialization of products using the Company's technology by the Company's licensees and payments of continuing royalties on account thereof. Inflation The Company does not believe that inflation has a significant impact on its business. New Accounting Standards In July 2001, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, Business Combinations which supersedes Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 16, Business Combinations. SFAS 141 eliminates the pooling-of- interests method of accounting for business combinations and modifies the application of the purchase accounting method. The elimination of the pooling-of-interests method is effective for transactions initiated after June 30, 2001. The remaining provisions of SFAS 141 will be effective for transactions accounted for using the purchase method that are completed after June 30, 2001. In July 2001, the FASB also issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, Goodwill and Intangible Assets which supersedes APB Opinion No. 17, Intangible Assets. SFAS 142 eliminates the current requirement to amortize goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, addresses the amortization of intangible assets with a defined life and addresses the impairment testing and recognition for goodwill and intangible assets. SFAS 142 will apply to goodwill and intangible assets arising from transactions completed before and after the Statement's effective date. SFAS 142 is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2002. Management of the Company does not believe that the implementation of SFAS 141 or SFAS 142 will have a significant impact on its financial position or results of operations. In October 2001, the FASB also issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets ,which addresses financial accounting and reporting for the impairment or disposal of long-lived assets. This statement supersedes SFAS No. 121, Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of, while retaining the fundamental recognition and measurement provisions of that statement. SFAS No. 144 requires that a long-lived asset to be abandoned, exchanged for a similar productive asset or distributed to owners in a spinoff to be considered held and used until it is disposed of. However, SFAS No. 144 requires that management consider revising the depreciable life of such long-lived asset. With respect to long- lived assets to be disposed of by sale, SFAS No. 144 retains the provisions of SFAS No. 121, and therefore, requires that discontinued operations no longer be measured on a net realizable value basis and that future operating losses associated with such discontinued operations no longer be recognized before they occur. SFAS 144 is effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2002. Management of the Company does not believe that the implementation of SFAS 144 will have a significant impact on its financial position or results of operations. Related Party Transactions Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 57, "Related Party Disclosures" requires the Company to identify and describe material transactions involving related persons or entities and to disclose information necessary to understand the effects of such transactions on our consolidated financial statements. The Company has loaned two officers an aggregate of $152,961. Each of the aforementioned loans were made in April 1997 or prior thereto; are due in January 2003; relate to the purchase of common stock of the Company; are collateralized by the pledge of shares of common stock of the Company; may be prepaid in part or in full without notice or penalty; are represented by a promissory note which bears interest at a rate per annum equal to the broker call rate in effect on the first day of each calendar quarter; and permit repayment of the loan by delivery of securities of the Company having a fair market value equal to the balance of the loan outstanding. Forward Looking Statements The information set forth in this Report and in all publicly disseminated information about the Company, including the narrative contained in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" above, includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is subject to the safe harbor created by that section. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements as they speak only as of the date hereof and are not guaranteed. ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK The Company invests available cash and cash equivalents in short-term U.S. treasury securities with maturities that are generally two years or less. Although the rate of interest paid on such investments may fluctuate over time, each of the Company's investments, other than in money market funds whose interest yield varies, is made at a fixed interest rate over the duration of the investment. Accordingly, the Company does not believe it is materially exposed to changes in interest rates as it generally holds these treasury securities until maturity. The Company does not have any sales, purchases, assets or liabilities determined in currencies other than the U.S. dollar, and as such, is not subject to foreign currency exchange risk. ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA The consolidated financial statements listed in Item 14(a)(1) and (2) are included in this Report beginning on page F-1. ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE None. PART III ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT The information required by this Item 10 is incorporated by reference to the Company's definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Commission on or before April 30, 2002, in connection with the Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders scheduled to be held on June 13, 2002. ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION The information required by this Item 11 is incorporated by reference to the Company's definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Commission on or before April 30, 2002, in connection with the Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders scheduled to be held on June 13, 2002. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein or in any of the Company's past or future filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission that might incorporate by reference the Company's definitive Proxy Statement, in whole or in part, the report of the compensation committee and the stock price performance graph contained in such definitive Proxy Statement shall not be incorporated by reference into this Annual Report on Form 10-K or in any other such filings. ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT The information required by this Item 12 is incorporated by reference to the Company's definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Commission on or before April 30, 2002, in connection with the Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders scheduled to be held on June 13, 2002. ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS The information required by this Item 13 is incorporated by reference to the Company's definitive Proxy Statement to be filed with the Commission on or before April 30, 2002, in connection with the Company's Annual Meeting of Stockholders scheduled to be held on June 13, 2002. PART IV ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K (a)(1) and (2) Financial Statements and Financial Statement Schedules The following financial statements of Research Frontiers Incorporated, the related notes thereto, together with the report thereon of KPMG LLP are filed under Item 8 of this Report. Independent Auditors' Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-1 Financial Statements: Consolidated Balance Sheets, December 31, 2001 and 2000. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-2 Consolidated Statements of Operations, Years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999. . . . . . . . F-3 Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity, Years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999. . . . . . . . F-4 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, Years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999. . . . . . . . F-5 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . F-6 All schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, or not required, or because the required information is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto. (a)(3) Exhibits Page 3.1 Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company. Previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 1994, and incorporated herein by reference. 3.2 Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993 and incorporated herein by reference. 4.1 Form of Common Stock Certificate. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-18 (Reg. No. 33-5573NY), declared effective by the Commission on July 8, 1986, and incorporated herein by reference. 4.2 Rights Agreement dated as of February 16, 1993 between Research Frontiers Incorporated and Continental Stock Transfer & Trust Company, as Rights Agent, which includes as Exhibit A thereto the Form of Rights Certificate. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated February 16, 1993, and incorporated herein by reference. 4.3 Subscription Agreement between Research Frontiers and Ailouros Ltd. dated as of October 1, 1998, and related Class A Warrant and Class B Warrant between Research Frontiers and Ailouros Ltd. dated as of October 1, 1998. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-65219) dated October 1, 1998, and incorporated herein by reference. 10.1* Amended and Restated Employment Contract effective January 1, 1989 between the Company and Robert L. Saxe. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993 and incorporated herein by reference. 10.2* Amended and Restated 1992 Stock Option Plan. Previously filed as Exhibit 4 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Reg. No. 33- 86910) filed with the Commission on November 30, 1994, and incorporated herein by reference. 10.3* 1998 Stock Option Plan, as amended. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Definitive Proxy Statement dated April 30, 1998 filed with the Commission on April 29, 1998, 1994, and incorporated herein by reference. 10.4* Form of Stock Option Agreement between the Company and recipients of stock options issued pursuant to the Company's Stock Option Plans. Previously filed as part of Exhibits 4.1, 4.2, and 4.3 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Reg. No. 33- 53030) filed with the Commission on October 6, 1992, and incorporated herein by reference. 10.5 Lease Agreement dated November 7, 1986, between the Company and Industrial & Research Associates Co. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1986 and incorporated herein by reference. 10.5.1 First Amendment to Lease dated November 26, 1991 between the Company and Industrial and Research Associates Co. Previously filed as an Exhibit to Amendment No. 1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Reg. No. 33-43768) declared effective by the Commission on December 17, 1991, and incorporated herein by reference. 10.5.2 Second Amendment to Lease dated March 11, 1994 between the Company and Industrial and Research Associates Co. Previously filed as an exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1993 and incorporated herein by reference. 10.5.3 Third Amendment to Lease dated July 14, 1998 between the Company and Industrial and Research Associates Co. (filed herewith). 10.6 License Agreement effective as of August 2, 1995 between the Company and General Electric Company. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 2, 1995 with portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by reference. 10.7 License Agreement effective as of April 29, 1996 between the Company and Glaverbel, S.A. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 1996 with portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by reference. 10.8 License Agreement effective as of January 18, 1997 between the Company and Material Sciences Corporation. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 3, 1997 with portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by reference. 10.9 License Agreement effective as of March 31, 1997 between the Company and Hankuk Glass Industries, Inc. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 1997 with portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by reference. 10.10 License Agreement effective as of August 8, 1997 between the Company and Orcolite, a Unit of Monsanto Company. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 1997 with portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by reference. 10.11 License Agreement effective as of June 25, 1999 between the Company and Dainippon Ink and Chemicals, Incorporated. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 1999 with portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by reference. 10.12 License Agreement effective as of August 9, 1999 between the Company and Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 1999 with portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by reference. 10.13 License Agreement effective as of December 3, 1999 between the Company and Global Mirror GmbH & Co. KG. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999 with portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by reference. 10.14 License Agreement effective as of December 13, 1999 between the Company and Global Mirror GmbH & Co. KG. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999 with portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by reference. 10.15 License Agreement effective as of March 21, 2000 between the Company and ThermoView Industries, Inc.Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1999 with portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by reference. 10.16 License Agreement effective as of May 23, 2000 between the Company and Polaroid Corporation. Previously filed as an Exhibit to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2000 with portions omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and incorporated herein by reference. 