Clearday, Inc. - Annual Report: 2008 (Form 10-K)
Table of Contents
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
(Mark One)
þ | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934. |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008
OR
o | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934. |
For the transition period from to
Commission File Number 0-21074
SUPERCONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGIES INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
77-0158076 (IRS Employer Identification No.) |
460 Ward Drive, Santa Barbara, California 93111-2310
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrants telephone number, including area code: (805) 690-4500
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class | Name of each exchange on which registered | |
Common stock, $0.001 par value | The NASDAQ Stock Market, LLC |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule
405 of the Securities Act. Yes o or No þ
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section
13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o or No þ
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 þ or No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation
S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of Registrants knowledge, in
definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K
or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer o | Accelerated filer o | Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |
Smaller reporting company þ |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of
the Exchange Act). Yes o or No þ
The aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates was $33.9 million as of
June 28, 2008 (the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter). The
closing price of the common stock on that date was $2.35 as reported by the NASDAQ Capital Market.
For purposes of this determination, we excluded the shares of common stock held by each officer and
director and by each person who was known to us to own 10% or more of the outstanding common stock
as of June 28, 2008. The exclusion of shares owned by the aforementioned individuals and entities
from this calculation does not constitute an admission by any of such individuals or entities that
he or it was or is an affiliate of ours.
We had 17,869,030 shares of common stock outstanding as of the close of business on March 2,
2009.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of Part III incorporate information by reference from the
definitive proxy statement for the Registrants 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
SUPERCONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGIES INC.
FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT
Year Ended December 31, 2008
Year Ended December 31, 2008
Unless otherwise noted, the terms we, us, our refer to the combined and ongoing business
operations of Superconductor Technologies Inc. and its subsidiaries
operations of Superconductor Technologies Inc. and its subsidiaries
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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This Report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended. We claim the protection of the safe harbor contained in the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995 for these forward looking statements. Our forward-looking statements relate to
future events or our future performance and include, but are not limited to, statements concerning
our business strategy, future commercial revenues, market growth, capital requirements, new product
introductions, expansion plans and the adequacy of our funding. Other statements contained in this
Report that are not historical facts are also forward-looking statements. We have tried, wherever
possible, to identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as may, will, could,
should, expects, anticipates, intends, plans, believes, seeks, estimates and other
comparable terminology.
We caution investors that any forward-looking statements presented in this Report, or that we
may make orally or in writing from time to time, are based on the beliefs of, assumptions made by,
and information currently available to, us. Such statements are based on assumptions and the
actual outcome will be affected by known and unknown risks, trends, uncertainties and factors that
are beyond our control or ability to predict. Although we believe that our assumptions are
reasonable, they are not guarantees of future performance and some will inevitably prove to be
incorrect. As a result, our actual future results can be expected to differ from our expectations,
and those differences may be material. Accordingly, investors should use caution in relying on past
forward-looking statements, which are based on known results and trends at the time they are made,
to anticipate future results or trends.
Some of the risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results, performance or
achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements
include the following:
| limited cash and a history of losses; | ||
| limited number of potential customers; | ||
| limited number of suppliers for some of our components; | ||
| no significant backlog from quarter to quarter; | ||
| our market is characterized by rapidly advancing technology; | ||
| fluctuations in product demand from quarter to quarter can be significant; | ||
| the impact of competitive filter products, technologies and pricing; | ||
| manufacturing capacity constraints and difficulties; and | ||
| general economic conditions. |
For further discussion of these and other factors see, Managements Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Risk Factors in this Report.
This Report and all subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us
or any person acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary
statements contained or referred to in this section. We do not undertake any obligation to release
publicly any revisions to our forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after
the date of this Report.
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
General
We are a leading company in high temperature superconductor (HTS) materials and related
technologies. HTS materials have the unique ability to conduct various signals or energy (e.g.,
electrical current or radio frequency (RF) signals) with little or no resistance when cooled to
critical temperatures. Electric currents that flow through conventional conductors encounter
resistance that requires power to overcome and generates heat. HTS materials can substantially
improve the performance characteristics of electrical systems, reducing power loss, lowering heat
generation and decreasing electrical noise. Circuits designed to remove interference inherent in
some RF signals can also be made from HTS materials. Commercial use of HTS materials requires a
number of cutting edge technologies, including development of HTS materials, specialized
manufacturing expertise to create uniform thin layers of these materials, expert designs of
circuits optimized for HTS materials, and technologies to maintain an extremely low temperature
environment for HTS applications (although the critical temperatures for HTS are high compared
with traditional superconductors, they are still extremely cold by other standards).
Our Proprietary Technology
We are focused on research and development to maintain our technological edge. As of December
31, 2008, we had 29 employees in our research and development division; eight of our employees have
Ph.D.s, and 13 others hold advanced degrees in physics, materials science, electrical engineering
and other fields. Our development efforts over the last 21 years have yielded an extensive patent
portfolio as well as critical trade secrets, unpatented technology and proprietary knowledge. We
enter into confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements with our employees, suppliers and
consultants to protect our proprietary information. As of December 31, 2008, we held 57 U.S.
patents in the following categories:
| 7 patents for technologies directed toward producing thin-film materials and structures, which expire between 2010 and 2025. We have developed a proprietary state-of-the-art manufacturing process for producing HTS thin-films of the highest quality. | ||
| 29 patents for cryogenic and non-microwave circuit designs, which expire between 2010 and 2026. The expertise of our highly qualified team has allowed us to design and fabricate extremely small, high-performance circuits including RF signal filters. | ||
| 17 patents covering cryogenics, packaging and systems, which expire between 2013 and 2025. Our proprietary and patented cryogenic packaging innovation provides us with a significant competitive advantage in maintaining our HTS materials at their critical temperatures. | ||
| 4 patents covering other superconducting technologies, which expire between 2013 and 2015. |
As of December 31, 2008, we also had 15 issued foreign patents, 25 U.S. patent applications
pending and 44 foreign applications patents pending.
We are currently focusing our efforts on applications in areas such as:
| Wireless Networks. Our current commercial products help maximize the performance of wireless telecommunications networks by improving the quality of uplink signals from mobile wireless devices. Our products increase capacity utilization, lower dropped and blocked calls, extend coverage, and enable higher wireless data throughput all while reducing capital and operating costs. | ||
| Reconfigurable Handset Filters. The trend in the wireless handset industry is to continually reduce size and cost, while adding more features and making the unit more adaptable to different air interfaces and frequencies throughout the world. This drives the need for more complex and reconfigurable transceivers. We believe our |
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strong intellectual property and expertise in frequency agile and thin film filters position us well to meet this demand. | |||
| Superconducting Power Transmission Lines. We have entered into a collaborative effort and signed a Material Transfer Agreement with the Department of Energys Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) to apply our HTS expertise to LANLs research initiative to develop HTS coated conductors for power transmission lines. If successfully developed, HTS superconducting cables could replace copper power transmission lines, resulting in higher capacity with less resistive cable losses. | ||
| Government Products. As the worldwide leader in developing tunable HTS filter systems for military applications, we continue to be a crucial partner in the U.S. governments future success. Our high-performance HTS filter systems have been proven to increase the detection range, reduce interference, and in some cases, detect signals that were previously undetectable with conventional technology. Currently, we actively participate in the development of technologies for application in military communications, signals intelligence, and electronic warfare. |
Our development efforts can take a significant number of years to commercialize, and we must
overcome significant technical barriers and deal with other significant risks, some of which are
set out in our public filings, including in particular the Risk Factors included in Item 1A of
this Report.
Our Business Model
To be successful, we must use our expertise and our technology to generate revenues in various
ways, including government contracts, commercial operations, joint ventures and licenses:
Government Contracts
We generate significant revenues from government contracts. We typically own the intellectual
property developed under these contracts, and grant the Federal government a royalty-free,
non-exclusive and nontransferable license to use it. As a result, our government contracts can not
only generate a profit for us, but we can also make additional money through exploiting of the
resulting technology in our commercial operations as well as government products, or through
licenses or joint ventures. Contracts with the U.S. government contain provisions, and are subject
to laws and regulations, that give the government rights and remedies not typically found in
commercial contracts, including rights that allow the government to:
| terminate existing contracts for convenience, which affords the U.S. government the right to terminate the contract in whole or in part anytime it wants for any reason or no reason, as well as for default; | ||
| reduce or modify contracts or subcontracts, if its requirements or budgetary constraints change; | ||
| cancel or reduce multi-year contracts and related orders, if funds for contract performance for any subsequent year become unavailable; | ||
| adjust reimbursable contract costs and fees on the basis of audits completed by its agencies through exercise of its oversight rights; and | ||
| control or prohibit the export of products. |
Compensation in the event of a termination, if any, is limited to compensation for work
completed at the time of termination. In the event of termination for convenience, we may receive a
certain allowance for profit on the work performed.
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Commercial Applications
We have chosen to manufacture and sell certain commercial products on our own. To date, our
commercial efforts have been focused on the design, manufacture, and sale of high performance
infrastructure products for wireless voice and data applications. We have three current product
lines, all of which relate to wireless base stations:
| SuperLink, a highly compact and reliable receiver front-end HTS wireless filter system to eliminate out-of-band interference for wireless base stations, combining filters with a proprietary cryogenic cooler and a cooled low-noise amplifier. | ||
| AmpLink, a ground-mounted unit for wireless base stations that includes a high-performance amplifier and up to six dual duplexers. | ||
| SuperPlex, a high-performance multiplexer that provides extremely low insertion loss and excellent cross-band isolation designed to eliminate the need for additional base station antennas and reduce infrastructure costs. |
We sell most of our current commercial products to a small number of wireless carriers in the
United States, including ALLTEL, AT&T, Sprint Nextel, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless. Verizon
Wireless and AT&T each accounted for more than 10% of our commercial revenues in 2008 and 2007. We
are seeking to expand our customer base by selling directly to other wireless network operators and
manufacturers of base station equipment, including internationally. Demand for wireless
communications equipment fluctuates dramatically and unpredictably. The wireless communications
infrastructure equipment market is extremely competitive and is characterized by rapid
technological change, new product development, product obsolescence, evolving industry standards
and price erosion over the life of a product. We face constant pressures to reduce prices.
Consequently, we expect the average selling prices of our products will continue decreasing over
time. We expect these trends to continue and may cause significant fluctuations in our quarterly
and annual revenues. Our commercial operations are subject to a number of significant risks, some
of which are set out in our public filings, including in particular the Risk Factors included in
Item 1A of this Report.
Joint Ventures
From time to time we may pursue joint ventures with other entities to commercialize our
technology. In particular, we have agreed to license certain technology for our SuperLink®
interference elimination solution for the China market to a joint venture where we own 45 percent
of the equity. In the first quarter of 2008, we received orders from the joint venture for our new
TD-SCDMA solution to perform lab trial and field trial activities in China. The lab trial was
successfully completed in the second quarter of 2008, and the field trial was successfully
completed during the fourth quarter of 2008. The commencement of manufacturing and the transfer of
our processes to the joint venture will be driven by product demand from the China market. The
joint ventures activities remain subject to successful product marketing efforts in addition to a
number of other conditions, including certain critical approvals from the Chinese and United States
governments. In particular, we have been in discussions with the United States government
concerning the national security implications of our joint venture and investment from Hunchun
BaoLi Communication Co. Ltd. (BAOLI). There continues to be no assurance that these conditions
will be met, or that all required approvals (if obtained) will be obtained on a timely basis. Even
if these conditions are met and the approvals received, the results from our joint venture will be
subject to a number of significant risks associated with international operations and new ventures,
some of which are set forth in our public filings, including in particular the Risk Factors
included in Item 1A of this Report.
Licenses
From time to time we grant licenses for our technology to other companies. Specifically, we
have granted licenses to, among others, (1) Bruker for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance application, (2)
General Dynamics for government applications and (3) Star Cryoelectronics for Superconducting
Quantum Interference Device applications.
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Manufacturing
Our manufacturing process involves the assembly of numerous individual components and
precision tuning by production technicians. We purchase inventory components and manufacture
inventory based on sales forecasts. The parts and materials used by us and our contract
manufacturers consist primarily of printed circuit boards, specialized subassemblies, fabricated
housing, relays and small electric circuit components, such as integrated circuits, semiconductors,
resistors and capacitors. We currently manufacture our SuperLink systems at our facilities in Santa
Barbara, California. Principal components of our AmpLink and SuperPlex products are produced by
foreign manufacturers. Our Santa Barbara facilities currently also house our AmpLink assembly and
distribution center.
A number of components used in our products are available from only one or a limited number of
outside suppliers due to unique designs as well as certain quality and performance requirements.
We currently purchase substrates for growth of high-temperature superconductor thin-films from a
single supplier because of the quality of those substrates. There are additional components that
we source from a single vendor due to the present volume. In addition, key components of our
conventional products are manufactured by a sole foreign manufacturer. We do not have guaranteed
supply arrangements with any of these suppliers, do not maintain an extensive inventory of parts or
components and customarily purchase sole or limited source parts and components pursuant to
purchase orders. Our reliance on sole or limited source suppliers involves certain risks and
uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, and some of which are set out in our public
filings, including in particular the Risk Factors included in Item 1A of this Report.
Marketing and Sales
Because we have a concentrated customer base, we primarily sell using a direct sales force in
the U.S. We use indirect channels to market our products to select customers internationally. We
demonstrate our products at trade shows, and participate in industry conferences. We also use
advertising campaigns, email campaigns, direct mailings, and submission of technical and
application reports to recognized trade journals to advertise our solutions to potential customers.
We also advertise our products through our website, brochures, data sheets, application notes,
trade journal reports and press releases. Our sales and marketing efforts are complemented by a
team of sales applications engineers who manage field trials and initial installations, as well as
provide ongoing pre-sales and post-sales support.
Competition
We face competition in various aspects of our technology and product development. Our
products compete on the basis of performance, functionality, reliability, pricing, quality, and
compliance with industry standards. Our current and potential competitors include conventional RF
filter manufacturers, including Andrew/CommScope, ADC, Powerwave, and RFS and both established and
newly emerging companies developing similar or competing HTS technologies. We also compete with
companies that design, manufacture and sell antenna-optimizing multiplexers and companies that seek
to enhance base station range and selectivity by means other than a superconducting filter,
including many original equipment manufacturers such as Ericsson and Nokia. In addition, we
currently supply components and license technology to several companies that may eventually decide
to manufacture or design their own HTS components, rather than purchasing or licensing our
technology. With respect to our HTS materials, we compete with THEVA, among others. In the
government sector, we compete with universities, national laboratories and both large and small
companies for research and development contracts, and with larger defense contractors, such as
Raytheon and Northrop Grumman, for government products.
Research and Development
Our research and development efforts primarily involve engineering and design related to
improving product lines and developing new products and technologies in the same or similar fields
using our core technologies. We spent a total of $7.0 million, $6.1 million, and $5.9 million on
research and development for 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively of which $3.4 million, $3.2
million, and $3.5 million, respectively, was for company-funded research and development.
Customer-funded research and development, most of which was attributable to work under contracts
with the U.S. Government, represented 52%, 48% and 41% of total research and development costs for
each of 2008, 2007, and 2006, respectively.
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Environmental Issues
We use certain hazardous materials in our research, development and manufacturing operations.
As a result, we are subject to stringent federal, state and local regulations governing the
storage, use and disposal of such materials. Current or
future laws and regulations could require substantial expenditures for preventative or remedial
action, reduction of chemical exposure, waste treatment or disposal. Although we believe that our
safety procedures for the handling and disposing of hazardous materials comply with the standards
prescribed by state and federal regulations, there is always the risk of accidental contamination
or injury from these materials. To date, we have not incurred substantial expenditures for
preventive action with respect to hazardous materials or for remedial action with respect to any
hazardous materials accident, but the use and disposal of hazardous materials involves the risk
that we could incur substantial expenditures for such preventive or remedial actions. If such an
accident were to occur, we could be held liable for resulting damages. The liability in the event
of an accident or the costs of such remedial actions could exceed our resources or otherwise have a
material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
Corporate Information
Our facilities and executive offices are located at 460 Ward Drive, Santa Barbara, California
93111, and our telephone number is (805) 690-4500. We were incorporated in Delaware on May 11,
1987. Additional information about us is available on our website at www.suptech.com. The
information on our web site is not incorporated herein by reference.
Employees
As of December 31, 2008, we had a total of 105 employees. None of our employees are
represented by a labor union, and we believe that our employee relations are good.
Backlog
Our commercial backlog consists of accepted product purchase orders with scheduled delivery
dates during the next twelve months. We had commercial backlog of $272,000 at December 31, 2008,
as compared to $352,000 at December 31, 2007.
ITEM 1A. | RISK FACTORS |
The following section includes some of the material factors that may adversely affect our
business and operations. This is not an exhaustive list, and additional factors could adversely
affect our business and financial performance. Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and
rapidly changing environment. New risk factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for
us to predict all such risk factors, nor can we assess the impact of all such risk factors on our
business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to
differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements. This discussion of risk
factors includes many forward-looking statements. For cautions about relying on such forward
looking statements, please refer to the section entitled Forward Looking Statements at the
beginning of this Report immediately prior to Item 1.
