BIOLARGO, INC. - Quarter Report: 2008 September (Form 10-Q)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
x | QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2008.
or
¨ | TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number 000-19709
BIOLARGO, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware | 65-0159115 | |
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
2603 Main Street, Suite 1155
Irvine, California 92614
(Address, including zip code, of principal executive offices)
(949) 643-9540
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Exchange Act: None
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Exchange Act: Common Stock, $0.0067 par value.
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 is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of accelerated filer and large accelerated filer 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
The number of shares of the Registrants Common Stock outstanding as of October 3, 2008 was 42,173,827 shares.
BIOLARGO, INC.
FORM 10-Q
INDEX
PART I | ||||
Item 1 |
Financial Statements | 1 | ||
Item 2 |
Managements Discussion and Analysis | 18 | ||
Item 3 |
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk | 29 | ||
Item 4T |
Controls and Procedures | 29 | ||
PART II | ||||
Item 1 |
Legal Proceedings | 31 | ||
Item 1A |
Risk Factors | 31 | ||
Item 2 |
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds | 32 | ||
Item 3 |
Defaults Upon Senior Securities | 33 | ||
Item 4 |
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders | 33 | ||
Item 5 |
Other Information | 33 | ||
Item 6 |
Exhibits | 34 | ||
Signatures | 35 | |||
36 | ||||
Exhibit 4.1 |
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Exhibit 4.2 |
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Exhibit 4.3 |
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Exhibit 4.4 |
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Exhibit 10.1 |
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Exhibit 10.2 |
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Exhibit 31.1 |
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Exhibit 31.2 |
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Exhibit 32 |
i
PART I
Item 1. | Financial Statements |
BIOLARGO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2007 AND SEPTEMBER 30, 2008
December 31, 2007 |
September 30, 2008 |
|||||||
(unaudited) | ||||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||
CURRENT ASSETS |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 457,809 | $ | 366,795 | ||||
Prepaid expenses |
4,584 | 4,586 | ||||||
Total current assets |
462,393 | 371,381 | ||||||
FIXED ASSETS |
||||||||
Equipment, net |
| 15,046 | ||||||
Total fixed assets |
| 15,046 | ||||||
OTHER ASSETS |
||||||||
Licensing rights, net |
10,655,164 | 9,888,580 | ||||||
Assigned agreements, net |
340,377 | 276,558 | ||||||
TOTAL ASSETS |
$ | 11,457,934 | $ | 10,551,565 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY | ||||||||
CURRENT LIABILITIES |
||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses |
$ | 781,221 | $ | 859,029 | ||||
Accrued option compensation expense |
635,845 | 1,022,366 | ||||||
Convertible notes payable, current portion |
1,000,000 | 1,000,000 | ||||||
Discount on convertible notes, current portion net of amortization |
(443,212 | ) | (737,603 | ) | ||||
Note payable |
22,076 | | ||||||
Total Current Liabilities |
1,995,930 | 2,143,792 | ||||||
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES |
||||||||
Convertible notes payable, net of current portion |
1,000,000 | 913,625 | ||||||
Discount on convertible notes, net of current portion and amortization |
(573,963 | ) | (483,890 | ) | ||||
Total Long-term Liabilities |
426,037 | 429,735 | ||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES |
2,421,967 | 2,573,527 | ||||||
COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND SUBSEQUENT EVENTS |
||||||||
STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
||||||||
Convertible Preferred Series A, $.00067 Par Value, 50,000,000 and 25,000,000 Shares Authorized, -0- Shares Issued and Outstanding, at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007. |
| | ||||||
Common Stock, $.00067 Par Value, 200,000,000 and 100,000,000 Shares Authorized, 42,173,827 and 39,980,611 Shares Issued, at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively |
26,779 | 28,280 | ||||||
Additional Paid-In Capital |
44,022,471 | 48,585,536 | ||||||
Accumulated Deficit |
(35,013,283 | ) | (40,635,778 | ) | ||||
Total Stockholders Equity |
9,035,967 | 7,978,038 | ||||||
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
$ | 11,457,934 | $ | 10,551,565 | ||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
1
BIOLARGO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE
THREE-AND NINE-MONTH PERIODS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30, 2007 AND 2008
(unaudited)
For the three-month periods ended September 30, |
For the nine-month periods ended September 30, |
|||||||||||||||
2007 | 2008 | 2007 | 2008 | |||||||||||||
(unaudited) | (unaudited) | (unaudited) | (unaudited) | |||||||||||||
Revenue |
$ | 12,500 | $ | | $ | 12,500 | $ | | ||||||||
Total revenue |
12,500 | | 12,500 | | ||||||||||||
Costs and expenses |
||||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative |
731,551 | 915,101 | 2,192,399 | 3,865,758 | ||||||||||||
Research and development |
6,159 | 54,456 | 48,162 | 148,140 | ||||||||||||
Amortization |
276,801 | 278,169 | 461,335 | 831,771 | ||||||||||||
Total costs and expenses |
1,014,511 | 1,247,726 | 2,701,896 | 4,845,669 | ||||||||||||
Loss from operations |
(1,014,511 | ) | (1,247,726 | ) | (2,701,896 | ) | (4,845,669 | ) | ||||||||
Other income and (expense) |
||||||||||||||||
Interest expense |
(167,796 | ) | (300,912 | ) | (1,362,677 | ) | (794,123 | ) | ||||||||
Other income |
37,608 | 1,612 | 69,913 | 17,296 | ||||||||||||
Net other income and (expense) |
(130,188 | ) | (299,300 | ) | (1,292,764 | ) | (776,827 | ) | ||||||||
Net loss |
$ | (1,144,699 | ) | $ | (1,547,026 | ) | $ | (3,994,660 | ) | $ | (5,622,496 | ) | ||||
Loss per common share basic and diluted |
||||||||||||||||
Loss per share |
$ | (0.03 | ) | $ | (0.04 | ) | $ | (0.16 | ) | $ | (0.14 | ) | ||||
Weighted average common share equivalents outstanding |
39,602,560 | 41,897,944 | 25,088,471 | 41,584,015 | ||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
2
BIOLARGO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
FOR THE NINE-MONTH PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2008
Common Stock | ||||||||||||||||
Number of Shares |
Par Value $.00067 |
Additional Paid-In Capital |
Retained Earnings (Deficit) |
Total | ||||||||||||
BALANCE DECEMBER 31, 2007 |
39,981,611 | $ | 26,779 | $ | 44,022,471 | $ | (35,013,282 | ) | $ | 9,035,968 | ||||||
Exercised warrants |
487,000 | 334 | 608,416 | 608,750 | ||||||||||||
Issuance of warrants as part of convertible note offering |
| | 736,237 | 736,237 | ||||||||||||
Fair value of warrant repricing |
76,300 | 76,300 | ||||||||||||||
Vested portion of stock options |
| | 953,769 | 953,769 | ||||||||||||
Issuance of warrants to consultants |
| | 282,225 | 282,225 | ||||||||||||
Issuance of stock options to Board of Directors and consultants |
| | 734,276 | 734,276 | ||||||||||||
Conversion of convertible note payable obligations |
1,706,216 | 1,167 | 1,171,842 | 1,173,009 | ||||||||||||
Net loss for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008 |
(5,622,496 | ) | (5,622,496 | ) | ||||||||||||
BALANCE SEPTEMBER 30, 2008 (unaudited) |
42,173,827 | $ | 28,280 | $ | 48,585,536 | $ | (40,635,778 | ) | $ | 7,978,038 | ||||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
3
BIOLARGO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE NINE-MONTH PERIODS
ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2007 AND 2008
(unaudited)
For the nine-month periods ended September 30 |
||||||||
2007 | 2008 | |||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES |
||||||||
Net Loss |
$ | (3,982,160 | ) | $ | (5,622,496 | ) | ||
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Loss to Net Cash Used in Operating Activities: |
||||||||
Non-cash interest and additional non-cash expense related to conversion of noteholder obligations at below market price |
1,216,904 | 75,362 | ||||||
Conversion of consultant obligations and additional non cash expense |
160,625 | | ||||||
Non-cash interest expense related to the fair value of warrants issued in conjunction with our convertible notes |
354,508 | 553,493 | ||||||
Non-cash expense related to options issued to officers |
397,404 | 998,506 | ||||||
Non-cash expense related to options issued to consultants |
| 1,047,060 | ||||||
Non-cash expense related to warrants issued to consultants |
| 301,275 | ||||||
Amortization and depreciation expense |
461,335 | 831,771 | ||||||
Issuance of stock for services provided |
194,660 | | ||||||
Increase in accounts receivable |
(55,210 | ) | | |||||
Decrease in prepaid expense |
(16,500 | ) | | |||||
Increase in deferred revenue |
37,500 | | ||||||
Increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses |
180,693 | 240,130 | ||||||
Net Cash Used In Operating Activities |
(1,050,241 | ) | (1,574,899 | ) | ||||
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES |
||||||||
Purchase of fixed assets |
| (16,414 | ) | |||||
Net Cash Used In Investing Activities |
| (16,414 | ) | |||||
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES |
||||||||
Proceeds from exercised warrants |
| 608,750 | ||||||
Payments to note payable |
| (22,076 | ) | |||||
Proceeds from convertible notes |
947,000 | 913,625 | ||||||
Net Cash Provided By Financing Activities |
947,000 | 1,500,299 | ||||||
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS |
(103,241 | ) | (91,014 | ) | ||||
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS BEGINNING |
229,334 | 457,809 | ||||||
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS ENDING |
$ | 126,093 | $ | 366,795 | ||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASHFLOW INFORMATION |
||||||||
Cash Paid During the Period for: |
||||||||
Interest |
$ | | $ | | ||||
Income taxes |
$ | | $ | | ||||
Conversion of note payable, related party to shares of the Companys common stock |
$ | 900,000 | $ | | ||||
Conversion of convertible notes to shares of the Companys common stock |
$ | 2,373,120 | $ | 1,173,009 | ||||
Conversion of accrued expenses to shares of the Companys common stock: |
||||||||
Board of Directors and officer obligations |
$ | 648,759 | $ | | ||||
Consultant obligations |
$ | 894,956 | $ | | ||||
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF NON-CASH FINANCING AND INVESTING ACTIVITIES: |
||||||||
Issuance of warrants in conjunction with convertible note offerings |
$ | 598,500 | $ | 736,237 | ||||
Repriced warrants in conjunction with convertible note offering |
$ | | $ | 76,300 | ||||
Issuance of shares of the Companys common stock in conjunction with the acquisition of assets from IOWC |
$ | 11,733,676 | $ | | ||||
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
4
BIOLARGO, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1. Business and Organization
Outlook
Prior to the acquisition of certain patented and patent-pending intellectual property and other assets (the BioLargo technology) from IOWC Technologies, Inc. (IOWC) on April 30, 2007, BioLargo, Inc. (the Company, or we) had no continuing business operations and operated as a shell company.