10.17 License Agreement effective as of February 16,2001 between the Company and AP Technoglass Co. Filed herewith with portions of this document omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 10.18 License Agreement effective as of March 21, 2001 between the Company and InspecTech Aero Service, Inc. Filed herewith with portions of this document omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 10.19 License Agreement effective as of March 28, 2001 between the Company and Film Technologies International, Inc. Filed herewith with portions of this document omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 10.20 License Agreement effective as of November 29, 2001 between the Company and Avery Dennison Corporation. Filed herewith with portions of this document omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 10.21 License Agreement effective as of February 4, 2002 between the Company and BOS GmbH & Co. KG. Filed herewith with portions of this document omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 10.22 License Agreement effective as of March 11, 2002 between the Company and Isoclima S.p.A. Filed herewith with portions of this document omitted pursuant to the Registrant's request for confidential treatment and filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 21 Subsidiaries of the Registrant - SPD Enterprises, Inc. 23 Consent of KPMG LLP - Filed herewith. * Executive Compensation Plan or Arrangement. (b) Reports on Form 8-K: A Current Report on Form 8-K was filed by the Registrant on December 31, 2001 regarding the extension of the expiration of the Class A Warrants held by Ailouros Ltd., negotiations with prospective licensees, the termination of Vision-Ease Lens Azusa Inc.'s eyewear license agreement, and amendments to the Company's performance bonus plan. SIGNATURES Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. RESEARCH FRONTIERS INCORPORATED By: /s/Robert L. Saxe Robert L. Saxe, Chairman and Treasurer (Principal Executive, Financial, and Accounting Officer) Dated: March 27, 2002 Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated: Signature Position Date /s/Robert M. Budin Director March 27, 2002 Robert M. Budin /s/Joseph M. Harary Director March 27, 2002 Joseph M. Harary /s/Victor F. Keen Director March 27, 2002 Victor F. Keen /s/Robert L. Saxe Director, Chairman March 27, 2002 Robert L. Saxe and Treasurer Independent Auditors' Report The Shareholders and Board of Directors Research Frontiers Incorporated: We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Research Frontiers Incorporated and subsidiary as of December 31, 2001 and 2000, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders' equity and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2001. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Research Frontiers Incorporated and subsidiary at December 31, 2001 and 2000 and the results of its operations and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2001 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. /s/ KPMG LLP Melville, New York March 1, 2002 RESEARCH FRONTIERS INCORPORATED Consolidated Balance Sheets December 31, 2001 and 2000 Assets 2001 2000 Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 853,210 3,806,172 Marketable investment securities held-to-maturity -- 11,307,752 Marketable investment securities-available for sale 7,083,606 3,906 Receivable from warrant exercise pending settlement 164,311 -- Royalty receivable 37,500 -- Prepaid expenses and other current assets 134,050 240,989 Total current assets 8,272,677 15,358,819 Investment in SPD Inc., at cost 750,002 -- Fixed assets, net 279,618 347,703 Deposits and other assets 22,605 22,605 Total assets $ 9,324,902 15,729,127 Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 79,197 203,787 Deferred revenue 37,500 37,502 Accrued expenses and other 158,285 749,921 Total liabilities 274,982 991,210 Shareholders' equity: Common stock, par value $0.0001 per share; authorized 100,000,000 shares,issued and outstanding 12,108,195 and 12,103,683 shares for 2001 and 2000 1,211 1,210 Additional paid-in capital 51,359,036 52,594,293 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 41,835 (46,094) Accumulated deficit (42,199,201) (37,658,531) 9,202,881 14,890,878 Notes receivable from officers (152,961) (152,961) Total shareholders' equity 9,049,920 14,737,917 Commitments and contingency Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 9,324,902 15,729,127 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. RESEARCH FRONTIERS INCORPORATED Consolidated Statements of Operations Years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999 2001 2000 1999 Fee income $ 142,002 333,652 128,096 Operating expenses 2,744,059 3,027,655 1,605,028 Purchase of patents -- -- 289,177 Research and development 2,634,671 2,618,567 1,682,164 Non-recurring non-cash compensation expense -- 3,133,748 671,052 5,378,730 8,779,970 4,247,421 Operating loss (5,236,728) (8,446,318) (4,119,325) Net investment income 696,058 878,518 291,302 Interest income on notes receivable from officers -- -- 95,001 Net loss $ (4,540,670) (7,567,800) (3,733,022) Basic and diluted net loss per common share $ (0.38) (0.63) (0.34) Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 12,085,609 12,096,108 11,100,196 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. RESEARCH FRONTIERS INCORPORATED Statements of Shareholders' Equity Years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999
Accumulated Common Stock Additional Accumulated Treasury Other Compre- Notes Shares Amount Paid in Capital Deficit Stock,at Cost hensive Income(Loss) Receivable Total Balance,December 31,1998 10,929,041 1,093 33,982,066 (26,357,709) -- -- (884,961) 6,740,489 Issuance of common stock 664,214 66 5,805,358 -- -- -- -- 5,805,424 Purchase of treasury stock -- -- -- -- (345,837) -- -- (345,837) Repayment of note by officer -- -- -- -- (482,001) -- 732,000 249,999 Retirement of treasury stock(78,667) (8) (827,830) -- 827,838 -- -- -- Net loss -- -- -- (3,733,022) -- -- -- (3,733,022) Issuance of performance options -- -- 671,052 -- -- -- -- 671,052 Issuance of stock and warrants for services performed 9,312 1 119,630 -- -- -- -- 119,631 Balance,December 31,1999 11,523,900 $1,152 39,750,276 (30,090,731) -- -- (152,961) 9,507,736 Issuance of common stock 758,945 76 12,172,093 -- -- -- -- 12,172,169 Purchase of treasury stock -- -- -- --(3,314,169) -- -- (3,314,169) Retirementof treasury stock(182,600) (18)(3,314,151) -- 3,314,169 -- -- -- Issuance of performance options -- -- 3,133,748 -- -- -- -- 3,133,748 Comprehensive loss: Net loss -- -- -- (7,567,800) -- -- -- (7,567,800) Unrealized loss on available- for-sale securities -- -- -- -- --(46,094) -- (46,094) Total Comprehensive Loss (7,613,894) Issuance of warrants for services performed 3,438 -- 852,327 -- -- -- -- 852,327 Balance,December 31,2000 12,103,683 $1,210 52,594,293 (37,658,531) --(46,094) (152,961)14,737,917 Issuance of common stock 407,175 41 6,778,991 -- -- -- -- 6,779,032 Purchase of treasury stock -- -- -- --(8,144,693) -- -- (8,144,693) Retirementof treasury stock(407,065) (40)(8,144,653) -- 8,144,693 -- -- -- Comprehensive loss: Net loss -- -- -- (4,540,670) -- -- -- (4,540,670) Unrealized gain on available- for-sale securities -- -- -- -- -- 87,929 -- 87,929 Total Comprehensive Loss (4,452,741) Issuance of warrants for services performed 4,402 -- 130,405 -- -- -- -- 130,405 Balance,December 31,2001 12,108,195 $1,211 51,359,036 (42,199,201) -- 41,385 (152,961) 9,049,920