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Risks Related to Our Business
The current global financial crisis may adversely affect our business, operating results and
financial condition.
The United States economy has recently experienced a financial downturn, with some financial
and economic analysts predicting that the world economy may be entering into a prolonged economic
downturn characterized by high unemployment, limited availability of credit, increased rates of
default and bankruptcy and decreased consumer and business spending. These developments could
negatively affect our business, operating results and financial condition in a number of ways. For
example, current or potential customers may delay or decrease spending with us or may not pay us,
or may delay paying us, for previously purchased products. In addition, this downturn has had, and
may continue to have, an unprecedented negative impact on the global credit markets. Credit has
tightened significantly in the last several months, resulting in financing terms that are less
attractive to borrowers, and in many cases, the unavailability of certain types of debt financing.
If this crisis continues or worsens, and if we are required to obtain financing in the near term to
meet our working capital or other business needs, we may not be able obtain that financing.
Further, even if we are able to obtain the financing we need, it may be on terms that are not
favorable to us, with increased financing costs and restrictive covenants.
We have a history of losses and may never become profitable.
In each of our last five years, we have experienced significant net losses and negative cash
flows from operations. In 2008, we incurred a net loss of $12.7 million and had negative cash
flows from operations of $12.1 million. In 2007, we incurred a net loss of $9.1 million and had
negative cash flows from operations of $5.4 million. Our independent registered public accounting
firm has included in its audit reports an explanatory paragraph expressing doubt about our ability
to continue as a going concern. If we fail to increase our revenues, we may not achieve and
maintain profitability and may not meet our expectations or the expectations of financial analysts
who report on our stock.
We may need to raise additional capital, and if we are unable to raise capital our ability to
implement our current business plan and ultimately our viability as a company could be adversely
affected.
At December 31, 2008 we had $7.6 million in cash. Our cash resources, together with our line
of credit, and a planned inventory reduction, may not be sufficient to fund our business through
2009. We believe one of the key factors to our liquidity will be our ability to successfully
execute on our plans to increase sales levels in a highly concentrated industry where we experience
significant fluctuations in sales from quarter to quarter. Our cash requirements will also depend
on numerous other variable factors, including the rate of growth of sales, the timing and levels of
products purchased, payment terms and credit limits from manufacturers, and the timing and level of
accounts receivable collections. Because of the uncertainty of these many factors, we may need to
raise funds in the next six months to meet our working capital needs.
We cannot assure you that additional financing will be available on acceptable terms or at
all. If we issue additional equity securities to raise funds, the ownership percentage of our
existing stockholders would be reduced. New investors may demand rights, preferences or privileges
senior to those of existing holders of common stock. If we cannot raise any needed funds, it might
be forced to make further substantial reductions in our operating expenses, which could adversely
affect our ability to implement our current business plan and ultimately our viability as a
company.
We rely on a small number of customers for the majority of our commercial revenues, and the loss
of any one of these customers, or a significant loss, reduction or rescheduling of orders from any
of these customers, could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and
financial condition.
We sell most of our products to a small number of wireless carriers. We derived 92% of our
commercial product revenues from Verizon Wireless and AT&T in 2008 and 75% of our commercial
product revenues from Verizon Wireless and AT&T in 2007. Our future success depends upon the
wireless carriers continuing to purchase our products, and fluctuations in demand from such
customers could negatively impact our results. Unanticipated demand fluctuations can have a
negative impact on our revenues and business and an adverse effect on our results of operations and
financial condition.
In addition, our dependence on a small number of major customers exposes us to numerous other
risks, including:
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| a slowdown or delay in the deployment, upgrading or improvement of wireless networks by any one customer could significantly reduce demand for our products; | ||
| reductions in a single customers forecasts and demand could result in excess inventories; | ||
| each of our customers have significant purchasing leverage over us to require changes in sales terms including pricing, payment terms and product delivery schedules; and | ||
| concentration of accounts receivable credit risk, which could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and financial condition if one of our major customers declared bankruptcy or delayed payment of their receivables. |
Many of our customers also provide minimal lead-time prior to the release of their purchase
orders and have non-binding commitments to purchase from us. If we fail to forecast our customers
demands accurately, we could experience delays in manufacturing, which could result in customer
dissatisfaction. Additionally, these factors further impact our ability to forecast future
revenue.
We face competition with respect to various aspects of our technology and product development.
Our products compete on the basis of performance, functionality, reliability, pricing,
quality, and compliance with industry standards. Our current and potential competitors include
conventional RF filter manufacturers, Andrew/CommScope, ADC, Powerwave, and RFS and both
established and newly emerging companies developing similar or competing HTS technologies. We also
compete with companies that design, manufacture and sell antenna-optimizing multiplexers and
companies that seek to enhance base station range and selectivity by means other than a
superconducting filter, including many original equipment manufacturers such as Ericsson and Nokia.
In addition, we currently supply components and license technology to several companies that may
eventually decide to manufacture or design their own HTS components, rather than purchasing or
licensing our technology. With respect to our HTS materials, we compete with THEVA, among others.
In the government sector, we compete with universities, national laboratories and both large and
small companies for research and development contracts, and with larger defense contractors, such
as Raytheon and Northrop Grumman, for government products. If we are unable to compete
successfully against our current or future competitors, then our business and results of operations
will be adversely affected.
The wireless communication industry is highly concentrated, which limits the number of potential
customers, and further industry consolidation could result in the loss of key customers.
The wireless communication industry is highly concentrated in nature and may become more
concentrated due to anticipated industry consolidation. As a result, we believe that the number of
potential customers for our products may be limited. We also face significant risks in the event
any of our key customers is acquired by a company that has not adopted our technology or not
adopted it to the same extent. In that event, we could face a significant decline in our sales to
the acquired customer.
We experience significant fluctuations in sales and operating results from quarter to quarter.
Our quarterly results fluctuate due to a number of factors, including:
| the lack of any contractual obligation by our customers to purchase their forecasted demand for our products; | ||
| variations in the timing, cancellation, or rescheduling of customer orders and shipments; and | ||
| high fixed expenses that may disproportionately impact operating expenses, especially during a quarter with a sales shortfall. |
The nature of our business requires that we promptly ship products after we receive orders.
This means that we typically do not have a significant backlog of unfilled orders at the start of
each quarter. Our major customers generally
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have no contractual obligation to purchase forecasted amounts and may cancel orders, change
delivery schedules or change the mix of products ordered with minimal notice and minimal penalty.
As a result of these factors, we may not be able to accurately predict our quarterly sales. Any
shortfall in sales relative to our quarterly expectations or any delay of customer orders would
adversely affect our revenues and results of operations.
Order deferrals and cancellations by our customers, declining average sales prices, changes in
the mix of products sold, increases in inventory and finished goods, delays in the introduction of
new products and longer than anticipated sales cycles for our products have, in the past, adversely
affected our results of operations. Despite these factors, we maintain significant finished goods,
work-in-progress and raw materials inventory to meet estimated order forecasts. If our customers
purchase less than the forecasted amounts or cancel or delay existing purchase orders, there will
be higher levels of inventory that face a greater risk of obsolescence. If our customers desire to
purchase products in excess of the forecasted amounts or in a different product mix, there may not
be enough inventory or manufacturing capacity to fill their orders.
Due to these and other factors, our past results may not be reliable indicators of our future
performance. Future revenues and operating results may not meet the expectations of stock analysts
and investors. In either case, the price of our common stock could be materially adversely
affected.
Our sales cycles are unpredictable, making future performance uncertain.
The sales cycle for telecommunications products includes identification of decision makers
within the customers organizations, development of an understanding of customer-specific
performance and economic issues, convincing the customer through field trial reports of the
benefits of systems offered, negotiation of purchase orders and deployment. Customers who purchase
our systems must commit a significant amount of capital and other resources. Our customers must
consider budgetary constraints, comply with internal procedures for approving large expenditures
and complete whatever testing is necessary for them to integrate new technologies that will impact
their key operations. Customer delays can lengthen the sales cycles and have a material adverse
effect on our business.
We depend on the capital spending patterns of wireless network operators, and if capital spending
is decreased or delayed, our business may be harmed.
Because we rely on wireless network operators for product purchases, any substantial decrease
or delay in capital spending patterns in the wireless communication industry may harm our business.
Demand from customers for our products depends to a significant degree upon the amount and timing
of capital spending by these customers for constructing, rebuilding or upgrading their systems.
The capital spending patterns of wireless network operators depend on a variety of factors,
including access to financing, the status of federal, local and foreign government regulation and
deregulation, changing standards for wireless technology, overall demand for wireless services,
competitive pressures and general economic conditions. In addition, capital spending patterns in
the wireless industry can be subject to some degree of seasonality, with lower levels of spending
in the first and third calendar quarters, based on annual budget cycles.
Our reliance on a limited number of suppliers and the long lead time of components for our products
could impair our ability to manufacture and deliver our systems on a timely basis.
A number of components used in our products are available from only one or a limited number of
outside suppliers due to unique designs as well as certain quality and performance requirements.
We currently purchase substrates for growth of high-temperature superconductor thin-films from a
single supplier because of the quality of those substrates. A thin film is a thin layer of
high-temperature superconductor material. There are additional components that we source from a
single vendor due to the present volume. Key components of our conventional products are
manufactured by a sole foreign manufacturer. Our reliance on sole or limited source suppliers
involves certain risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. These include the
possibility of a shortage or the discontinuation of certain key components. Any reduced
availability of these parts or components when required could impair our ability to manufacture and
deliver our systems on a timely basis and result in the delay or cancellation of orders, which
could harm our business.
In addition, the purchase of some of our key components involves long lead times and, in the
event of unanticipated increases in demand for our solutions, we may be unable to obtain these
components in sufficient quantities to meet our customers requirements. We do not have guaranteed
supply arrangements with any of these suppliers, do not maintain an
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extensive inventory of parts or components and customarily purchase sole or limited source parts
and components pursuant to purchase orders. Business disruptions, quality issues, production
shortfalls or financial difficulties of a sole or limited source supplier could materially and
adversely affect us by increasing product costs, or eliminating or delaying the availability of
such parts or components. In such events, our inability to develop alternative sources of supply
quickly and on a cost-effective basis could impair our ability to manufacture and deliver our
systems on a timely basis and could harm our business.
Our reliance on a limited number of suppliers exposes us to quality control issues.
Our reliance on certain single-source and limited-source components exposes us to quality
control issues if these suppliers experience a failure in their production process or otherwise
fail to meet our quality requirements. A failure in single-source or limited-source components or
products could force us to repair or replace a product utilizing replacement components. If we
cannot obtain comparable replacements or effectively return or redesign our products, we could lose
customer orders or incur additional costs, which could have a material adverse effect on our gross
margins and results of operations.
We expect continued decreases in average selling prices, requiring us to reduce product costs in
order to achieve and maintain profitability.
The average selling price of our products has decreased over the years. We anticipate
customer pressure on our product pricing will continue for the foreseeable future. We have plans
to further reduce the manufacturing cost of our products, but there is no assurance that our future
cost reduction efforts will keep pace with price erosion. We will need to further reduce our
manufacturing costs through engineering improvements and economies of scale in production and
purchasing in order to achieve adequate gross margins. We may not be able to achieve the required
product cost savings at a rate needed to keep pace with competitive pricing pressure.
Additionally, we may be forced to discount future orders. If we fail to reach our cost saving
objectives or we are required to offer future discounts, our business may be harmed.
Our ability to protect our patents and other proprietary rights is uncertain, exposing us to
possible losses of competitive advantage.
Our efforts to protect our proprietary rights may not succeed in preventing infringement by
others or ensure that these rights will provide us with a competitive advantage. Pending patent
applications may not result in issued patents and the validity of issued patents may be subject to
challenge. Third parties may also be able to design around the patented aspects of the products.
Additionally, certain of the issued patents and patent applications are owned jointly with third
parties. Because any owner or co-owner of a patent can license its rights under jointly-owned
patents or applications, inventions made by us jointly with others are not subject to our exclusive
control. Any of these possible events could result in losses of competitive advantage.
We depend on specific patents and licenses to technologies, and we will likely need additional
technologies in the future that we may not be able to obtain.
We utilize technologies under licenses of patents from others for our products. These patents
may be subject to challenge, which may result in significant litigation expense (which may or may
not be recoverable against future royalty obligations). Additionally, we continually try to
develop new products, and, in the course of doing so, we may be required to utilize intellectual
property rights owned by others and may seek licenses to do so. Such licenses may not be obtainable
on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. It is also possible that we may inadvertently utilize
intellectual property rights held by others, which could result in substantial claims.
Intellectual property infringement claims against us could materially harm results of operations.
Our products incorporate a number of technologies, including high-temperature superconductor
technology, technology related to other materials, and electronics technologies. Our patent
positions, and that of other companies using high-temperature superconductor technology, is
uncertain and there is significant risk that others, including our competitors or potential
competitors, have obtained or will obtain patents relating to our products or technologies or
products or technologies planned to be introduced by us.
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We believe that patents may be or have been issued, or applications may be pending, claiming
various compositions of matter used in our products. We may need to secure one or more licenses of
these patents. There can be no assurances that such licenses could be obtained on commercially
reasonable terms, or at all. We may be required to expend significant resources to develop
alternatives that would not infringe such patents or to obtain licenses to the related technology.
We may not be able to successfully design around these patents or obtain licenses to them and may
have to defend ourselves at substantial cost against allegations of infringement of third party
patents or other rights to intellectual property. In those circumstances, we could face
significant liabilities and also be forced to cease the use of key technology.
We currently rely on specific technologies and may not successfully adapt to the rapidly changing
wireless telecommunications equipment market.
Wireless telecommunication equipment is characterized by rapidly advancing technology. Our
success depends upon our ability to keep pace with advancing wireless technology, including
materials, processes and industry standards. For example, we had to redesign our SuperLink product
to convert from thallium barium calcium copper oxide to yttrium barium copper oxide in order to
reduce the product cost and compete with other technologies. However, even with the lower cost HTS
material, SuperLink may not ultimately prove commercially competitive against other current
technologies or those that may be discovered in the future.
We will have to continue to develop and integrate advances to our core technologies. We will
also need to continue to develop and integrate advances in complementary technologies. We cannot
guarantee that our development efforts will not be rendered obsolete by research efforts and
technological advances made by others.
Other parties may have the right to utilize technology important to our business.
We utilize certain intellectual property rights under non-exclusive licenses or have granted
to others the right to utilize certain intellectual property rights licensed from a third party.
Because we may not have the exclusive rights to utilize such intellectual property, other parties
may be able to compete with us, which may harm our business.
Our failure to anticipate and respond to developments in the wireless telecommunications market
could substantially harm our business.
Our efforts are focused on the wireless telecommunications market, including the 2G, 2.5G and
3G markets. The dedication of our resources to the wireless telecommunications market makes us
potentially vulnerable to changes in this market, such as new technologies like WIMAX, future
competition, changes in availability of capital resources or regulatory changes that could affect
the competitive position and rate of growth of the wireless industry.
We may not be able to compete effectively against alternative technologies.
Our products compete with a number of alternative approaches and technologies that increase
the capacity and improve the quality of wireless networks. Some of these alternatives may be more
cost effective or offer better performance than our products. Wireless network operators may opt
to increase the number of transmission stations, increase tower heights, install filters and
amplifiers at the top of towers or use advanced antenna technology in lieu of purchasing our
products. We may not succeed in competing against these alternatives.
We depend upon government contracts for a substantial amount of revenue and our business may suffer
if significant contracts are terminated, adversely modified, or we are unable to win new contracts.
We derive a substantial portion of our revenue from a few large contracts with the U.S.
government. As a result, a reduction in, or discontinuance of, the governments commitment to
current or future programs could materially reduce government contract revenue.
Contracts involving the U.S. government may include various risks, including:
| termination by the government; |
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| reduction or modification in the event of changes in the governments requirements or budgetary constraints; | ||
| increased or unexpected costs causing losses or reduced profits under contracts where prices are fixed or unallowable costs under contracts where the government reimburses for costs and pays an additional premium; | ||
| risks of potential disclosure of confidential information to third parties; | ||
| the failure or inability of the main contractor to perform its contract in circumstances where we are a subcontractor; | ||
| the failure of the government to exercise options for additional work provided for in the contracts; and | ||
| the governments right in certain circumstances to freely use technology developed under these contracts. |
The programs in which we participate may extend for several years, but are normally funded on
an annual basis. The U.S. government may not continue to fund programs under which we have entered
into contracts. Even if funding is continued, we may fail to compete successfully to obtain
funding within such programs.
All costs for services under government contracts are subject to audit, and the acceptance of
such costs as allowable and allocable is subject to federal regulatory guidelines. We record
contract revenues in amounts that we expect to be realized upon final audit settlement. Any
disallowance of costs by the government could have an adverse effect on our business, operating
results and financial condition. Audits and adjustments may result in decreased revenues and net
income for those years. Additionally, because of our participation in government contracts, we are
subject to audit from time to time for our compliance with government regulations by various
agencies. Government agencies may conduct inquiries or investigations that may cover a broad range
of activity. Responding to any such audits, inquiries or investigations may involve significant
expense and divert managements attention. In addition, an adverse finding in any such audit,
inquiry or investigation could involve penalties that may harm our business.