We will be required to raise substantial capital to sustain our expanded operations, including without limitation, hiring additional personnel, additional scientific and third-party testing, costs associated with obtaining regulatory approvals and filing additional patent applications to protect our intellectual property, and possible strategic acquisitions or alliances, as well as to meet our liabilities as they become due for the next 12 months.
We will need additional outside capital until and unless that technology is able to generate positive working capital sufficient to fund our cash flow requirements from operations and we may be compelled to reduce or curtail certain activities to preserve cash.
These financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the settlement of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of our business. As reflected in the accompanying financial statements, we had a net loss of $5,622,496 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008, negative working capital of $1,772,411 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008, and negative cash flow from operating activities of $1,574,899 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008, and an accumulated stockholders deficit of $40,635,778 as of September 30, 2008. Also, as of September 30, 2008, we had limited liquid and capital resources. The foregoing factors raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Ultimately, our ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon our ability to attract new sources of capital, exploit our technology so that it attains a reasonable threshold of operating efficiencies and achieves profitable operations. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if we are unable to continue as a going concern.
Cash and cash equivalents totaled $366,795 at September 30, 2008. We had no revenues in the quarter ended September 30, 2008, and financing activities primarily funded operations.
During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008, we sold an aggregate $913,625 principal amount of our convertible promissory notes. This amount was sold pursuant to the offering commenced March 2008 due and payable March 31, 2010 to 30 investors. (See Note 3.)
During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008, we received $608,750 from the exercise of our warrants. (See Note 4.)
As of September 30, 2008, we had $1,913,625 aggregate principal amount, together with $128,050 accrued and unpaid interest, outstanding on promissory notes that mature at various times during 2009 and 2010. (See Note 3.)
In the opinion of management, the accompanying balance sheets and related quarterly statements of operations, cash flows, and stockholders equity include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring items, necessary for their fair presentation in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Preparing financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses. Actual results and outcomes may differ from managements estimates and assumptions. Estimates are used when accounting for stock-based transactions, account payables and accrued expenses and taxes, among others.
Quarterly results are not necessarily indicative of results for a full year. The information included in this Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with Managements Discussion and Analysis and financial statements and notes thereto included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.
5
Organization
We were initially organized under the laws of the State of Florida in 1989 as Repossession Auction, Inc. In 1991, we merged into a Delaware corporation bearing the same name. In 1994, we changed our name to Latin American Casinos, Inc. to reflect our new focus on the gaming and casino business in South and Central America, and in 2001 we changed our name to NuWay Energy, Inc. to reflect our new emphasis on the oil and gas development industry. During October 2002, we changed our name to NuWay Medical, Inc. coincident with the divestiture of our non-medical assets and the retention of new management. In March 2007, in connection with the approval by our stockholders of the acquisition of the BioLargo technology, we changed our name to BioLargo, Inc.
Business Overview
By leveraging our suite of patented and patent-pending intellectual property, which we refer to as the BioLargo technology, our business strategy is to harness and deliver natures best disinfectant iodine in a safe, efficient, environmentally sensitive and cost-effective manner. Our BioLargo technology works by combining minerals with water from any source and delivering molecular iodine on demand, in controlled dosages, in order to balance efficacy of disinfectant performance with concerns about toxicity. When our BioLargo technology is incorporated in absorbent products, referred to as BI2O-SORB absorbents, third party testing has confirmed that the products also experience increased holding power and we believe that they may also experience increased absorption. Our BioLargo technology also includes know-how and trade secrets, which, together with our intellectual property, contribute to our expertise in product design, manufacturing, product claims, safety features and competitive positioning of products that feature our BioLargo technology.
Our BioLargo technology creates a value-added proposition to existing products and can be used to create new products. Our BioLargo technology can be incorporated into absorbents, washes and sprays, and into various products and applications across multiple industry verticals. Our BioLargo technology has the potential to replace other disinfectants such as chlorines and bromines, which may be harmful to the environment.
The centerpiece of our BioLargo technology is CupriDyne, a mineral and salt formulation that is the principal reactive agent we have focused on in our research and development, testing and patent protection to date and on which we will continue to devote substantial additional efforts. We have also engaged in research and development and, subject to adequate financing, intend to engage in additional research and development on, and testing and protection of, other formulations to deliver our BioLargo technology.
Our business model is to license our BioLargo technology to others, rather than to manufacture our own products. Our current focus is to develop opportunities to license our BioLargo technology to others in various vertical markets. We do not currently intend to manufacture our own products, although we will contract with others to manufacture the chemicals and minerals that comprise our BioLargo technology.
Note 2. Intangible Assets/Long-lived Assets
Licensing rights are stated on the balance sheet net of accumulated amortization of $1,447,992 as of September 30, 2008. Amortization expense for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 was $766,584 and $425,880, respectively. At September 30, 2008 the weighted average remaining amortization period for the licensing rights was approximately 10 years.
Certain agreements assigned to us in connection with our acquisition of the BioLargo technology (the Assigned Agreements) are stated on the balance sheet net of accumulated amortization of $120,547 at September 30, 2008. Amortization expense for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 was $63,819 and $35,455, respectively. At September 30, 2008 the Assigned Agreements have a remaining amortization period of approximately 3 years.
6
Note 3. Sale of Unregistered Securities
To fund our operations, we have raised money pursuant to several private offerings of our securities, certain details of which are provided below.
2008 Offering
In March 2008, we commenced a private offering (the Spring 2008 Offering) of up to $1,000,000 of our 10% convertible promissory notes due March 31, 2010 (the Spring 2008 Notes). The Spring 2008 Notes are convertible into shares of our common stock at an initial conversion price of $1.35 per share. The Spring 2008 Offering terminated on August 29, 2008.
Each purchaser of the Spring 2008 Notes received, for no additional consideration, two stock purchase warrants, each of which entitles the holder to purchase the number of shares of our common stock into which the holders Spring 2008 Note is convertible. The first warrant is exercisable at a current exercise price of $1.00 per share (originally $1.50 per share) and expires on March 31, 2009 (the 2009 Warrants). The second warrant is exercisable at an initial exercise price of $2.00 per share and expires on March 31, 2011 (the 2011 Warrants). On September 2, 2008, our Board of Directors reduced the exercise price of the 2009 Warrants from $1.50 per share (the original exercise price of the 2009 Warrant pursuant to the terms of the Spring 2008 Offering) to $1.00 per share. (See Note 4.)
The Spring 2008 Notes can be converted voluntarily by the noteholders at any time prior to the maturity date. We can unilaterally convert the Spring 2008 Notes (i) on or after September 30, 2008, if we have received one or more written firm commitments, or have closed on one or more transactions, or a combination of the foregoing, of at least $3 million gross proceeds of equity or debt; or (ii) on the maturity date. Accordingly, the 2008 Notes may be repaid in cash or may be converted, at the noteholders option or our option, into shares of our common stock, on or before the maturity date.
In the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008, we received gross and net proceeds of $913,625 and issued Spring 2008 Notes, the principal amount of which allows for conversion into an aggregate 676,775 shares of our common stock.
2007 Offering
Pursuant to a private offering that commenced in May 2007 (the 2007 Offering) and terminated December 2007, we sold an aggregate $1,000,000 of our convertible notes, which are due and payable on September 30, 2009 (2009 Notes). Interest accrues at 10% compounding annually and is payable at our option in cash or stock at an initial conversion rate of $0.70 per share. Purchasers of the 2009 Notes received, for no additional consideration, stock purchase warrants (the 2009 Warrants) entitling the holder to purchase a number of shares of our common stock equal to the number of shares of common stock into which the principal amount of the investors 2009 Note is convertible. The 2009 Warrants are exercisable at $1.30 per share and will expire on September 30, 2010. (See Note 4.)
The 2009 Notes are convertible into shares of our common stock at an initial conversion price of $0.70 per share. The 2009 Notes can be converted voluntarily by the noteholders at any time. We can unilaterally convert the 2009 Notes (i) on or after September 30, 2007, if we receive one or more written firm commitments, or have closed on one or more transactions, or a combination of the foregoing, of at least $3 million gross proceeds of equity or debt; or (ii) on the maturity date. Accordingly, the 2009 Notes may be repaid in cash or may be converted, at the noteholders option or our option, into shares of our common stock, on or before the maturity date of the 2009 Notes.
From the inception of the 2007 Offering in May 2007, through December 31, 2007, we received gross and net proceeds of $1,000,000 and issued 2009 Notes, the principal amount of which allow for conversion into an aggregate 1,428,582 shares of our common stock.
The 2009 Notes have not been converted and remain outstanding, and are recorded on the September 30, 2008 balance sheet as convertible notes payable as current liabilities.
7
Fall 2006 Offering
In September 2006, we commenced a private offering that terminated in April 2007 (the Fall 2006 Offering). We sold an aggregate $1,000,000 principal amount of our promissory notes (the Fall 2006 Notes) due and payable September 13, 2008 to 43 investors, the principal amount of which is convertible into 1,454,546 shares of our common stock. Of this amount, we sold an aggregate $484,000 principal amount of Fall 2006 Notes as of December 31, 2006, and the $516,000 during 2007. Each Fall 2006 Note bears interest at a rate of 10% per annum, such interest to be paid, at our option, in cash or stock at an initial conversion rate of $0.6875 per share. Purchasers of the Fall 2006 Notes received, for no additional consideration, a stock purchase warrant (the Fall 2006 Warrant) entitling the holder to purchase the number of shares of our common stock into which the principal amount of the investors Fall 2006 Note is convertible. The Fall 2006 Warrant is exercisable at an initial price of $1.25 per share, and will expire on September 13, 2009. (See Note 4.)
The Fall 2006 Notes may be subordinated in an amount up to $5 million of additional debt financing that we may incur prior to the maturity date. The Fall 2006 Notes are convertible into shares of our common stock at an initial conversion price of $0.6875 per share. The Fall 2006 Notes can be converted voluntarily by the noteholders at any time prior to the maturity date. We can unilaterally convert the Fall 2006 Notes (i) on or after September 13, 2007, if we have received one or more written firm commitments, or have closed on one or more transactions, or a combination of the foregoing, of at least $3 million gross proceeds of equity or debt; or (ii) on the maturity date. Accordingly, the Fall 2006 Notes may be repaid in cash or may be converted, at the noteholders option or our option, into shares of our common stock, on the maturity date of the Fall 2006 Notes.
