Annual Statements Open main menu

ACORN ENERGY, INC. - Quarter Report: 2016 September (Form 10-Q)

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2016

 

Commission file number: 001-33886

 

ACORN ENERGY, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 

Delaware   22-2786081
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
     
3844 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, Delaware   19807
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

 

302-656-1707

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [  ]

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes [X] No [  ]

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer [  ] Accelerated filer [  ] Non-accelerated filer [  ] Smaller reporting company [X]

 

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

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

 

Class   Outstanding at November 11, 2016
Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share   29,322,574

 

 

 

   
 

 

ACORN ENERGY, INC.

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

for the Quarterly Period Ended September 30, 2016

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

  PAGE
PART I Financial Information  
   
Item 1. Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements: 3
   
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 3
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 4
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2016 5
   
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 6
   
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2016 7
   
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 9
   
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 25
   
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk 35
   
Item 4. Controls and Procedures 36
   
PART II Other Information  
   
Item 6. Exhibits 37
   
Signatures 38

 

Certain statements contained in this report are forward-looking in nature. These statements are generally identified by the inclusion of phrases such as “we expect”, “we anticipate”, “we believe”, “we estimate” and other phrases of similar meaning. Whether such statements ultimately prove to be accurate depends upon a variety of factors that may affect our business and operations. Many of these factors are described in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

 2 
  

 

PART I

 

ITEM 1. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

ACORN ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED)

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)

 

   As of
September 30, 2016
   As of
December 31, 2015
 
ASSETS          
Current assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents  $104   $124 
Restricted deposits       2,172 
Escrow deposit       100 
Accounts receivable, net of provisions for doubtful accounts of $10 and $20 at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively   455    6,389 
Unbilled revenue       3,849 
Inventory, net   239    506 
Other current assets   851    1,633 
Current assets – discontinued operations   496    1,079 
Total current assets   2,145    15,852 
Investment in DSIT   5,454     
Property and equipment, net   234    954 
Escrow deposit   579     
Severance assets       3,558 
Restricted deposits       2,951 
Goodwill       516 
Other assets   187    470 
Non-current assets – discontinued operations       29 
Total assets  $8,599   $24,330 
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY          
Current liabilities:          
Short-term debt and current maturities of long-term debt  $47   $1,916 
Leap Tide loan payable, net of discount       1,900 
Accounts payable   486    2,346 
Accrued payroll, payroll taxes and social benefits   462    1,320 
Deferred revenue   1,956    5,251 
Other current liabilities   694    2,260 
Current liabilities – discontinued operations   1,218    1,827 
Total current liabilities   4,863    16,820 
Long-term liabilities:          
Accrued severance       4,984 
Other long-term liabilities   578    849 
Due to DSIT   1,066     
Non-current liabilities – discontinued operations       19 
Total long-term liabilities   1,644    5,852 
Commitments and contingencies          
Equity:          
Acorn Energy, Inc. shareholders          
Common stock - $0.01 par value per share:          
Authorized – 42,000,000 shares; Issued – 30,124,494 and 28,127,511  shares at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively   301    281 
Additional paid-in capital   99,921    98,977 
Warrants   1,600    1,597 
Accumulated deficit   (97,078)   (97,191)
Treasury stock, at cost – 801,920 shares at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015   (3,036)   (3,036)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (254)   (262)
Total Acorn Energy, Inc. shareholders’ equity   1,454    366 
Non-controlling interests   638    1,292 
Total equity   2,092    1,658 
Total liabilities and equity  $8,599   $24,330 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

  

 3 
  

 

ACORN ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)

 

    Three months ended
September 30,
    Nine months ended
September 30,
 
    2016     2015     2016      2015  
                         
Revenue   $ 942     $ 4,402     $ 7,618     $ 12,217  
Cost of sales     418       2,579       4,681       7,483  
Gross profit     524       1,823       2,937       4,734  
Operating expenses:                                
Research and development expenses, net of credits     133       323       791       1,225  
Selling, general and administrative expenses     1,015       2,449       4,845       7,242  
Total operating expenses     1,148       2,772       5,636       8,467  
Operating loss     (624 )     (949 )     (2,699 )     (3,733 )
Finance expense, net     (11 )     (250 )     (558 )     (314 )
Loss before income taxes     (635 )     (1,199 )     (3,257 )     (4,047 )
Income tax expense     --       (58 )     (19 )     (45 )
Net loss after income taxes     (635 )     (1,257 )     (3,276 )     (4,092 )
Gain on sale of interest in DSIT, net of income taxes and transaction costs     --       --       3,543       --  
Share of income in DSIT     38       --       63       --  
Income (loss) before discontinued operations     (597 )     (1,257 )     330       (4,092 )
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes     1,187       (1,376 )     (423 )     (4,651 )
Net income (loss)     590       (2,633 )     (93 )     (8,743 )
Non-controlling interest share of net (income) loss – continuing operations     62       (45 )     206       (29 )
Non-controlling interest share of net (income) loss – discontinued operations     --       (78 )     --       98  
Net income (loss) attributable to Acorn Energy, Inc. shareholders   $ 652     $ (2,756 )   $ 113     $ (8,674 )
                                 
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share attributable to Acorn Energy, Inc. shareholders:                                
Continuing operations   $ (0.02 )   $ (0.05 )   $ 0.02     $ (0.16 )
Discontinued operations     0.04       (0.05 )     (0.02 )     (0.17 )
Total attributable to Acorn Energy, Inc. shareholders   $ 0.02     $ (0.10 )   $ 0.00     $ (0.33 )
                                 
Weighted average number of shares outstanding attributable to Acorn Energy, Inc. shareholders – basic     29,323       26,933       28,208       26,629  
                                 
Weighted average number of shares outstanding attributable to Acorn Energy, Inc. shareholders – diluted     29,323       26,933       28,246       26,629  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 4 
  

 

ACORN ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (UNAUDITED)

(IN THOUSANDS)

 

   Three months ended
September 30,
   Nine months ended
September 30,
 
   2016   2015   2016   2015 
                 
Net income (loss) attributable to Acorn Energy, Inc. shareholders  $652   $(2,756)  $113   $(8,674)
Other comprehensive income (loss):                    
Foreign currency translation adjustments   (12)   (132)   6    (114)
Comprehensive income (loss)   640    (2,888)   119    (8,788)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interests   --    7    2    (6)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Acorn Energy, Inc. shareholders  $640   $(2,881)  $121   $(8,794)

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 5 
  

 

ACORN ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (UNAUDITED)

(IN THOUSANDS)

 

    Acorn Energy, Inc. Shareholders              
    Number
of
Shares
    Common
Stock
    Additional
Paid-In
Capital
    Warrants     Accumulated
Deficit
    Treasury
Stock
    Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income (Loss)
    Total Acorn
Energy, Inc.
Shareholders’ Equity
    Non-
controlling
interests
    Total
Equity
 
Balances as of December 31, 2015     28,128     $ 281     $ 98,977     $ 1,597     $ (97,191 )   $ (3,036 )   $ (262 )   $ 366     $ 1,292     $ 1,658  
Net income                             113                   113       (206 )     (93 )
Differences from translation of subsidiaries’ financial statements                                         8       8       (2 )     6  
Conversion of loan to Common Stock     466       5       110                               115             115  
Shares issued in connection with loan from Leap Tide     1,531       15       352                               367             367  
Deconsolidation of DSIT                 242                               242       (371 )     (129 )
Accrued dividend in OmniMetrix preferred shares                                                     (75 )     (75 )
Warrants issued                 (3 )     3                                      
Stock option compensation                 243                               243             243  
Balances as of September 30, 2016     30,125     $ 301     $ 99,921     $ 1,600     $ (97,078 )   $ (3,036 )   $ (254 )   $ 1,454     $ 638     $ 2,092  

  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

  

 6 
  

 

ACORN ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

(IN THOUSANDS)

 

   Nine months ended
September 30,
 
   2016   2015 
Cash flows used in operating activities:          
Net loss  $(93)  $(8,743)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities (see Schedule A)   (2,916)   12,447 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities – continuing operations   (3,009)   3,704 
Net cash used in operating activities – discontinued operations   (872)   (2,747)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities   (3,881)   957 
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities:          
Acquisitions of property and equipment   (33)   (156)
Proceeds from the sale of interests in DSIT, net of transaction costs and cash divested   3,947    -- 
Escrow deposits   (579)   (100)
Release of escrow deposits   100    -- 
Restricted deposits   (75)   (7,139)
Release of restricted deposits   868    1,700 
Amounts funded for severance assets   (69)   (274)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities – continuing operations   4,159    (5,969)
Net cash provided by investing activities – discontinued operations   900    725 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities   5,059    (5,244)
Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:          
Short-term credit, net   827    382 
Proceeds from the exercise of DSIT options   391    -- 
Repayment of Leap Tide loan   (2,000   -- 
Proceeds from Leap Tide transaction   --    2,000 
Proceeds from director loans   375    -- 
Repayments of director loans   (275)   -- 
Repayments of long-term debt   (43)   (96)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities – continuing operations   (725)   2,286 
Net cash used in financing activities – discontinued operations   (138)   (2,180)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities   (863)   106 
           
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents – continuing operations   (5)   -- 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents – discontinued operations   18    (160)
           
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents   328    (4,341)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year – discontinued operations   48    192 
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year – continuing operations   124    4,681 
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period – discontinued operations   396    54 
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period – continuing operations  $104   $478 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

  

 7 
  

 

ACORN ENERGY, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

(IN THOUSANDS)

 

      Nine months ended
September 30,
 
      2016     2015  
A. Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:                
  Loss from discontinued operations   $ 423     $ 4,250  
  Depreciation and amortization     126       228  
  Accretion of Leap Tide discount     100       66  
  Common stock issued for Leap Tide interest accrued     281       --  
  Conversion to common stock of interest due to director     15       --  
  Gain on sale of interests in DSIT, net of income taxes and transaction costs     (3,543     --  
  Share of income in DSIT     (63     --  
  Increase in accrued severance     67       301  
  Stock-based compensation     243       523  
  Deconsolidation of USSI     --       401  
  Deferred taxes     18       42  
  Other     35       (42 )
  Change in operating assets and liabilities:                
  Decrease (increase) in accounts receivable, unbilled revenue, other current and other assets     (148     798  
  Decrease (increase) in inventory     (30     14  
  Increase (decrease) in deferred revenue     (1,055     4,316  
  Increase in accounts payable, accrued payroll, payroll taxes and social benefits, other current liabilities and other liabilities     615       1,550  
      $ (2,916   $ 12,447
                   
B. Non-cash investing and financing activities:                
  Adjustment of paid-in-capital and non-controlling interest from the deconsolidation of DSIT   $ 242          
  Conversion of director loan to common stock   $ 100          
  Accrual of preferred dividends to outside investor in OmniMetrix   $ 75          
  Investment in DSIT from deconsolidation   $ 5,391          
  Liability/discount for put on Initial Shares in Leap Tide transaction             $340  
  Liability for put on Vested Share Rights in Leap Tide transaction             $111  
  Value of Initial shares (discount) in Leap Tide transaction             $162  
  Adjustment of paid-in-capital and non-controlling interest from the deconsolidation of USSI             $541  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 8 
  

 

NOTE 1— BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND LIQUIDITY

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Acorn Energy, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for interim financial information and with the instructions to Article 8 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete consolidated financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the nine month period ended September 30, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2016. All dollar amounts in the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements are in thousands except for per share data.