Because competition for target employees is intense, we may be subject to claims of unfair hiring
practices, trade secret misappropriation or other related claims.
Companies in the wireless telecommunications industry whose employees accept positions with
competitors frequently claim that competitors have engaged in unfair hiring practices, trade secret
misappropriation or other related claims. We may be subject to such claims in the future as we
seek to hire qualified personnel, and such claims may result in material litigation. If this
should occur, we could incur substantial costs in defending against these claims, regardless of
their merits.
If we are unable to forecast our inventory needs accurately, we may be unable to obtain sufficient
manufacturing capacity or may incur unnecessary costs and produce excess inventory.
We forecast our inventory needs based on anticipated purchase orders to determine
manufacturing requirements. If we overestimate demand, we may have excess inventory, and our
suppliers may as well, which could increase our costs. If we underestimate our requirements, our
suppliers may have inadequate inventory, which could interrupt manufacturing and result in delays
in shipments and recognition of revenues. In addition, lead times for ordering materials and
components vary significantly and depend on factors such as the specific supplier, contract terms
and demand for any component at a given time. Accordingly, if we inaccurately forecast demand, we
may be unable to obtain adequate manufacturing capacity from our suppliers to meet customers
delivery requirements, which would harm our business.
Our success depends on the attraction and retention of senior management and technical personnel
with relevant expertise.
As a competitor in a highly technical market, we depend heavily upon the efforts of our
existing senior management and technical teams. The loss of the services of one or more members of
these teams could slow product development and commercialization objectives. Due to the
specialized nature of our products, we also depend upon our ability to attract and
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retain qualified technical personnel with substantial industry knowledge and expertise.
Competition for qualified personnel is intense, and we may not be able to continue to attract and
retain qualified personnel necessary for the development of our business.
We have experienced difficulty recruiting senior management due to the high cost of living in
the Santa Barbara area. We have a limited pool of qualified executives in Santa Barbara and may
attempt to recruit qualified candidates from across the country. Some candidates have cited the
high cost of housing in Santa Barbara as a significant negative factor when considering our
employment offers. We have mitigated this problem to a limited extent by allowing some executives
to maintain their existing residences in other parts of the country and effectively commute to
our corporate headquarters in Santa Barbara as needed to perform their duties. Regardless, we
expect the cost of housing in our area will continue to present a significant obstacle to
recruiting senior executives.
Regulatory changes negatively affecting wireless communications companies could substantially harm
our business.
The Federal Communications Commission strictly regulates the operation of wireless base
stations in the United States. Other countries also regulate the operation of base stations within
their territories. Base stations and equipment marketed for use in base stations must meet
specific technical standards. Our ability to sell our high-temperature superconductor filter
subsystems will depend upon the rate of deployment of other new wireless digital services, the
ability of base station equipment manufacturers and of base station operators to obtain and retain
the necessary approvals and licenses, and changes in regulations that may impact the product
requirements. Any failure or delay of base station manufacturers or operators in obtaining
necessary approvals could harm our business.
We may acquire or make investments in companies or technologies that could cause loss of value to
stockholders and disruption of business.
We may explore opportunities to acquire companies or technologies in the future. Other than
the acquisition of Conductus, Inc. in 2002, we have not made any such acquisitions or investments
to date and, therefore, our ability as an organization to make acquisitions or investments is
unproven. An acquisition entails many risks, any of which could adversely affect our business,
including:
| failure to integrate operations, services and personnel; | ||
| the price paid may exceed the value eventually realized; | ||
| loss of share value to existing stockholders as a result of issuing equity securities to finance an acquisition; | ||
| potential loss of key employees from either our then current business or any acquired business; | ||
| entering into markets in which we have little or no prior experience; | ||
| diversion of financial resources and managements attention from other business concerns; | ||
| assumption of unanticipated liabilities related to the acquired assets; and | ||
| the business or technologies acquired or invested in may have limited operating histories and may be subjected to many of the same risks to which we are exposed. |
In addition, future acquisitions may result in potentially dilutive issuances of equity
securities, or the incurrence of debt, contingent liabilities or amortization expenses or charges
related to goodwill or other intangible assets, any of which could harm our business. As a result,
if we fail to properly evaluate and execute acquisitions or investments, our business and prospects
may be seriously harmed.
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If we are unable to implement appropriate controls and procedures to manage our potential growth,
we may not be able to successfully offer our products and implement our business plan.
Our ability to successfully offer our products and implement our business plan in a rapidly
evolving market requires an effective planning and management process. Growth in future operations
would place a significant strain on management systems and resources. We expect that we would need
to improve our financial and managerial controls, reporting systems and procedures, and would need
to expand, train and manage our work force worldwide. Furthermore, we expect that we would be
required to manage multiple relationships with various customers and other third parties.
Compliance with environmental regulations could be especially costly due to the hazardous materials
used in the manufacturing process.
We are subject to a number of federal, state and local governmental regulations related to the
use, storage, discharge and disposal of toxic, volatile or otherwise hazardous chemicals used in
our business. Any failure to comply with present or future regulations could result in fines being
imposed, suspension of production or interruption of operations. In addition, these regulations
could restrict our ability to expand or could require us to acquire costly equipment or incur other
significant expense to comply with environmental regulations or to clean up prior discharges.
The reliability of market data included in our public filings is uncertain.
Since we operate in a rapidly changing market, we have in the past, and may from time to time
in the future, include market data from industry publications and our own internal estimates in
some of the documents we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The reliability of this
data cannot be assured. Industry publications generally state that the information contained in
these publications has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but that its accuracy
and completeness is not guaranteed. Although we believe that the market data used in our filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission is and will be reliable, it has not been independently
verified. Similarly, internal company estimates, while believed by us to be reliable, have not
been verified by any independent sources.
Our international operations expose us to certain risks.
In November 2007, we signed an agreement for a joint venture with BAOLI to manufacture and
market our SuperLink® interference elimination solution for the China market. In additional to
facing many of the risks faced by our domestic business, if that joint venture or any other
international operation we may have is to be successful, we (together with any joint venture
partner) must recruit the necessary personnel and develop the facilities needed to manufacture and
sell the products involved, learn about the local market (which may significantly different from
our domestic market), build brand awareness among potential customers and compete successfully with
local organizations with greater market knowledge and potentially greater resources than we have.
We must also obtain a number of critical governmental approvals from both the United States and the
local country governments on a timely basis, including those related to any transfers of our
technology. We must establish sufficient controls on any foreign operations to ensure that those
operations are operated in accordance with our interests, that our intellectual property is
protected and that our involvement does not inadvertently create potential competitors. There can
be no assurance that these conditions will be met. Even if they are met, the process of building
our international operations could divert financial resources and management attention from other
business concerns. Finally, our international operations will also be subject to the general
risks of international operations, such as:
| changes in exchange rates; | ||
| international political and economic conditions; | ||
| changes in government regulation in various countries; | ||
| trade barriers; | ||
| adverse tax consequences; and | ||
| costs associated with expansion into new territories. |
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Risks Related to Our Common Stock
Our stock price is volatile.
The market price of our common stock has been, and we expect will continue to be, subject to
significant volatility. The value of our common stock may decline regardless of our operating
performance or prospects. Factors affecting our market price include:
| our perceived prospects; | ||
| variations in our operating results and whether we have achieved key business targets; | ||
| changes in, or our failure to meet, earnings estimates; | ||
| changes in securities analysts buy/sell recommendations; | ||
| differences between our reported results and those expected by investors and securities analysts; | ||
| announcements of new contracts by us or our competitors; | ||
| market reaction to any acquisitions, joint ventures or strategic investments announced by us or our competitors; and | ||
| general economic, political or stock market conditions. |
Recent events have caused stock prices for many companies, including ours, to fluctuate in
ways unrelated or disproportionate to their operating performance. The general economic, political
and stock market conditions that may affect the market price of our common stock are beyond our
control. The market price of our common stock at any particular time may not remain the market
price in the future.
We have a significant number of outstanding warrants and options, and future sales of these shares
could adversely affect the market price of our common stock.
As of December 31, 2008, we had outstanding warrants and options exercisable for an aggregate
of 1,586,491 shares of common stock at a weighted average exercise price of $18.82 per share. We
have registered the issuance of all these shares, and they will be freely tradable by the
exercising party upon issuance. The holders may sell these shares in the public markets from time
to time, without limitations on the timing, amount or method of sale. As our stock price rises,
the holders may exercise their warrants and options and sell a large number of shares. This could
cause the market price of our common stock to decline.
Our corporate governance structure may prevent our acquisition by another company at a premium over
the public trading price of our shares.
It is possible that the acquisition of a majority of our outstanding voting stock by another
company could result in our stockholders receiving a premium over the public trading price for our
shares. Provisions of our restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws and of Delaware
corporate law could delay or make more difficult an acquisition of our company by merger, tender
offer or proxy contest, even if it would create an immediate benefit to our stockholders. For
example, our restated certificate of incorporation does not permit stockholders to act by written
consent and our bylaws generally require ninety days advance notice of any matters to be brought
before the stockholders at an annual or special meeting.
In addition, our board of directors has the authority to issue up to 2,000,000 shares of
preferred stock and to determine the terms, rights and preferences of this preferred stock,
including voting rights of those shares, without any further vote or action by the stockholders.
In 2008, 611,523 of these shares were issued to BAOLI, and 1,388,477 shares currently remain
unissued. The rights of the holders of common stock may be subordinate to, and adversely affected
by, the rights of holders
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of preferred stock that may be issued in the future. The issuance of preferred stock could also
make it more difficult for a third party to acquire a majority of our outstanding voting stock,
even at a premium over our public trading price.
Further, our certificate of incorporation also provides for a classified board of directors
with directors divided into three classes serving staggered terms. These provisions may have the
effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of us without action by our stockholders and,
therefore, could adversely affect the price of our stock or the possibility of sale of shares to an
acquiring person.
We do not anticipate declaring any cash dividends on our common stock.
We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock and do not plan to pay any
cash dividends in the near future. Our current policy is to retain all funds and earnings for use
in the operation and expansion of our business. In addition, our debt agreements prohibit the
payment of cash dividends or other distributions on any of our capital stock except dividends
payable in additional shares of capital stock.
ITEM 1B. | UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS |
None.
ITEM 2. | PROPERTIES |
We lease all of our properties. All of our operations, including our manufacturing facility,
are located in an industrial complex in Santa Barbara, California. We occupy approximately 71,000
square feet in this complex under a long-term lease that expires in 2011. Although we currently
have excess capacity, we believe this facility can be managed in a flexible and cost effective
manner and is adequate to meet current and reasonably anticipated needs for approximately the next
two years.
ITEM 3. | LEGAL PROCEEDINGS |
We may be involved in routine litigation arising in the ordinary course of our business, and,
while the results of the proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, we believe that the final
outcome of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position,
operating results or cash flow.
ITEM 4. | SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS |
No matters were submitted to our stockholders during the last quarter of 2008.
PART II
ITEM 5. | MARKET FOR REGISTRANTS COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES |
Market for Common Stock
Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Capital Market under the symbol SCON. The
following table shows the high and low intraday sales prices for our common stock as reported by
NASDAQ for each calendar quarter in the last two fiscal years:
High | Low | |||||||
2008 |
||||||||
Quarter ended March 29, 2008 |
$ | 6.80 | $ | 3.22 | ||||
Quarter ended June 28, 2008 |
$ | 4.83 | $ | 2.18 | ||||
Quarter ended September 27, 2008 |
$ | 2.43 | $ | 0.73 | ||||
Quarter ended December 31, 2008 |
$ | 1.50 | $ | 0.68 | ||||
2007 |
||||||||
Quarter ended March 31, 2007 |
$ | 2.60 | $ | 1.60 | ||||
Quarter ended June 30, 2007 |
$ | 2.16 | $ | 1.40 | ||||
Quarter ended September 29, 2007 |
$ | 10.90 | $ | 1.38 | ||||
Quarter ended December 31, 2007 |
$ | 13.77 | $ | 5.50 |
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Holders of Record
We had 140 holders of record of our common stock on March 2, 2009. This number does not
include stockholders for whom shares were held in a nominee or street name. We estimate that
there are more than 15,000 beneficial owners of our common stock.
Dividends
We have never paid cash dividends and intend to employ all available funds in the development
of our business. We have no plans to pay cash dividends in the near future, and our line of credit
does not allow the payment of dividends.
Our ability to declare or pay dividends on shares of our common stock is subject to the
requirement that we pay an equivalent dividend on each outstanding share of Series A Preferred
Stock (on an as converted basis).
Sales of Unregistered Securities
We did not conduct any offerings of equity securities during the fourth quarter of 2008 that
were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933.
Repurchases of Equity Securities
We did not repurchase any shares of our common stock during the fourth quarter of 2008.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
Number of securities | ||||||||||||
Number of | remaining available | |||||||||||
securities to be | for future issuance | |||||||||||
issued upon | Weighted-average | under equity | ||||||||||
exercise of | exercise price of | compensation plans | ||||||||||
outstanding | outstanding | (excluding | ||||||||||
options, warrants | options, warrants | securities reflected | ||||||||||
Plan Category | and rights | and rights | in column (a)) | |||||||||
Equity compensation
plans approved by
security holders |
1,234,025 | $ | 22.18 | 1,066,019 | ||||||||
Equity compensation
plans not approved
by security
holders |
| | | |||||||||
Total |
1,234,025 | $ | 22.18 | 1,066,019 | ||||||||
Stock Performance Graph
The stock performance graph and related information presented below shall not be deemed
soliciting material or filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission or subject to
Regulation 14A or 14C under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act),
or to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, and shall not be deemed incorporated by
reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), or
the Exchange Act, except to the extent that we specifically request that such information be
treated as soliciting material or specifically incorporate it by reference into such a filing.
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The graph and table below compare the cumulative total stockholders return on our common
stock since December 31, 2003 with the Nasdaq Composite Index, and the Nasdaq Telecommunications
Index over the same period (assuming the investment of $100 in our common stock and in the two
other indices, and reinvestment of all dividends).
31-Dec-03 | 31-Dec-04 | 31-Dec-05 | 31-Dec-06 | 31-Dec-07 | 31-Dec-08 | |||||||||||||||||||
Superconductor Technologies |
$ | 100.00 | $ | 25.00 | $ | 7.73 | $ | 3.18 | $ | 9.98 | $ | 1.82 | ||||||||||||
Nasdaq Composite |
100.00 | 108.59 | 110.08 | 120.56 | 132.39 | 78.72 | ||||||||||||||||||
Nasdaq-Telecommunications |
100.00 | 108.00 | 100.21 | 128.03 | 139.77 | 79.69 |
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ITEM 6. | SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA |
The information set forth below is not necessarily indicative of results of future operations
and should be read in conjunction with our Financial Statements and Notes thereto appearing in Item
15 of Part IV of this Report and Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations.
Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | ||||||||||||||||
(In thousands, except per share data) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Statement of Operations Data: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Net revenues: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Net commercial product revenues |
$ | 16,787 | $ | 21,080 | $ | 17,697 | $ | 12,787 | $ | 6,768 | ||||||||||
Government contract revenues |
6,189 | 3,107 | 3,361 | 5,115 | 4,525 | |||||||||||||||
Sub license royalties |
28 | 22 | 20 | | | |||||||||||||||
Total net revenues |
23,004 | 24,209 | 21,078 | 17,902 | 11,293 | |||||||||||||||
Costs and expenses: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Cost of commercial product revenues |
23,421 | 18,989 | 15,922 | 12,944 | 8,911 | |||||||||||||||
Contract research and development |
4,465 | 2,806 | 2,407 | 2,906 | 3,649 | |||||||||||||||
Other research and development |
5,036 | 4,214 | 3,488 | 3,172 | 3,394 | |||||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative |
16,051 | 11,442 | 9,086 | 8,123 | 8,151 | |||||||||||||||
Restructuring expenses and
impairment charges |
4,128 | 1,197 | 38 | | 141 | |||||||||||||||
Write off of Goodwill |
| | 20,107 | | | |||||||||||||||
Total costs and expenses |
53,101 | 38,648 | 51,048 | 27,145 | 24,246 | |||||||||||||||
Loss from operations |
(30,097 | ) | (14,439 | ) | (29,970 | ) | (9,243 | ) | (12,953 | ) | ||||||||||
Other income (expense), net |
(1,120 | ) | 226 | 346 | 117 | 252 | ||||||||||||||
Net loss |
$ | (31,217 | ) | $ | (14,213 | ) | $ | (29,624 | ) | $ | (9,126 | ) | $ | (12,701 | ) | |||||
Basic and diluted net loss per share: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss per common share |
$ | (3.71 | ) | $ | (1.24 | ) | $ | (2.37 | ) | $ | (0.73 | ) | $ | (0.77 | ) | |||||
Weighted average number of shares
Outstanding |
8,424 | 11,419 | 12,483 | 12,488 | 16,403 |
Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2004 | 2005 | 2006 | 2007 | 2008 | ||||||||||||||||
Balance Sheet Data: |
||||||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 12,802 | $ | 13,018 | $ | 5,487 | $ | 3,939 | $ | 7,569 | ||||||||||
Working capital |
16,146 | 17,218 | 10,158 | 3,293 | 12,253 | |||||||||||||||
Total assets |
62,358 | 52,045 | 21,904 | 16,625 | 19,358 | |||||||||||||||
Long-term debt, including current portion |
76 | 33 | 618 | 563 | 521 | |||||||||||||||
Total stockholders equity |
49,249 | 47,257 | 17,951 | 9,190 | 17,552 |
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ITEM 7. | MANAGEMENTS DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS |
This Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
includes many forward-looking statements. For cautions about relying on such forward looking
statements, please refer to the section entitled Forward Looking Statements at the beginning of
this Report immediately prior to Item 1.