From the inception of the Fall 2006 Offering in September 2006 through April 2007, we received gross and net proceeds of $1,000,000 and issued 2006 Notes, the principal amount of which allow for conversion into an aggregate 1,454,564 shares of our common stock.
In May 2008, at the request of one holder of Fall 2006 Notes, we converted an aggregate principal amount of $75,000 and $10,687 of accrued but unpaid interest into 124,636 shares of our common stock, at a conversion rate of $0.6875 per share. On September 13, 2008, we converted an aggregate principal amount of $925,000, which amount represented the entire then outstanding principal amount of the Fall 2006 Notes, and $162,322 of accrued but unpaid interest, into an aggregate 1,581,580 shares of our common stock, at a conversion rate of $0.6875 per share. All of the Fall 2006 Notes have been converted into shares of our common stock as of September 30, 2008.
All of these offerings and sales were made in reliance on the exemption from registration contained in Section 4(2) of the Securities Exchange Act and/or Regulation D promulgated thereunder as not involving a public offering of securities.
Note 4. Warrants
During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008, we agreed to issue warrants to purchase an aggregate 1,553,549 shares of our common stock. This included the following:
(i) Purchasers of the Spring 2008 Notes were issued two stock purchase warrants, each of which entitles the holder to purchase a number of shares of our common stock equal to the number of shares into which the principal amount of the holders Spring 2008 Note is convertible. We issued the 2009 Warrants to purchase an aggregate 676,775 shares of our common stock. The 2009 Warrants are exercisable at a current exercise price of $1.00 per share (originally $1.50 per share) and will expire on March 31, 2009. On September 18, 2009, the 2009 Warrants were repriced from $1.50 to $1.00, resulting in additional fair value totaling $76,300, which is recorded as Discount on Convertible Notes. Additionally, we issued the 2011 Warrants to purchase an aggregate 676,775 shares of our common stock. The 20011 Warrants are exercisable at an initial price of $2.00 per share and will expire on March 31, 2011. On September 2, 2008, our Board of Directors reduced the exercise price of the 2009 Warrants from $1.50 per share (the original exercise price of the 2009 Warrant pursuant to the terms of the Spring 2008 Offering) to $1.00 per share.
8
(ii) We also agreed to issue warrants to purchase up to 199,999 shares of our common stock to a consultant in exchange for services, pursuant to terms of the contract with the consultant, as follows: a warrant on January 31, 2008 to purchase up to 33,333 shares of common stock at $1.00 per share; a warrant on January 31, 2008 to purchase up to 100,000 shares of common stock at $1.50 per share; a warrant on February 29, 2008 to purchase up to 33,333 shares of common stock at $1.58 per share; and a warrant on March 31, 2008 to purchase up to 33,333 shares of common stock at $1.24 per share. These warrants vest immediately and expire ten years from the date of their respective issuance.
We have certain warrants outstanding to purchase our common stock, at various prices, as described in the following table:
Number of Shares |
Price Range | |||||
Outstanding as of December 31, 2007 |
5,292,682 | $ | 0.125 1.50 | |||
Issued |
1,553,549 | $ | 1.00 2.00 | |||
Exercised |
(487,000 | ) | $ | 1.25 | ||
Expired |
(1,289,534 | ) | $ | 0.88 1.25 | ||
Outstanding as of September 30, 2008 |
5,069,697 | $ | 0.125 2.00 | |||
To determine interest expense related to our outstanding warrants issued in conjunction with debt offerings, the fair value of each award grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model and the calculated value is amortized over the life of the warrant. The determination of expense of warrants issued for services or settlement also uses the option-pricing model. The principal assumptions we used in applying this model were as follows:
September 30, 2007 |
September 30, 2008 |
|||||
Risk free interest rate |
4.52 | % | 2.10 2.49 | % | ||
Expected volatility |
276 310 | % | 203 615 | % | ||
Expected dividend yield |
| | ||||
Forfeiture rate |
| | ||||
Expected life in years |
1.25 1.50 | 0.5 3.00 |
The risk-free interest rate is based on U.S Treasury yields in effect at the time of grant. Expected volatilities are based on historical volatility of our common stock. The expected term is presumed to be the mid-point between the vesting date and the end of the contractual term.
The aggregate fair value of the warrants issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2008 totaled $2,905,217. A total of $340,478 was issued to consultants of which $282,225 was expensed during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008 and the remaining $58,253 was expensed during the year ended December 31, 2007. The remaining $2,564,739 was issued in conjunction with our convertible notes and is recorded on our balance sheet as discount on convertible notes net of accumulated amortization of $1,221,493. During the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2008 and September 30, 2007, we recorded interest expense related to the amortization of the discount on convertible notes of $608,219 and $354,508, respectively.
During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008 we received an aggregate $608,750 from the exercise of our warrants and issued 487,000 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $1.25 per share.
During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008 warrants to purchase 1,276,200 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $1.25 and warrants to purchase 13,334 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $1.50, expired unexercised.
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During 2007, we issued warrants to purchase an aggregate 2,179,128 shares of our common stock to investors as part of two private offerings, as follows. In connection with the Fall 2006 Offering we issued warrants to purchase 704,000 shares of our common stock. The warrants allow for the holders to purchase shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $1.25 per share, and expire on September 13, 2009. In connection with the 2007 Offering, we issued warrants to purchase 1,428,582 shares of our common stock. The warrants allow for the holder to purchase shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $1.30 per share, and expire September 30, 2010. (See Note 3.)
Also during 2007, in addition to warrants issued to investors, we issued warrants to purchase an aggregate 66,666 shares of our common stock to a consultant in exchange for services. The warrants allow the holder to purchase shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $1.00 per share, are fully vested, and expire three years from the date of issuance. The fair value of these warrants was $58,253 all of which was expensed during the year ended December 31, 2007.
Note 5. Stockholders Equity
Preferred Stock
Our certificate of incorporation authorizes our Board of Directors to issue preferred stock, from time to time, on such terms and conditions as they shall determine. As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 there were no outstanding shares of our preferred stock.
Common Stock
As of September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007 there were 42,173,827 and 39,980,611 shares of common stock outstanding, respectively. The increase in shares during the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008 was due to (i) the issuance of 487,000 shares of our common stock in connection with the exercise of warrants (see Note 4), and (ii) the issuance of 1,706,216 shares of our common stock in connection with the conversion of a convertible note holders principal and accrued and unpaid interest. (See Note 4.)
Note 6. Stock-Based Compensation and Other Employee Benefit Plans
2007 Equity Incentive Plan
On August 7, 2007, our Board of Directors adopted the BioLargo, Inc. 2007 Equity Incentive Plan (2007 Plan) as a means of providing our directors, key employees and consultants additional incentive to provide services. Both stock options and stock grants may be made under this plan. The Compensation Committee administers this plan. The plan allows grants of common shares or options to purchase common shares. As plan administrator, the Compensation Committee has sole discretion to set the price of the options. The Compensation Committee may at any time amend or terminate the plan.
Under this plan, 6,000,000 shares of our common stock are reserved for issuance under awards. Any shares that are represented by awards under the 2007 Plan that are forfeited, expire, or are canceled or settled in cash without delivery of shares, or that are forfeited back to us or reacquired by us after delivery for any reason, or that are tendered to us or withheld to pay the exercise price or related tax withholding obligations in connection with any award under the 2007 Plan, will again be available for awards under the 2007 Plan. Only shares actually issued under the 2007 Plan will reduce the share reserve. If we acquire another entity through a merger or similar transaction and issue replacement awards under the 2007 Plan to employees, officers and directors of the acquired entity, those awards, to the extent permitted under applicable laws and securities exchange rules, will not reduce the number of shares reserved for the 2007 Plan.
The 2007 Plan imposes additional maximum limitations, which limitations will be adjusted to take into account stock splits, reverse stock splits and other similar occurrences. The maximum number of shares that may be issued in connection with incentive stock options granted to any one person in any calendar year intended to qualify under Internal Revenue Code Section 422 is 160,000 shares. The maximum number of shares that may be subject to stock options or stock appreciation rights granted to any one person in any calendar year is 200,000 shares, except that this limit is 400,000 shares if the grant is made in the year of the recipients initial employment. The maximum number of shares that may be subject to restricted stock or restricted stock units granted to any one person in any calendar year is 200,000 shares.
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The maximum number shares that may be subject to awards granted to any one Participant in any calendar year of (i) performance shares, and/or performance units (the value of which is based on the Fair Market Value of a share of our common stock), is 200,000 shares; and (ii) of performance units (the value of which is not based on the Fair Market Value of a share of our common stock) that could result a payment of more than $500,000.
During the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008, we issued stock options to purchase 110,000 shares of our common stock to our Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to the terms of his consulting agreement, as follows: an option on February 1, 2008 to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock at $1.89 per share; an option on April 30, 2008 to purchase 10,000 shares of common stock at $1.65 per share; an option on May 31, 2008 to purchase 10,000 shares of common stock at $1.55 per share; an option on June 30, 2008 to purchase 10,000 shares of common stock at $1.10 per share; an option on July 30, 2008 to purchase 10,000 shares of common stock at $0.99 per share; an option on August 31, 2008 to purchase 10,000 shares of common stock at $0.90 per share; and an option on September 30, 2008 to purchase 10,000 shares of common stock at $0.89 per share. The options vest immediately and expire ten years from the date of their respective issuance. The fair value of these options totals $194,294, all of which was recorded as expense in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008. (See Note 10.)
On May 29, 2008, we granted options to purchase 10,000 shares of our common stock (each, a Director Option) at an exercise price of $1.45 per share to each of our independent directors pursuant to our 2007 Equity Incentive Plan. Each Director Option is exercisable for ten years and vests on the first anniversary of its date of grant. The fair value of the Director Options was $28,388, all of which was expensed in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008.
During the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 we recorded an aggregate $478,288 and $0 in option compensation expense related to options issued pursuant to the 2007 Plan.
During the year ended December 31, 2007, we issued stock options under the 2007 Plan which allow for the purchase of an aggregate 625,000 shares of our common stock. The fair value of these options was an aggregate $576,700. The options are exercisable at a price range of $0.40 to $1.03 and expire ten years from the grant date. Of this amount, $106,700 was expensed during the year ended December 31, 2007. The remaining fair value of $470,000 will be expensed ratably over the applicable vesting period. During the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, we recognized $117,500 and $0 compensation expense, respectively.