 

Certain reclassifications have been made to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements for the nine month period ended September 30, 2015 to conform to the current period’s condensed consolidated financial statement presentation. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

 

On April 21, 2016, the Company closed on a transaction for the sale of a portion of its interests in DSIT Solutions, Ltd. (see Note 3). As a result of the transaction, the Company’s holdings in DSIT were reduced from 78.7% (on a fully diluted basis) to 41.2% and, subsequent to the DSIT Transaction, the Company has limited representation on the DSIT Board of directors. Accordingly, following the sale, the Company no longer consolidates the results of DSIT. Operating results for DSIT through April 21, 2016 are consolidated in continuing operations while the Company’s share of DSIT’s results for the period from April 22, 2016 to September 30, 2016 are included in the Company’s unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations in the line “Share of income in DSIT” under the equity method of accounting.

 

The Company currently does not have sufficient cash flow to finance its activities for the next 12 months. On July 12, 2016, the Company and its GridSense subsidiary closed on a transaction for the sale of GridSense’s assets (See Note 4). As a result of the transaction, GridSense received gross proceeds of $1,000 of which $100 was set aside as an indemnity escrow. From the proceeds of the sale, GridSense paid off approximately $240 of previously accrued severance and other payroll costs as well as approximately $56 of transaction costs of the sale transaction. Following the sale, GridSense also engaged a third-party liquidation officer to satisfy, to the extent of the funds available from the remaining proceeds, the claims of GridSense creditors, including Acorn which is GridSense’s largest creditor. Through October 31, 2016, the liquidator has settled approximately $5,890 of GridSense creditor claims ($5,555 from the Company), while disbursing approximately $535 to the creditors of GridSense ($500 to the Company). As of October 31, 2016, the Company had approximately $230 of unrestricted cash and cash equivalents.

 

Additional liquidity will be necessary to finance the operating activities of Acorn and the operations of its OmniMetrix subsidiary. The Company will continue to pursue sources of funding, which may include loans from related and/or non-related parties, a sale or partial sale of one or more of its businesses, finding a strategic partner or equity financings. There can be no assurance additional funding will be available at terms acceptable to the Company. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to successfully utilize any of these possible sources to provide additional liquidity. If additional funding is not available in sufficient amounts, Acorn will not be able to fund its own corporate activities during the next twelve months, which could materially impact its ability to continue operations, and the Company may not be able to fund OmniMetrix as it has historically, which could materially impact its carrying value. As such, these factors raise substantial doubt as to the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern.

 

 9 
  

 

NOTE 2—RECENT AUTHORITATIVE GUIDANCE

 

In August 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-15 “Presentation of Financial Statements—Going Concern,” outlining management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern, along with the required disclosures. ASU 2014-15 is effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016 and for annual periods and interim periods thereafter with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently assessing the impact of ASU 2014-15 on its financial statements.

 

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs (“ASU 2015-03”). ASU 2015-03 changes the presentation of debt issuance costs in financial statements, by requiring them to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the related debt liability, rather than as an asset. Amortization of the costs is reported as interest expense. There is no change to the current guidance on the recognition and measurement of debt issuance costs. For public business entities, ASU 2015-03 will be effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted. The Company does not expect ASU 2015-03 to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01 “Financial Instruments-Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities,” which revises an entity’s accounting related to (1) the classification and measurement of investments in equity securities and (2) the presentation of certain fair value changes for financial liabilities measured at fair value. The ASU also amends certain disclosure requirements associated with the fair value of financial instruments. ASU 2016-01 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted under certain circumstances.” The Company is currently assessing the impact of ASU 2016-01 on its financial statements.

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases, which is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted. Under Accounting Standards Update 2016-02, lessees will be required to recognize for all leases at the commencement date a lease liability, which is a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease measured on a discounted basis, and a right-to-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use or control the use of a specified asset for the lease term. The Company is currently evaluating the effect that the new guidance will have on its financial statements and related disclosures.

 

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which includes multiple provisions intended to simplify various aspects of the accounting for share-based payments, including treatment of excess tax benefits and forfeitures, as well as consideration of minimum statutory tax withholding requirements. The ASU will take effect for public companies for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2016, with early application permitted in any interim or annual period. The Company is evaluating the future impact of this ASU on the consolidated financial statements.

 

Other recently issued accounting updates are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

 10 
  

 

NOTE 3—DSIT SOLUTIONS, LTD. (“DSIT”)

 

On April 21, 2016 (the “Closing Date”), the Company closed on a transaction (the “DSIT Transaction”) initially entered into on January 28, 2016 for the sale of a portion of its interests DSIT Solutions, Ltd. business to Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., a major Israeli defense company. At closing, Acorn received gross proceeds of $4,913 before escrow, fees and taxes. From the gross proceeds, the Company deposited approximately $579 to satisfy the escrow requirements in the sale. The Company expects the escrow deposit to be released 18 months from the Closing Date. The Company also paid an Israeli withholding tax of approximately $266 and incurred transaction costs of $184. In connection with the DSIT Transaction, the Company recorded a gain of $3,543. The Company is also eligible to receive its 82.4% pro-rata share of a $1,000 earn-out over a three-year period if certain operating results targets are met. The earn-out is not included in the determination of the gain in the DSIT Transaction and will only be recorded as a gain if and when the parties agree that the earn-out has in fact been earned.

 

Prior to the Closing Date, all options in the DSIT Key Employee Stock Option Plan were exercised and DSIT received proceeds of $391, and the Company’s holdings in DSIT were reduced from 88.3% to 78.7%. As a result of the DSIT Transaction, the Company’s holdings in DSIT were reduced from 78.7% to 41.2%, and subsequent to the DSIT Transaction, the Company has limited representation on the DSIT Board of directors. Accordingly, after the Closing Date, the Company no longer consolidates the results of DSIT.

 

Assets and liabilities related to the deconsolidated operations of DSIT are as follows:

 

   September 30, 2016   At the Closing Date   December 31, 2015 
Current assets:               
Cash and cash equivalents  $9  $516    7 
Restricted deposits   1,885    2,517    2,172 
Accounts receivable   4,221    5,166    5,826 
Unbilled revenue   4,440    4,779    3,849 
Inventory   323    297    230 
Other current assets   923    935    698 
Total current assets   11,801    14,210    12,782 
Property and equipment, net   598    620    654 
Severance assets   3,860    3,762    3,558 
Restricted deposits   1,652    1,815    2,951 
Due from Acorn   1,066    916    802 
Goodwill   --    536    516 
Other assets   86    80    124 
Total assets  $19,063  $21,939    21,387 
                
Current liabilities:               
Short-term bank credit and current maturities of long-term bank debt  $1,317  $2,655    1,917 
Accounts payable   984    2,072    1,869 
Accrued payroll, payroll taxes and social benefits   1,106    1,286    1,261 
Deferred revenue   1,454    2,219    3,487 
Other current liabilities   2,351    1,615    1,417 
Total current liabilities   7,212    9,847    9,951 
Accrued severance   5,343    5,209    4,894 
Other long-term liabilities   43    38    82 
Total liabilities  $12,598  $15,094    15,017 

 

 11 
  

 

The Due from Acorn balance at September 30, 2016 is comprised of a loan of $340 from DSIT and unreimbursed expenses of $476, both of which accrue interest at 3.15% per annum. Such balances are due the earlier of December 31, 2017 or the sale of Acorn’s remaining shares in DSIT. In addition to the above balances, the Due from Acorn balance also includes $250 with respect to provisions for severance and vacation for the Company’s CFO who is an employee of DSIT.

 

DSIT’s results that were included in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations in the three and nine month periods ending September 30, 2015 can be seen below:

 

 

    Three months ending
September 30, 2015
    Nine months ending September 30, 2015  
             
Revenue   $ 3,616     $ 10,068  
Cost of sales     2,228       6,585  
Gross profit     1,388       3,483  
Research and development expenses, net     200       810  
Selling, general and administrative expenses     790       2,346  
Operating income     398       327  
Finance expense, net     (17 )     (78 )
Income before income taxes     381       249  
Income tax expense     (33     (46
Net income     348       203  
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests     (46     (29 )
Net income attributable to Acorn Energy Inc.   $ 302     $ 174  

 

As indicated above, after the Closing Date, the Company no longer consolidates the results of DSIT. After the Closing Date, the Company accounts for its investment in DSIT under the equity method. The initial balance of the Company’s investment in DSIT ($5,391) was determined based on the fair value of its 41.2% holdings in DSIT following the DSIT Transaction and the $13,100 value attributed to DSIT in the DSIT Transaction.