See accompanying notes to financial statements. RESEARCH FRONTIERS INCORPORATED Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows Years ended December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999 2001 2000 1999 Cash flows from operating activities: Net loss $(4,540,670)(7,567,800)(3,733,022) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 118,657 109,137 93,472 Interest income on officer notes receivable -- -- (95,001) Expense relating to issuance of contingent performance options -- 3,133,748 671,052 Marketable securities received as license fee -- (50,000) -- Cashless exercise of options and warrants 17,588 -- 82,481 Expense relating to issuance of stock and warrants for services performed 112,817 852,327 37,150 Changes in assets and liabilities: Salary advance to officer -- 66,445 39,122 Royalty receivable (37,500) -- -- Prepaid expenses and other current assets 106,939 (223,498) 13,875 Deferred revenue (2) (8,652) (10,096) Accounts payable and accrued expenses (716,226) 470,535 258,621 Net cash used in operating activities (4,938,397)(3,217,758)(2,642,346) Cash flows from investing activities: Proceeds from sale and maturity of held-to-maturity securities 1,319,572 2,526,363 2,405,181 Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale securities 2,996,409 -- -- Purchases of held-to-maturity treasury securities --(12,588,032)(2,461,878) Investment in SPD, Inc., at cost (750,002) -- -- Purchases of fixed assets (50,572) (137,519) (143,709) Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 3,515,407(10,199,188) (200,406) Cash flows from financing activities: Repayment of principal on officer's loans -- -- 345,000 Proceeds from issuances of common stock and warrants 6,614,721 12,394,718 5,582,875 Purchase of treasury stock (8,144,693)(3,314,169) (345,837) Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities (1,529,972) 9,080,549 5,582,038 Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (2,952,962)(4,336,397) 2,739,286 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 3,806,172 8,142,569 5,403,283 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 853,210 3,806,172 8,142,569 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. RESEARCH FRONTIERS INCORPORATED Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements December 31, 2001, 2000 and 1999 (1) Business Research Frontiers Incorporated (the "Company" or "Research Frontiers") operates in a single business segment which is engaged in the development and marketing of technology and devices to control the flow of light. Such devices, often referred to as "light valves" or suspended particle devices (SPDs), use colloidal particles that are either incorporated within a liquid suspension or a film, which is usually enclosed between two sheets of glass or plastic having transparent, electrically conductive coatings on the facing surfaces thereof. At least one of the two sheets is transparent. During the second quarter of 2001, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, SPD Enterprises, Inc., invested approximately $750,000 for a minority equity interest in SPD Inc., a subsidiary of Hankuk Glass Industries Inc., Korea's largest glass manufacturer, which is dedicated exclusively to the production of suspended particle device (SPD) light-control film and a wide variety of end-products using SPD film. The Company has historically utilized its cash and the proceeds from maturities of its investments to fund its research and development of SPD light valves and for other working capital purposes. The Company's working capital and capital requirements depend upon numerous factors, including the results of research and development activities, competitive and technological developments, the timing and cost of patent filings, and the development of new licensees and changes in the Company's relationships with its existing licensees. The degree of dependence of the Company's working capital requirements on each of the foregoing factors cannot be quantified; increased research and development activities and related costs would increase such requirements; the addition of new licensees may provide additional working capital or working capital requirements, and changes in relationships with existing licensees would have a favorable or negative impact depending upon the nature of such changes. There can be no assurance that expenditures will not exceed the anticipated amounts or that additional financing, if required, will be available when needed or, if available, that its terms will be favorable or acceptable to the Company. Eventual success of the Company and generation of positive cash flow will be dependent upon the commercialization of products using the Company's technology by the Company's licensees and payments of continuing royalties on account thereof. (2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (a) Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers securities purchased with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents consist of short-term investments in money market accounts at December 31, 2001 and 2000. (b) Marketable Investment Securities The Company accounts for its investments in marketable securities under the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investment in Debt and Equity Securities" ("Statement 115"). During the second quarter of 2001, the Company determined that it may sell its marketable investment securities prior to their maturity dates in order to invest in other marketable securities, repurchase and retire its common stock, and for general working capital purposes. Accordingly, as of June 30, 2001, the Company transferred its classification of marketable securities from held-to-maturity to available-for-sale. In accordance with Statement 115, available-for- sale securities are recorded at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses excluded from earnings and are reported as a separate component of shareholders' equity until realized. Dividend and interest income are recognized when earned. Cost is maintained on a specific identification basis for purposes of determining realized gains and losses on sales of investments. (c) Fixed Assets Fixed assets are carried at cost. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. (d) Fee Income Fee income represents amounts earned by the Company under various license and other agreements (note 10) relating to technology developed by the Company. (e) Basic and Diluted Loss Per Common Share Basic earnings (loss) per share excludes any dilution. It is based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Dilutive earnings (loss) per share reflects the potential dilution that would occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock. The Company's dilutive earnings (loss) per share equals basic earnings (loss) per share for each of the years in the three- year period ended December 31, 2001 because all common stock equivalents (i.e., options and warrants) were antidilutive in those periods. The number of options and warrants that was not included because their effect is antidilutive was 2,542,576, 2,224,201, and 1,995,363 for 2001, 2000 and 1999, respectively. (f) Research and Development Costs Research and development costs are charged to expense as incurred. (g) Patent Costs The Company expenses costs relating to the development or acquisition of patents due to the uncertainty of the recoverability of these items. (h) Use of Estimates Management of the Company has made a number of estimates and assumptions relating to the reporting of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities to prepare these financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Actual results could differ from