Activity for our stock options under the 2007 Plan for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008 is as follows:
Options Outstanding |
Shares Available |
Price per share | Weighted Average Price per share | ||||||||
Balances, December 31, 2007 |
625,000 | 5,375,000 | $ | 0.40 $1.03 | $ | 0.95 | |||||
Granted |
130,000 | (130,000 | ) | $ | 0.89 1.89 | $ | 1.49 | ||||
Exercised |
| | | | |||||||
Canceled |
| | | | |||||||
Balances, September 30, 2008 |
755,000 | 5,245,000 | $ | 0.40 $1.89 | $ | 1.05 | |||||
The following table summarizes the stock options issued under the 2007 Equity Plan outstanding at September 30, 2008.
Currently Exercisable | |||||||||||||
Options Outstanding at September 30, 2008 |
Exercise Price | Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life |
Weighted Average Exercise Price |
Number of Shares at September 30, 2008 |
Weighted Average Exercise Price | ||||||||
20,000 |
$ | 0.40 | 10 | $ | 0.40 | 20,000 | $ | 0.40 | |||||
605,000 |
$ | 0.94 1.03 | 10 | $ | 0.97 | 105,000 | $ | 0.94 | |||||
50,000 |
$ | 1.89 | 10 | $ | 1.89 | 50,000 | $ | 1.89 | |||||
80,000 |
$ | 0.89 1.65 | 10 | $ | 1.25 | 80,000 | $ | 1.25 |
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Stock Options Issued Outside the 2007 Equity Incentive Plan
On January 10, 2008, pursuant to consulting agreements with Jeffrey C. Wallace and Robert J. Szolomayer, we issued options outside the 2007 Equity Plan to purchase 2,400,000 shares of our common stock at $0.99 per share. Each option is exercisable for five years, and vests in four equal installments commencing on the date of the respective consulting agreement and continuing on each of December 31, 2008, December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2010 (each, an Option Vesting Date); provided that no additional portion of each option shall vest if Mr. Wallace or Mr. Szolomayer, as the case may be, is not providing services under his consulting agreement as of such Option Vesting Date. The fair value of these options was $2,358,240 and for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 we recognized $1,039,500 and $0 of consulting expense, respectively. (See Note 10.)
On April 30, 2007, we issued an option outside the 2007 Equity Plan to our Chief Executive Officer to purchase 7,733,259 shares of our common stock at $0.18 per share, a discount to the $0.37 closing price on the date of issuance. This option vests over three years in equal amounts on the anniversary date, and expires ten years from the date of issuance. The fair value of this option was $2,861,306 and for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007 we recognized $715,327 and $397,404 of compensation expense, respectively.
We recognize compensation expense for stock option awards on a straight-line basis over the applicable service period of the award, which is the vesting period. Share-based compensation expense is based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123R, using the Black-Scholes Option Pricing Model. The following methodology and assumptions were used to calculate share based compensation for the year ended September 30, 2008:
Nonplan Option |
2007 Plan | |||||
Risk free interest rate |
2.17 4.50 | % | 2.72 4.52 | % | ||
Expected volatility |
800 | % | 800 | % | ||
Expected dividend yield |
| | ||||
Forfeiture rate |
| | ||||
Expected life in years |
5 | 5 |
Expected price volatility is the measure by which our stock price is expected to fluctuate during the expected term of an option. Expected volatility is derived from the historical daily change in the market price of our common stock, as we believe that historical volatility is the best indicator of future volatility.
Following the guidance of Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107, we follow the shortcut method to determine the expected term of plain vanilla options issued to employees and Directors. The expected term is presumed to be the mid-point between the vesting date and the end of the contractual term.
The risk-free interest rate used in the Black-Scholes calculation is based on the prevailing U.S Treasury yield as determined by the U.S. Federal Reserve. We have never paid any cash dividends on our common stock and do not anticipate paying cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future.
Stock-based compensation expense recognized in the consolidated statements of operations is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, reduced for estimated forfeitures. SFAS 123R requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant, and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Historically, we have not had significant forfeitures of unvested stock options granted to employees and Directors. A significant number of our stock option grants are fully vested at issuance or have short vesting provisions. Therefore, we have estimated the forfeiture rate of our outstanding stock options as zero.
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Note 7. Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses
Accounts payable and accrued expenses included the following:
December 31, 2007 |
September 30, 2008 | |||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses |
$ | 229,518 | $ | 295,658 | ||
Accrued interest |
493,860 | 508,707 | ||||
Officer and Board of Director payable |
57,843 | 54,664 | ||||
Total Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses |
$ | 781,221 | $ | 859,029 | ||
The accrued interest as of September 30, 2008, includes $380,658 of accrued and unpaid interest related to a note held by New Millennium Capital Partners, LLC (New Millennium), which was not included in the conversion of the principal and which balance will remain outstanding and will not accrue additional interest (see Note 9). The remaining $128,050 of accrued interest relates to the outstanding convertible notes. During 2008 we converted $173,009 of accrued and unpaid interest into 1,706,216 shares of our common stock at $0.6875 per share. During the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, we recorded $185,904 and $120,546 of interest expense related to the convertible notes outstanding, respectively. New Millennium is controlled by our president and chief executive officer Dennis Calvert.
Note 8. Other Promissory Notes
On November 1, 2004, we converted $25,000 of obligations owed to a former provider of professional services into a promissory note, which amount accrued interest at 5% per annum. As of September 1, 2007, we agreed to enter into a new loan agreement which converted the then accrued interest totaling $5,000 to principal and entered into a new one year note totaling $30,176, payable September 30, 2008 bearing interest at the rate of 6% per annum. We made certain progress payments in accordance with the terms of the new note and in June 2008 we fully satisfied the remaining balance due on the new note.
Note 9. Related Party Transactions
New Millennium
In March 2003, New Millennium, a company controlled by our president and chief executive officer, Dennis Calvert, purchased from a third party a promissory note in the principal amount of $1,120,000 we assumed pursuant to a licensing transaction in October 2002.
On April 28, 2006, New Millennium agreed to amend the terms of the $1,120,000 promissory note (the New Millennium Note) to (i) extend the due date to January 15, 2008; (ii) waive any payments of interest until it becomes due; (iii) reduce the principal amount from $1,120,000 to $900,000, equal to a 19.6% reduction; and (iv) correspondingly reduce the accrued but unpaid interest due under the terms of the note from $318,000 to $256,000, also equal to a 19.6% reduction.
On April 13, 2007, we entered into an agreement with New Millennium whereby the $900,000 principal amount of the New Millennium Note was converted into 1,636,364 shares of our common stock, at a price of $0.55 per share, which was the last bid price on the date of conversion. The remaining accrued but unpaid interest in the amount of $380,658 was not converted, and the parties agreed that no further interest would accrue, and that the interest would be paid on or before January 15, 2008. On November 12, 2008, Mr. Calvert and we further extended the date on which interest would be paid to April 30, 2009.
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Note 10. Commitments and Contingencies
Litigation
From time to time, we are party to various claims, legal actions and complaints arising periodically in the ordinary course of our business. In the opinion of management, no such matters will have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.
Attorney Fee Settlement
In February 2008, we agreed to pay $25,000, issue 15,000 shares of our common stock, and issue warrants to purchase an aggregate 15,000 shares of our common stock at $1.50 per share, which warrants would expire three years from the date of issuance, in settlement of an account owed to a service provider. Since the date of the settlement, certain facts have come to light, and therefore, as of the date of this report on Form 10-Q, we have not issued the common stock or the warrants, but have recorded a $42,050 expense in connection therewith.
Employment Agreements
Joseph L. Provenzano Employment Agreement
On January 10, 2008, we entered into an employment agreement with Joseph L. Provenzano (the Provenzano Employment Agreement), pursuant to which Mr. Provenzano agreed to serve as Vice President of Operations effective January 1, 2008, in addition to continuing to serve as Corporate Secretary. The Provenzano Employment Agreement replaces a previous employment agreement dated March 1, 2003.
The Provenzano Employment Agreements provides that Mr. Provenzano will receive base compensation of $79,200 annually (with automatic 10% annual increases). Mr. Provenzano is also entitled to reimbursement for authorized expenses he incurs in the course of his employment. In addition, Mr. Provenzano is eligible to receive discretionary bonuses, participate in benefits made generally available to our employees, and receive grants under our 2007 Equity Incentive Plan.
The initial term of the Provenzano Employment Agreement is one year and is automatically renewable for additional one-year periods unless we give at least 90 days notice of non-renewal. The Provenzano Employment Agreement also contains additional provisions typical of an agreement of this nature.
In connection with the execution of the Provenzano Employment Agreement, Mr. Provenzano also executed a non-disclosure agreement requiring him to keep certain information confidential, assigning to us creations and inventions during the term of his employment, and prohibiting him from soliciting business during the term of his employment and for a period of time thereafter.
Engagement of Charles K. Dargan, II as Chief Financial Officer
On February 1, 2008, we engaged Charles K. Dargan, II to serve as our Chief Financial Officer for a term of one year, subject to earlier termination on 30 days notice, and simultaneously Dennis P. Calvert resigned as our Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Calvert will continue to serve as our Chief Executive Officer, President and a director. During the term, Mr. Dargan will receive a fee of $4,000 per month, which amount will be increased to $8,000 or more in months during which we file our periodic reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
In addition to the cash compensation specified above, Mr. Dargan will be issued stock options over the term, as follows:
| an option to purchase 50,000 shares of our common stock, granted on February 1, 2008, at an exercise price equal to the closing price of a share of our common stock on the grant date, such option to vest in full 90 days after grant; and |
| options to purchase 10,000 shares of our common stock, each such option to be granted on the last day of each month commencing April 2008 and ending January 2009, provided that this Agreement has not been terminated prior to each such grant date, at an exercise price equal to the closing price of a share of our common stock on each grant date, each such option to be fully vested upon grant. |
Mr. Dargan will be reimbursed for business expenses he incurs in connection with the performance of his services as our Chief Financial Officer. The agreement with Mr. Dargan also contains provisions regarding indemnification and arbitration of disputes.
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Other Consulting Agreements
Also on January 10, 2008, we entered into consulting agreements with each of Jeffrey C. Wallace (the Wallace Consulting Agreement) and Robert J. Szolomayer (individually the Szolomayer Consulting Agreement and collectively with the Wallace Consulting Agreement, the Consulting Agreements). Pursuant to the Wallace Consulting Agreement, Mr. Wallace has agreed to serve as our Director of Sales and Marketing effective January 1, 2008, and pursuant to the Szolomayer Consulting Agreement, Mr. Szolomayer has agreed to serve as our Director of Corporate Development effective January 1, 2008.