General
We are a leading company in high temperature superconductor (HTS) materials and related
technologies. HTS materials have the unique ability to conduct various signals or energy (e.g.,
electrical current or radio frequency (RF) signals) with little or no resistance when cooled to
critical temperatures. Electric currents that flow through conventional conductors encounter
resistance that requires power to overcome and generates heat. HTS materials can substantially
improve the performance characteristics of electrical systems, reducing power loss, lowering heat
generation and decreasing electrical noise. Circuits designed to remove interference inherent in
some RF signals can also be made from HTS materials. Commercial use of HTS materials requires a
number of cutting edge technologies, including development of HTS materials, specialized
manufacturing expertise to create uniform thin layers of these materials, expert designs of
circuits optimized for HTS materials, and technologies to maintain an extremely low temperature
environment for HTS applications (although the critical temperatures for HTS are high compared
with traditional superconductors, they are still extremely cold by other standards).
Our Proprietary Technology
We are focused on research and development to maintain our technological edge. As of December
31, 2008, we had 29 employees in our research and development division; eight of our employees have
Ph.D.s, and 13 others hold advanced degrees in physics, materials science, electrical engineering
and other fields. Our development efforts over the last 21 years have yielded an extensive patent
portfolio as well as critical trade secrets, unpatented technology and proprietary knowledge. We
enter into confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements with our employees, suppliers and
consultants to protect our proprietary information. As of December 31, 2008, we held 57 U.S.
patents in the following categories:
| 7 patents for technologies directed toward producing thin-film materials and structures, which expire between 2010 and 2025. We have developed a proprietary state-of-the-art manufacturing process for producing HTS thin-films of the highest quality. | ||
| 29 patents for cryogenic and non-microwave circuit designs, which expire between 2010 and 2026. The expertise of our highly qualified team has allowed us to design and fabricate extremely small, high-performance circuits including RF signal filters. | ||
| 17 patents covering cryogenics, packaging and systems, which expire between 2013 and 2025. Our proprietary and patented cryogenic packaging innovation provides us with a significant competitive advantage in maintaining our HTS materials at their critical temperatures. | ||
| 4 patents covering other superconducting technologies, which expire between 2013 and 2015. |
As of December 31, 2008, we also had 15 issued foreign patents, 25 U.S. patent applications
pending and 44 foreign applications patents pending.
We are currently focusing our efforts on applications in areas such as:
| Wireless Networks. Our current commercial products help maximize the performance of wireless telecommunications networks by improving the quality of uplink signals from mobile wireless devices. Our products increase capacity utilization, lower dropped and blocked calls, extend coverage, and enable higher wireless data throughput all while reducing capital and operating costs. | ||
| Reconfigurable Handset Filters. The trend in the wireless handset industry is to continually reduce size and cost, while adding more features and making the unit more adaptable to different air interfaces and frequencies throughout the world. This drives the need for more complex and reconfigurable transceivers. We believe our strong intellectual property and expertise in frequency agile and thin film filters position us well to meet this demand. | ||
| Superconducting Power Transmission Lines. We have entered into a collaborative effort and signed a Material Transfer Agreement with the Department of Energys Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) to apply our |
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HTS expertise to LANLs research initiative to develop HTS coated conductors for power transmission lines. If successfully developed, HTS superconducting cables could replace copper power transmission lines, resulting in higher capacity with less resistive cable losses. | |||
| Government Products. As the worldwide leader in developing tunable HTS filter systems for military applications, we continue to be a crucial partner in the U.S. governments future success. Our high-performance HTS filter systems have been proven to increase the detection range, reduce interference, and in some cases, detect signals that were previously undetectable with conventional technology. Currently, we actively participate in the development of technologies for application in military communications, signals intelligence, and electronic warfare. |
Our development efforts can take a significant number of years to commercialize, and we must
overcome significant technical barriers and deal with other significant risks, some of which are
set out in our public filings, including in particular the Risk Factors included in Item 1A of
this Report.
Our Business Model
To be successful, we must use our expertise and our technology to generate revenues in various
ways, including government contracts, commercial operations, joint ventures and licenses:
Government Contracts
We generate significant revenues from government contracts. We typically own the intellectual
property developed under these contracts, and grant the Federal government a royalty-free,
non-exclusive and nontransferable license to use it. As a result, our government contracts can not
only generate a profit for us, but we can also make additional money through exploiting of the
resulting technology in our commercial operations as well as government products, or through
licenses or joint ventures. Contracts with the U.S. government contain provisions, and are subject
to laws and regulations, that give the government rights and remedies not typically found in
commercial contracts, including rights that allow the government to:
| terminate existing contracts for convenience, which affords the U.S. government the right to terminate the contract in whole or in part anytime it wants for any reason or no reason, as well as for default; | ||
| reduce or modify contracts or subcontracts, if its requirements or budgetary constraints change; | ||
| cancel or reduce multi-year contracts and related orders, if funds for contract performance for any subsequent year become unavailable; | ||
| adjust reimbursable contract costs and fees on the basis of audits completed by its agencies through exercise of its oversight rights; and | ||
| control or prohibit the export of products. |
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Compensation in the event of a termination, if any, is limited to compensation for work
completed at the time of termination. In the event of termination for convenience, we may receive a
certain allowance for profit on the work performed.
Commercial Applications
We have chosen to manufacture and sell certain commercial products on our own. To date, our
commercial efforts have been focused on the design, manufacture, and sale of high performance
infrastructure products for wireless voice and data applications. We have three current product
lines, all of which relate to wireless base stations:
| SuperLink, a highly compact and reliable receiver front-end HTS wireless filter system to eliminate out-of-band interference for wireless base stations, combining filters with a proprietary cryogenic cooler and a cooled low-noise amplifier. | ||
| AmpLink, a ground-mounted unit for wireless base stations that includes a high-performance amplifier and up to six dual duplexers. | ||
| SuperPlex, a high-performance multiplexer that provides extremely low insertion loss and excellent cross-band isolation designed to eliminate the need for additional base station antennas and reduce infrastructure costs. |
We sell most of our current commercial products to a small number of wireless carriers in the
United States, including ALLTEL, AT&T, Sprint Nextel, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless. Verizon
Wireless and AT&T each accounted for more than 10% of our commercial revenues in 2008 and 2007. We
are seeking to expand our customer base by selling directly to other wireless network operators and
manufacturers of base station equipment, including internationally. Demand for wireless
communications equipment fluctuates dramatically and unpredictably. The wireless communications
infrastructure equipment market is extremely competitive and is characterized by rapid
technological change, new product development, product obsolescence, evolving industry standards
and price erosion over the life of a product. We face constant pressures to reduce prices.
Consequently, we expect the average selling prices of our products will continue decreasing over
time. We expect these trends to continue and may cause significant fluctuations in our quarterly
and annual revenues. Our commercial operations are subject to a number of significant risks, some
of which are set out in our public filings, including in particular the Risk Factors included in
Item 1A of this Report.
Joint Ventures
From time to time we may pursue joint ventures with other entities to commercialize our
technology. In particular, we have agreed to license certain technology for our SuperLink®
interference elimination solution for the China market to a joint venture where we own 45 percent
of the equity. In the first quarter of 2008, we received orders from the joint venture for our new
TD-SCDMA solution to perform lab trial and field trial activities in China. The lab trial was
successfully completed in the second quarter of 2008, and the field trial was successfully
completed during the fourth quarter of 2008. The commencement of manufacturing and the transfer of
our processes to the joint venture will be driven by product demand from the China market. The
joint ventures activities remain subject to successful product marketing efforts in addition to a
number of other conditions, including certain critical approvals from the Chinese and United States
governments. In particular, we have been in discussions with the United States government
concerning the national security implications of our joint venture and investment from BAOLI. There
continues to be no assurance that these conditions will be met, or that all required approvals (if
obtained) will be obtained on a timely basis. Even if these conditions are met and the approvals
received, the results from our joint venture will be subject to a number of significant risks
associated with international operations and new ventures, some of which are set forth in our
public filings, including in particular the Risk Factors included in Item 1A of this Report.
Licenses
From time to time we grant licenses for our technology to other companies. Specifically, we
have granted licenses to, among others, (1) Bruker for Nuclear Magnetic Resonance application, (2)
General Dynamics for government applications and (3) Star Cryoelectronics for Superconducting
Quantum Interference Device applications.
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Recent Developments
Operating Lease
In February 2009, we amended our office and production facilities lease. The base rent and the
minimum annual escalation clause were reduced, and the term of the lease was extended five years to
November 2016.
Contract Funding
In March 2009, the second phase of our U.S. Air Force contract was funded for an additional
twelve months and provides for progress billing of up to $4.1 million.
Backlog
Our commercial backlog consists of accepted product purchase orders with scheduled delivery dates
during the next twelve months. We had commercial backlog of $272,000 at December 31, 2008, as
compared to $352,000 at December 31, 2007.
Results of Operations
2008 Compared to 2007
Net revenues decreased by $6.6 million, or 37%, to $11.3 million in 2008 from $17.9 million in
2007. Net revenues consist primarily of commercial product revenues and government contract
revenues. We also generate some additional revenues from sublicensing our technology.
Net commercial product revenues decreased by $6.0 million, or 47%, to $6.8 million in 2008
from $12.8 million in 2007. The decrease is primarily the result of lower sales volume for our
products. Average sales prices for our products were essentially unchanged in 2008. Our two
largest customers accounted for 92% of our net commercial revenues in 2008, as compared to 75% in
2007. These customers generally purchase products through non-binding commitments with minimal
lead-times. Consequently, our commercial product revenues can fluctuate dramatically from quarter
to quarter based on changes in our customers capital spending patterns.
Government contract revenues decreased to $4.5 million in 2008 from $5.1 million in 2007, a
decrease of $590,000, or 12%. This decrease is primarily attributable to the completion of the
first phase of a major contract and a funding gap before the second phase of that contract was
funded.
Cost of commercial product revenues includes all direct costs, manufacturing overhead and
provision for excess and obsolete inventories. The cost of commercial product revenues totaled
$8.9 million for 2008 as compared to $12.9 million for 2007, a decrease of $4.0 million, or 31%.
The lower costs resulted principally from lower production as a result of lower sales. Our expense
provision for obsolete inventories totaled $17,000 in 2008 as compared to $160,000 in 2007.
Our cost of sales includes both variable and fixed cost components. The variable component
consists primarily of materials, assembly and test labor, overhead, which includes equipment and
facility depreciation, transportation costs and warranty costs. The fixed component includes test
equipment and facility depreciation, purchasing and procurement expenses and quality assurance
costs. Given the fixed nature of such costs, the absorption of our production overhead costs into
inventory decreases and the amount of production overhead variances expensed to cost of sales
increases as production volumes decline since we have fewer units to absorb our overhead costs
against. Conversely, the absorption of our production overhead costs into inventory increases and
the amount of production overhead variances expensed to cost of sales decreases as production
volumes increase since we have more units to absorb our overhead costs against. As a result, our
gross profit margins generally decrease as revenue and production volumes decline due to lower
sales volume and higher amounts of production overhead variances expensed to cost of sales; and our
gross profit margins generally increase as our revenue and production volumes increase due to
higher sales volume and lower amounts of production overhead variances expensed to cost of sales.
Our inventory is valued at the lower of its actual cost or the current estimated market value of
the
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inventory. We review inventory quantities on hand and on order and record, on a quarterly basis, a
provision for excess and obsolete inventory and/or vendor cancellation charges related to purchase
commitments. If the results of the review determine that a write-down is necessary, we recognizes
a loss in the period in which the loss is identified, whether or not the inventory is retained.
The following is an analysis of our commercial product gross profit margins for 2007 and 2008:
Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
Dollars in Thousands | 2007 | 2008 | ||||||||||||||
Net commercial product sales |
$ | 12,787 | 100.0 | % | $ | 6,768 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||
Cost of commercial product sales |
12,944 | 101.2 | % | 8,911 | 131.7 | % | ||||||||||
Gross profit |
$ | (157 | ) | (1.2 | %) | $ | (2,143 | ) | (31.7 | %) | ||||||
We had a negative gross margin of $2.1 million in 2008 from the sale of our commercial
products as compared to a negative gross margin of $157,000 in 2007. The negative gross margin in
2008 is primarily because the reduced level of commercial sales was insufficient to cover our fixed
manufacturing overhead costs. Our gross margins were also adversely impacted by a $17,000 charge
for excess and obsolete inventory in 2008 and a similar charge of $160,000 in 2007. Gross margins
were favorably impacted by $195,000 in 2007 by the sale of previously written-off inventory. There
was no similar benefit in 2008. We regularly review inventory quantities on hand and provide an
allowance for excess and obsolete inventory based on numerous factors, including sales backlog,
historical inventory usage, forecasted product demand and production requirements for the next
twelve months.
Contract research and development expenses totaled $3.6 million in 2008 as compared to $2.9
million in 2007, an increase of $743,000 or 26%. As a percentage of government revenue, contract
research and development expenses increased from 57% in 2007 to 81% in 2008 because of different
cost recognition criteria on one of our 2008 cost-plus contracts.
Other research and development expenses relate to development of new wireless commercial
products and other products related to our expertise. We also incur design expenses associated
with reducing the cost and improving the manufacturability of our existing products. These expenses
totaled $3.4 million in 2008 compared to $3.2 million in 2007, an increase of $222,000, or 7%. The
increase is due to increased efforts associated with new commercial products development.
Selling, general and administrative expenses totaled $8.2 million in 2008 as compared to $8.1
million in 2007, an increase of $28,000, or less than 1%. Expenses were lower in 2007 primarily
from reversal of a $610,000 reserve in the first quarter of 2007. In 2008 we had lower insurance
premiums and lower selling expenses that were slightly offset by higher legal expenses associated
with our China joint venture.
In the fourth quarter of 2008 we reduced our work force and incurred a $141,000 severance
charge. There was no similar charge in 2007.
Interest income increased to $284,000 in 2008, as compared to $156,000 in 2007, primarily
because of higher cash balances in 2008.
Interest expense in 2008 amounted to $32,000, as compared to $39,000 in 2007, as a result of
lower borrowing levels.
Our loss totaled $12.7 million in 2008, as compared to $9.1 million in 2007.
The net loss available to common stockholders totaled $0.77 per common share in 2008, as
compared to $0.73 per common share in 2007.
2007 Compared to 2006
Net revenues decreased by $3.2 million, or 15%, from $21.1 million in 2006 to $17.9 million in
2007.
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Net commercial product revenues decreased by $4.9 million, or 28%, to $12.8 million in 2007
from $17.7 million in 2006. The decrease is primarily the result of lower sales volume for some or
our products. Average sales prices for our products decreased only slightly in 2007. Our two
largest customers accounted for 75% of our net commercial revenues in 2007, as compared to 76% in
2006. These customers generally purchase products through non-binding commitments with minimal
lead-times. Consequently, our commercial product revenues can fluctuate dramatically from quarter
to quarter based on changes in our customers capital spending patterns.
Government contract revenues increased to $5.1 million in 2007 from $3.4 million in 2006, an
increase of $1.7 million, or 52%. This increase is primarily attributable to the addition of new
or amended contracts in 2007.
The cost of commercial product revenues totaled $12.9 million for 2007 as compared to $15.9
million for 2006, a decrease of $3.0 million, or 19%. The lower costs resulted principally from
lower production as a result of lower sales. In addition, with lower production, we had fewer units
to absorb our fixed overhead costs. Our provision for obsolete inventories decreased to $160,000
in 2007 as compared to $360,000 in 2006.
The following is an analysis of our commercial product gross profit margins for 2006 and 2007:
Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||
Dollars in Thousands | 2006 | 2007 | ||||||||||||||
Net commercial product sales |
$ | 17,697 | 100.0 | % | $ | 12,787 | 100.0 | % | ||||||||
Cost of commercial product sales |
15,922 | 90 | % | 12,944 | 101.2 | % | ||||||||||
Gross profit |
$ | 1,775 | 10 | % | $ | (157 | ) | (1.2 | %) | |||||||
We had a negative gross margin of $157,000 in 2007 from the sale of our commercial products as
compared to a positive gross margin of $1.8 million in 2006. We experienced negative gross profits
in 2007 primarily because the reduced level of commercial sales was insufficient to cover our fixed
manufacturing overhead costs. Our gross margins were also adversely impacted by a $160,000 charge
for excess and obsolete inventory. Gross margins were favorably impacted by $195,000 in 2007 and
$700,000 in 2006 by the sale of previously written-off inventory. We regularly review inventory
quantities on hand and provide an allowance for excess and obsolete inventory based on numerous
factors, including sales backlog, historical inventory usage, forecasted product demand and
production requirements for the next twelve months.