 

DSIT’s results and the Company’s share of its net income for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and for the period from the Closing Date to September 30, 2016 can be seen below:

 

    Three months ending
September 30, 2016
    From the Closing Date to September 30, 2016  
             
Revenue   $ 4,009     $ 6,805  
Cost of sales     2,883       4,803  
Gross profit     1,126       2,002  
Research and development expenses, net     235       341  
Selling, general and administrative expenses     737       1,394  
Operating income     154       267  
Finance expense, net     (51 )     (89 )
Income before income taxes     103       178  
Income tax expense     (12     (23
Net income     91       155  
Acorn’s share in net income in DSIT   $ 38     $ 63  

 

 12 
  

 

NOTE 4—Discontinued Operations

 

(a) GridSense

 

On April 21, 2016, the Company announced that it decided to cease operations of its GridSense subsidiary and initiate the liquidation of the GridSense assets. As a result of this decision, GridSense is being reported as a discontinued operation. Following the decision to cease GridSense operations, the Company wrote down all GridSense assets to their estimated realizable values at the time and accrued for estimated severance costs of $140 and lease commitments of $100 in GridSense’s first quarter results.

 

On July 12, 2016, the Company and its GridSense subsidiary completed the sale of the GridSense assets to Franklin Fueling Systems, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Franklin Electric Co., Inc. for a gross sales price of $1,000 of which $100 was set aside as an indemnity escrow. If there are no indemnifiable claims against the indemnity escrow, $50 will be released to GridSense on January 7, 2017 and any balance shall be released on July 7, 2017.

 

Following the sale, GridSense paid off approximately $240 of previously accrued severance and other payroll costs. GridSense recorded a gain of $944 (net of transaction costs) on this transaction as the value of the GridSense assets sold had previously been written down to nearly zero. Such gain is included in discontinued operations in the third quarter of 2016.

 

Following the sale, GridSense also engaged a third-party liquidation officer to satisfy, to the extent of the funds available from the remaining proceeds, the claims of GridSense creditors, including Acorn which is GridSense’s largest creditor. Through September 30, 2016, the third-party liquidator settled approximately $340 of outside creditor claims while disbursing approximately $33 to those creditors.

 

Assets and liabilities related to the discontinued operations of GridSense are as follows:

 

   As of 
   September 30, 2016   December 31, 2015 
         
Cash  $396   $48 
Other current assets and non-current assets   100    1,060 
Total assets  $496   $1,108 
Short-term bank credit  $   $138 
Accounts payable   619    950 
Accrued payroll, payroll taxes and social benefits   90    186 
Other current and non-current liabilities   509    572 
Total liabilities  $1,218   $1,846 

GridSense had a working agreement with its bank to allow GridSense to borrow against 80% of certain accounts receivable balances up to $750 at an interest equal to 1.25% per month. At December 31, 2015, GridSense was utilizing approximately $138 of its accounts receivable line. Such balance was repaid prior to the expiration of the accounts receivable line on July 16, 2016.

 

 13 
  

 

GridSense’s operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2016 are included in “Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes” in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Selected financial information for GridSense’s operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 are presented below:

 

   Three months ended
September 30,
   Nine months ended
September 30,
 
   2016   2015   2016   2015 
Revenue  $5   $374   $212   $1,984 
Gross profit  $5   $(392)  $28   $(119)
                     
Net income (loss)  $1,187   $(1,584)  $(423)  $(3,478)

 

(b) US Seismic Systems Inc. (“USSI”)

 

In early 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors decided that it would no longer continue to fund USSI’s activities following the significant decline in oil prices which led to significantly reduced demand for USSI’s products. At that time, USSI effectively suspended operations and terminated substantially all employees.

 

On September 28, 2015, the Board of Directors of USSI approved a motion to file a voluntary petition for protection under Chapter 7 of the United States Bankruptcy Code (a “Chapter 7 Bankruptcy”). Such filing was made on September 30, 2015. Under a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, control of USSI no longer rests with the Company, but rather with a court-appointed trustee. Accordingly, effective September 30, 2015, the Company no longer consolidated the assets, liabilities or operating results of USSI.

 

USSI’s losses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 are included in “Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes” in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Selected financial information for USSI’s operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 is presented below:

 

   Three months ended
September 30, 2015
   Nine months ended
September 30, 2015
 
Revenues  $84   $163 
Gross profit  $18   $(68)
           
Net income (loss)  $609   $(772)
Loss on deconsolidation  $(401)  $(401)
Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests  $(78)  $98 
Net income (loss) attributable to Acorn Energy Inc.  $130   $(1,075)

 

 14 
  

 

NOTE 5—RESTRUCTURING AND RELATED CHARGES

 

In 2013, OmniMetrix restructured its operations to better align expenses with revenues following a change in management. The restructuring involved employee severance and termination benefits as well as a charge for a significant reduction in the utilization of its leased facility in Buford and a write-down of a majority of the remaining book value of leasehold improvements associated with the leased facility. At December 31, 2015, $204 of lease payments associated with the reduced utilization of leased facilities remained unpaid. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, OmniMetrix paid $34 of this liability. The total remaining accrued restructuring balance of $170 is expected to be paid in full by December 31, 2019 and is included in Other current liabilities ($46) and Other long-term liabilities ($124) in the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets.

 

 15 
  

 

NOTE 6—INVENTORY, NET

 

The composition of inventory is as follows:

 

  

As of
September 30, 2016

   As of
December 31, 2015
 
Raw materials  $204   $287 
Work-in-process   --    189 
Finished goods   35    30 
   $239   $506 

 

At both December 31, 2015 and September 30, 2016, the Company’s inventory reserve was $22.

 

Following the closing of the DSIT Transaction (see Note 3), the Company no longer consolidates the results of DSIT, but rather reports its investment in DSIT using the equity method. Accordingly, the Company no longer includes DSIT inventory on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets. Balances at December 31, 2015 include $41 of raw materials and $189 of work-in-process related to DSIT.

 

 16 
  

 

NOTE 7—GOODWILL

 

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill in the Company’s Energy & Security Sonar Solutions segment from December 31, 2015 to September 30, 2016 was as follows:

 

    Total  
Balance at December 31, 2015   $ 516  
Translation adjustment     20  
Deconsolidation of DSIT     (536 )
Balance at September 30, 2016   $  

 

Following the closing of the DSIT Transaction (see Note 3), the Company no longer consolidates the results of DSIT, but rather reports its investment in DSIT using the equity method. Accordingly, the Company eliminated this goodwill as part of the deconsolidation of DSIT.

 

 17 
  

 

NOTE 8—FiNANCING

 

(a) Loans from Directors

 

In January 2016, the Company borrowed a total of $300 ($200 from one director and $100 from another director) under promissory notes which were to mature three days following the receipt of proceeds from the closing of the DSIT Transaction. In March 2016, the Company borrowed, on similar terms, an additional $75 from another director. Upon maturity, the Company was to pay to each director a single payment equal to 115% of the amounts borrowed under the promissory notes. Under the terms of each promissory note, at maturity, the lender could elect to convert the entire amount due under the promissory note into Common Stock of the Company at a conversion price equal to the closing price of the Company’s Common Stock on the trading day immediately preceding the maturity date of the loan.

 

On April 29, 2016, following the receipt of the net proceeds from the DSIT Transaction (see Note 3), the Company repaid in full $275 ($200 from one director and $75 from a another director) of the principal amount of the promissory notes plus interest equal to 15% of the amounts borrowed under the promissory notes.

 

In addition, a third director who had lent the Company $100, elected to convert the principal and the $15 of interest due into Common Stock of the Company. In accordance with the terms of the promissory note, the director received 465,587 shares of Common Stock of the Company.

 

(b) Short-term debt

 

In February 2016, the Company’s OmniMetrix subsidiary signed a Loan and Security Agreement with a lender providing OmniMetrix with access to accounts receivable formula-based financing of up to $500. In connection with this financing arrangement, OmniMetrix granted the lender a security interest in OmniMetrix’s receivables, inventory and certain other assets. Debt incurred under this financing arrangement bears interest at the greater of prime (3.5% at September 30, 2016) plus 2% or 6% per year. In addition, OmniMetrix was to pay a monthly service charge of 1.125% of the average aggregate principal amount outstanding for the prior month, for a current effective rate of interest on advances of 19.5%. At the time, the Loan and Security Agreement reflected a $500 credit line and the lender imposed a sublimit of $300 and had sole discretion as to when to remove the sublimit.

 

In September 2016, the abovementioned Loan and Security Agreement was amended to reflect a reduced monthly service charge of 1.0% and modified formula determining the amount available from 80% of eligible hardware invoices and 40% of eligible monitoring invoices to 75% of all eligible invoices. In return, OmniMetrix agreed to maintain a minimum loan balance of $150 in its line-of-credit with the lender for a minimum of one year beginning October 1, 2016.

 

As of September 30, 2016, OmniMetrix had an outstanding balance of approximately $47 pursuant to the amended Loan and Security Agreement.

 

 18 
  

 

NOTE 9—CHANGE OF SENIOR MANAGEMENT

 

(a) Resignation of the Company’s President and CEO

 

Effective January 28, 2016, the Company’s President and CEO (John A. Moore) tendered his resignation to the Board. The Board determined that such resignation was for “Good Reason” as such term is defined under Mr. Moore’s Employment Agreement. Accordingly, beginning on August 1, 2016 and continuing until on or about July 15, 2017, the Company will make aggregate severance payments to Mr. Moore of $425. The Company is making such severance payments in accordance with its regular payroll practices. In addition, the Company is reimbursing Mr. Moore up to an aggregate of $17 over the twelve-month period from February 2016 to January 2017 for the costs associated with Mr. Moore’s medical insurance. The above amounts were included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated Statements of Operations in the first quarter of 2016. In addition, in accordance with his Employment Agreement, all of Mr. Moore’s unvested options become vested as of the date of his resignation. At September 30, 2016, the remaining balance with respect to amounts due to Mr. Moore was $357 and is included in Accrued payroll, payroll taxes and social benefits on the Company’s Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

(b) Appointment of new President and CEO

 

Effective January 28, 2016, Acorn engaged Jan H. Loeb to be the Company’s President and CEO under a consulting agreement (the “Consulting Agreement”) with a company (the “Consultant”) managed by Mr. Loeb. Under the Consulting Agreement, the Consultant is to be paid a monthly fee of $17 for the term of the Consulting Agreement (through January 7, 2017). Pursuant to the Consulting Agreement, on March 16, 2016, Acorn issued to the Consultant, for nominal consideration, warrants exercisable for 35,000 shares of Acorn common stock. The exercise price of the warrants is $0.13 per share. One-fourth of the warrants were immediately exercisable with the remainder becoming exercisable in equal increments on each of June 16, 2016, September 16, 2016 and December 16, 2016. The warrants expire on the earlier of (a) March 16, 2023 and (b) 18 months from the date Mr. Loeb ceases to be a director, officer, employee or consultant of Acorn.