those estimates. (i) Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. (j) Fair Value of Financial Instruments The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount at which the instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between willing parties. The carrying amounts of all financial instruments classified as a current asset or current liability are deemed to approximate fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments. The fair value of the notes receivable from officers approximates the carrying value as their stated interest rate, the broker call rate, is similar to other rates currently offered by local brokerage institutions for loans of similar terms to individuals with comparable credit risk. (k) Stock Option Plan The Company applies the intrinsic value-based method of accounting prescribed by Accounting Principles Board ("APB") Opinion No. 25 "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees," and related interpretations, in accounting for its fixed plan stock options. As such, compensation expense would be recorded on the date of grant only if the current market price of the underlying stock exceeded the exercise price. (l) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (loss) The unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities of $87,929 for the year ended December 31, 2001 is comprised of $168,985 of unrealized holding gains arising during the period less reclassification adjustments for gains realized in net income of $81,056 during the period. The unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities of $46,094 for the year ended December 31, 2000 represents unrealized holding losses arising during the period. (m) Deferred Revenue The Company has entered into a number of license agreements covering potential products. The Company receives minimum annual royalties under certain license agreements and records fee income for the amounts earned by the Company. Certain of the fees are paid to the Company in advance of the period in which they are earned resulting in deferred revenue. (3) Supplemental Cash Flow Information The following is supplemental information relating to the Company's consolidated statement of cash flows: 2001 2000 1999 Non-cash financing activities: Principal payment on officer's note receivable by surrendering of common stock $ -- -- 387,000 Receivable from warrant exercise $ 164,311 -- 222,549 (4) Marketable Investment Securities The fair value of marketable investment securities is based upon quoted market prices. The amortized cost, gross unrealized holding gains and fair value for the Company's securities at December 31, 2001 and 2000 were as follows: Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Holding Fair Value Gains (Losses) At December 31, 2001: Available-for-sale securities: U.S. treasury securities $6,991,771 80,960 -- 7,072,731 Equity securities 50,000 -- (39,125) 10,875 At December 31, 2000: U.S. treasury securities (held-to-maturity) $11,307,752 151,360 -- 11,459,112 Available-for-sale securities 50,000 -- (46,094) 3,906 Maturities of all U.S. treasury securities were less than two years at December 31, 2001 and 2000. (5) Notes Receivable from Officers In 1996, the Company loaned several officers an aggregate of $350,000. In March and April 1997, the Company loaned several officers an aggregate of $1,390,000. During 1997, officers made aggregate principal payments of $592,353 against such loans of which $39,810 was paid in cash and $552,543 was paid through the surrender of the Company's common stock. During 1998, officers made aggregate principal payments of $542,186 against such loans of which $40,000 was paid in cash and $502,186 was paid through the surrender of the Company's common stock. During 1999, officers made aggregate principal payments of $732,000 against such loans of which $345,000 was paid in cash and $387,000 was paid through the surrender of the Company's common stock. In connection with the aforementioned loan repayments, the Company recorded $95,001 and $50,968, in interest income in 1999 and 1998, respectively, of which $95,001 and $43,367, was paid through the surrender of the Company's common stock in 1999 and 1998, respectively. It is the Company's policy to record interest income on these notes as received. In a settlement agreement dated June 30, 1999, the Company settled a declaratory judgment action brought on March 25, 1999 in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Nassau, by Jean Thompson in her individual capacity and as Executrix of the estate of Robert I. Thompson, a former officer and director of the Company. The action did not seek monetary damages and essentially sought a declaration that certain common stock of the Company securing loans made to Mr. Thompson was not available as collateral to secure such loans. Under the settlement agreement, among other things, the parties agreed that Jean Thompson and the estate of Robert I. Thompson would pay the $732,000 in loans made by the Company from 1993 to 1997 by paying the Company $345,000 in cash, and delivering to the Company for cancellation 38,467 shares of common stock and options to purchase 181,447 shares of common stock. This payment and delivery of the shares and stock options for cancellation were made in August 1999, resulting in the payment in full of all outstanding loans, and the Company recording interest income on such loans of $95,001. Each of the aforementioned loans are due in January 2003. The loans relate to the purchase of common stock of the Company; are collateralized by the pledge of shares of common stock of the Company; may be prepaid in part or in full without notice or penalty; are represented by a promissory note which bears interest at a rate per annum equal to the broker call rate (3.5% at December 31, 2001 and 8.25% at December 31, 2000) in effect on the first day of each calendar quarter; and permit repayment of the loan by delivery of securities of the Company having a fair market value equal to the balance of the loan outstanding. (6) Fixed Assets Fixed assets and their estimated useful lives, are as follows: 2001 2000 Estimated useful life Equipment and furniture $ 1,057,126 1,019,324 5 years Leasehold improvements 269,360 256,590 Life of lease or estimated 1,326,486 1,275,914 life if shorter Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 1,046,868 928,211 $ 279,618 347,703 (7) Accrued Expenses and Other Accrued expenses consist of the following at December 31, 2001 and 2000: 2001 2000 Settlement of treasury stock repurchase $ -- 509,974 Payroll, bonuses and related benefits 91,942 73,006 Professional services 34,285 152,167 Other 32,058 14,774 $158,285 749,921 (8) Income Taxes There was no income tax expense in 2001, 2000 and 1999 due to losses incurred by the Company. The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets at December 31, 2001 and 2000 are presented below. 