Contract research and development expenses totaled $2.9 million in 2007 as compared to $2.4
million in 2006, an increase of $499,000 or 21%. The increase was primarily the result of higher
expenses associated with performing a greater number of government contracts. As a percentage of
Government contract revenues, contract research and development expenses was 72% in 2006 and 57% in
2007.
Other research and development expenses relate to development of new wireless commercial
products. We also incur design expenses associated with reducing the cost and improving the
manufacturability of our existing products. These expenses totaled $3.2 million in 2007 as
compared to $3.5 million in 2006, a decrease of $316,000, or 9%. The decrease is due to lower
expenses associated with commercial products development and the result of our cost reduction
efforts.
Selling, general and administrative expenses totaled $8.1 million in 2007 as compared to $9.1
million in 2006, a decrease of $1.0 million, or 11%. The lower expenses resulted primarily from
$610,000 received from a settlement agreement with a former director and lower insurance premiums.
In connection with the acquisition of Conductus in December 2002 we recognized $20.1 million
of goodwill. At July 1, 2006, we concluded that our declining stock price constituted an event
under FAS 142 and required us to test for goodwill impairment. Our analysis led us to reasonably
estimate at that time that our fair market value was less than our net assets excluding goodwill.
Accordingly, we recorded a full write-down of the goodwill ($20.1 million) in the second quarter of
2006. We also recorded an impairment charge of $38,000 related to a note receivable from a Board
member in 2006.
Interest income decreased to $156,000 in 2007, as compared to $391,000 in 2006, primarily
because of lower cash balances in 2007.
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Interest expense in 2007 amounted to $39,000, as compared to $45,000 in 2006, as a result of
lower borrowing levels.
Our loss totaled $9.1 million in 2007 as compared to $29.6 million in 2006.
The net loss available to common stockholders totaled $0.73 per common share in 2007, as
compared to $2.37 per common share in 2006.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Cash Flow Analysis
As of December 31, 2008, we had working capital of $12.3 million, including $7.6 million in
cash and cash equivalents, as compared to working capital of $3.3 million at December 31, 2007,
which included $3.9 million in cash and cash equivalents. We currently invest our excess cash in
short-term, investment-grade, money-market instruments with maturities of three months or less.
Our investments have no exposure to the auction rate securities market. We believe that all of our
cash investments would be readily available to us should the need arise.
Cash and cash equivalents increased by $3.7 million from $3.9 million at December 31, 2007 to
$7.6 million at December 31, 2008. Cash was used principally in operations and to a lesser extent
for our joint venture and the purchase of property and equipment. These uses were offset by gross
cash proceeds of $16.5 million provided by the sales of common and preferred stock.
Cash used in operations totaled $12.1 million in 2008. We used $10.4 million to fund the cash
portion of our net loss. We also used cash to fund a $3.8 million increase in inventory, accounts
payable payments, patents and licenses payments and prepaid and other current asset payments.
These uses were offset by cash generated from lower accounts receivable and other assets totaling
$2.1 million.
Net cash used in investing activities totaled $700,000 in 2008. We invested $521,000 in our
joint venture and we purchased $179,000 in fixed assets.
Net cash provided by financing activities totaled $16.5 million in 2008. The cash was provided
by $10.9 million, net of $89,000 in expenses, from the final payments under the $15.0 million
August 2007 BAOLI investment and $5.6 million, net of $442,000 in expenses, from the sale of
2,000,000 shares of common stock at $3.00 per share in May 2008. Net cash provided by financing
activities totaled $4.0 million in 2007.
Financing Activities
We have historically financed our operations through a combination of cash on hand, equipment
lease financings, available borrowings under bank lines of credit and both private and public
equity offerings. We have effective registration statements on file with the Securities and
Exchange Commission covering the public resale by investors of common stock issued in our private
placements, as well as common stock acquired upon exercise of warrants.
As described above, we completed two financing activities in 2008 totaling $16.5 million: the
balance of the $15.0 million BAOLI investment and a $5.6 million offering of common stock in May
2008.
In 2007, we did not complete a financing transaction. However, in 2007, we received $4.0
million from BAOLI as an installment toward completion of a $15.0 million financing completed in
February 2008.
We have an existing line of credit from a bank. The line of credit expires in July 2009. The
loan agreement is structured as a sale of our accounts receivable and provides for the sale of up
to $5.0 million of eligible accounts receivable, with advances to us totaling 80% of the
receivables sold. Advances bear interest at the prime rate (3.25% at December 31, 2008) plus 2.50%
subject to a minimum monthly charge. Advances are collateralized by a lien on all of our assets.
Under the terms of the agreement, we continue to service the sold receivables and are subject to
recourse provisions. There was no amount outstanding under this borrowing facility at December 31,
2008.
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Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments
We incur various contractual obligations and commercial commitments in our normal course of
business. They consist of the following:
| Operating Lease Obligations |
Our operating lease obligations consist of a facility lease in Santa Barbara, California and
several copier leases.
| Patents and Licenses |
We have entered into various licensing agreements requiring royalty payments ranging from
0.13% to 2.5% of specified product sales. Some of these agreements contain provisions for the
payment of guaranteed or minimum royalty amounts. Typically, the licensor can terminate our
license if we fail to pay minimum annual royalties.
| Purchase Commitments |
In the normal course of business, we incur purchase obligations with vendors and suppliers for
the purchase of inventory, as well as other goods and services. These obligations are generally
evidenced by purchase orders that contain the terms and conditions associated with the purchase
arrangements. We are committed to accept delivery of such material pursuant to the purchase orders
subject to various contract provisions that allow us to delay receipt of such orders or cancel
orders beyond certain agreed upon lead times. Cancellations may result in cancellation costs
payable by us.
| Quantitative Summary of Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments |
At December 31, 2008, we had the following contractual obligations and commercial commitments:
Payments Due by Period | ||||||||||||||||||||
2010 and | 2012 and | 2014 and | ||||||||||||||||||
Contractual Obligations | Total | 2009 | 2011 | 2013 | beyond | |||||||||||||||
Operating leases |
$ | 4,463,000 | $ | 1,480,000 | $ | 2,973,000 | $ | 10,000 | | |||||||||||
Minimum license
commitment |
1,650,000 | 150,000 | 300,000 | 300,000 | 900,000 | |||||||||||||||
Fixed asset and
inventory purchase
commitments |
310,000 | 310,000 | | | | |||||||||||||||
Total contractual
cash obligations |
$ | 6,423,000 | $ | 1,940,000 | $ | 3,273,000 | $ | 310,000 | $ | 900,000 | ||||||||||
Capital Expenditures
We plan to invest approximately $270,000 in fixed assets during 2009.
Future Liquidity
In 2008, we incurred a net loss of $12.7 million and had negative cash flows from operations
of $12.1 million. In 2007, we incurred a net loss of $9.1 million and had negative cash flows from
operations of $5.4 million. Our independent registered public accounting firm has included in their
audit reports for fiscal 2008 through 2006 an explanatory paragraph expressing doubt about our
ability to continue as a going concern.
At December 31, 2008 we had $7.6 million in cash. Our cash resources, together with our line
of credit, and a planned inventory reduction, may not be sufficient to fund our business through
2009. We believe one of the key factors to our liquidity will be our ability to successfully
execute on our plans to increase sales levels in a highly concentrated industry where we experience
significant fluctuations in sales from quarter to quarter. Our cash requirements will also depend
on
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numerous other variable factors, including the rate of growth of sales, the timing and levels of
products purchased, payment terms and credit limits from manufacturers, and the timing and level of
accounts receivable collections. Because of the uncertainty of these many factors, we may need to
raise funds in the next six months to meet our working capital needs.
We cannot assure you that additional financing will be available on acceptable terms or at
all. If we issue additional equity securities to raise funds, the ownership percentage of our
existing stockholders would be reduced. New investors may demand rights, preferences or privileges
senior to those of existing holders of common stock. If we cannot raise any needed funds, we might
be forced to make further substantial reductions in our operating expenses, which could adversely
affect our ability to implement our current business plan and ultimately our viability as a
company.
Net Operating Loss Carryforward
As of December 31, 2008, we had net operating loss carryforwards for federal and state income
tax purposes of approximately $291.4 million and $168.8 million, respectively, which expire in the
years 2009 through 2028. Of these amounts, $88.3 million and $23.5 million, respectively, resulted
from the acquisition of Conductus. Included in the net operating loss carryforwards are deductions
related to stock options of approximately $24.1 million and $13.1 million for federal and
California income tax purposes, respectively. To the extent net operating loss carryforwards are
recognized for accounting purposes, the resulting benefits related to the stock options will be
credited to stockholders equity. In addition, we had research and development and other tax
credits for federal and state income tax purposes of approximately $3.0 million and $1.4 million,
respectively, which expire in the years 2009 through 2028. Of these amounts, $661,000 and $736,000,
respectively, resulted from the acquisition of Conductus.
Due to the uncertainty surrounding their realization, we have recorded a full valuation
allowance against our net deferred tax assets. Accordingly, no deferred tax asset has been
recorded in the accompanying balance sheet.
Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code imposes an annual limitation on the utilization of
net operating loss carryforwards based on a statutory rate of return (usually the applicable
federal funds rate, as defined in the Internal Revenue Code) and the value of the corporation at
the time of a change of ownership as defined by Section 382. We had changes in ownership in
August 1999 and December 2002. In addition, we acquired the right to Conductus net operating
losses, which are also subject to the limitations imposed by Section 382. Conductus underwent
three ownership changes, which occurred in February 1999, February 2001 and December 2002.
Therefore, the ability to utilize our net operating loss carryforwards of $94.3 million and
Conductus net operating loss carryforwards of $83.7 million incurred prior to the ownership
changes will be subject in future periods to annual limitations of $1.3 million and $700,000,
respectively. Net operating losses incurred by us subsequent to the ownership changes totaled
$113.4 million and are not subject to this limitation.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Recent accounting pronouncements are detailed in Note 2 to our Consolidated Financial
Statements included in this Report.
Market Risk
We are exposed to various market risks, including changes in interest rates. Market risk is
the potential loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices. We do not enter into
derivatives or other financial instruments for trading or speculation purposes. Our money market
investments have no exposure to the auction rate securities market.
At December 31, 2008, we had approximately $7.2 million invested in a money market account
yielding approximately 1.72%. Assuming a 1% per annum decrease in the yield on this money market
account and no liquidation of principal for the year, our total interest income would decrease by
approximately $72,000 per annum. As we had no amounts outstanding on our bank loan during 2008,
changes in its interest rate would not have affected us.
Inflation
We do not foresee any material impact on our operations from inflation.
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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based
upon our 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 related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We continually evaluate
our estimates, including those related to bad debts, inventories, recovery of long-lived assets,
income taxes, warranty obligations, contract revenue and contingencies. We base our estimates on
historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believed to be reasonable under the
circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values
of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Any future changes to
these estimates and assumptions could cause a material change to our reported amounts of revenues,
expenses, assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different
assumptions or conditions.
We believe the following critical accounting policies affect our more significant judgments
and estimates used in the preparation of the financial statements. We maintain allowances for
doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make
required payments. If the financial condition of our customers were to deteriorate, resulting in
an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. We write
down our inventory for estimated obsolescence or unmarketable inventory equal to the difference
between the cost of inventory and the estimated market value based upon assumptions about future
demand and market conditions. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected
by management, additional inventory write-downs may be required.
Our inventory is valued at the lower of its actual cost or the current estimated market value
of the inventory. We review inventory quantities on hand and on order and record, on a quarterly
basis, a provision for excess and obsolete inventory and/or vendor cancellation charges related to
purchase commitments. If the results of the review determine that a write-down is necessary, we
recognize a loss in the period in which the loss is identified, whether or not the inventory is
retained. Our inventory reserves establish a new cost basis for inventory and are not reversed
until we sell or dispose of the related inventory. Such provisions are established based on
historical usage, adjusted for known changes in demands for such products, or the estimated
forecast of product demand and production requirements. Our business is characterized by rapid
technological change, frequent new product development and rapid product obsolescence that could
result in an increase in the amount of obsolete inventory quantities on hand. Demand for our
products can fluctuate significantly. Our estimates of future product demand may prove to be
inaccurate, and we may understate or overstate the provision required for excess and obsolete
inventory.
Our net sales consist of revenue from sales of products, net of trade discounts and
allowances. We recognize revenue when evidence of an arrangement exists, contractual obligations
have been satisfied, title and risk of loss have been transferred to the customer and collection of
the resulting receivable is reasonably assured. At the time revenue is recognized, we provide for
the estimated cost of product warranties if allowed for under contractual arrangements and return
products. Our warranty obligation is affected by product failure rates and service delivery costs
incurred in correcting a product failure. Should such failure rates or costs differ from these
estimates, accrued warranty costs would be adjusted.
We indemnify, without limit or term, our customers against all claims, suits, demands,
damages, liabilities, expenses, judgments, settlements and penalties arising from actual or alleged
infringement or misappropriation of any intellectual property relating to our products or other
claims arising from our products. We cannot reasonably develop an estimate of the maximum
potential amount of payments that might be made under our guarantees because of the uncertainty as
to whether a claim might arise and how much it might total.
Contract revenues are principally generated under research and development contracts.
Contract revenues are recognized utilizing the percentage-of-completion method measured by the
relationship of costs incurred to total estimated contract costs. If the current contract estimate
were to indicate a loss, utilizing the funded amount of the contract, a provision would be made for
the total anticipated loss. Contract revenues are derived primarily from research contracts with
agencies of the United States Government. Credit risk related to accounts receivable arising from
such contracts is considered minimal. These contracts include cost-plus, fixed price and cost
sharing arrangements and are generally short-term in nature.
All payments to us for work performed on contracts with agencies of the U.S. Government are
subject to adjustment upon audit by the Defense Contract Audit Agency. Based on historical
experience and review of current projects in process,
29
Table of Contents
we believe that the audits will not have a significant effect on our financial position, results of
operations or cash flows. The Defense Contract Audit Agency has audited us through 2003.
We periodically evaluate the realizability of long-lived assets as events or circumstances
indicate a possible inability to recover the carrying amount. Long-lived assets that will no
longer be used in our business are written off in the period identified since they will no longer
generate any positive cash flows for us. Such evaluation is based on various analyses, including
cash flow and profitability projections. The analyses necessarily involve significant management
judgment. In the event the projected undiscounted cash flows are less than net book value of the
assets, the carrying value of the assets will be written down to their estimated fair value. Our
future cash flows may vary from estimates.
We apply the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 123R,
Share-Based Payment, which establishes the accounting for stock-based awards. Under this method,
stock-based employee compensation cost is recognized using the fair-value based method for all
awards granted on or after the beginning of fiscal year 2006. We issue stock option awards and
restricted share awards to employees and to non-employee directors under our stock-based incentive
plans. The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the
Black-Scholes option pricing model. Compensation cost related to restricted share awards is
recorded based on the market price of our common stock on the grant date. We recognize compensation
expense over the expected vesting period on a straight-line basis from the grant date. Our
valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets is based on our assessments of historical
losses and projected operating results in future periods. If and when we generate future taxable
income in the U.S. against which these tax assets may be applied, some portion or all of the
valuation allowance would be reversed and an increase in net income would consequently be reported
in future years.
We have a contract to deliver several custom products to a government contractor, with respect
to which delivery of the product was delayed because we were unable to manufacture the products for
technical reasons. In December 2008, new terms and amended specifications were agreed upon, and we
now expect to deliver these custom products in July 2009.
ITEM 7A. | QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK |
See Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Market Risk.
ITEM 8. | FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA |
All information required by this item is listed in the Index to Financial Statements in Part
IV, Item 15(a)1 of this Report.
ITEM 9. | CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE |
Not applicable.
ITEM 9A(T). | CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES |
Controls and Procedures
We have established disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information
relating to us and our consolidated subsidiaries is made known to the officers who certify the
Companys financial reports, as well as other members of senior management and the Board of
Directors, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. As of the end of the period
covered by this report we carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the
participation of our management, including the our Chief Executive Officer and Controller
(Principal Financial Officer), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure
controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934. Based
upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Controller concluded that our disclosure
controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information related to us
that is required to be included in our annual and periodic Securities and Exchange Commission
filings.
There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during the fourth
quarter of the year ended December 31, 2008 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely
to materially affect our internal controls over financial reporting.
30
Table of Contents
We do not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal controls will
prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can
provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.
Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints,
and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent
limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that
all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected.
Managements Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
The report below shall not be deemed filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act or
otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, and shall not be deemed incorporated by
reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that
we specifically incorporate it by reference into such a filing.
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over
our financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended). Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial
reporting as of December 31, 2008. In making its assessment of the effectiveness of our internal
controls over financial reporting, our management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated
Framework. Based on these criteria, our management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2008, our
internal control over financial reporting are effective. This annual report does not include an
attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control
over financial reporting. Managements report was not subject to attestation by our independent
registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange
Commission that permit the company to provide only managements report in this annual report.
ITEM 9B. | OTHER INFORMATION |
None.