 

 19 
  

 

NOTE 10—EQUITY

 

(a) Acorn Stock Options

 

A summary of stock option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 is as follows:

 

   

 

 

Number

of Options

(in shares)

   

Weighted

Average

Exercise

Price Per

Share

    Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life       Aggregate Intrinsic Value  
Outstanding at December 31, 2015     2,364,918     $ 3.51                  
Granted     65,000     $ 0.15                  
Exercised                            
Forfeited or expired     (145,503 )   $ 4.18                  
Outstanding at September 30, 2016     2,284,415     $ 3.37       4.6 years     $ 3  
Exercisable at September 30, 2016     2,165,663     $ 3.49       4.6 years     $ 2  

 

In connection with the January 28, 2016 resignation of the Company’s then President and CEO (John A. Moore) (see Note 9), all of Mr. Moore’s unvested options at that time became fully vested.

 

The fair value of the options granted ($0.11 per option during the nine months ended September 30, 2016) was estimated on the grant dates using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

 

Risk-free interest rate     1.5 %
Expected term of options     6.5 years  
Expected annual volatility     80 %
Expected dividend yield    

 

The weighted average number of options and warrants that were excluded from the computation of diluted net income per share, as they had an antidilutive effect, was approximately 4,936,000 and 5,012,000 for the nine and three month periods ending September 30, 2016, respectively, and 5,003,000 and 5,035,000 for the nine and three month periods ending September 30, 2015, respectively.

 

(b) Stock-based Compensation Expense

 

Stock-based compensation expense included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2016 was $523 and $243, respectively, and was $146 and $9 for the three month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2016, respectively. In addition, $6 was recorded in the Company’s USSI subsidiary (included in Discontinued Operations) for the nine month period ended September 30, 2015 and $0 for the three month period ended September 30, 2015. See Note 4(b). The remaining unrecognized stock-based compensation expense at September 30, 2016 is de minimis.

 

(c) Warrants

 

The Company previously issued warrants at exercise prices equal to or greater than market value of the Company’s common stock at the date of issuance. A summary of warrant activity follows:

 

   

Number

of Warrants

(in shares)

   

Weighted

Average

Exercise Price

Per Share

   

Weighted

Average Remaining Contractual

Life

 
Outstanding at December 31, 2015     2,619,423     $ 1.48          
Granted     35,000       0.13          
Exercised                    
Forfeited or expired                    
Outstanding at September 30, 2016     2,654,423     $ 1.46       3.4 years  

 

 20 
  

 

The fair value of the warrants granted ($0.08 per warrant during the nine months ended September 30, 2016) was estimated on the grant dates using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

 

Risk-free interest rate     1.79 %
Expected term of warrants     7.0 years  
Expected annual volatility     78 %
Expected dividend yield    

 

(d) Shares Issued

 

(1)   Leap Tide Capital Partners III

 

On August 13, 2015, the Company executed a Loan and Security Agreement with Leap Tide Capital Partners III, LLC (“Leap Tide”), pursuant to which the Company borrowed $2,000 from Leap Tide (the “LT Loan”). Jan H. Loeb, the Company’s new President and CEO (see Note 9(b)) is the Manager of Leap Tide. Principal and accrued interest was due and payable on August 13, 2016. Interest accrued and was payable quarterly at a rate of 10% per annum. On April 29, 2016, following the receipt of the net proceeds from the DSIT Transaction, the Company repaid in full the $2,000 of principal and all accrued interest in full satisfaction of the cash due to Leap Tide under the LT Loan.

 

In addition to the interest payable in cash described above, Leap Tide received 850,000 shares of the Company’s common stock (the “Initial Shares”) at the closing and was entitled to vested rights to receive 179,167 additional shares of the Company’s common stock (each vested right to receive one share, a “Vested Share Right”) per month for each full month that the full principal amount of the LT Loan was outstanding. The number of Vested Share Rights that accrued in a given month was prorated to the extent less than the full principal amount was outstanding and/or for any partial month in which no principal amount was outstanding. Through April 29, 2016, the date of repayment, Leap Tide earned 1,531,396 Vested Share Rights.

 

Under the terms of the LT Loan, the Company had the right on or prior to 30 days after the repayment of the LT Loan (the “Cash Settlement Period”) to repurchase any or all Initial Shares and settle any or all Vested Share Rights accrued under the LT Loan for cash in lieu of stock. The cash repurchase/settlement price would have been $0.30 for each Initial Share so repurchased and each Vested Share Right so settled. The Company did not repurchase any of the Initial Shares or settle any of the accrued Vested Share Rights for cash and all 1,531,396 Vested Share Rights were converted into 1,531,396 shares of Common Stock of the Company after the expiration of the Cash Settlement Period.

 

(2)  Conversion of Director Loan

 

See Note 8.

 

 21 
  

 

NOTE 11—FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

Financial items measured at fair value are classified in the table below in accordance with the hierarchy established in applicable accounting principles.

 

    As of September 30, 2016  
    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
Escrow deposits – continuing operations   $ 579     $     $     $ 579  

Escrow deposits – discontinued operations (see Note 4(a))

  $ 100     $     $     $ 100  
Total   $ 679     $     $     $ 679  

 

    As of December 31, 2015  
    Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
Restricted deposits – current   $ 2,172     $     $     $ 2,172  
Restricted deposits –non-current     2,951                   2,951  
Derivative liabilities     (4 )                 (4 )
Total   $ 5,119     $     $     $ 5,119  

 

Escrow deposits relate to escrow requirements from the DSIT Transaction (see Note 3).

 

Restricted deposits (both current and non-current) and derivative liabilities at December 31, 2015 were all related to DSIT. Following the closing of the DSIT Transaction (see Note 3), the Company no longer consolidates the results of DSIT, but rather reports its investment in DSIT using the equity method. Accordingly, the Company eliminated these financial items as part of the deconsolidation of DSIT.

 

Level 1 derivative assets and liabilities are related to forward contracts for the purchase of New Israeli Shekels for which market prices were readily available. Unrealized gains or losses from forward contracts are recorded in Finance income (expense), net.

 

See Note 3 for the determination of the fair value of the Company’s equity investment in DSIT. 

 

 22 
  

 

NOTE 12—SEGMENT REPORTING

 

The Company currently operates in two reportable operating segments, both of which are performed though the Company’s OmniMetrix subsidiary:

 

  Power Generation (“PG”) monitoring (formerly known as Machine-to-Machine Critical Asset Monitoring & Control). The PG segment provides wireless remote monitoring and control systems and services for critical assets as well as Internet of Things applications.
     
  Corrosion Protection (“CP”) monitoring. The CP segment provides for remote monitoring of cathodic protection systems on gas pipelines for gas utilities and pipeline companies.

 

In addition, up to the closing of the DSIT Transaction (see Note 3), the Company reported its activities in the Energy & Security Sonar Solutions segment. This segment, whose activities were performed by DSIT, provides sonar and acoustic related solutions for energy, defense and commercial markets with a focus on underwater site security for strategic energy installations and other advanced acoustic systems and real-time embedded hardware and software development and production. “Other” operations include certain IT activities (protocol management software for cancer patients and billing software) and outsourced consulting activities performed by the Company’s DSIT subsidiary that did not meet the quantitative thresholds under applicable accounting principles.

 

Following the closing of the DSIT Transaction, the Company is no longer consolidating the results of DSIT, but rather is reporting on its investment in DSIT on the equity method. Accordingly, effective April 22, 2016, the Company no longer consolidates the results of DSIT’s Energy & Security Sonar Solutions segment or the activities of its “Other” segment.

 

Previously, the Company reported GridSense’s activities in its Smart Grid Distribution Automation segment which developed and produced fiber optic sensing systems for the energy and security markets. With the suspension of operations at GridSense (see Note 4(a)), its activities are reflected as discontinued operations.

 

    PG     CP    

Energy &

Security

Sonar

Solutions*

    Other*     Total  
Three months ended September 30, 2016                                        
Revenues from external customers   $ 794     $ 148     $     $     $ 942  
Intersegment revenues                              
Segment gross profit     438       86                   524  
Depreciation and amortization     16                         19  
Segment net income (loss) before income taxes     (243 )     (22 )                 (265 )
                                         
Three months ended September 30, 2015                                        
Revenues from external customers   $ 661     $ 126     $ 3,277     $ 338     $ 4,402  
Intersegment revenues                              
Segment gross profit     401       34       1,258       130       1,823  
Depreciation and amortization     18       3       47       6       74  
Segment net income (loss) before income taxes     (431 )     (6 )     336       55       (46 )
                                         
Nine months ended September 30, 2016                                        
Revenues from external customers   $ 2,057     $ 487     $ 4,620     $ 454     $ 7,618  
Intersegment revenues                              
Segment gross profit     1,023       283       1,517       114       2,937  
Depreciation and amortization     48       11       53       10       122  
Segment net income (loss) before income taxes     (893 )     (78 )     82       (10 )     (899 )
                                         
Nine months ended September 30, 2015                                        
Revenues from external customers   $ 1,774     $ 376     $ 9,025     $ 1,042     $ 12,217  
Intersegment revenues                              
Segment gross profit     1,035       216       3,048       435       4,734  
Depreciation and amortization     53       11       137       20       221  

Segment net loss before income taxes

    (1,131 )     (130 )     132       192       (937 )

 

* Results for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, only include results for the period January 1, 2016 to April 21, 2016. See Note 3.