Other than referring to respective titles, the terms of the Consulting Agreements are identical. The Consulting Agreements provide that each of Messrs. Wallace and Szolomayer will receive (i) base compensation of $90,000 annually, (ii) a share of a commission pool (the Commission Pool) to be established with respect to revenue it receives from third-parties evaluating, developing or licensing our BioLargo technology; and (iii) a stock purchase option (the Option). Each of Messrs. Wallace and Szolomayer is also entitled to reimbursement for authorized expenses he incurs in the course of his consultancy. The Commission Pool shall consist of an amount of money equal to a percentage of net licensing revenue (as defined in each Consulting Agreement), in the following amounts:
| not less than 4% nor more than 7% of the Net Licensing Revenue actually and indefeasibly received by BioLargo in the first 12 months of the License Agreement Period for such License Agreement; |
| not less than 3% nor more than 5% of the Net Licensing Revenue actually and indefeasibly received by BioLargo in the second 12 months of the License Agreement Period for such License Agreement; |
| not less than 1% nor more than 3% of the Net Licensing Revenue actually and indefeasibly received by BioLargo in the third 12 months of the License Agreement Period for such License Agreement; and |
| not less than 0.75% nor more than 2% of the Net Licensing Revenue actually and indefeasibly received by BioLargo in the fourth 12 months and for each 12 month period thereafter, of the License Agreement Period for such License Agreement. |
Each of Messrs. Wallace and Szolomayer shall be entitled to one-half (1/2) of the above-stated minimum amounts included in the Commission Pool during each calendar year during the term of the Consulting Agreements. Any and all of amounts in the Commission Pool which we may, in our sole and absolute discretion, contribute in excess of such above-stated minimum amounts up to the above-stated maximum amounts shall be paid to such persons, including either or both of Messrs. Wallace and Szolomayer, and in such amounts as we shall determine in its sole and absolutely discretion. Pursuant to the Consulting Agreements, each of Messrs. Wallace and Szolomayer received an Option to purchase 1,200,000 shares of our common stock at $0.99 per share. Each Option is exercisable for five years, and vests in four equal installments commencing on the date of the respective Consulting Agreement and continuing on each of December 31, 2008, December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2010 (each, an Option Vesting Date); provided that no additional portion of each Option shall vest if Mr. Wallace or Mr. Szolomayer, as the case may be, is not providing services under his Consulting Agreement as of such Option Vesting Date. (See Note 6.)
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The initial term of each of the Consulting Agreements is four years. Each of the Consulting Agreements also contains additional provisions typical of an agreement of this nature.
In connection with the execution of his respective Consulting Agreement, each of Messrs. Wallace and Szolomayer also executed a non-disclosure agreement requiring him to keep certain information confidential, assigning creations and inventions during the term of his consultancy and prohibiting him from soliciting business during the term of his consultancy and for a period of time thereafter.
Stock-Based Commitments
We have utilized and presently utilize the services of a number of consultants who have been and are compensated with shares of our common stock or securities convertible into or exercisable for shares of our common stock. Therefore, we may be obligated to issue additional securities to these consultants pursuant to the terms of our arrangements or agreements with them.
Note 11. Subsequent Events
Fall 2008 Offering
In October 2008 we commenced a private offering (the Fall 2008 Offering) of up to $1,000,000 of our 10% convertible promissory notes due October 15, 2011 (the Fall 2008 Notes), subject to an over-allotment option of 15%, or an aggregate $1,150,000 principal amount of Fall 2008 Notes.
The Fall 2008 Notes are convertible into shares of our common stock at an initial conversion price of $1.00 per share. We can unilaterally convert the Fall 2008 Notes (i) on or after April 30, 2009, if we have received one or more written firm commitments, or have closed on one or more transactions, or a combination of the foregoing, of at least $3 million gross proceeds of equity or debt; or (ii) on the maturity date. Accordingly, the Spring 2008 Notes may be repaid in cash or may be converted, at the noteholders option or our option, into shares of our common stock, on or before the maturity date of the Fall 2008 Notes.
Each purchaser of the Fall 2008 Notes will receive, for no additional consideration, two warrants, each of which entitles the holder to purchase the same number of shares of our common stock into which the principal amount of the holders Fall 2008 Note is convertible. One warrant exercisable at an initial exercise price of $1.00 per share and will expire on October 15, 2009 (the One-Year Warrant). The other warrant is exercisable at an initial exercise price of $2.00 per share and will expire on October 15, 2011 (the Three-Year Warrant). The Fall 2008 Offering will terminate at 5 p.m. California time on January 31, 2009, unless terminated earlier or extended by the Company for one or more periods of time not to exceed 90 days in the aggregate. We have not yet raised any amounts in the Fall 2008 Offering, which is ongoing as of the filing of this Report.
Related Party TransactionsNew Millennium
On April 13, 2007, we entered into an agreement with New Millennium whereby the $900,000 principal amount of the New Millennium Note was converted into 1,636,364 shares of our common stock, at a price of $0.55 per share, which was the last bid price on the date of conversion. The remaining accrued but unpaid interest in the amount of $380,658 was not converted, and the parties agreed that no further interest would accrue, and that the interest would be paid on or before January 15, 2008. On November 12, 2008, Mr. Calvert and we further extended the date on which interest would be paid to April 30, 2009. See Note 9.
Sublease of Principal Executive Offices
On November 13, 2008, we entered into an agreement (the Sublease) with a law firm (the Sublessor) that has provided legal services to us from time to time, to sublease space as our principal executive offices located at Suite 1155, 2603 Main Street, Irvine,
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California (the Premises). Previously, non-exclusive use of the Premises as our principal executive offices had been provided to us free-of-charge by the Sublessor. The Premises consists of a self-contained office suite of approximately 2,842 square feet and is fully built out. We believe that the space provided by the Premises is adequate for our needs for the foreseeable future.
We have agreed to pay the Sublessor rent in the amount of $7,966 per month through December 31, 2008 and $7,114 per month from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009 (pro-rated for partial months), which consists of base rent, certain pass-through charges from the Sublessors landlord (the Landlord) and reserved parking spaces. We are not obligated to pay a security deposit to the Sublessor or the Landlord. We may pay each months rent to the Sublessor, at our option, in (i) cash or (ii) shares of our common stock, valued at the average closing bid price for the ten trading days preceding and including the last day of the preceding month.
We are subleasing the Premises on a month-to-month basis. The Sublease terminates on December 31, 2009, which is the end of the term under the Sublessors lease (the Master Lease) with its Landlord. However, either the Sublessor or we can terminate the Sublease on 30 days notice to the other party, in which case we would have no further obligation to the Sublessor.
We have agreed to comply with all terms and conditions of the Master Lease as it relates to the Premises, including without limitation provisions relating to the maintenance of insurance, indemnification of the Landlord, subordination in the event of certain claims and other matters typically found in commercial leases. The Landlord has consented to the sublease.
Consulting Agreement for Investor Relations Services
On November 6, 2008, we entered into an agreement (the IR/PR Agreement) pursuant to which a consultant (the Consultant) will provide certain consulting and advisory services to us in the areas of shareholder communications, public relations and relations with the investment community generally. The IR/PR Agreement is on a month-to-month basis until either party terminates it upon 30 days prior written notice to the other party.
For the services to be provided by the Consultant, we have agreed to pay him a consulting fee of: (i) $3,500 per month in cash, (ii) 50,000 shares of our common stock, issued as of the effective date of the IR/PR Agreement, and (iii) a warrant (the Consultants Warrant) to purchase 250,000 shares of our common stock, exercisable at $1.00 per share, and which shall expire October 31, 2011. The Consultants Warrant shall vest as follows: five (5) equal installments commencing on November 30, 2008 and continuing on each last day of the succeeding four months (each, a Vesting Date); provided that no portion of the Consultants Warrant shall vest if the Consultant is not, on a Vesting Date, providing services to us.
The IR/PR Agreement also contains various provisions customary for transactions and agreements of this type. The Consultant has also entered into a non-disclosure agreement with us.
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Item 2. | Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of BioLargo, Inc. (the Company) contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include predictions regarding, among other things, our:
| our business plan; |
| the commercial viability of our technology and products incorporating our technology; |
| the effects of competitive factors on our technology and products incorporating our technology; |
| expenses we will incur in operating our business; |
| our liquidity and sufficiency of existing cash; and |
| the success of our financing plans. |
You can identify these and other forward-looking statements by the use of words such as may, will, expects, anticipates, believes, estimates, continues, or the negative of such terms, or other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements also include the assumptions underlying or relating to any of the foregoing statements.
Such statements, which include statements concerning future revenue sources and concentrations, selling, general and administrative expenses, research and development expenses, capital resources, additional financings and additional losses, are subject to risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those discussed elsewhere in this Form 10-Q, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected.
Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those set forth under the heading Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. Unless otherwise expressly stated herein, all statements, including forward-looking statements, set forth in this Form 10-Q are as of September 30, 2008, unless expressly stated otherwise, and we undertake no duty to update this information.
As used in this Report, the term Company refers to BioLargo, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its wholly-owned subsidiary, BioLargo Life Technologies, Inc., a California corporation.
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The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our unaudited consolidated financial statements and the related notes to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report.
Overview
By leveraging our suite of patented and patent-pending intellectual property, which we refer to as the BioLargo technology, our business strategy is to harness and deliver natures best disinfectant iodine in a safe, efficient, environmentally sensitive and cost-effective manner. Our BioLargo technology works by combining minerals with water from any source and delivering molecular iodine on demand, in controlled dosages, in order to balance efficacy of disinfectant performance with concerns about toxicity. When our BioLargo technology is incorporated in absorbent products, referred to as BI2O-SORB absorbents, third party testing has confirmed that the products also experience increased holding power and we believe that they may also experience increased absorption. Our BioLargo technology also includes know-how and trade secrets, which, together with our intellectual property, contribute to our expertise in product design, manufacturing, product claims, safety features and competitive positioning of products that feature our BioLargo technology.
Our BioLargo technology creates a value-added proposition to existing products and can be used to create new products. Our BioLargo technology can be incorporated into absorbents, washes and sprays, and into various products and applications across multiple industry verticals. Our BioLargo technology has the potential to replace other disinfectants such as chlorines and bromines, which may be harmful to the environment.
The centerpiece of our BioLargo technology is CupriDyne, a mineral and salt formulation that is the principal reactive agent we have focused on in our research and development, testing and patent protection to date and on which we will continue to devote substantial additional efforts. We have also engaged in research and development and, subject to adequate financing, intend to engage in additional research and development on, and testing and protection of, other formulations to deliver our BioLargo technology.