PART III
ITEM 10. | DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE |
We have a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for all of our employees, including our Chief
Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer. The purpose of the
code is to ensure that our business is conducted in a consistently legal and ethical matter. We
have posted the text of the code on our website at www.suptech.com. We will post any material
amendments or waivers to the code on our website. We will provide a copy of our code free of
charge to any person upon request by writing to us at the following address: Superconductor
Technologies Inc., 460 Ward Drive, Santa Barbara, California 93111-2310, Attn: Corporate Secretary.
All of the other information required by this Item is incorporated by reference to our Proxy
Statement for the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission within 120 days after the end of our year ended December 31, 2008.
ITEM 11. | EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION |
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to our Proxy Statement for
the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
within 120 days after the end of our year ended December 31, 2008.
ITEM 12. | SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS |
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to our Proxy Statement for
the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
within 120 days after the end of our year ended December 31, 2008.
31
Table of Contents
ITEM 13. | CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE |
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to our Proxy Statement for
the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
within 120 days after the end of our year ended December 31, 2008.
ITEM 14. | PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND DISCLOSURES |
The information required by this item is incorporated by reference to our Proxy Statement for
the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
within 120 days after the end of our year ended December 31, 2008.
PART IV
ITEM 15. | EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES |
(a) The following documents are filed as part of this Report:
1. Index to Financial Statements. Our financial statements and the Report of
Stonefield Josephson, Inc., Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm are included in Part IV
of this Report on the pages indicated:
Page | ||
F-1 | ||
F-2 | ||
F-3 | ||
F-4 | ||
F-5 | ||
F-6 |
2. Financial Statement Schedule Covered by the Foregoing Report of Independent Registered
Public Accounting Firm.
All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the required information
is shown in the financial statements or the notes thereto.
3. Exhibits
Number | Description of Document | |
3.1
|
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Registrant (2) | |
3.2
|
Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation (5) | |
3.3
|
Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation (17) | |
3.4
|
Certificate of Designations of Registrant relating to the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock (22) | |
3.5
|
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Registrant (14) | |
4.1
|
Form of Common Stock Certificate (23) | |
4.2
|
Form of Warrant to Purchase Common Stock dated March 28, 2003, issued to Silicon Valley Bank (7) | |
4.3
|
Form of Warrant dated August 2005 (15) |
32
Table of Contents
Number | Description of Document | |
10.1
|
1992 Stock Option Plan (23) *** | |
10.2
|
Form of 1992 Stock Option Agreement (23) *** | |
10.3
|
1992 Director Option Plan (as amended through January 1997) (1) | |
10.4
|
Form of 1992 Director Stock Option Agreement (1) | |
10.5
|
1998 Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan, including Form of Stock Option Agreement (4)*** | |
10.6
|
1999 Stock Option Plan (3) *** | |
10.7
|
Form of 1999 Stock Option Agreement (3) *** | |
10.8
|
Form of Change in Control Agreement dated March 28, 2003 (7) *** | |
10.9
|
Form of Amendment No. 1 to Change in Control Agreement dated as of May 24, 2005 (16) *** | |
10.10
|
Form of Amendment No. 2 to Change in Control Agreement dated as of December 31, 2006 (19) *** | |
10.11
|
Accounts Receivable Purchase Agreement by and between Registrant and Silicon Valley Bank dated March 28, 2003 (7) | |
10.12
|
Accounts Receivable Purchase Modification Agreement by and between Registrant and Silicon Valley Bank dated March 17, 2004 (9) | |
10.13
|
Accounts Receivable Purchase Modification Agreement by and between Registrant and Silicon Valley Bank dated March 16, 2005 (13) | |
10.14
|
Accounts Receivable Purchase Modification Agreement by and between Registrant and Silicon Valley Bank dated July 13, 2008 (23) | |
10.15
|
Patent License Agreement by and between Registrant and Lucent Technologies (8) ** | |
10.16
|
License Agreement between Registrant and Sunpower dated May 2, 2005 (10) ** | |
10.17
|
Employment Agreement between Registrant and Jeffrey Quiram dated as of February 14, 2005 (11) *** | |
10.18
|
Option Agreement between Registrant and Jeffrey Quiram dated February 14, 2005 (11) *** | |
10.19
|
Amendment to Employment Agreement between Registrant and Jeffrey Quiram dated as of December 31, 2006 (19) *** | |
10.20
|
2003 Equity Incentive Plan (as amended May 25, 2005) (14) *** | |
10.21
|
Form of Option Agreement for 2003 Equity Incentive Plan (11) *** | |
10.22
|
Management Incentive Plan (18) *** | |
10.23
|
Employment Agreement between Registrant and Terry White dated as of April 11, 2005 (12) *** | |
10.24
|
Amendment to Employment Agreement between Registrant and Terry White dated as of December 31, 2006 (19) *** | |
10.25
|
Form of Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement (16) | |
10.26
|
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (15) | |
10.27
|
Lease Agreement between the Registrant and 1200 Enterprises LLC dated as of June 1, 2001 (6) | |
10.28
|
Investment agreement between Registrant and Hunchun BaoLi Communication Co. Ltd. (BAOLI) dated August 17, 2007 (20) | |
10.29
|
First amendment to investment agreement between Registrant and BAOLI dated November 9, 2007 (21) | |
10.30
|
Second amendment to investment agreement between Registrant and BAOLI dated January 8, 2008 (21) | |
10.31
|
Framework Agreement between Registrant and BAOLI dated November 8, 2007 (21) | |
10.32
|
Sino-Foreign Equity Joint Venture between Superconductor Investments (Mauritius) Limited and BAOLI dated December 8, 2007 (Exhibit A to Framework Agreement with BAOLI) (21) | |
10.33
|
Form of License Agreement between Registrant and BAOLI (Exhibit B to Framework Agreement) (21) | |
21
|
List of Subsidiaries (23) |
33
Table of Contents
Number | Description of Document | |
23.1
|
Consent of Stonefield Josephson Inc, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (23) | |
31.1
|
Statement of CEO Pursuant to 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (23) | |
31.2
|
Statement of CFO Pursuant to 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (23) | |
32.1
|
Statement of CEO Pursuant to 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (23) | |
32.2
|
Statement of CFO Pursuant to 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (23) |
(1) | Incorporated by reference from Registrants Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed April 15, 1998 (Reg. No. 33-50137). | |
(2) | Incorporated by reference from Registrants Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 3, 1999. | |
(3) | Incorporated by reference from Registrants Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed November 4, 1999 (Reg. No. 333-90293). | |
(4) | Incorporated by reference from Registrants Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed March 6, 2001 (Reg. No. 333-56606). | |
(5) | Incorporated by reference from Registrants Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2001. | |
(6) | Incorporated by reference from Registrants Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2002. | |
(7) | Incorporated by reference from Registrants Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 29, 2003. | |
(8) | Incorporated by reference from Registrants Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2003. | |
(9) | Incorporated by reference from Registrants Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 3, 2004. | |
(10) | Incorporated by reference from Registrants Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 2, 2004 | |
(11) | Incorporated by reference from Registrants Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2004. | |
(12) | Incorporated by reference from Registrants Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 2, 2005. | |
(13) | Incorporated by reference from Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 4, 2005. | |
(14) | Incorporated by reference from Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed May 27, 2005. | |
(15) | Incorporated by reference from Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 11, 2005. | |
(16) | Incorporated by reference from Registrants Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 | |
(17) | Incorporated by reference from Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed March 13, 2006. | |
(18) | Incorporated by reference from Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K filed July 28, 2006. | |
(19) | Incorporated by reference from Registrants Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2006 | |
(20) | Incorporated by reference from Registrants Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 29, 2007. | |
(21) | Incorporated by reference from Registrants Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007. | |
(22) | Incorporated by reference from Registrants Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed February 25, 2008. | |
(23) | Filed herewith. | |
** | Confidential treatment has been previously granted for certain portions of these exhibits. | |
*** | This exhibit is a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement. |
(b) Exhibits. See Item 15(a) above.
34
Table of Contents
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To: The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Superconductor Technologies, Inc.
Santa Barbara, California
Santa Barbara, California
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Superconductor Technologies, Inc.
(the Company) and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, and the related consolidated
statements of operations, stockholders equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the
period ended December 31, 2008. Our audits also included the consolidated financial statement
schedule listed in the Index at Item 15(a)(2) as of and for the
three years ended December 31, 2008. These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Companys management.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our
audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We
were not engaged to perform an audit of the Companys internal control over financial reporting.
Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for
designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of
expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over financial
reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test
basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the
overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for
our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material
respects, the financial position of the Company and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2008 and
2007, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the
period ended December 31, 2008 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America. Also, in our opinion, the related consolidated financial statement
schedule as of and for the three years ended December 31, 2008, when considered in relation to
the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects the
information set forth therein.
The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America, which contemplate continuation of the Company
as a going concern. As discussed in Note 2, the Company has incurred significant net losses since
its inception and has an accumulated deficit of $212,686,000 and expects to incur substantial
additional losses and costs. The foregoing matters raise substantial doubt about the Companys
ability to continue as a going concern. Managements plans in regard to these matters are described
in Note 2 of the accompanying financial statements. These financial statements do not include any
adjustments that might result from the outcome of these uncertainties.
/s/ Stonefield Josephson, Inc.
Los Angeles, California
March 19, 2009
F-1
Table of Contents
SUPERCONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGIES INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, | December 31, | |||||||
2007 | 2008 | |||||||
ASSETS | ||||||||
Current Assets: |
||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 3,939,000 | $ | 7,569,000 | ||||
Accounts receivable, net |
2,413,000 | 355,000 | ||||||
Inventory, net |
3,415,000 | 5,278,000 | ||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
442,000 | 416,000 | ||||||
Total Current Assets |
10,209,000 | 13,618,000 | ||||||
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of
$19,129,000 and $19,943,000, respectively |
3,961,000 | 2,739,000 | ||||||
Patents, licenses and purchased technology, net of accumulated
amortization
of $1,722,000 and $2,055,000, respectively |
2,236,000 | 2,252,000 | ||||||
Investment in joint venture |
| 521,000 | ||||||
Other assets |
219,000 | 228,000 | ||||||
Total Assets |
$ | 16,625,000 | $ | 19,358,000 | ||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
||||||||
Current Liabilities: |
||||||||
Accounts payable |
$ | 1,467,000 | $ | 707,000 | ||||
Accrued expenses |
1,405,000 | 578,000 | ||||||
Proceeds for shares to be issued |
4,000,000 | | ||||||
Current portion of capitalized lease obligations |
45,000 | 80,000 | ||||||
Total Current Liabilities |
6,917,000 | 1,365,000 | ||||||
Other long term liabilities |
518,000 | 441,000 | ||||||
Total Liabilities |
7,435,000 | 1,806,000 | ||||||
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 9, 10 and 11) |
||||||||
Stockholders Equity: |
||||||||
Preferred stock, $.001 par value, 2,000,000 shares authorized,
zero and 611,523 issued and outstanding, respectively |
| 1,000 | ||||||
Common stock, $.001 par value, 250,000,000 shares authorized,
12,511,414 and 17,869,030 shares issued and outstanding, respectively |
12,000 | 18,000 | ||||||
Capital in excess of par value |
209,163,000 | 230,219,000 | ||||||
Accumulated deficit |
(199,985,000 | ) | (212,686,000 | ) | ||||
Total Stockholders Equity |
9,190,000 | 17,552,000 | ||||||
Total Liabilities and Stockholders Equity |
$ | 16,625,000 | $ | 19,358,000 | ||||
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
F-2
Table of Contents
SUPERCONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGIES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2006 | 2007 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Net revenues: |
||||||||||||
Net commercial product revenues |
$ | 17,697,000 | $ | 12,787,000 | $ | 6,768,000 | ||||||
Government and other contract revenues |
3,361,000 | 5,115,000 | 4,525,000 | |||||||||
Sub license royalties |
20,000 | | | |||||||||
Total net revenues |
21,078,000 | 17,902,000 | 11,293,000 | |||||||||
Costs and expenses: |
||||||||||||
Cost of commercial product revenues |
15,922,000 | 12,944,000 | 8,911,000 | |||||||||
Contract research and development |
2,407,000 | 2,906,000 | 3,649,000 | |||||||||
Other research and development |
3,488,000 | 3,172,000 | 3,394,000 | |||||||||
Selling, general and administrative |
9,086,000 | 8,123,000 | 8,151,000 | |||||||||
Restructuring expenses and impairment charges |
38,000 | | 141,000 | |||||||||
Write off Goodwill |
20,107,000 | | | |||||||||
Total costs and expenses |
51,048,000 | 27,145,000 | 24,246,000 | |||||||||
Loss from operations |
(29,970,000 | ) | (9,243,000 | ) | (12,953,000 | ) | ||||||
Interest income |
391,000 | 156,000 | 284,000 | |||||||||
Interest expense |
(45,000 | ) | (39,000 | ) | (32,000 | ) | ||||||
Net loss |
$ | (29,624,000 | ) | $ | (9,126,000 | ) | $ | (12,701,000 | ) | |||
Basic and diluted net loss per common share |
$ | (2.37 | ) | $ | (0.73 | ) | $ | (0.77 | ) | |||
Basic and diluted weighted average number of
common shares outstanding |
12,483,367 | 12,487,593 | 16,402,509 | |||||||||
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements
F-3
Table of Contents
SUPERCONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGIES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
Convertible Preferred | Capital in | Receivable | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Stock | Common Stock | Excess of | From | Accumulated | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Par Value | Stockholder | Deficit | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2005 |
| | 12,483,431 | $ | 12,000 | $ | 208,545,000 | $ | (65,000 | ) | $ | (161,235,000 | ) | $ | 47,257,000 | |||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock and
warrants |
(64 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of options |
280,000 | 280,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Reserve for impairment |
38,000 | 38,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss |
(29,624,000 | ) | (29,624,000 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2006 |
| | 12,483,367 | 12,000 | 208,825,000 | (27,000 | ) | (190,859,000 | ) | 17,951,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Exercise of stock options |
3,350 | 26,000 | 26,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock |
(27,000 | ) | (27,000 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of options and warrants |
24,697 | 339,000 | 339,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Reserve for impairment |
27,000 | 27,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss |
(9,126,000 | ) | (9,126,000 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2007 |
| | 12,511,414 | $ | 12,000 | $ | 209,163,000 | $ | | $ | (199,985,000 | ) | $ | 9,190,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
Exercise of stock options |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of common stock |
5,101,361 | 5,000 | 10,563,000 | 10,568,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of options/awards and
warrants |
256,255 | 1,000 | 593,000 | 594,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Issuance of Series A Preferred |
611,523 | 1,000 | 9,900,000 | 9,901,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net loss |
(12,701,000 | ) | (12,701,000 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2008 |
611,523 | $ | 1,000 | 17,869,030 | $ | 18,000 | $ | 230,219,000 | $ | | $ | (212,686,000 | ) | $ | 17,552,000 | |||||||||||||||||
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
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SUPERCONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGIES INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||
2006 | 2007 | 2008 | ||||||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: |
||||||||||||
Net loss |
$ | (29,624,000 | ) | $ | (9,126,000 | ) | $ | (12,701,000 | ) | |||
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used for
operating activities: |
||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
2,600,000 | 2,333,000 | 1,735,000 | |||||||||
Warrants and options charges |
280,000 | 339,000 | 587,000 | |||||||||
Provision for excess and obsolete inventories |
360,000 | 160,000 | 17,000 | |||||||||
Reserve for impairment of note and interest receivable from
stockholder |
38,000 | (583,000 | ) | | ||||||||
Write off Goodwill |
20,107,000 | | | |||||||||
Changes in assets and liabilities: |
||||||||||||
Accounts receivable |
631,000 | (877,000 | ) | 2,057,000 | ||||||||
Inventory |
(974,000 | ) | 2,403,000 | (1,880,000 | ) | |||||||
Prepaid expenses and other current assets |
115,000 | 574,000 | (26,000 | ) | ||||||||
Patents and licenses |
(217,000 | ) | (169,000 | ) | (315,000 | ) | ||||||
Other assets |
128,000 | 16,000 | 9,000 | |||||||||
Accounts payable and accrued expenses |
(727,000 | ) | (465,000 | ) | (1,603,000 | ) | ||||||
Net cash used in operating activities |
(7,283,000 | ) | (5,395,000 | ) | (12,120,000 | ) | ||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: |
||||||||||||
Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment |
| 26,000 | | |||||||||
Purchase of property and equipment |
(229,000 | ) | (191,000 | ) | (179,000 | ) | ||||||
Investment in joint venture |
| | (521,000 | ) | ||||||||
Net cash used in investing activities |
(229,000 | ) | (165,000 | ) | (700,000 | ) | ||||||
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: |
||||||||||||
Proceeds from shares to be issued |
| 4,000,000 | | |||||||||
Payments on long-term obligations |
(19,000 | ) | (14,000 | ) | | |||||||
Gross proceeds from sale of common stock and exercise of
warrants and options |
| 26,000 | 16,450,000 | |||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities |
(19,000 | ) | 4,012,000 | 16,450,000 | ||||||||
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
(7,531,000 | ) | (1,548,000 | ) | 3,630,000 | |||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year |
13,018,000 | 5,487,000 | 3,939,000 | |||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year |
$ | 5,487,000 | $ | 3,939,000 | $ | 7,569,000 | ||||||
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
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SUPERCONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGIES INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1 The Company
Superconductor Technologies Inc. (together with our subsidiaries, we or us) was
incorporated in Delaware on May 11, 1987 and maintains its headquarters in Santa Barbara,
California. We operate in a single industry segment, the research, development, manufacture and
marketing of high-performance infrastructure products for wireless voice and data applications.