 

 23 
  

 

Reconciliation of Segment Income (Loss) to Consolidated Net Loss Before Income Taxes

 

   Three months ended
September 30,
   Nine months ended
September 30,
 
   2016   2015   2016   2015 
Total net loss before income taxes for reportable segments  $(266)  $(101)  $(889)  $(1,129)
Other operational segment net income (loss) before income taxes   --    55    (10)   192 
Total segment net loss before income taxes   (266)   (46)   (899)   (937)
Unallocated cost of corporate headquarters*   (369)   (990)   (2,352)   (2,881)
Unallocated benefit (cost) of DSIT headquarters**   --    (9)   (6)   (75)
Consolidated loss before income taxes  $(635)  $(1,045)  $(3,257)  $(3,893)

 

* Includes stock compensation expense of $523 and $243 for the nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2016 and $146 and $9 for the three month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2016, respectively. The nine month period ended September 30, 2016 also includes $460 of salary and associated costs and medical insurance associated with the resignation of Mr. Moore and $502 of interest expense to Leap Tide and directors.

 

** Results for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, only include results for the period January 1, 2016 to April 21, 2016. See Note 3.

 

 24 
  

  

ACORN ENERGY, INC.

 

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following discussion includes statements that are forward-looking in nature. Whether such statements ultimately prove to be accurate depends upon a variety of factors that may affect our business and operations. Certain of these factors are discussed in this report and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

 

FINANCIAL RESULTS BY COMPANY

 

The following table shows, for the periods indicated, the financial results (dollar amounts in thousands) attributable to each of our consolidated companies. Following the sale of a portion of our interests in DSIT Solutions, Ltd., in April 2016 (the “DSIT Transaction”), we no longer consolidate the results of DSIT. The financial results below for DSIT include results through April 21, 2016 (the closing date) which are included in continuing operations.

 

   Three months ended September 30, 2016 
   DSIT*   OmniMetrix   Acorn   Total Continuing Operations 
Revenue  $   $942   $   $942 
Cost of Sales       418        418 
Gross profit       524        524 
Gross profit margin   %   56%        56%
R& D expenses, net of credits       133        133 
Selling, general and administrative expenses       650    365    1,015 
Operating loss  $   $(259)  $(365)  $(624)

 

 

   Three months ended September 30, 2015 
   DSIT   OmniMetrix   Acorn   Total Continuing Operations 
Revenue  $3,616   $786   $   $4,402 
Cost of Sales   2,228    351        2,579 
Gross profit   1,388    435        1,823 
Gross profit margin   38%   55%       41%
R& D expenses, net of credits   200    123        323 
Selling, general and administrative expenses   790    747    912    2,449 
Operating income (loss)  $398   $(435)  $(912)  $(949)

  

   Nine months ended September 30, 2016 
   DSIT*   OmniMetrix   Acorn   Total Continuing Operations 
Revenue  $5,074   $2,544   $   $7,618 
Cost of Sales   3,443    1,238        4,681 
Gross profit   1,631    1,306        2,937 
Gross profit margin   32%   51%        39%
R& D expenses, net of credits   469    322        791 
Selling, general and administrative expenses   1,063    1,937    1,845    4,845 
Operating income (loss)  $99   $(953)  $(1,845)  $(2,699)

 

 25 
  

 

   

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2015

 
    DSIT     OmniMetrix     Acorn     Total Continuing Operations  
Revenue   $ 10,068     $ 2,149     $     $ 12,217  
Cost of Sales     6,585       898             7,483  
Gross profit     3,483       1,251             4,734  
Gross profit margin     35 %     58 %           39 %
R& D expenses, net of credits     810       415             1,225  
Selling, general and administrative expenses     2,346       2,096       2,800       7,242  
Operating income (loss)   $ 327     $ (1,260 )   $ (2,800 )   $ (3,733 )

 

* Acorn ceased consolidating the results of DSIT following the close of the sale of a portion of Acorn’s interest in DSIT on April 21, 2016. Results reported above are for the periods ending April 21, 2016.

 

BACKLOG

 

As of September 30, 2016, our backlog of work to be completed was as follows (amounts in millions of U.S. dollars):

 

DSIT Solutions *  $21.8 
OmniMetrix (primarily deferred revenue)   2.3 
Total  $24.1 

 

* Following the closing of the DSIT Transaction, we are no longer consolidating the results of DSIT, but rather are reporting on our investment in DSIT on the equity method.

 

RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

 

On July 12, 2016, we closed on a transaction for the sale of GridSense’s assets. As a result of the transaction, GridSense received gross proceeds of $1.0 million of which $100,000 was set aside as an indemnity escrow. Following the sale, GridSense paid off approximately $240,000 of previously accrued severance and other payroll costs. Subsequently, GridSense engaged a third-party liquidation officer to satisfy, to the extent of the funds available from the remaining proceeds, the claims of GridSense creditors, including Acorn which is GridSense’s largest creditor. Through October 31, 2016, the liquidator has settled approximately $5.9 million of GridSense creditor claims ($5.6 million from Acorn), while disbursing approximately $535,000 to the creditors of GridSense ($500,000 to Acorn). At October 31, 2016, GridSense had approximately $24,000 of cash available (excluding escrow amounts) for satisfaction of remaining creditor claims. Acorn cannot determine with certainty the amount, if any, of these remaining proceeds that may be available to it.

 

OVERVIEW AND TREND INFORMATION

 

Acorn Energy, Inc. (“Acorn” or “the Company”) is a holding company focused on technology driven solutions for energy infrastructure asset management. Each of our two businesses (OmniMetrix and DSIT) is focused on helping its customers achieve greater productivity, reliability, security and efficiency.

 

 26 
  

 

We currently operate in two reportable operating segments, both of which are performed though our OmniMetrix subsidiary:

 

  Power Generation (“PG”) monitoring (formerly known as Machine-to-Machine Critical Asset Monitoring & Control). The PG segment provides wireless remote monitoring and control systems and services for critical assets as well as Internet of Things applications.
     
  Corrosion Protection (“CP”) monitoring. The CP segment provides for remote monitoring of cathodic protection systems on gas pipelines for gas utilities and pipeline companies.

 

In addition, up to the closing of the DSIT Transaction on April 21, 2016 (the “Closing Date”), we reported most of DSIT’s activities in our Energy & Security Sonar Solutions segment. This segment, whose activities were performed by DSIT, provides sonar and acoustic related solutions for energy, defense and commercial markets with a focus on underwater site security for strategic energy installations and other advanced acoustic systems and real-time embedded hardware and software development and production. “Other” operations include certain IT activities (protocol management software for cancer patients and billing software) and outsourced consulting activities also performed by DSIT that did not meet the quantitative thresholds under applicable accounting principles.

 

Following the closing of the DSIT Transaction, we are no longer consolidating the results of DSIT, but rather are reporting on our investment in DSIT on the equity method. Accordingly, effective April 22, 2016, we no longer consolidate the results DSIT’s activities that were included in the Energy & Security Sonar Solutions or “Other” segment.

 

Previously, we reported GridSense’s activities in its Smart Grid Distribution Automation segment which developed, marketed and sold remote monitoring and control systems to electric utilities and industrial facilities worldwide. With the suspension of operations at GridSense, its activities are reflected as discontinued operations in our condensed consolidation statements of operations.

 

The following analysis should be read together with the segment information provided in Note 12 to the interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this quarterly report.

 

OmniMetrix

 

Following the emergence of machine-to-machine and Internet of Things applications whereby companies aggregate multiple sensors and monitors into a simplified dashboard for customers, OmniMetrix believes it can play a key role in this new economic ecosystem. In addition, OmniMetrix sees a rapidly growing need for backup power infrastructure to secure critical military and government assets against emergency events including terrorist attacks, natural disasters, and cybersecurity threats. As residential and industrial standby generators as well as turbines, compressors, pumps, pumpjacks, light towers and other industrial equipment that are part of the critical infrastructure increasingly becoming monitored in Internet of Things applications, and given that OmniMetrix monitors all major brands of critical equipment, OmniMetrix believes it is well-positioned to be a competitive participant in this new market.

 

OmniMetrix has two divisions: Power Generation (“PG”) and Corrosion Protection (“CP”). In the first nine months of 2016, OmniMetrix recorded revenue of $2,544,000 ($2,057,000 in its PG activities and $487,000 in its CP activities) as compared to $2,150,000 ($1,774,000 in its PG activities and $376,000 in its CP activities) recorded in the first nine months of 2015, representing an increase of 18%. Increased revenue in 2016 was driven by hardware revenue which increased from $690,000 in 2015 to $1,182,000 in 2016. The increase in hardware revenue was partially offset by a decrease in monitoring revenue which dropped from $1,459,000 in 2015 to $1,362,000 in 2016. The decrease is the result of a one-time adjustment of $130,000 made in the second quarter of 2016 with respect to a previous understatement of deferred revenue. Third quarter 2016 revenue increased 20% to $942,000 from $786,000 in the third quarter of 2015.

 

First nine months 2016 gross profit of $1,306,000 reflected a gross margin of 51% on 2016 revenue. Such gross profit represents a slight increase (4%) from first nine months 2015 gross profit of $1,251,000 (gross margin of 58%). The increase in gross profit was tempered by the aforementioned one-time second quarter adjustment which decreased monitoring revenue by $130,000. Without such adjustment, first nine months 2016 gross profit would have increased by $185,000 (15%) and gross margin would have been 54% - as compared to the 58% gross margin in 2015. The decrease in the normalized gross margin is the result of increased residential generator monitoring as residential generator monitoring margins are slightly lower than that of commercial and industrial generator monitoring. OmniMetrix continues to maintain its high margin (in excess of 80%) on its recurring monitoring revenue stream.

 

 27 
  

 

During the first nine months of 2016, OmniMetrix recorded $322,000 of R&D expense as compared to approximately $415,000 of R&D expense in the first nine months of 2015. The decrease the R&D expense was attributable to staff changes and product certification costs incurred in 2015. We expect R&D costs to approximate their current levels as we continue to work on certain initiatives to redesign certain products to reduce their costs in order to increase our future margins.