2001 2000 Deferred tax assets: Net operating loss carryforwards $12,922,000 11,002,000 Research and other credits 860,000 673,000 Total gross deferred tax assets 13,782,000 11,675,000 Less valuation allowance 13,782,000 11,675,000 -- -- The Company has recorded a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets as they will not be realized unless the Company achieves profitable operations in the future. At December 31, 2001, the Company had a net operating loss carryforward for federal income tax purposes of approximately $32,306,000, varying amounts of which will expire in each year from 2002 through 2021. Research and other credit carryforwards of $860,000 are available to the Company to reduce income taxes payable in future years principally through 2021. Net operating loss carryforwards of $825,825 and research and other credit carryforwards of $9,556 are scheduled to expire during fiscal 2002, if not utilized. (9) Shareholders' Equity (a) Sale of Common Stock and Warrants During 1999, the Company received $5,805,424 of net cash proceeds from the issuance of 664,214 shares of common stock from the exercise of options and warrants, as follows: the issuance of 53,025 shares of common stock issued upon the exercise of options resulting in net proceeds of $321,532 and the issuance of 611,189 shares of common stock issued upon the exercise of warrants, principally related to the Class A Warrant, resulting in net proceeds of $5,483,892. In addition, 2,850 shares were issued to an investor relations firm through the cancellation of 33,250 warrants, resulting in public relations expense of $21,820; 6,048 shares were issued to an officer through the cancellation of 17,000 options resulting in compensation expense of $60,661; and 414 shares were issued to a director in payment of $3,000 in directors fees. The Company recorded a receivable of $222,549 representing a warrant exercise that occurred prior to the end of 1999, that was scheduled to settle in January 2000. The Company received the cash for the settlement of this warrant in January 2000. During 2000, the Company received $12,172,169 of net cash proceeds from the issuance of 758,945 shares of common stock from the exercise of options and warrants, as follows: the issuance of 95,962 shares of common stock issued upon the exercise of options resulting in net proceeds of $706,299 and the issuance of 662,983 shares of common stock issued upon the exercise of warrants, principally related to the Class A Warrant, resulting in net proceeds of $11,465,870. In addition, 3,438 shares were issued to a director in payment of $68,000 in directors fees. During 2001, the Company received $6,614,721 of net cash proceeds from the issuance of 407,175 shares of common stock from the exercise of options and warrants, as follows: (i) the issuance of 48,175 shares of common stock issued upon the exercise of options resulting in net proceeds of $385,472 and (ii) 359,000 shares of common stock issued upon the exercise of warrants, principally related to the Class A Warrant, resulting in net proceeds (inclusive of a receivable described below of $164,311) of $6,393,560. In addition, 3,715 shares were issued to directors in payment of $69,221 in directors fees, and 687 shares were issued through the cancellation of 1,000 warrants, resulting in non-cash consulting expense of $17,588 being recorded. The Company recorded a receivable of $164,311 representing a warrant exercise that occurred prior to the end of 2001, that was scheduled to settle in January 2002. The Company received the cash for the settlement of this warrant in January 2002. (b) Options and Warrants (i) Options In 1992, the shareholders approved a stock option plan (1992 Stock Option Plan) which provides for the granting of both incentive stock options at the fair market value at the date of grant and nonqualified stock options at or below the fair market value at the date of grant to employees or non-employees who, in the determination of the Board of Directors, have made or may make significant contributions to the Company in the future. The Company initially reserved 468,750 shares of its common stock for issuance under this plan. In 1994 and 1996, the Company's shareholders approved an additional 300,000 shares and 450,000 shares, respectively, for issuance under this plan. As of December 31, 2001, no options were available for issuance under this Plan. In 1998, the shareholders approved a stock option plan (1998 Stock Option Plan) which provides for the granting of both incentive stock options at the fair market value at the date of grant and nonqualified stock options at or below the fair market value at the date of grant to employees or non-employees who, in the determination of the Board of Directors, have made or may make significant contributions to the Company in the future. The Company may also award stock appreciation rights or restricted stock under this plan. The Company initially reserved 540,000 shares of its common stock for issuance under this plan. In 1999, the Company's shareholders approved an additional 545,000 shares for issuance under this Plan, and in 2000, the Company's shareholders approved an additional 600,000 shares for issuance under this Plan. As of December 31, 2001, awards for 196,322 shares of common stock were available for issuance under this Plan. At the discretion of the Board of Directors, options expire in ten years or less from the date of grant and are generally fully exercisable upon grant but in some cases may be subject to vesting in the future. Full payment of the exercise price may be made in cash or in shares of common stock valued at the fair market value thereof on the date of exercise, or by agreeing with the Company to cancel a portion of the exercised options. When an employee exercises a stock option through the surrender of options held, rather than of cash for the option exercise price, compensation expense is recorded in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25. Accordingly, compensation expense is recorded for the difference between the quoted market value of the Company's common stock at the date of exchange and the exercise price of the option. Activity in stock options is summarized below: Number of Shares Weighted Average Subject to Option Exercise Price Balance at December 31, 1998 1,495,159 $ 7.79 Granted 485,600 $ 8.38 Cancelled (203,023) $ 8.15 Exercised ( 59,073) $ 6.11 Balance at December 31, 1999 1,718,663 $ 7.98 Granted 332,500 $ 19.80 Cancelled (6,700) $ 14.85 Exercised (95,962) $ 7.36 Balance at December 31, 2000 1,948,501 $ 10.00 Granted 416,550 $ 20.20 Cancelled -- -- Exercised (48,175) $ 8.00 Balance at December 31, 2001 2,316,876 $ 11.88 The following table summarizes information about stock options at December 31, 2001: Weighted Average Weighted Weighted Remaining Average Average Range of Shares Contractual Exercise Shares Exercise Exercise Price Outstanding Life (Years) Price Exercisable Price $3.00 to $6.00 122,177 4.46 5.75 122,177 5.75 $6.01 to $7.50 696,326 5.91 7.27 696,326 7.27 $7.51 to $9.00 553,501 6.72 8.35 553,501 8.35 $9.01 to $12.00 321,775 6.87 9.87 154,525 9.67 $12.01 to $15.00 171,797 6.87 14.24 171,797 14.24 $15.01 to $19.00 113,000 8.92 18.99 106,000 19.00 $19.01 to $37.03 338,300 9.21 27.70 34,000 37.03 2,316,876 6.86 11.88 1,838,726 9.57 Options to purchase 436,550 shares become exercisable during 2002. During 2000, the Company granted 14,000 options to consultants which vested immediately. In accordance with EITF Issue 96-18, "Accounting for Equity Instruments that are Issued to Other than Employees for Acquiring, or in Conjunction with Selling, Goods or Services," the Company recorded consulting expenses of $246,961 based upon the fair value of such options on the date the options vested as determined