Our current commercial products are divided into three product offerings: SuperLink
(high-temperature superconducting filters), AmpLink (high performance, ground-mounted amplifiers)
and SuperPlex (high performance multiplexers). Our research and development contracts are used as
a source of funds for our commercial technology development. From 1987 to 1997, we were engaged
primarily in research and development and generated revenues primarily from government research
contracts.
We continue to be involved as either contractor or subcontractor on a number of contracts with
the United States government. These contracts have been and continue to provide a significant
source of revenues for us. For 2006, 2007 and 2008, government related contracts account for 16%,
29%, and 40%, respectively, of our net revenues.
Note 2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
In 2008, we incurred a net loss of $12.7 million and had negative cash flows from operations
of $12.1 million. In 2007, we incurred a net loss of $9.1 million and had negative cash flows from
operations of $5.4 million.
At December 31, 2008 we had $7.6 million in cash. Our cash resources, together with our line
of credit, and a planned inventory reduction, may not be sufficient to fund our business through
2009. We believe one of the key factors to our liquidity will be our ability to successfully
execute on our plans to increase sales levels in a highly concentrated industry where we experience
significant fluctuations in sales from quarter to quarter. Our cash requirements will also depend
on numerous other variable factors, including the rate of growth of sales, the timing and levels of
products purchased, payment terms and credit limits from manufacturers, and the timing and level of
accounts receivable collections. Because of the uncertainty of these many factors, we may need to
raise funds in the next six months to meet our working capital needs.
We cannot assure you that additional financing will be available on acceptable terms or at
all. If we issue additional equity securities to raise funds, the ownership percentage of our
existing stockholders would be reduced. New investors may demand rights, preferences or privileges
senior to those of existing holders of common stock. If we cannot raise any needed funds, we might
be forced to make further substantial reductions in our operating expenses, which could adversely
affect our ability to implement our current business plan and ultimately our viability as a
company.
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Superconductor Technologies Inc.
and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated
from the consolidated financial statements.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of highly liquid investments with original maturities of
three months or less. Cash and cash equivalents are maintained with quality financial institutions
and from time to time exceed FDIC limits. Historically, we have not experienced any losses due to
such concentration of credit risk.
Accounts Receivable
We sell predominantly to entities in the wireless communications industry and to entities of
the United States government. We grant uncollateralized credit to our customers. We perform usual
and customary credit evaluations of our customers before granting credit. Trade accounts
receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount and do not bear interest. The allowance for
doubtful accounts is our best estimate of the amount of probable credit losses in our existing
accounts receivable. We determine
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the allowance based on historical write-off experience. Past due balances are reviewed for
collectibility. Accounts balances are charged off against the allowance when we deem it is
probable the receivable will not be recovered. We do not have any off balance sheet credit
exposure related to our customers.
Revenue Recognition
Commercial revenues are principally derived from the sale of our SuperLink, AmpLink and
SuperPlex family of products and are recognized once all of the following conditions have been met:
a) an authorized purchase order has been received in writing, b) customers credit worthiness has
been established, c) shipment of the product has occurred, d) title has transferred, and e) if
stipulated by the contract, customer acceptance has occurred and all significant vendor
obligations, if any, have been satisfied.
Contract revenues are principally generated under research and development contracts.
Contract revenues are recognized utilizing the percentage-of-completion method measured by the
relationship of costs incurred to total estimated contract costs. If the current contract estimate
were to indicate a loss, utilizing the funded amount of the contract, a provision would be made for
the total anticipated loss. Revenues from research related activities are derived primarily from
contracts with agencies of the United States Government. Credit risk related to accounts
receivable arising from such contracts is considered minimal. These contracts include cost-plus,
fixed price and cost sharing arrangements and are generally short-term in nature.
All payments to us for work performed on contracts with agencies of the U.S. Government are
subject to adjustment upon audit by the Defense Contract Audit Agency. Contract audits through
2003 are closed. Based on historical experience and review of current projects in process, we
believe that the audits will not have a significant effect on our financial position, results of
operations or cash flows.
Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs
Shipping and handling fees billed to customers are included in net commercial product
revenues. Shipping and handling fees associated with freight are generally included in cost of
commercial product revenues.
Warranties
We offer warranties generally ranging from one to five years, depending on the product and
negotiated terms of purchase agreements with our customers. Such warranties require us to repair
or replace defective product returned to us during such warranty period at no cost to the customer.
Our estimate for warranty related costs is recorded at the time of sale based on our actual
historical product return rates and expected repair costs. Such costs have been within our
expectations.
Guarantees
In connection with the sales and manufacturing of our commercial products, we indemnify,
without limit or term, our customers and contract manufacturers against all claims, suits, demands,
damages, liabilities, expenses, judgments, settlements and penalties arising from actual or alleged
infringement or misappropriation of any intellectual property relating to our products or other
claims arising from our products. We cannot reasonably develop an estimate of the maximum
potential amount of payments that might be made under our guarantee because of the uncertainty as
to whether a claim might arise and how much it might total. Historically, we have not incurred any
expenses related to these guarantees.
Research and Development Costs
Research and development costs are expensed as incurred and include salary, facility,
depreciation and material expenses. Research and development costs incurred solely in connection
with research and development contracts are charged to contract research and development expense.
Other research and development costs are charged to other research and development expense.
Inventories
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with costs primarily determined using
standard costs, which approximate actual costs utilizing the first-in, first-out method. We review
inventory quantities on hand and on order and record, on a quarterly basis, a provision for excess
and obsolete inventory and/or vendor cancellation charges related to purchase
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commitments. If the results of the review determine that a write-down is necessary, we recognize a
loss in the period in which the loss is identified, whether or not the inventory is retained. Our
inventory reserves establish a new cost basis for inventory and are not reversed until we sell or
dispose of the related inventory. Such provisions are established based on historical usage,
adjusted for known changes in demands for such products, or the estimated forecast of product
demand and production requirements. Costs associated with idle capacity are expensed immediately.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Equipment is depreciated using the straight-line
method over their estimated useful lives ranging from three to five years. Leasehold improvements
and assets financed under capital leases are amortized over the shorter of their useful lives or
the lease term. Furniture and fixtures are depreciated over seven years. Expenditures for
additions and major improvements are capitalized. Expenditures for minor tooling, repairs and
maintenance and minor improvements are charged to expense as incurred. When property or equipment
is retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are removed from
the accounts. Gains or losses from retirements and disposals are recorded in selling, general and
administration expenses. In 2008, we disposed of older, fully depreciated equipment with an
acquisition cost of $598,000. There was no gain or loss on said disposition.
Patents, Licenses and Purchased Technology
Patents and licenses are recorded at cost and are amortized using the straight-line method
over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or approximately seventeen years. Purchased
technology acquired through the acquisition of Conductus, Inc. in 2002 was recorded at its
estimated fair value and is amortized using the straight-line method over seven years.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over fair value of net assets acquired in
connection with the acquisition of Conductus in 2002. Conductus was acquired primarily for the
synergies the acquisition would bring to our existing business of developing, manufacturing and
marketing products for the commercial wireless telecommunications business and for the synergies it
would have on our fund raising abilities.
At July 2006, our market capitalization had declined to $25.5 million, an amount less than our
total book value. We concluded that our declining stock price constituted an event under FAS 142
and required us to test for goodwill impairment as of July 2006. Our analysis led us to reasonably
estimate at that time that our fair market value was less than our net assets excluding goodwill.
Accordingly, we recorded a full write-down of the goodwill ($20.1 million) in the second quarter
2006.
Long-Lived Assets
The realizability of long-lived assets is evaluated periodically as events or circumstances
indicate a possible inability to recover the carrying amount. Long-lived assets that will no
longer be used in the business are written off in the period identified since they will no longer
generate any positive cash flows for us. Periodically, long lived assets that will continue to be
used by us will need to be evaluated for recoverability. Such evaluation is based on various
analyses, including cash flow and profitability projections. The analyses necessarily involve
significant management judgment. In the event the projected undiscounted cash flows are less than
net book value of the assets, the carrying value of the assets will be written down to their
estimated fair value. We tested our long lived assets for recoverability during fiscal 2008 and
determined there was no impairment.
Restructuring Expenses
Liability for costs associated with an exit or disposal activity are recognized when the
liability is incurred.
Loss Contingencies
In the normal course of our business we are subject to claims and litigation, including
allegations of patent infringement. Liabilities relating to these claims are recorded when it is
determined that a loss is probable and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. The
costs of our defense in such matters are expensed as incurred. Insurance proceeds recoverable are
recorded when deemed probable.
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Income Taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards (SFAS) No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, which requires that the Company recognize
deferred tax liabilities and assets based on the differences between the financial statement
carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities, using enacted tax rates in effect in
the years the differences are expected to reverse. Deferred income tax benefit (expense) results
from the change in net deferred tax assets or deferred tax liabilities. A valuation allowance is
recorded when it is more likely than not that some or all deferred tax assets will not be realized.
In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Interpretation (FIN)
No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes An Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109
(FIN 48). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes and sets a consistent
framework to determine the appropriate level of tax reserve to maintain for uncertain tax
positions. This interpretation uses a two-step approach wherein a tax benefit is recognized if a
position is more-likely-than-not to be sustained. The amount of the benefit is then measured to be
the highest tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely to be realized. FIN 48 also sets out
disclosure requirements to enhance transparency of our tax reserves. We adopted FIN 48 effective
January 1, 2007, and the provisions of FIN 48 have been applied to all income tax positions
commencing from that date. There was no material impact from this adoption. As of December 31,
2008, we had net operating loss carryforwards for federal and state income tax purposes of
approximately $291.4 million and $168.8 million, respectively. Due to the uncertainty surrounding
their realization, we recorded a full valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets.
Accordingly, no deferred tax asset has been recorded in the accompanying balance sheet.
Marketing Costs
All costs related to marketing and advertising our products are expensed as incurred or at the
time the advertising takes place. Advertising costs were not material in each of the three years
in the period ended December 31, 2008.
Net Loss Per Share
Basic and diluted net loss per share is computed by dividing net loss available to common
stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding in each year.
Potential common shares are not included in the calculation of diluted loss per share because their
effect is anti-dilutive.
Stock-based Compensation
Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004),
Share-Based Payment (SFAS No. 123(R)). Compensation cost under SFAS No. 123(R) is recognized
ratably using the straight-line attribution method over the expected vesting period. Prior periods
are not restated under this transition method.
The following table presents details of total stock-based compensation expense that is
included in each functional line item on our consolidated statements of income:
2006 | 2007 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Cost of revenue |
6,000 | 14,000 | 22,000 | |||||||||
Research and development |
23,000 | 56,000 | 122,000 | |||||||||
Selling, general and administrative |
251,000 | 269,000 | 443,000 | |||||||||
Total
stock-based compensation expense |
$ | 280,000 | $ | 339,000 | $ | 587,000 | ||||||
The impact to the Consolidated Statement of Operations for 2008, 2007 and 2006 on basic and
diluted earnings per share was $0.04, $0.03 and $0.02, respectively. No stock compensation cost
was capitalized during the periods.
Use of Estimates
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The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets
and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. The
significant estimates in the preparation of the financial statements relate to the assessment of
the carrying amount of accounts receivable, inventory, fixed assets, intangibles, goodwill,
estimated provisions for warranty costs, accruals for restructuring and lease abandonment costs,
contract revenues, income taxes and disclosures related to the litigation. Actual results could
differ from those estimates and such differences may be material to the financial statements.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and
accrued expenses approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments. We
estimate that the carrying amount of the debt approximates fair value based on our current
incremental borrowing rates for similar types of borrowing arrangements.
Comprehensive Income
We have no items of other comprehensive income in any period and consequently do not report
comprehensive income.
Segment Information
We operate in a single business segment, the research, development, manufacture and marketing
of high performance products used in cellular base stations to maximize the performance of wireless
telecommunications networks by improving the quality of uplink signals from mobile wireless
devices. Net commercial product revenues are primarily derived from the sales of our SuperLink,
AmpLink and SuperPlex products. We currently sell most of our products directly to wireless
network operators in the United States. Net revenues derived principally from government research
and development contracts are presented separately on the statement of operations for all periods
presented.
Reverse Stock Split
On March 13, 2006, we made a one-for-ten (1:10) reverse stock split effective as of the open
of business. All results prior to that time have been adjusted to reflect the impact of that
split.
Certain Risks and Uncertainties
Our long-term prospects are dependent upon the continued and increased market acceptance for
our products.
We currently sell most of our products directly to wireless network operators in the United
States and our product sales have historically been concentrated in a small number of customers.
In 2008, we had two customers that represented 44% and 13% of total net revenues. At December 31,
2007, these two customers represented 26% and 15% of accounts receivable. In 2006, we had three
customers that represented 44%, 20% and 16% of total net revenues. The loss of or reduction in
sales, or the inability to collect outstanding accounts receivable, from any of these customers
could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations
and cash flows.
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We currently rely on one supplier for purchase of high quality substrates for growth of
high-temperature superconductor films and on a limited number of suppliers for other key components
of our products. The loss of any of these suppliers could have material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
In connection with the sales of our commercial products, we indemnify, without limit or term,
our customers against all claims, suits, demands, damages, liabilities, expenses, judgments,
settlements and penalties arising from actual or alleged infringement or misappropriation of any
intellectual property relating to our products or other claims arising from our products. We
cannot reasonably develop an estimate of the maximum potential amount of payments that might be
made under our guarantee because of the uncertainty as to whether a claim might arise and how much
it might total.
For more risks of our business, see Item 1A, Risk Factors in our Annual Report on Form 10-K
and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In January 2009, the FASB issued FSP EITF 99-20-1, Amendments to the Impairment Guidance of
EITF Issue No. 99-20 (FSP EITF 99-20-1). FSP EITF 99-20-1 amends the impairment guidance in EITF
Issue No. 99-20, Recognition of Interest Income and Impairment on Purchased Beneficial Interests
and Beneficial Interests That Continue to Be Held by a Transferor in Securitized Financial Assets,
to achieve more consistent determinations of whether an other-than-temporary impairment has
occurred. FSP EITF 99-20-1 also retains and emphasizes the objective of an other-than-temporary
impairment assessment and the related disclosure requirements in SFAS No. 115, Accounting for
Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities, and other related guidance. FSP EITF 99-20-1 is
effective for interim and annual reporting periods ending after December 15, 2008, and shall be
applied prospectively. Retrospective application to a prior interim or annual reporting period is
not permitted. The implementation of this standard did not have a material impact on our
consolidated financial statements.
In December, 2008, the FASB issued FSP FAS 140-4 and FIN 46(R)-8, Disclosures Related to
Asset Transfers,
and Interests in Variable Interest Entities , which requires public companies to provide
disclosures similar to those proposed in the pending amendments to Statement 140 and Interpretation
46(R). The FSP requires additional disclosures about transfers of financial assets and an
enterprises involvement with variable interest entities. These disclosures should help improve
transparency in the current market environment. The FSP is effective for the first reporting period
(interim or annual) that ends after December 15, 2008. The adoption of this position did not have a
material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting
Principles (SFAS No. 162). SFAS No. 162 identifies the sources of accounting principles and the
framework for selecting the principles used in the preparation of financial statements of
nongovernmental entities that are presented in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles (the GAAP hierarchy). SFAS No. 162 will become effective 60 days following the SECs
approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board amendments to AU Section 411, The Meaning
of Present Fairly in Conformity With Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. We do not expect the
adoption of SFAS No. 162 to have a material effect on our consolidated results of operations and
financial condition.
In April 2008, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. 142-3 (FSP No. 142-3), Determination
of the Useful Life of Intangible Assets. FSP No. 142-3 amends the factors an entity should consider
in developing renewal or extension assumptions used in determining the useful life of recognized
intangible assets under SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. This new guidance
applies prospectively to intangible assets that are acquired individually or with a group of other
assets in business combinations and asset acquisitions. FSP No. 142-3 is effective for financial
statements issued for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2008. We are
currently evaluating the effect that the adoption of FSP No. 142-3 will have on our consolidated
results of operations and financial condition.
In February 2008, the FASB issued FSP 157-2 Partial Deferral of the Effective Date of
Statement 157 (FSP 157-2). FSP 157-2 delays the effective date of SFAS No. 157, 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 (at least annually) to fiscal years
beginning after November 15, 2008. We are currently assessing the impact of SFAS No. 157 for
non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities on our consolidated financial position and
results of operations. We do not expect that the implementation of this standard, for financial
assets and financial liabilities, will have a material impact on our consolidated financial
position or results of operations.
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Note 3-Short Term Borrowings
We have a line of credit with a bank. The line of credit expires July 2009 and is structured
as a sale of accounts receivable. The agreement provides for the sale of up to $5 million of
eligible accounts receivable, with advances to us totaling 80% of the receivables sold. Advances
under the agreement are collateralized by all of our assets. Under the terms of the agreement, we
continue to service the sold receivables and are subject to recourse provisions.