 

During the first nine months of 2016, OmniMetrix recorded approximately $1,937,000 of SG&A expense. Such expense was $159,000 or 8% below the first nine months 2015 SG&A expense of $2,096,000. The decrease in SG&A expense was due to the decreased salary costs associated with changes in OmniMetrix personnel. Third quarter SG&A expense of $650,000 reflected a decrease from second quarter 2016 SG&A costs of $691,000. The decreased costs from the second quarter of 2016 were the result of recruiting fees and consulting fees incurred in the second quarter of 2016. We anticipate that SG&A costs will remain relatively stable in upcoming quarters.

 

In February 2016, OmniMetrix signed a Loan and Security Agreement with a lender providing OmniMetrix with access to accounts receivable formula-based financing of up to $500,000. In connection with this financing arrangement, OmniMetrix granted the lender a security interest in OmniMetrix’s receivables, inventory and certain other assets. Debt incurred under this financing arrangement bears interest at the greater of prime (3.5% at December 31, 2015 and June 30, 2016) plus 2% or 6% per year. In addition, OmniMetrix was to pay a monthly service charge of 1.125% of the average aggregate principal amount outstanding for the prior month, for a current effective rate of interest on advances of 19.5%. At the time, the Loan and Security Agreement reflected a $500,000 credit line and the lender imposed a sublimit of $300,000 and had sole discretion as to when to remove the sublimit.

 

In September 2016, the abovementioned Loan and Security Agreement was amended to reflect a reduced monthly service charge of 1.0% and modified formula determining the amount available from 80% of eligible hardware invoices and 40% of eligible monitoring invoices to 75% of all eligible invoices. In return, OmniMetrix agreed to maintain a minimum loan balance of $150,000 in its line-of-credit with the lender for a minimum of one year beginning October 1, 2016.

 

As of November 9, 2016, OmniMetrix had an outstanding balance of approximately $240,000 pursuant to the amended Loan and Security Agreement.

 

We have no assurance that OmniMetrix’s credit facility will provide sufficient liquidity for all of OmniMetrix’s working capital needs in 2016 and beyond. Additional financing for OmniMetrix may be in the form of a bank line, new investment by others, a loan by Acorn, or a combination of the above. The availability and amount of any additional loans from us to OmniMetrix may be limited by the working capital needs of our corporate activities.

 

DSIT Solutions

 

On April 21, 2016, we closed on the sale of nearly 50% of our interest in our DSIT Solutions, Ltd. business to Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. As DSIT has grown, we came to recognize the value of it having a strong strategic partner with the size, resources and scope of Rafael’s capabilities. We believe this partnership will accelerate DSIT’s growth by leveraging Rafael’s technological capabilities and reputation as well as its impressive global sales reach in support of DSIT’s industry-leading sonar technology and its fiber-optic based sensing solutions. We believe that DSIT’s global reach and sales potential is significantly enhanced through our partnership with Rafael. Following the closing of the DSIT Transaction, we no longer consolidate the results of DSIT, but rather are reporting on our investment in DSIT on the equity method.

 

In June, DSIT announced that it received a new $7.1 million order for its Blackfish Hull Mounted Sonar (HMS) systems to be delivered over a two-year period. The Blackfish is an advanced, medium-frequency Hull Mounted Sonar designed for littoral (near shore) as well as deep water Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) operations.

 

 28 
  

 

DSIT revenue of $11.9 million in the first nine months of 2016 ($5.1 million through the closing of the DSIT Transaction) was $1.8 million or 18% above its revenue for the first nine months of 2015 ($10.1 million). Third quarter 2016 revenue ($4.0 million) increased 11% ($0.4 million) over third quarter 2015 revenue and slightly (approximately $60,000 or 1%) as compared to second quarter 2016 revenue. Gross profit and operating income both improved for DSIT in 2016.

 

The increase in DSIT’s revenue was due to revenue recorded with respect to DSIT’s $15.4 million project received in the first quarter of 2015 for Hull Mounted Sonar (HMS) systems and an Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Trainer for an unnamed navy as well as increases in revenue from DSIT’s non-Naval projects.

 

DSIT’s gross profit increased 4% from $3.5 million in the first nine months of 2015 to $3.6 million in the first nine months of 2016. Gross profit increased as a result of increased revenue as gross margin decreased from 35% in 2016 to 31% in 2016. Gross margin in the third quarter of 2016 was 28% as compared to 33% in the second quarter of 2016. The decrease in the gross margin in 2016 is attributable to the near completion of a major high margin project in 2016 with newer projects coming in at lower margins.

 

During the first nine months of 2016, DSIT recorded $810,000 of net R&D expense. Such net R&D expense was virtually unchanged from the $809,000 of R&D expense recorded in the first nine months of 2015.

 

During the first nine months of 2016, DSIT recorded $2.5 million of SG&A expense, 5% above the $2.3 million recorded in the first nine months of 2015. The increase from the first nine months of 2015 was due to certain one-time costs associated with the sale to Rafael.

 

At December 31, 2015, DSIT had a backlog of approximately $20.6 million. During the first nine months of 2016, DSIT received new orders totaling approximately $13.1 million, and at the end of September 2016 had a backlog of approximately $21.8 million.

 

DSIT net income for the first nine months of 2016 was $217,000 of which $156,000 was recorded during the period from the closing of the DSIT Transaction to September 30, 2016. As noted above, we no longer consolidate the results of DSIT. After the closing of the DSIT Transaction, we account for our investment in DSIT under the equity method. The initial balance of our investment in DSIT (approximately $5.4 million) was determined based on our 41.2% holding in DSIT post-closing and the $13.1 million value attributed to DSIT in the DSIT Transaction. In the period following the Closing Date, we recorded $63,000 as our 41.2% share of DSIT’s net income for the period from the Closing Date to September 30, 2016 ($38,000 in the third quarter of 2016).

 

GridSense

 

On April 21, 2016, we announced our decision to cease operations of our GridSense subsidiary and initiate the liquidation of the GridSense assets. As a result of this decision, GridSense is being reported as a discontinued operation effective with our first quarter 2016 report.

 

On July 12, 2016, Acorn Energy, Inc. and GridSense sold the GridSense assets to Franklin Fueling Systems, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Franklin Electric Co., Inc. for a gross sales price of $1.0 million of which $100,000 was set aside as an indemnity escrow. If there are no indemnifiable claims against the indemnity escrow, $50,000 will be released to GridSense on January 7, 2017 and any balance shall be released on July 7, 2017.

 

Following the sale, GridSense paid off approximately $240,000 of previously accrued severance and other payroll costs. GridSense recorded a gain of $944,000 (net of transaction costs) on this transaction as the value of the GridSense assets sold had previously been written down to nearly zero. Such gain is included in discontinued operations in the third quarter of 2016.

 

Subsequently, GridSense engaged a third-party liquidation officer to satisfy, to the extent of the funds available from the remaining proceeds, the claims of GridSense creditors, including Acorn which is GridSense’s largest creditor. Through October 31, 2016, the liquidator has settled approximately $5.9 million of GridSense creditor claims ($5.6 million from Acorn), while disbursing approximately $535,000 to the creditors of GridSense ($500,000 to Acorn). At October 31, 2016, GridSense had approximately $24,000 of cash available (excluding escrow amounts) for satisfaction of remaining creditor claims. Acorn cannot determine with certainty the amount, if any, of these remaining proceeds that may be available to it.

 

 29 
  

 

Corporate

 

Corporate general and administrative expense of $1,845,000 in the first nine months of 2016 reflected a decrease of $955,000 or 34% from the $2,800,000 of expense reported in the first nine months of 2015. The decrease in corporate general and administrative expense was due to decreased professional fees and investor relations expense as well as decreased board costs and non-cash stock compensation expense following a restructure of the composition of compensation made to Board members. These decreases were partially offset by the $460,000 of severance and related costs and $174,000 of non-cash stock compensation expense associated with the acceleration of the vesting of Mr. Moore’s options following the resignation of John A. Moore, our former CEO. Excluding these one-time charges, corporate general and administrative expense would have decreased by $1,579,000 or 56%.

 

Third quarter G&A expense of $365,000 was $57,000 (19%) greater than second quarter 2016 G&A expense of $308,000 and $547,000 (60%) below third quarter 2015 G&A expense. The increase in the third quarter of 2016 as compared to the second quarter of 2016 was due to the timing of certain professional and consulting fees. The decrease as compared to the third quarter of 2015 was due to reduced professional fees and salaries as well as a result of the significant cuts we made in our directors’ fees in the first quarter of 2016. We believe corporate general and administrative quarterly expense for the remainder of 2016 and into 2017 to approximate our third quarter 2016 expense, depending upon the level of professional fees incurred. We continue to seek ways to further reduce our operating expenses going forward.

 

In April 2016, we closed on the sale of nearly 50% of our interest in our DSIT Solutions, Ltd. business to Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., a major Israeli defense company. At closing, we received gross proceeds of approximately $4.9 million before escrow, fees and taxes. From the gross proceeds, we deposited approximately $579,000 to satisfy the escrow requirements in the sale. We expect to be able access those funds, net of any disbursements, in October 2017. We also paid an Israeli withholding tax of approximately $266,000 and incurred transaction costs of approximately $184,000. In connection with this sale, we recorded a gain of approximately $2.6 million in the second quarter. We are also eligible to receive our pro-rata share (approximately 82.4%) of a $1.0 million earn-out over a three-year period. Following the sale, we own approximately 41.2% of DSIT with DSIT management owning approximately 8.8% and Rafael owning 50%. As we no longer consolidate the results of DSIT following the closing of the DSIT Transaction, we recorded a gain in the second quarter of approximately $1.0 million upon deconsolidating DSIT from our consolidated balance sheet.

 

Following the receipt of the net proceeds from the DSIT Transaction, we repaid in full the $2.0 million of principal and approximately $15,000 of accrued interest in full satisfaction of the cash due under the Loan and Security Agreement with Leap Tide Capital Partners III, LLC (“Leap Tide”). In addition, following the receipt of the net proceeds from the DSIT Transaction, we repaid in full $275,000 of loans from directors ($200,000 from one director and $75,000 from a another director) under promissory notes plus interest equal to 15% of the amounts borrowed under the promissory notes. Remaining proceeds from the DSIT Transaction were used for corporate expenses and financing the operations of OmniMetrix.