using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. During 1999, the Company granted 237,800 contingent performance options to employees, which vest only, if a certain performance milestone in the price of the Company's common stock is achieved during 2000. This milestone was achieved during 2000 and these options vested. The Company is required to account for these options as a variable plan under APB Opinion No. 25. Accordingly, from the point in time that it appears probable that such milestone will be achieved, the Company is required to recognize non-cash compensation expense each period from the date of grant through the vesting date based on the quoted market price of the stock at the end of each period. Non-cash compensation expense recognized during 1999 and 2000 in connection with these options was $671,052 and $3,133,748, respectively. The charges recorded as a result of the issuance of these performance options are calculated based upon changes in the Company's stock price as of the end of each quarter, and are non-cash compensation charges. The per share weighted average fair value of warrants issued to directors and stock options granted during 2001, 2000, and 1999 was approximately $12.41, $9.00, and $3.65, respectively, on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: Expected Risk-Free Expected Stock Expected Life Grant Date Dividend Yield Interest Rate Volatility in Years September 2001 0 % 3.787% 90.190% 3.62 June 2001 0 % 4.768% 85.170% 3.62 December 2000 0 % 5.200% 64.659% 3.62 October 2000 0 % 5.760% 65.076% 3.62 June 2000 0 % 6.290% 64.532% 3.62 February 2000 0 % 6.600% 56.400% 3.62 December 1999 0 % 6.090% 53.698% 3.62 June 1999 0 % 5.940% 50.853% 3.60 The Company applies APB Opinion No. 25 in accounting for its stock option plans and, accordingly, no compensation cost has been recognized for its stock options and warrants in the financial statements as the exercise price of such instruments were equal to the fair value of the Company's common stock at the date of grant. Had the Company determined compensation cost based on the fair value at the grant date for its stock options under SFAS No. 123 "Accounting for Stock Based Compensation", the Company's net loss and net loss per share would have been increased to the pro forma amounts indicated below: 2001 2000 1999 Net loss As reported $(4,540,670) $(7,567,800) $(3,733,022) Pro forma $(6,552,355) $(7,843,116) $(4,641,784) Basic and diluted net loss per common share As reported $ (0.38) $ (0.63) $ (0.34) Pro forma $ (0.54) $ (0.65) $ (0.42) Pro forma net loss reflects only options and warrants granted since January 1, 1995. Therefore, the full impact of calculating compensation cost for stock options and warrants under SFAS No. 123 is not reflected in the pro forma net loss amounts presented above because compensation costs for options and warrants granted prior to January 1, 1995 were not considered. (ii) Warrants Activity in warrants is summarized below, excluding the effect of the redeemable prepaid warrant (note 9(d)) and the Class A Warrant (note 9(d)): Number of Shares Exercise Underlying Warrants Granted Price Balance at December 31, 1998 306,339 5.88-13.50 Exercised (49,239) 7.00-11.63 Terminated (40,400) 7.50- 7.67 Issued 60,000 (a) 8.98-21.00 Balance at December 31, 1999 276,700 $ 5.88-21.00 Exercised (1,000) 9.00-10.00 Terminated -- -- Issued -- -- Balance at December 31, 2000 275,700 $ 5.88-21.00 Exercised (30,000) 7.99-11.00 Terminated (20,000) 16.00-21.00 Issued -- -- Balance at December 31, 2001 225,700 $ 5.88-13.50 (a) Represents warrants to purchase 10,000 shares at $8.98 per share issued to two consultants for research and development work performed for the Company, 50% of which is currently vested and 50% of which vests if certain additional milestones are achieved as a result of the work performed by the consultants; and warrants to purchase 10,000 shares at $9.00 per share, 10,000 shares at $10.00 per share, 10,000 shares at $11.00 per share, 10,000 shares at $16.00 per share, and 10,000 shares at $21.00 per share, issued in payment for investor relations services provided to the Company which resulted in public relations expense of $9,168 and $34,150 during 2000 and 1999, respectively, which warrants vest 10,000 shares per quarter commencing April 1, 1999. These latter warrants were either exercised or expired in 2001. Warrants generally expire from two to ten years from the date of issuance. At December 31, 2001, the number of warrants exercisable was 218,700 at a weighted average exercise price of $8.13 per share. During 2001 and 2000, certain warrants granted to consultants in 1995 and 1994 to purchase 7,000 and 25,000 shares, respectively of common stock became vested due to services performed and performance criteria being met. In accordance with EITF Issue 96-18, "Accounting for Equity Instruments that are Issued to Other than Employees for Acquiring, or in Conjunction with Selling, Goods or Services," the Company recorded consulting expense of $43,596 and $528,198, respectively, based upon the fair value of such warrants on the date the warrants vested as determined using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. (c) Treasury Stock During 2001, the Company purchased in the open market and subsequently retired 407,065 shares of treasury stock with an aggregate cost of $8,144,693. During 2000, the Company purchased in the open market and subsequently retired 182,600 shares of treasury stock with an aggregate cost of $3,314,169. During 1999, the Company purchased in the open market and subsequently retired 40,200 shares of treasury stock with an aggregate cost of $345,837. Also during 1999, the Company received 38,467 shares of common stock valued at $482,001 as partial payment of notes receivable from an officer pursuant to a settlement agreement as discussed above. Such shares were also subsequently retired. (d) Class A and Class B Warrants On October 1, 1998, the Company announced that Ailouros Ltd., a London-based institutional money management fund, has committed to purchase up to $15 million worth of common stock of the Company through December 31, 2001. This commitment is in the form of a Class A Warrant issued to Ailouros Ltd. which gives the Company the option in any three-month period to deliver a put notice to Ailouros requiring them to purchase an amount of common stock specified by the Company at a price equal to the greater of (A) 92% of the seven-day average trading price per share of common stock, or (B) a minimum or "floor" price per share set by the Company from time to time. The pricing was initially subject to an overall cap of $15 per share, which cap has now been eliminated by mutual agreement so that the Company may put stock to Ailouros at selling prices in excess of $15 per share. However, the Company is not required to sell any shares under the agreement. Before the beginning of each of a series of three-month periods specified by the Company, the Company determines the amount of common stock that the Company wishes to issue during such three-month period. The Company also sets the minimum selling or "floor" price, which can be reset by the Company in its sole discretion prior to the beginning of any subsequent three-month period. Therefore, at the beginning of each three-month period, the Company will determine how much common stock, if any, is to be sold (the amount