Our business model is to license our BioLargo technology to others, rather than to manufacture our own products. Our current focus is to develop opportunities to license our BioLargo technology to others in various vertical markets. We do not currently intend to manufacture our own products, although we will contract with others to manufacture the chemicals and minerals that comprise our BioLargo technology.
We operated as a shell company until the closing on April 30, 2007 of the acquisition of certain intellectual property and other assets from IOWC Technologies, Inc. (IOWC). Prior to such date, our operations primarily consisted of seeking funding, maintaining our corporate entity, complying with the reporting and other requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC), engaging in ongoing research and development in cooperation with Kenneth R. Code for the BioLargo technology, engaging in initial marketing activities in cooperation with Mr. Code for the BioLargo technology and planning for the consummation of the acquisition of certain intellectual property and other assets from IOWC.
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Since the completion of the acquisition from IOWC, we have focused on marketing our BioLargo technology to prospective licensees and negotiating contractual relationships with various potential licensees. In September and October of 2007, we entered into our first two commercial product testing and evaluation agreements, the efforts of which are continuing, with Johnson & Johnson Consumer and Personal Products Worldwide, and Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc. See Recent Developments Amendment of Syngenta Product Evaluation Agreement below.
We generated our first revenues in the third quarter of 2007. However, until full licensure of our BioLargo technology or the commercialization of products incorporating our BioLargo technology, our revenues will be uneven during the product testing, evaluation and development period. We did not generate any revenue in the quarter ended September 30, 2008 and, unless and until we are successful in negotiating and securing advance payments for licensing rights from prospective licensing candidates, we do not anticipate generating significant revenue during at least the remainder of 2008.
Recent Developments
Strategic Alliance with Ioteq
In August 2008, we entered into a marketing and representation agreement (the Marketing Agreement) with Ioteq IP Pty, Ltd., an Australian company, and its United States affiliate Ioteq, Inc. (collectively, Ioteq), pursuant to which we will represent and market Ioteqs iodine-based disinfection technology, Isan®, on an exclusive basis in the United States and on a non-exclusive basis in the rest of the world, with respect to seeking, identifying, introducing and negotiating various business opportunities.
We are obligated to make monthly payments to Ioteq of $20,000 per month commencing September 1, 2008. For our efforts in seeking, identifying, introducing and negotiating business opportunities, Ioteq shall reimburse us our actual out-of-pocket costs incurred and pay us a royalty as follows:
(i) 40% of net revenue (as defined in the Marketing Agreement) received or earned by, or paid to, Ioteq, whether in cash or other property, derived directly or indirectly from each business opportunity where Ioteq incurs actual expenses in connection with the manufacture of products for such business opportunity; or
(ii) 40% of all gross amounts received or earned by, or paid to, Ioteq, whether in cash or other property, derived directly or indirectly from each other business opportunity, including without limitation licensing and distribution agreements and arrangements.
No such transactions have yet been negotiated or entered into.
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Amendment of Syngenta Product Evaluation Agreement
Effective October 3, 2007, we entered into a product evaluation agreement (the Syngenta Agreement) with Syngenta Crop Protection, Inc. (Syngenta). Effective October 1, 2008, Syngenta and we amended the Syngenta Agreement (the Syngenta Amendment).
Under the Syngenta Agreement, Syngenta had the exclusive right to conduct, and has been conducting, initial evaluation and laboratory testing of our BioLargo technology for its commercial utility in a field of use consisting of various specified agrochemical and similar applications. An initial milestone payment was paid by Syngenta to us for this initial evaluation and testing, and in exchange we have agreed not to engage in any negotiations or testing with other parties related to the specified field of use. The Syngenta Amendment makes the rights granted by us to Syngenta non-exclusive effective October 1, 2008.
Additionally, the Syngenta Agreement provides that, should Syngenta elect to proceed further to field testing or commercial development of a product in a specified field of use, the parties will negotiate with each other exclusively and in good faith additional agreements and milestone payments for such specific selected uses. The Syngenta Amendment provides that the parties will determine whether or not such further testing or development will be conducted on an exclusive or non-exclusive basis. In the event that the parties proceed with non-exclusive further testing or development, we will be free to pursue additional opportunities for the same applications of our BioLargo technology and Syngenta will not be obligated to make additional milestone payments to us.
Should Syngenta then elect to commercialize a product based on our BioLargo technology, the parties will have 12 months from the completion of product development for any selected application to negotiate with each other exclusively and in good faith and enter into a commercial license agreement for such selected application. Should Syngenta elect not to proceed at any stage, we shall thereafter be free to seek alternative routes to commercialization and alternative partners for applications in the specified field of use.
Syngenta will not obtain any rights to any portion of our BioLargo technology as a result of the Syngenta Agreement itself. However, the Syngenta Agreement does provide how rights to new inventions will be managed during the term of the initial evaluation and testing. Title to all new inventions made by the Company resulting from the work performed under the Syngenta Agreement shall reside in the Company. Title to all new inventions made by Syngenta resulting from the work performed under the Syngenta Agreement shall reside in Syngenta. Title to all inventions and discoveries made jointly by Syngenta and the Company resulting from the work performed under the Syngenta Agreement shall reside jointly in Syngenta and the Company. Inventorship shall be determined in accordance with U.S. Patent law, as the same may exist from time to time.
Additionally, among other things, the parties have agreed to keep each others information and materials confidential; have provided for the manner in which patent applications shall be filed with respect to any new inventions; and have agreed to mutual indemnification.
The term of the Syngenta Agreement, as modified by the Syngenta Amendment, expires on June 30, 2009 unless terminated sooner by either party upon 60 days prior written notice.
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Consulting Agreement for Investor Relations Services
On November 6, 2008, we entered into an agreement (the IR/PR Agreement) under which a consultant (the Consultant) will provide certain consulting and advisory services to us in the areas of shareholder communications, public relations and relations with the investment community generally. The IR/PR Agreement is on a month-to-month basis until either party terminates it upon 30 days prior written notice to the other party.
For the services to be provided by the Consultant, we have agreed to pay him a consulting fee of: (i) $3,500 per month in cash, (ii) 50,000 shares of our common stock, issued as of the effective date of the IR/PR Agreement, and (iii) a warrant (the Consultants Warrant) to purchase 250,000 shares of our common stock, exercisable at $1.00 per share, and which shall expire October 31, 2011. The Consultants Warrant shall vest as follows: five (5) equal installments commencing on November 30, 2008 and continuing on each last day of the succeeding four months (each, a Vesting Date); provided that no portion of the Consultants Warrant shall vest if the Consultant is not, on a Vesting Date, providing services to us.
The IR/PR Agreement also contains various provisions customary for transactions and agreements of this type. The Consultant has also signed a non-disclosure agreement.
Results of OperationsComparison of the Three- and Nine-Month Periods Ended September 30, 2008 and 2007
Revenue
We generated no revenues from operations during the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2008, compared to $12,500 during the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2007.
Selling, General and Administrative Expense
Selling, General and Administrative expenses were $915,101 and $3,865,758 for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2008, compared to $731,551 and $2,192,399 for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2007, an increase of $183,550 and $1,673,359, respectively. The largest components of these expenses were:
a. Salaries and Payroll-related Expenses: These expenses were $449,837 and $1,398,506 for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2008, compared to $349,009 and $651,170 for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2007, an increase of $100,828 and $747,336, respectively. The increases in the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2008 are primarily attributable to stock option compensation expense. Most of the remainder of the increase is attributable to salary compensation for (i) Kenneth R. Code, who became our Chief Technology Officer and a full-time employee in April 2007; and (ii) Charles K. Dargan II, who became our Chief Financial Officer in February 2008.
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b. Consulting Expenses: These expenses were $238,270 and $1,606,018 for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2008, compared to $163,708 and $405,379 for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2007, an increase of $74,562 and $1,200,639, respectively. The increases in the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2008 are primarily attributable to stock option expense related to the long-term consulting agreements with Robert Szolomayer, our Director of Corporate Development; and Jeffrey Wallace, our Director of Sales and Marketing, both of which were effective January 2008, and expenses related to the issuance of warrants to consultants and other professional advisors, partially offset by the change in status of Mr. Code from consultant to full-time employee in April 2007.
c. Professional Fees: These expenses were $120,851 and $475,343 for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2008, compared to $81,321 and $592,517 for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2007, an increase of $39,530 and a decrease of $117,174, respectively. The increase in the three-month period ended September 30, 2008 is primarily attributable to various transactions that were being negotiated during such period, as well as the preparation and filing of the Companys registration statement for its equity incentive plan, and preparation of a private placement memorandum and related documents in connection with the Fall 2008 Offering, as defined below in Liquidity and Capital Resources. The decrease in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008 is primarily attributable to the non-recurring nature of certain of such expenses during the comparable period in 2007 incurred in connection with the acquisition of the BioLargo technology and related assets in April 2007.
Interest expense
Interest expense totaled $300,912 and $794,123 for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2008, compared to $167,857 and $1,362,677 for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2007, an increase of $133,055 and a decrease of $568,554, respectively. The increase in the three-month period ended September 30, 2008 is primarily attributable to the interest expense recorded in connection with the amortization of the discount on our convertible notes. The decrease in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008 is primarily attributable to the additional interest expense required to be recorded as the conversion price was below the stock price in connection with the March 2007 conversions of certain promissory notes to common stock.
Research and Development
Research and development expenses were $54,456 and $148,140 for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2008, compared to $6,159 and $48,162 for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2007, an increase of $48,297 and $93,684, respectively. The increases in the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2008 are primarily attributable to increased activity related to further development work on our existing patents and patent applications.
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Net Loss
Net loss for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2008 was $1,547,026 and $5,622,496, or a loss of $0.04 and $0.14 per share, compared to a net loss for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2007 of $1,144,699 and $3,994,660, or a loss of $0.03 and $0.16 per share, respectively. The increase in net loss for the three-month period ended September 30, 2008 is primarily attributable to increases in selling, general and administrative expenses, research and development expense and interest expense. The decrease in net loss for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008 is primarily attributable to the increase in the number of weighted average shares outstanding as of such date, despite an increase in total costs and expenses for such period.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We have been, and anticipate that we will continue to be, limited in terms of our capital resources. We generated no revenues in the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008. Cash and cash equivalents totaled $366,795 at September 30, 2008. We had negative working capital of $1,772,411 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008, and negative cash flow from operating activities of $1,574,899 compared to a negative cash flow from operating activities of $1,050,241 for the nine-month periods ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, respectively. As a result, we were compelled to use cash from financing activities to fund operations. Our cash position is insufficient to meet our continuing anticipated expenses or fund anticipated operating expenses. Accordingly, we will be required to raise significant additional capital to sustain operations and further implement our business plan and we may be compelled to reduce or curtail certain activities to preserve cash.