 

Following the sale of the GridSense assets to Franklin Fueling Systems, Inc. (see above), GridSense engaged an third-party liquidation officer to satisfy, to the extent of the funds available from the remaining proceeds, the claims of GridSense creditors, including Acorn which is GridSense’s largest creditor. Through October 31, 2016, the third-party liquidator settled outside creditor claims while disbursing approximately $35,000 to those creditors as well as $500,000 to Acorn in partial satisfaction of Acorn’s claims against GridSense. At October 31, 2016, GridSense had approximately $24,000 of cash available (excluding escrow amounts) for satisfaction of remaining creditor claims. Acorn cannot determine with certainty the amount, if any, of these remaining proceeds that may be available to it.

 

 30 
  

 

Results of Operations

 

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the consolidated results of operations of the Company for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2015 and 2016, including the percentage of total revenues during each period attributable to selected components of the operations statement data and for the period to period percentage changes in such components. For segment data see Note 12 to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements included in this quarterly report.

 

 

    Three months ended September 30,     Nine months ended September 30,  
    2016     2015     Change from     2016     2015     Change from  
    ($,000)     % of revenues     ($,000)     % of revenues     2015 to 2016     ($,000)     % of revenues     ($,000)     % of revenues     2015 to 2016  
Revenue   $ 942       100 %   $ 4,402       100 %     (79)%     $ 7,618       100 %   $ 12,217       100 %     (38)%  
Cost of sales     418       44 %     2,579       59 %     (84)%       4,681       61 %     7,483       61 %     (37)%  
Gross profit     524       56 %     1,823       41 %     (71)%       2,937       39 %     4,734       39 %     (38)%  
R&D expenses, net     133       14 %     323       7 %     (59)%       791       10 %     1,225       10 %     (35)%  
SG&A expenses     1,015       108 %     2,449       56 %     (59)%       4,845       64 %     7,242       59 %     (33)%  
Operating loss     (624 )     (66 )%     (949 )     (22 )%     (34)%       (2,699 )     (35 )%     (3,733 )     (31 )%     (28)%  
Finance expense, net     (11 )     (1 )%     (96 )     (2 )%     (89)%       (558 )     (7 )%     (160 )     (1 )%     249%  
Loss before income taxes     (635 )     (68 )%     (1,045 )     (24 )%     (39)%       (3,257 )     (43 )%     (3,893 )     (32 )%     (16)%  
Income tax expense     --       --       (58 )     (1 )%     (100)%       (19 )     (0 )%     (45 )     0 %     (58)%  
Net loss after income taxes     (635 )     (67 )%     (1,103 )     (25 )%     (42)%       (3,276 )     (43 )%     (3,938 )     (32 )%     (17)%  
Gain on sale of DSIT, net of income taxes and transaction costs     --       --       --       --               3,543       46     --       --          
Share of income in DSIT     38       4     --       --               63       1     --       --          
Income (loss) before discontinued operations     (597 )     (63 )%     (1,103)       (25 )%     (46)%       330       4 %     (3,938     (32 )%     (108)%  
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes     1,187       126 %     (1,530)       (35 )%     (178)%       (423 )     (6 )%     (4,805 )     (39) %     (91)%  
Net income (loss)     590       63 %     (2,633)       (60 )%     (122)%       (93 )     (1 )%     (8,743 )     (72) %     (99)%  
Non-controlling interests share of net (income) loss – continuing operations     62       7 %     (45)       (1 )%     (238)%       206       3 %     (29     (0) %     (814)%  
Non-controlling interests share of net (income) loss – discontinued operations     --       --     (78)       (2 )%     (100)%       --       --       98       1     (100)%  
Net income (loss) attributable to Acorn Energy, Inc.   $ 652       69 %   $ (2,756)       (63) %     (124)%     $ 113       1 %   $ (8,674     (71 )%     (101)%  

 

Revenue. Revenue in the first nine months of 2016 decreased by $4,599,000, or 38%, to $7,618,000 from $12,217,000 in the first nine months of 2015. The decrease in revenue was due to the fact that we are no longer consolidating the results of DSIT following the DSIT Transaction. OmniMetrix reported an increase in revenue of 18% from $2,150,000 for the first nine months of 2015 to $2,544,000 for the first nine months of 2016. OmniMetrix’s increased revenue was attributable to an increase in the number of units being monitored. DSIT reported $11.9 million of revenue in the first nine months of 2016 (as compared to $10.1 million of revenue in the first nine months of 2015), of which $5.1 million was reported in the period up to the DSIT Transaction.

 

Gross profit. Gross profit in the first nine months of 2016 reflected a decrease of $1,797,000 (38%) as compared to the first nine months of 2015. The decrease in gross profit was due to the fact that we are no longer consolidating the results of DSIT following the DSIT Transaction. OmniMetrix recorded gross profit of $1,306,000 in the first nine months of 2016 as compared to a $1,251,000 gross profit recorded in the first nine months of 2015. OmniMetrix’s gross margin decreased from 58% in the first nine months of 2015 to 51% in the first nine months 2016. The decreased gross margin was due to a one-time monitoring revenue adjustment of $130,000 made in the second quarter of 2016 with respect to a previous understatement of deferred monitoring revenue combined with increased residential generator monitoring as residential generator monitoring margins are slightly lower than that of commercial and industrial generator monitoring . DSIT reported $3.6 million of gross profit in the first nine months of 2016 (as compared to $3.5 million of gross profit in the first nine months of 2015), of which $1.6 million was reported in the period up to the DSIT Transaction.

 

 31 
  

 

Research and development (“R&D”) expenses. R&D expenses decreased $434,000 (35%) to $791,000 in the first nine months of 2016 as compared to the first nine months of 2015. The decrease in R&D expenses was due to the fact that we are no longer consolidating the results of DSIT following the DSIT Transaction. DSIT reported $469,000 of R&D expenses in the 2016 period up to the DSIT Transaction as compared to $810,000 in the nine months ended September 30, 2015. OmniMetrix R&D expense decreased in the first nine months of 2016 to $322,000 from $415,000 in the first nine months of 2015. The decrease at OmniMetrix was attributable to staff changes and certain one-time costs incurred in 2015.

 

Selling, general and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses. SG&A expenses in the first nine months of 2016 decreased by $2,397,000 or 33% as compared to the first nine months of 2015. Corporate general and administrative expense decreased 34% from $2,800,000 in the first nine months of 2015 to $1,845,000 in the first nine months of 2016. The decrease in corporate general and administrative expense was due to decreased professional fees and investor relations expense as well as decreased board costs and non-cash stock compensation expense following a restructure of the composition of compensation made to Board members. These decreases were partially offset by the severance and related costs associated with the resignation of John A. Moore, our former CEO. Both OmniMetrix and DSIT also reported decreased SG&A expense in the first nine months of 2016 as compared to the first nine months of 2015. The decrease in DSIT’s reported SG&A expense was due to the fact that we are no longer consolidating the results of DSIT’s following the DSIT Transaction. OmniMetrix recorded a modest decrease (8%) in SG&A expense from $2,096,000 in the first nine months of 2015 to $1,937,000 in the first nine months of 2016. The decrease in SG&A expense at OmniMetrix was due to changes in personnel.

 

Finance expense, net. Finance expense in 2016 is primarily comprised of interest expense of $446,000 ($381,000 of which was non-cash interest related to the accretion of discount and the value of shares given in the borrowing) recorded in connection with our borrowings from Leap Tide Capital Partners III, and $56,000 of interest to directors of Acorn as a result of their loans to us in early 2016.

 

Sale of DSIT. In April 2016, we closed on the sale of nearly 50% of our interest in our DSIT Solutions, Ltd. Business. As a result of the sale, we recorded a gain of approximately $2.6 million, a gain on the deconsolidation of DSIT of approximately $1.0 million and our share in the income of DSIT following the close of the transaction of approximately $63,000.

 

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes. During the first nine months of 2016, GridSense recorded losses net of income tax of $455,000. During the first nine months of 2015, GridSense recorded losses net of income tax of $3,478,000 while USSI recorded a loss of $1,173,000.

 

Net loss attributable to Acorn Energy. We had net income attributable to Acorn Energy of $0.1 million in the first nine months of 2016 compared to a net loss of $8.7 million in the first nine months of 2015. Our net income in 2016 is comprised of losses of $0.5 million at GridSense which is included in discontinued operations, corporate expenses of $2.3 million and a loss at OmniMetrix of nearly $1.0 million. These losses were offset by the gains we reported on the sale of a portion of our interests in DSIT ($3.6 million) and $205,000 of non-controlling interests share in our losses. Corporate expenses include approximately $460,000 of severance and related costs plus an additional $174,000 of non-cash stock compensation associated with resignation of our former CEO. Corporate expenses also include approximately $0.5 million of interest expense associated with our borrowings from Leap Tide and our directors.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

As of September 30, 2016 we had negative working capital of $2.7 million (negative $2.0 million in our continuing operations). Our negative working capital includes $104,000 of cash and cash equivalents as well as $2.0 million of deferred revenue in OmniMetrix. Such deferred revenue does not require significant cash outlay in order for the revenue to be recognized. Net cash decreased during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 by $20,000. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, $3.9 million of cash was used in operating activities ($3.0 million in continuing operations).

 

Our corporate headquarters used approximately $1.3 million during the first nine months of 2016 while our OmniMetrix subsidiary used $0.5 million of cash for its operations during the first nine months of 2016. DSIT used approximately $1.2 million in its operations during 2016 up through the date of the DSIT Transaction. Our discontinued operations (GridSense) used $0.9 million in their operating activities in the first nine months of 2016.

 

 32 
  

 

Cash provided by investing activities of $5.0 million was primarily due to the $3.4 million of proceeds from the sale of a portion of our interests in DSIT (net of transaction costs, DSIT cash and amounts set aside for escrow) and $0.8 million from net release of cash in restricted deposits at DSIT prior to our sale. In addition, our discontinued GridSense operations generated $0.9 million of cash from the $1.0 million of proceeds from the sale of its assets less $100,000 that was set aside as an indemnity escrow.