of which can range from $0 to $1.5 million during such three-month period), and the minimum selling price per share. In March 2000, Ailouros agreed to expand its commitment beyond the original $15 million, thereby giving the Company the right to raise additional funds from Ailouros so long as the Company does not have to issue more shares than were originally registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and in December 2001 the expiration date of the Class A Warrant was extended to December 31, 2003. In connection with the financing, the Company also issued Ailouros Ltd. a Class B Warrant which expires on September 30, 2008. The Class B Warrant is exercisable at $8.25 per share which represents 120% of average of the closing bid and ask price of the Company's common stock on the date of the Class B Warrant's issuance. The Class B Warrant is exercisable into 65,500 shares. Ailouros paid the Company $10,000 upon issuance of the Class A Warrant and the Class B Warrant. (10) License and Other Agreements The Company has entered into a number of license agreements covering various products using the Company's SPD technology. Although the Company may receive minimum annual royalties under certain of these licenses, to date although products have been sold resulting in earned royalties under some these license agreements, these earned royalty payments were offset by such minimum advance payments made by the applicable licensees. The following table summarizes Research Frontiers' existing license agreements and lists the year these agreements were entered into: Licensee or Optionee Products Covered Territory AP Technoglass Co. Sunroof glass for other licensees (2001) Worldwide Avery Dennison Corp. SPD displays (2001) Worldwide BOS GmbH Variable light transmission SPD sunshades Worldwide and sunvisors. (2002) Dainippon Ink and SPD emulsions for other licensees (1999) Worldwide Chemicals Incorporated Film Technologies Int'l SPD film for other licensees and Worldwide prospective licensees (2001) General Electric Company SPD film for other licensees and Worldwide prospective licensees (1995) Glaverbel, S.A. Automotive vehicle rear-view mirrors, Worldwide transportation vehicle sunvisors, and (except Korea architectural and automotive windows (1996)for windows) Global Mirror GmbH Rear-view mirrors and sunvisors (1999) Worldwide Hankuk Glass Industries Inc. Broad range of SPD light control products Worldwide including windows, flat panel displays, automotive vehicle rear-view mirrors and sunvisors (installed as original equipment on Korean-made cars), and sunroofs; SPD film for licensees and prospective licensees (1997) Hitachi Chemical Co., Ltd. SPD emulsions and films for other Worldwide licensees (1999) InspecTech Aero Service,Inc. Aircraft windows and cabin dividers(2001) Worldwide (except Korea) Isoclima S.p.A. Architectural and automotive windows (2002) Worldwide (except Korea) N.V. Bekaert S.A (acquired Architectural and automotive windows, Worldwide from Material Sciences Corp.)SPD film for other licensees, prospective licensees and architectural and automotive window companies (1997) Polaroid Corporation SPD emulsions and films for other licensees(2000)Worldwide ThermoView Industries, Inc. Architectural windows (2000) Worldwide (except Korea) Licensees of Research Frontiers who incorporate SPD technology into end products will pay Research Frontiers a royalty of 5-10% of net sales of licensed products under license agreements currently in effect, and may also be required to pay Research Frontiers minimum annual royalties. Licensees who sell products or components to other licensees of Research Frontiers do not pay a royalty on such sale and Research Frontiers will collect such royalty from the licensee incorporating such products or components into their own end-products. Research Frontiers' license agreements typically allow the licensee to terminate the license after some period of time, and give Research Frontiers only limited rights to terminate before the license expires. Most licenses are non-exclusive and generally last as long as our patents remain in effect. The license granted to Hankuk Glass Industries is exclusive within Korea for certain applications through December 2004. Global Mirror's license restricts new licenses from being granted in the truck mirror original equipment market for a period of time if certain sales milestones are met with respect to commercial vehicles in Classes 5 through 8 with gross vehicle weights in excess of 16,000 pounds. (11) Commitments The Company has an employment agreement with one of its officers which provides for an annual base salary of $384,948 through December 31, 2002. In December 2000, the Company's Board of Directors approved a performance bonus plan which provides for a bonus to be paid on or after July 2, 2001 and on or after January 2, 2002 equal to 1% of the increase, if any, in the Company's market value during the first and second halves of 2001. Bonuses are capped at a recipient's salary in the case of employees of the Company, and are currently capped at $57,222 in the case of non-employee directors of the Company. During 2000, the Company had a similar performance plan in place. The Company recorded $785,500 and $755,000 of expenses in connection with these plans for the years ended December 31, 2001 and 2000, respectively. The Company's Board of Directors approved a similar bonus plan for 2002 but with higher thresholds to be met before a bonus is payable under such plan. In addition to the payment caps described above, under the current plan, in order to insure that bonuses are not paid based upon temporary fluctuations in the market value of the Company, bonuses under this plan will only be paid to the various participants under this plan if and when the market value of the Company exceeds $280,489,009 (and in the case of any bonus paid to Robert L. Saxe, if and when the market value of the Company exceeds $304,207,362). The Company occupies premises under an operating lease agreement which expires on January 31, 2004 and requires minimum annual rent which rises over the term of the lease to approximately $143,500. Rent expense, including other expenses, amounted to approximately $152,000, $142,000, and $143,000, for 2001, 2000, and 1999, respectively. (12) Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Quarter 2001 First Second Third Fourth Fee income $ 68,752 $ 12,500 $ 28,656 $ 32,094 Operating loss (1,187,734) (1,909,782) (1,177,408) (961,804) Net loss (993,822) (1,748,444) (985,529) (812,875) Basic and diluted net loss per common share (1) (.08) (.14) (.08) (.07) 2000 First Second Third Fourth Fee income $ 98,774 $ 99,960 $ 99,959 $ 34,959 Operating loss (2) (4,736,168) (1,539,962) (767,146) (1,403,042) Net loss (2) (4,547,939) (1,311,204) (539,942) (1,168,715) Basic and diluted net loss per common share (1)(2) (.38) (.11) (.04) (.10) (1) Since per share information is computed independently for each quarter and the full year, based on the respective average number of common shares outstanding, the sum of the quarterly per share amounts does not necessarily equal the per share amounts for the year. (2) The first quarter of 2000 has been restated to include a non-cash accounting charge of $528,198 relating to a warrant which was issued during 1994 and vested during the first quarter of 2000. (see note 9).