The financial statements accompanying this report have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the settlement of liabilities and commitments in the normal course of our business. As reflected in the accompanying financial statements, we had a net loss of $5,622,496 for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2008, and a stockholders deficit of $40,635,778 as of September 30, 2008. The foregoing factors raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Ultimately, our ability to continue as a going concern is dependent upon its ability to attract significant new sources of capital, attain a reasonable threshold of operating efficiencies and achieve profitable operations by licensing or otherwise commercializing products incorporating our BioLargo technology. The financial statements do not include any adjustments that might be necessary if we are unable to continue as a going concern.
As of September 30, 2008 we had $1,913,625 aggregate principal amount, together with $128,050 accrued and unpaid interest, outstanding on various promissory notes. We may pay all of these amounts in cash or in stock, at our option, at maturity. In addition, as of September 30, 2008, we had $380,658 in accrued and unpaid payables and $350,322 in accrued and unpaid interest to New Millennium Capital Partners, LLC, an entity controlled by Dennis Calvert, our President and Chief Executive Officer.
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To provide working capital, we conducted a private offering (the Spring 2008 Offering) of up to $1,000,000 of our 10% convertible promissory notes due March 31, 2010 (the Spring 2008 Notes). In the Spring 2008 Offering, which terminated on August 29, 2008, we (i) sold $913,625 principal amount of Spring 2008 Notes, (ii) issued warrants due on March 31, 2009 (the 2009 Warrants) to purchase up to 676,775 shares of our common stock at $1.00 (originally $1.50) per share and (iii) issued warrants due on March 31, 2011 (the 2011 Warrants) to purchase up to an additional 676,775 shares of our common stock at $2.00 per share. On September 2, 2008, our Board of Directors reduced the exercise price of the 2009 Warrants from $1.50 per share (the original exercise price of the 2009 Warrant pursuant to the terms of the Spring 2008 Offering) to $1.00 per share. Most of the proceeds of the Spring 2008 Offering have been spent as of the date of the filing of this Report. See Part II, Item 2, Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds and Notes 3, 4 and 11 to Notes to Financial Statements.
Because of our continuing liquidity difficulties, in October 2008 we commenced another private offering (the Fall 2008 Offering) of up to $1,000,000 of our 10% convertible promissory notes due October 15, 2011 (the Fall 2008 Notes), subject to an over-allotment option of 15%, or an aggregate $1,150,000 principal amount of Fall 2008 Notes. Purchasers of the Fall 2008 Notes will receive, for no additional consideration, two warrants, each of which entitles the holder to purchase the same number of shares of our common stock into which the principal amount of the holders Fall 2008 Note is convertible. One warrant exercisable at an initial exercise price of $1.00 per share and will expire on October 15, 2009 (the One-Year Warrant). The other warrant is exercisable at an initial exercise price of $2.00 per share and will expire on October 15, 2011 (the Three-Year Warrant). The Fall 2008 Offering will terminate at 5 p.m. California time on January 31, 2009, unless terminated earlier or extended by the Company for one or more periods of time not to exceed 90 days in the aggregate. We have not yet raised any amounts in the Fall 2008 Offering, which is ongoing as of the filing of this Report. See Note 11 to Notes to Financial Statements.
The rate at which we are incurring expenses from operations continues to increase. We estimate that our current cash, including any remaining net proceeds we received in the Spring 2008 Offering, will provide sufficient capital to meet operating expenses and other financial obligations, assuming that we undertake no new projects or incur no new obligations, other than our recently committed obligations to Ioteq under the Marketing Agreement, to our sublessor under the Sublease Agreement and to our consultant for investor relations services, only through November 2008. See Recent Developments above.
We will be required to raise substantial additional capital to sustain our expanded operations, including without limitation, hiring additional personnel, additional scientific and third-party testing, costs associated with obtaining regulatory approvals and filing additional patent applications to protect our intellectual property, and possible strategic acquisitions or alliances, as well as to meet our liabilities as they become due for the next 12 months. We may also be compelled to reduce or curtail certain activities to preserve cash. See Part II, Item 1A, Risk Factors.
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In addition to the Fall 2008 Offering discussed above, we are continuing to explore numerous alternatives for our current and longer-term financial requirements, including additional raises of capital from investors in the form of convertible debt or equity. To fully implement our business plan, we believe that we must raise up to an additional $10 million in financing. To assist us with our longer-term financing requirements, we have retained the services of Taglich Brothers, Inc. of New York to serve as our exclusive financial advisor. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to raise any additional capital. No commitments are in place as of the date of the filing of this Report for any such additional financings. Moreover, in light of the current unfavorable economic conditions, we do not believe that any such financing is likely to be in place in the immediate future.
It is also unlikely that we will be able to qualify for bank or other financial institutional debt financing until such time as our operations are considerably more advanced and we are able to demonstrate the financial strength to provide confidence for a lender, which we do not currently believe is likely to occur for at least the next 12 months or more.
If we are unable to raise sufficient capital, we may be required to curtail some of our operations, including efforts to develop, test, market, evaluate and license our BioLargo technology. If we were forced to curtail aspects of our operations, there could be a material adverse impact on our financial condition and results of operations.
Under the terms of the IR/PR Agreement and the Sublease, we are either obligated to issue or may issue, at our option, securities in consideration for services provided to us. We are also a party to other agreements that provide for the payment of, or permit us to pay at our option, securities in consideration for services provided to us. All such issuances are dilutive to our shareholders because they increase the total number of shares of our common stock issued and outstanding, even though such arrangements assist us with managing our cash flow at a time of increasing operating expenses coupled with decreased and further decreasing liquidity. See Part II, Item 1A, Risk Factors.
Obligation to New Millennium Capital Partners, LLC
In March 2003, New Millennium, a company controlled by our president and chief executive officer, Dennis Calvert, purchased from a third party a promissory note in the principal amount of $1,120,000 we assumed pursuant to a licensing transaction in October 2002.
On April 28, 2006, New Millennium agreed to amend the terms of the $1,120,000 promissory note (the New Millennium Note) to (i) extend the due date to January 15, 2008; (ii) waive any payments of interest until it becomes due; (iii) reduce the principal amount from $1,120,000 to $900,000, equal to a 19.6% reduction; and (iv) correspondingly reduce the accrued but unpaid interest due under the terms of the note from $318,000 to $256,000, also equal to a 19.6% reduction.
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On April 13, 2007, we entered into an agreement with New Millennium whereby the $900,000 principal amount of the New Millennium Note was converted into 1,636,364 shares of our common stock, at a price of $0.55 per share, which was the last bid price on the date of conversion. The remaining accrued but unpaid interest in the amount of $380,658 was not converted, and the parties agreed that no further interest would accrue, and that the interest would be paid on or before January 15, 2008. On November 12, 2008, Mr. Calvert and we further extended the date on which interest would be paid to April 30, 2009.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our discussion and analysis of our results of operations and liquidity and capital resources are based on our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and judgments, including those related to revenue recognition, valuation of intangible assets and investments, and share-based payments. We base our estimates on anticipated results and trends and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, including assumptions as to future events. These estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. By their nature, estimates are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. Actual results that differ from our estimates could have a significant adverse effect on our operating results and financial position. We believe that the following significant accounting policies and assumptions may involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity than others.
The methods, estimates and judgments the Company uses in applying these most critical accounting policies have a significant impact on the results of the Company reports in its financial statements.
We anticipate that any generated revenue will principally be derived from royalties and license fees from our intellectual property. Licensees typically pay a license fee in one or more installments and ongoing royalties based on their sales of products incorporating or using our licensed intellectual property. License fees are recognized over the estimated period of future benefit to the average licensee.
The Company has established a policy relative to the methodology to determine the value assigned to each intangible acquired with or licensed by the Company and/or services or products received for non-cash consideration of the Companys common stock. The value is based on the market price of the Companys common stock issued as consideration, at the date of the agreement of each transaction or when the service is rendered or product is received, as adjusted for applicable discounts.
It the Companys policy to expense share based payments as of the date of grant in accordance with Financial Accounting Statements Board Statement No. 123R Share-Based Payment. Application of this pronouncement requires significant judgment
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regarding the assumptions used in the selected option pricing model, including stock price volatility and employee exercise behavior. Most of these inputs are either highly dependent on the current economic environment at the date of grant or forward-looking expectations projected over the expected term of the award. As a result, the actual impact of adoption on future earnings could differ significantly from our current estimate.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations (SFAS No. 141R), which revises current purchase accounting guidance in SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations. SFAS No. 141R requires most assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination to be measured at their fair values as of the date of acquisition. SFAS No. 141R also modifies the initial measurement and subsequent re-measurement of contingent consideration and acquired contingencies, and requires that acquisition related costs be recognized as expense as incurred rather than capitalized as part of the cost of the acquisition. SFAS No. 141R is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008 and is to be applied prospectively to business combinations occurring after adoption. The impact of SFAS No. 141R on the Companys consolidated financial statements will depend on the nature and extent of the Companys future acquisition activities.
In February 2007, the FASB issued Statement No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Liabilities (SFAS No. 159). This Statement permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. The objective is to improve financial reporting by providing entities with the opportunity to mitigate volatility in reported earnings caused by measuring related assets and liabilities differently without having to apply complex hedge accounting provisions. The fair value option established by SFAS No. 159 permits all entities to choose to measure eligible items at fair value at specified election dates. A business entity shall report unrealized gains and losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected in earnings (or another performance indicator if the business entity does not report earnings) at each subsequent reporting date. SFAS No. 159 is effective as of the beginning of an entitys first fiscal year that begins after November 15, 2007. We do not believe that the adoption of SFAS No. 159 will have a material affect on our financial statements.
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS No. 157), which establishes a standard definition for fair value, provides a framework under generally accepted accounting principles for measuring fair value, and expands disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. FASB Staff Position No. FAS 157-b, Effective Date of FASB No 157, issued in December 2007, delays the effective date of SFAS No. 157 to annual reporting periods beginning after November 15, 2008 for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis. The remaining provisions of SFAS No. 157 are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after November 15, 2007. The adoption of SFAS No. 157 may require increased disclosures in the Companys consolidated financial statements.
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Other recent accounting pronouncements issued by FASB (including its Emerging Issued Task Force), the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the SEC did not or are not believed by management to have a material impact on the Companys present or future consolidated financial statements.
Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk |
Not applicable.
Item 4T. | Controls and Procedures |
(a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. We conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of Dennis P. Calvert, our Chief Executive Officer and Charles K. Dargan II, our Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this annual report.