 

Net cash of $0.9 million was used in financing activities in continuing operations during the first nine months of 2016. During 2016, we repaid the $2.0 million we had borrowed from Leap Tide and $275,000 of director loans. These uses of cash were offset by borrowings from directors of $375,000 and $827,000 of cash provided from short-term credit facilities. Approximately $780,000 of the cash provided from short-term credit facilities was from DSIT prior to the closing of the DSIT Transaction. DSIT also received $391,000 of proceeds from the exercise of options prior to the closing of the DSIT Transaction. In addition, our discontinued operations at GridSense paid off their remaining short-term borrowings of $138,000.

 

In February 2016, OmniMetrix signed a Loan and Security Agreement with a lender providing OmniMetrix with access to accounts receivable formula-based financing of up to $500,000. In connection with this financing arrangement, OmniMetrix granted the lender a security interest in OmniMetrix’s receivables, inventory and certain other assets. Debt incurred under this financing arrangement bears interest at the greater of prime (3.5% at December 31, 2015 and September 30, 2016) plus 2% or 6% per year. In addition, OmniMetrix was to pay a monthly service charge of 1.125% of the average aggregate principal amount outstanding for the prior month, for a current effective rate of interest on advances of 19.5%. At the time, the Loan and Security Agreement reflected a $500,000 credit line and the lender imposed a sublimit of $300,000 and had sole discretion as to when to remove the sublimit.

 

In September 2016, the abovementioned Loan and Security Agreement was amended to reflect a reduced monthly service charge of 1.0% and modified formula determining the amount available from 80% of eligible hardware invoices and 40% of eligible monitoring invoices to 75% of all eligible invoices. In return, OmniMetrix agreed to maintain a minimum loan balance of $150,000 in its line-of-credit with the lender for a minimum of one year beginning October 1, 2016.

 

As of November 9, 2016, OmniMetrix had an outstanding balance of approximately $240,000 pursuant to the amended Loan and Security Agreement.

 

In October, 2015, one Acorn’s directors acquired a 10% interest in Acorn’s OmniMetrix Holdings, Inc. subsidiary (“Holdings”) through the purchase of preferred stock (the “OmniMetrix Preferred Stock”) for $500,000. Holdings is the holder of 100% of the membership interests OmniMetrix, LLC. Subsequently, in November, 2015, the director acquired an additional 10% interest in Holdings through the purchase of additional OmniMetrix Preferred Stock for an additional $500,000 and currently owns a 20% interest in Holdings.

 

A dividend of 10% per annum accrues on the OmniMetrix Preferred Stock. A dividend was payable on the first anniversary of the funding of the investment and quarterly thereafter for so long as the OmniMetrix Preferred Stock is outstanding and has not been converted to Common Stock. The dividend is payable in cash or the form of additional shares of OmniMetrix Preferred Stock at the election of the holder of the Preferred Stock.

 

During the period from time the Acorn director acquired OmniMetrix Preferred Stock through October 31, 2016, Acorn lent OmniMetrix $894,000 ($790,000 in 2016). Acorn is in discussions with the director to offset the dividend payment due in October 2016 against his pro-rata portion of loans not provided to OmniMetrix.

 

We have no assurance that OmniMetrix’s credit facility will provide sufficient liquidity for all of OmniMetrix’s working capital needs in 2016 and beyond. Additional financing for OmniMetrix may be in the form of a bank line, new investment by others, a loan by Acorn, or a combination of the above. The availability and amount of any additional loans from us to OmniMetrix may be limited by the working capital needs of our corporate activities.

 

 33 
  

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Form 10-Q have been prepared assuming that we will continue as a going concern, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. However, our ability to continue as a going concern will be dependent upon our ability to generate sufficient cash flow from our operations to satisfy our liabilities on a timely basis and to obtain additional funding or generate sufficient revenue to cover our operating expenses. Our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

 

On April 21, 2016, we announced our decision to cease operations of our GridSense subsidiary and initiate the liquidation of the GridSense assets. As a result of this decision, GridSense is being reported as a discontinued operation. On July 12, 2016, Acorn Energy, Inc. and GridSense sold the GridSense assets to Franklin Fueling Systems, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Franklin Electric Co., Inc. for a gross sales price of $1.0 million of which $100,000 was set aside as an indemnity escrow. If there are no indemnifiable claims against the indemnity escrow, $50,000 will be released to GridSense on January 7, 2017 and any balance shall be released on July 7, 2017.

 

Following the sale, GridSense paid off approximately $240,000 of previously accrued severance and other payroll costs. Subsequently, GridSense engaged a third-party liquidation officer to satisfy, to the extent of the funds available from the remaining proceeds, the claims of GridSense creditors, including Acorn which is GridSense’s largest creditor. Through October 31, 2016, the liquidator has settled approximately $5.9 million of GridSense creditor claims, while disbursing approximately $535,000 to the creditors of GridSense. At October 31, 2016, GridSense had approximately $24,000 of cash available (excluding escrow amounts) for satisfaction of remaining creditor claims. Acorn cannot determine with certainty the amount, if any, of these remaining proceeds that may be available to it.

 

We currently do not have sufficient cash flow for the next twelve months. On September 30, 2016, we had approximately $40,000 of non-escrow corporate cash and cash equivalents and approximately $230,000 on October 31, 2016 following the $300,000 of cash transfers from GridSense in October 2016.

 

Additional liquidity will be necessary to finance the operating activities of Acorn and the operations of our OmniMetrix subsidiary, and we will continue to pursue sources of funding, which may include loans from related and/or non-related parties, a sale or partial sale of one or more of our businesses, finding a strategic partner or equity financings. There can be no assurance additional funding will be available at terms acceptable to us or that we will be able to successfully utilize any of these possible sources to provide additional liquidity. If additional funding is not available in sufficient amounts, we will not be able to fund our corporate activities during the next twelve months, which could materially impact our ability to continue operations, and we may not be able to fund OmniMetrix as we have historically, which could materially impact its carrying value. As such, these factors raise substantial doubt as to Acorn’s ability to continue as a going concern.

 

Contractual Obligations and Commitments

 

The table below provides information concerning our contractual obligations under certain categories as of September 30, 2016.

 

CASH PAYMENTS DUE TO CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS

 

    Years Ending September 30, (in thousands)  
    Total     2017     2018-2019       2020-2021    

2022 and

thereafter

 
Bank and other debt   $ 47     $ 47     $     $     $  
Operating leases – continuing operations     352       107       218       27        
Potential severance obligations (1)     357       357                    
Total contractual cash obligations   $ 756     $ 511     $ 218     $ 27     $  

 

(1) Reflects payments due to our former CEO.

 

 34 
  

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Concentrations of Credit Risk

 

Financial instruments, which potentially subject Acorn to concentrations of credit risk, consist principally of cash and cash equivalents, escrow deposits, and accounts receivable. Our cash and cash equivalents together with GridSense’s cash and cash equivalents and escrow deposit and are deposited primarily with U.S. financial institutions and amounted to approximately $600,000 at September 30, 2016. We use major banks and brokerage firms to invest our cash and cash equivalents, primarily in money market funds. Our escrow deposit ($579,000) is held in an Israeli bank. Approximately 11% of the accounts receivable at September 30, 2016 was due from one customer who pay their receivables over usual credit periods. Credit risk with respect to the balance of trade receivables is generally diversified due to the number of entities comprising our customer base.

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

Fair values of financial instruments included in current assets and current liabilities are estimated to approximate their book values due to the short maturity of such investments.

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

In February 2016, OmniMetrix signed a Loan and Security Agreement with a lender providing OmniMetrix with access to accounts receivable formula-based financing. Debt incurred under this financing arrangement bears interest at the greater of prime (3.5% at December 31, 2015 and at September 30, 2016) plus 2% or 6% per year. In addition, OmniMetrix must pay a monthly service charge of 1.0% of the average aggregate principal amount outstanding for the prior month under the amended Loan and Security Agreement (see below). As of September 30, 2016, OmniMetrix had an outstanding balance of approximately $47,000 under the Loan and Security Agreement. Effective October 1, 2016, under the amended Loan and Security Agreement, OmniMetrix agreed to maintain an outstanding minimum average balance of $150,000 and as of November 9, 2016, had an outstanding balance of approximately $240,000 under the amended Loan and Security Agreement.

 

 35 
  

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

As of the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)). Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective due to material weaknesses noted in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is (i) accumulated and communicated to our management (including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer) in a timely manner, and (ii) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

 

As noted in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, we employ a decentralized internal control methodology, coupled with management’s oversight, whereby each subsidiary is responsible for mitigating its risks to financial reporting by implementing and maintaining effective control policies and procedures and subsequently translating that respective risk mitigation up and through to the parent level and to our external financial statements. In addition, as our subsidiaries are not large enough to effectively mitigate certain risks by segregating incompatible duties, management must employ compensating mechanisms throughout our company in a manner that is feasible within the constraints under which it operates.

 

The material weaknesses management identified were caused by an insufficient complement of resources at our subsidiaries, including employee turnover and limited IT system capabilities, such that individual control policies and procedures at certain subsidiaries could not be implemented, maintained, or remediated when and where necessary. As a result, a majority of the significant process areas management identified for our OmniMetrix and GridSense subsidiaries had one or more material weaknesses present.

 

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

 

There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

 36 
  

 

PART II

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS.

 

#10.1 Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of July 11, 2016, between Acorn Energy, Inc., GridSense, Inc. and Franklin Fueling Systems, Inc.
   
#31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
#31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   

#32.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
#32.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
#101.1 The following financial statements from Acorn Energy’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016, filed on November 14, 2016, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss, (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity, (v) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (vi) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements, tagged as blocks of text.
   
# This exhibit is filed or furnished herewith.

 

 37 
  

 

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

  ACORN ENERGY, INC.
     
Dated: November 14, 2016    
     
  By: /s/ MICHAEL BARTH
    Michael Barth

 

 38