Based on this evaluation, our chief executive officer and chief financial officer concluded that as of the evaluation date our disclosure controls and procedures were generally effective. Our procedures have been designed to ensure that the information relating to our company, including our consolidated subsidiary, required to be disclosed in our SEC reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms, and is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer, as appropriate to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Nonetheless, we believe that further steps are warranted to better assure the effectiveness of these disclosure controls and procedures. Additionally, due to limited personnel and the resulting competing demands on our senior officers, at times there have been delays in disseminating information internally to those parties responsible for processing such information for disclosure. We have implemented certain further steps that we believe are warranted and believe, subject to our continuing evaluation and review of these further steps, that yet additional steps may also be warranted. In February 2008, we hired a Chief Financial Officer who is a Certified Public Accountant. We have also adopted disclosure controls and procedures guidelines. Additional steps that we believe that we must undertake are to retain a consulting firm to, among other things, design and implement adequate systems of accounting and financial statement disclosure controls during the current fiscal year to comply with the requirements of the SEC. We believe that the ultimate success of our plan to improve further our internal controls over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures will require a combination of additional financial resources, outside consulting services, legal advice, additional personnel, further reallocation of responsibility among various persons, improved lines of communication internally and substantial additional training of those of our officers, personnel and others, including certain of our directors such as our committee chairs, who are charged with implementing and/or carrying out our plan.
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It should be noted that the design of any system of controls is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions, regardless of how remote.
(b) Changes in internal control over financial reporting. There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II
Item 1. | Legal Proceedings |
From time to time, we are party to various claims, legal actions and complaints arising periodically in the ordinary course of our business. No such claims, actions or complaints are pending or threatened at this time.
Item 1A. | Risk Factors |
In addition to the risk factors described below, see Risk Factors in Part I, Item 1A of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007 for a description of other risk factors relevant to our business and an investment in our securities.
Our cash requirements are significant and our operating expenses are increasing. The failure to raise additional capital will have a significant adverse effect on our financial condition and our operations.
Our cash requirements and expenses have been increasing and have been and will continue to be significant. Our net cash used from continuing operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 was $1,574,899, $1,315,628 and $821,008, respectively. These negative cash flows are primarily related to operating losses and, to a lesser extent, fluctuations in working capital items. As disclosed elsewhere in this report, we will continue to use cash in 2008 at an increasing rate and we will require significant additional financing for working capital requirements for the remainder of 2008 and for the foreseeable future to continue the development, marketing and licensure of our BioLargo technology. Although we have been successful in raising funds in the past, there can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully raise funds in the future, especially in light of current adverse conditions in the capital markets and the weak economy generally. The failure to raise additional capital will have a significant adverse effect on our financial condition and its operations.
To meet some of our increased operating expenses, we have agreed to issue securities or we have the option to issue securities in lieu of paying cash for these services. These issuances are dilutive to our existing shareholders.
Under the terms of the IR/PR Agreement and the Sublease, we are either obligated to issue or may issue, at our option, securities in consideration for services provided to us. We are also a party to other agreements that provide for the payment of, or permit us to pay at our option, securities in consideration for services provided to us. All such issuances are dilutive to our shareholders because they increase the total number of shares of our common stock issued and outstanding, even though such arrangements assist us with managing our cash flow at a time of increasing operating expenses coupled with decreased and further decreasing liquidity.
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Item 2. | Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds |
In March 2008, we commenced the Spring 2008 Offering of up to $1,000,000 of our Spring 2008 Notes. The Spring 2008 Offering terminated on August 29, 2008.
The Spring 2008 Notes are convertible into shares of our common stock at an initial conversion price of $1.35 per share. The Spring 2008 Notes can be converted voluntarily by the noteholders at any time prior to the maturity date. We can unilaterally convert the Spring 2008 Notes (i) on or after September 30, 2008, if we have received one or more written firm commitments, or have closed on one or more transactions, or a combination of the foregoing, of at least $3 million gross proceeds of equity or debt; or (ii) on the maturity date. Accordingly, the Spring 2008 Notes may be repaid in cash or may be converted, at our sole option, into shares of our common stock, on or before the maturity date of the Spring 2008 Notes.
Each purchaser of the Spring 2008 Notes received, for no additional consideration, two stock purchase warrants, each of which entitles the holder to purchase the number of shares of our common stock into which the holders Spring 2008 Note is convertible. The 2009 Warrant is exercisable at a current exercise price of $1.00 (originally $1.50) per share and expires on March 31, 2009. The 2011 Warrant is exercisable at an initial exercise price of $2.00 per share and expires on March 31, 2011. On September 2, 2008, our Board of Directors reduced the exercise price of the 2009 Warrants from $1.50 per share (the original exercise price of the 2009 Warrant pursuant to the terms of the Spring 2008 Offering) to $1.00 per share.
In the three-month period ended September 30, 2008, we (i) sold $260,250 aggregate principal amount of Spring 2008 Notes, (ii) issued 2009 Warrants to purchase an aggregate 192,781 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $1.00 per share, and (iii) issued 2011 Warrants to purchase an aggregate 192,781 shares of our common stock at an exercise price of $2.00 per share, to a total of four investors.
In September 2008, we issued shares of our common stock to holders of our promissory notes due September 13, 2008 (the Fall 2006 Notes), which the noteholders purchased in a private offering we conducted commencing September 13, 2006 (the Fall 2006 Offering). Pursuant to the terms of the Fall 2006 Offering, we had the right to require the conversion of the principal outstanding amount of the Fall 2006 Notes, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon, upon their maturity. We elected to convert the $925,000 principal amount of the Fall 2006 Notes then outstanding, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon in the amount of $162,189, at a conversion price of $0.6875 per share, into 1,581,580 shares of our common stock.
In November 2008, we issued warrants to purchase up to 266,665 shares of our common stock at various exercise prices ranging between $1.00 and $1.58 per share, to one consultant who provided various financial services to us. The warrants were issued pursuant to the terms of an agreement between us and the consultant. Of this amount, warrants to purchase up to 66,666 shares of our common stock were issued with respect to warrants earned by the consultant during 2007 and warrants to purchase up to 199,999 shares of our common stock were issued with respect to warrants earned by the consultant during 2008. See Note 4 to Notes to Financial Statements.
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During the three-month period ended September 30, 2008, we granted options to purchase shares of our common stock at the rate of 10,000 shares per month, or a total of 30,000 shares, to our chief financial officer, pursuant to the terms of our consulting agreement with him. These options are exercisable at various exercise prices ranging between $0.89 and $0.99 per share, depending upon their respective dates of grant. Each option is fully vested upon grant and is exercisable for ten years from its respective date of grant.
All of these offerings and sales were made in reliance on the exemption from registration contained in Section 4(2) of the Securities Exchange Act and/or Regulation D promulgated thereunder as not involving a public offering of securities.
Item 3. | Defaults Upon Senior Securities |
None
Item 4. | Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders |
None
Item 5. | Other Information |
On November 13, 2008, we entered into an agreement (the Sublease) with a law firm (the Sublessor) that has provided legal services to us from time to time, to sublease space as our principal executive offices located at Suite 1155, 2603 Main Street, Irvine, California (the Premises). Previously, non-exclusive use of the Premises as our principal executive offices had been provided to us free-of-charge by the Sublessor. The Premises consists of a self-contained office suite of approximately 2,842 square feet and is fully built out. We believe that the space provided by the Premises is adequate for our needs for the foreseeable future.
We have agreed to pay the Sublessor rent in the amount of $7,966 per month through December 31, 2008 and $7,114 per month from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009 (pro-rated for partial months), which consists of base rent, certain pass-through charges from the Sublessors landlord (the Landlord) and reserved parking spaces. We are not obligated to pay a security deposit to the Sublessor or the Landlord. We may pay each months rent to the Sublessor, at our option, in (i) cash or (ii) shares of our common stock, valued at the average closing bid price for the ten trading days preceding and including the last day of the preceding month.
We are subleasing the Premises on a month-to-month basis. The Sublease terminates on December 31, 2009, which is the end of the term under the Sublessors lease (the Master Lease) with its Landlord. However, either the Sublessor or we can terminate the Sublease on 30 days notice to the other party, in which case we would have no further obligation to the Sublessor.
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We have agreed to comply with all terms and conditions of the Master Lease as it relates to the Premises, including without limitation provisions relating to the maintenance of insurance, indemnification of the Landlord, subordination in the event of certain claims and other matters typically found in commercial leases. The Landlord has consented to the sublease.
Item 6. | Exhibits |
The exhibits listed below are attached hereto and filed herewith:
Exhibit No. |
Description | |
4.1 | Form of Convertible Promissory Note issued in the Spring 2008 Offering | |
4.2 | Form of One-Year Warrant issued in the Spring 2008 Offering | |
4.3 | Form of Three-Year Warrant issued in the Spring 2008 Offering | |
4.4 | Form of Warrant to Purchase Common Stock issued to SC Capital Partners, LLC | |
10.1 | Agreement dated as of August 19, 2008 by and among BioLargo, Inc., BioLargo Life Technologies, Inc., and Ioteq IP, Ltd. and Ioteq, Inc. | |
10.2 | Sublease Agreement dated as of November 13, 2008 | |
31.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Quarterly Report Pursuant to Rule 13(a)-15(e) or Rule 15(d)-15(e). | |
31.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Quarterly Report Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 | |
32 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Quarterly Report pursuant to Rule 13(a)-15(e) or Rule 15(d)-15(e). |
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In accordance with Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, hereunto duly authorized.
BIOLARGO, INC. | ||||||||
Date: November 14, 2008 |
By: | /s/ DENNIS P. CALVERT | ||||||
Dennis P. Calvert | ||||||||
Chief Executive Officer |
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Exhibit No. |
Description | |
4.1 | Form of Convertible Promissory Note issued in the Spring 2008 Offering | |
4.2 | Form of One-Year Warrant issued in the Spring 2008 Offering | |
4.3 | Form of Three-Year Warrant issued in the Spring 2008 Offering | |
4.4 | Form of Warrant to Purchase Common Stock issued to SC Capital Partners, LLC | |
10.1 | Agreement dated as of August 19, 2008 by and among BioLargo, Inc., BioLargo Life Technologies, Inc., and Ioteq IP, Ltd. and Ioteq, Inc. | |
10.2 | Sublease Agreement dated as of November 13, 2008 | |
31.1 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer of Quarterly Report Pursuant to Rule 13(a)-15(e) or Rule 15(d)-15(e). | |
31.2 | Certification of Chief Financial Officer of Quarterly Report Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 | |
32 | Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Quarterly Report pursuant to Rule 13(a)-15(e) or Rule 15(d)-15(e). |
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