Advances bear interest at the prime rate (3.25% at December 31, 2008) plus 2.50% subject to a
minimum monthly charge. There was no amount outstanding under this borrowing facility at December
31, 2008.
The agreement contains representations and warranties, affirmative and negative covenants and
events of default customary for financings of this type. The failure to comply with these
provisions, or the occurrence of any one of the events of default, would prevent any further
borrowings and would generally require the repayment of any outstanding borrowings. Such
representations, warranties and events of default include (a) non-payment of debt and interest
hereunder, (b) non-compliance with terms of the agreement covenants, (c) insolvency or bankruptcy,
(d) material adverse change, (e) merger or consolidation where our shareholders do not hold a
majority of the voting rights of the surviving entity, (f) transactions outside the normal course
of business, or (g) payment of dividends.
Note 4 Notes Receivable From Stockholder
A former director and stockholder executed two notes aggregating $820,244 in principal amount
in connection with the exercise in December 2000 of two options. Through the third quarter of,
2005, we carried the principal (as Notes Receivable from Stockholder) and accrued interest (as
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets) for both notes as assets on our balance sheet. In
December 2005, we filed a lawsuit to collect both notes and recorded a reserve for the value of the
notes (principal plus accrued interest) in excess of the market value of the collateral securing
the notes. In 2007, we received $610,000 in full satisfaction of our claims including interest and
attorneys fees, and then rescinded the second purported option exercise and canceled the related
note.
Note 5 Income Taxes
We incurred a net loss in each year of operation since inception resulting in no current or
deferred tax expense for 2006, 2007 and 2008.
The benefit for income taxes differs from the amount obtained by applying the federal
statutory income tax rate to loss before benefit for income taxes for 2006, 2007 and 2008 as
follows:
2006 | 2007 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Tax benefit computed at Federal statutory rate |
34.0 | % | 34.0 | % | 34.0 | % | ||||||
Increase (decrease) in taxes due to: |
||||||||||||
Change in valuation allowance |
(16.7 | ) | (39.8 | ) | (39.8 | ) | ||||||
State taxes, net of federal benefit |
5.8 | 5.8 | 5.8 | |||||||||
Impairment of Goodwill (not deductible for tax) |
(23.1 | ) | | | ||||||||
| % | | % | | % | |||||||
The significant components of deferred tax assets (liabilities) at December 31 are as follows:
2007 | 2008 | |||||||
Loss carryforwards |
$ | 105,460,000 | $ | 108,940,000 | ||||
Capitalized research and development |
2,710,000 | 1,468,000 | ||||||
Depreciation |
2,582,000 | 2,541,000 | ||||||
Tax credits |
3,822,000 | 3,916,000 | ||||||
Inventory |
415,000 | 343,000 | ||||||
Purchase accounting adjustments |
46,000 | | ||||||
Acquired intellectual property |
(190,000 | ) | (90,000 | ) | ||||
Other |
437,000 | 540,000 | ||||||
Less: valuation allowance |
(115,282,000 | ) | (117,658,000 | ) | ||||
$ | | $ | | |||||
The valuation allowance increased by $2,376,000 in 2008, $3,129,000 in 2007 and $5,854,000
in 2006.
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As of December 31, 2008, we had net operating loss carryforwards for federal and state income
tax purposes of approximately $291.4 million and $168.8 million, respectively, which expire in the
years 2009 through 2028. Of these amounts $88.3 million and $23.5 million, respectively, resulted
from the acquisition of Conductus. Included in the net operating loss carryforwards are deductions
related to stock options of approximately $24.1 million and $13.1 million for federal and
California income tax purposes, respectively. To the extent net operating loss carryforwards are
recognized for accounting purposes the resulting benefits related to the stock options will be
credited to stockholders equity. In addition, we had research and development and other tax
credits for federal and state income tax purposes of approximately $3.0 million and $1.4 million,
respectively, which expire in the years 2009 through 2028. Of these amounts $661,000 and $736,000,
respectively resulted from the acquisition of Conductus.
Due to the uncertainty surrounding their realization, we have recorded a full valuation
allowance against our net deferred tax assets. Accordingly, no deferred tax asset has been
recorded in the accompanying balance sheet.
Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code imposes an annual limitation on the utilization of
net operating loss carryforwards based on a statutory rate of return (usually the applicable
federal funds rate, as defined in the Internal Revenue Code) and the value of the corporation at
the time of a change of ownership as defined by Section 382. We had changes in ownership in
August 1999 and December 2002. In addition, we acquired the right to Conductus net operating
losses, which are also subject to the limitations imposed by Section 382. Conductus underwent
three ownership changes, which occurred in February 1999, February 2001and December 2002.
Therefore, the ability to utilize our net operating loss carryforwards of $94.3 million incurred
prior to the ownership changes and Conductus net operating loss carryforwards of $83.7 million
incurred prior to the ownership changes will be subject in future periods to an annual limitation
of $1.3 million and $700,000, respectively. Net operating losses incurred by us subsequent to the
ownership changes totaled $113.4 million and are not subject to this limitation.
Note 6 Stockholders Equity
Preferred Stock
Pursuant to our Certificate of Incorporation, the Board of Directors is authorized to issue up
to 2,000,000 shares of preferred stock (par value $.001 per share) in one or more series and to fix
the rights, preferences, privileges, and restrictions, including the dividend rights, conversion
rights, voting rights, redemption price or prices, liquidation preferences, and the number of
shares constituting any series or the designation of such series. In February 2008, we issued to
BAOLI and two related purchasers a total of (a) 3,101,361 shares of our common stock and (b)
611,523 shares of our Series A Preferred Stock (convertible into 6,115,230 shares of our common
stock) in exchange for net proceeds of $14.9 million in cash after offering costs of $89,000, of
which $4.0 million had been received in 2007. Subject to the terms and conditions of our Series A
Preferred Stock and to customary adjustments to the conversion rate, each share of our Series A
Preferred Stock is convertible into ten shares of our common stock so long as the number of shares
of our common stock beneficially owned by BAOLI and affiliates following such conversion does not
exceed 9.9% of our outstanding common stock. Except for a preference on liquidation of $.01 per
share, each share of Series A Preferred Stock is the economic equivalent of the ten shares of
common stock into which it is convertible. In accordance with EITF issue No. 98-5, Accounting for
Convertible Securities with Beneficial Conversion Features or Contingently Adjustable Conversion
Ratios and EITF Issue No. 00-27, Application of Issue No. 98-5 to Certain Convertible
Securities, there is no beneficial conversion feature related to the conversion of the preferred
shares, as the value of the common shares into which the preferred shares convert does not exceed
the recorded amount of the preferred at date of issuance. Except as required by law, the Series A
Preferred Stock does not have any voting rights.
F-13
Table of Contents
Common Stock
In a registered direct offering completed in May 2008 we raised net proceeds of $5.6 million,
net of offering costs of $442,000, from the sale of 2,000,000 shares of common stock at $3.00 per
share based on a negotiated discount to market. We determined the offering price based principally
on negotiations between us, the placement agent and the selected institutional investors and on our
consideration of the closing prices (including high, low and average prices) and trading volumes of
our common stock on the Nasdaq Capital Market primarily during the 30 trading days proceeding the
date we determined the offering price.
As noted above, in February 2008, we issued to BAOLI and two related purchasers a total of (a)
3,101,361 shares of our common stock and (b) 611,523 shares of our Series A Preferred Stock
(convertible into 6,115,230 shares of our common stock) in exchange for net proceeds of $14.9
million in cash after offering costs of $89,000.
Other than the $4 million cash deposit on the BAOLI stock sale described above, we raised no
money from the sale of our common stock in 2007 or 2006.
Equity Awards
We have five equity award option plans, the 1992 Stock Option Plan, the nonstatutory 1992
Directors Stock Option Plan, 1998 and 1999 Stock Option Plans and the 2003 Equity Incentive Plan
(collectively, the Stock Option Plans) although we can only grant new options under the 2003
Equity Incentive Plan. Under the 2003 Equity Incentive Plan, stock awards may be made to our
directors, key employees, consultants, and non-employee directors and may consist of stock options,
stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, performance awards, and performance share
awards. Stock options must be granted at prices no less than the market value on the date of
grant.
At December 31, 2008, 1,066,019 shares of common stock were available for future grants under
the 2003 Equity Incentive Plan.
There were no stock option exercises in 2008 or 2006; 3,350 shares were issued on option exercises
in 2007.
For 2006, 2007 and 2008, the weighted average fair value of options has been estimated at the
date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The following are the significant
weighted average assumptions used for estimating the fair value under our stock option plans:
2006 | 2007 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Per share fair value
at grant date |
$ | 2.55 | $ | 2.15 | $ | 3.57 | ||||||
Risk free interest rate |
4.82 | % | 4.34 | % | 2.47 | % | ||||||
Expected volatility |
95 | % | 98 | % | 109 | % | ||||||
Dividend yield |
0 | % | 0 | % | 0 | % | ||||||
Expected life in years |
4.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 |
The expected life was based on the contractual term of the options and the expected employee
exercise behavior. Typically, options to our employees have a 3 or 4 year vesting term and a 10
year contractual term. Options vest at 33% or 25%, respectively, after one year and thereafter
vest ratably on a monthly basis. Options to Board Members have a 10 year contractual term and vest
50% after one year and 50% after two years. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U. S.
Treasury zero-coupon issues with a remaining term equal to the expected option life assumed at the
grant date. The future volatility is based on our 4 year historical volatility. We used an
expected dividend yield of 0% because we have never paid a dividend and do not anticipate paying
dividends. We assumed a 10% forfeiture rate based on historical stock option cancellation rates
over the last 4 years.
The impact of the stock options to the Consolidated Statement of Operations for 2008, 2007 and
2006 on net income was an expense of $453,000, $115,000 and $187,000 and $0.03, $0.01 and $0.01,
respectively, on both basic and diluted earnings per share. No stock compensation cost was
capitalized during the periods. The total compensation cost related to non-vested awards not yet
recognized is $1.6 million and the weighted-average period over which the cost is expected to be
recognized is 3.1 years.
F-14
Table of Contents
At December 31, 2008, 1,066,019 shares of common stock were available for future grants and
options covering 1,234,025 shares were outstanding but not yet exercised. Option activity during
the three years ended December 31, 2008 was as follows:
Weighted | ||||||||
Number of | Average | |||||||
Shares | Exercise Price | |||||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2005 |
1,202,376 | $ | 40.38 | |||||
Granted |
80,900 | 3.70 | ||||||
Canceled |
(128,335 | ) | 34.64 | |||||
Exercised |
| | ||||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2006 |
1,154,941 | 38.33 | ||||||
Granted |
45,670 | 2.96 | ||||||
Canceled |
(455,403 | ) | 41.68 | |||||
Exercised |
(3,350 | ) | 7.42 | |||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2007 |
741,858 | 34.24 | ||||||
Granted |
576,590 | 4.83 | ||||||
Canceled |
(84,423 | ) | 9.60 | |||||
Exercised |
| | ||||||
Outstanding at December 31, 2008 |
1,234,025 | $ | 22.18 | |||||
The following table summarizes information concerning currently outstanding and exercisable
stock options at December 31, 2008:
Exercisable | ||||||||||||||||||||
Weighted Average | Weighted | Weighted | ||||||||||||||||||
Range of | Number | Remaining | Average | Number | Average | |||||||||||||||
Exercise Prices | Outstanding | Contractual Life | Exercise Price | Exercisable | Exercise Price | |||||||||||||||
$1.43 - $4.90
|
205,600 | 8.58 | $ | 3.67 | 56,992 | $ | 3.54 | |||||||||||||
$5.12 - $5.80
|
412,927 | 9.13 | $ | 5.12 | 2,200 | $ | 5.31 | |||||||||||||
$6.10 - $6.90
|
236,500 | 6.40 | $ | 6.89 | 236,500 | $ | 6.89 | |||||||||||||
$7.02 - $39.38
|
209,077 | 3.44 | $ | 19.87 | 208,448 | $ | 19.90 | |||||||||||||
$40.00
- $493.75
|
169,921 | 1.70 | $ | 110.20 | 169,921 | $ | 110.20 | |||||||||||||
1,234,025 | 6.53 | $ | 22.18 | 674,061 | $ | 36.67 | ||||||||||||||
Our outstanding options expire on various dates through July 2018. The weighted-average
contractual term of stock options currently exercisable is slightly less than 4.4 years. At
December 31, 2008, no outstanding stock options and no exercisable options had an exercise price
less than the current market value or had any intrinsic value. The number of options exercisable
and weighted average exercise price at December 31, 2007 and 2006 totaled 663,174 and $37.87 and
1,067,296 and $41.13, respectively.
In July 2006, we issued restricted stock awards totaling 331,000 shares with a cliff vest
after two years of service and a per share weighted average grant-date fair value of $1.50. A 10%
forfeiture rate was assumed. In July 2008, 302,000 of these shares fully vested in one single
installment and have been expensed over the prior periods as compensation expense. We issued
256,255 of these shares and withheld 45,745 shares for statutory minimum tax withholding
requirements.
In September 2008, we issued restricted stock awards totaling 20,000 shares with a cliff vest
after two years of service and a per share weighted average grant-date fair value of $1.62. A 10%
forfeiture rate was assumed.
The impact to the Consolidated Statement of Operations for 2008 on net income was an expense
of $134,000 and $0.01 on basic and diluted earnings per share. The 2007 and 2006 impact on net
income was an expense of $223,000 and $93,000 and $0.02 and $0.01 on basic and diluted earnings per
share, respectively. No stock compensation cost was capitalized during the periods. The total
compensation cost related to non-vested awards not yet recognized is $25,000, and the
weighted-average period over which the cost is expected to be recognized is 1.7 years.
Warrants
F-15
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The following is a summary of outstanding warrants at December 31, 2008:
Common Shares | ||||||||||||||||
Currently | Price per | |||||||||||||||
Total | Exercisable | Share | Expiration Date | |||||||||||||
Warrants related to August 2005 financing |
342,466 | 342,466 | $ | 6.74 | August 16, 2010* ** | |||||||||||
Warrants related to April 2004 financing |
10,000 | 10,000 | 18.50 | April 28, 2011* | ||||||||||||
Total |
352,466 | 352,466 | ||||||||||||||
* | The terms of these warrants contain net exercise provisions, under which holders can elect to receive common stock equal to the difference between the exercise price and the sale price for common shares on the exercise date or the date immediately preceding the exercise date instead of paying the exercise price in cash. | |
** | These warrants contain special anti-dilution adjustment provisions relating to the price of other issuances. Under the issuances in 2008, the exercise price of these warrants was adjusted to $6.74. |
No warrants were exercised during 2008 and 2006. During 2007, the BAOLI offering caused the
exercise price and the number of shares of certain warrants issued in 2004 to be adjusted to $8.34
and 110,880, respectively. In November 2007, the holder of these warrants elected the net exercise
provision of this warrant, and received 24,697 shares of our common stock.
Note 7 Employee Savings Plan
In December 1989, the Board of Directors approved a 401(k) savings plan (the 401(k) Plan)
for our employees that became effective in 1990. Eligible employees may elect to make
contributions under the terms of the 401(k) Plan; however, contributions by us are made at the
discretion of management. We contributed $287,000 to the 401(k) Plan in 2008 and we made no
contributions to the 401(k) Plan in 2006 or 2007.
Note 8 Commitments and Contingencies
Operating Leases
We lease our offices and production facilities under a non-cancelable operating lease that
expires in four years. This lease contains a minimum rent escalation clause that requires
additional rental amounts after the first year. Rent expense for this lease with minimum annual
rent escalation is recognized on a straight line basis over the minimum lease term. This lease
also requires us to pay utilities, insurance, taxes and other operating expenses and contains one
five-year renewal option at 95% of the then current market rental value.
For 2006, 2007 and 2008, rent expense was $1,152,000, $1,104,000 and $1,122,000, respectively.
Capital Leases
We leased certain property and equipment under a capital lease arrangement that expired in
2007.
Patents and Licenses
We have entered into various licensing agreements requiring royalty payments ranging from
0.13% to 2.5% of specified product sales. Certain of these agreements contain provisions for the
payment of guaranteed or minimum royalty amounts. In the event that we fail to pay minimum annual
royalties, these licenses may automatically be terminated. These royalty obligations terminate in
2009 to 2020. Royalty expenses totaled $156,000 in 2006, $172,000 in 2007 and $150,000 in 2008.
Under the terms of certain royalty agreements, royalty payments made may be subject to audit.
There have been no audits to date and we do not expect any possible future audit adjustments to be
significant.
F-16
Table of Contents
The minimum lease payments under operating and capital leases and license obligations are as
follows:
Operating | ||||||||
Years Ended December 31, | Licenses | Leases | ||||||
2009 |
$ | 150,000 | $ | 1,480,000 | ||||
2010 |
150,000 | 1,531,000 | ||||||
2011 |
150,000 | 1,442,000 | ||||||
2012 |
150,000 | 9,000 | ||||||
2013 |
150,000 | 1,000 | ||||||
Thereafter |
900,000 | | ||||||
Total payments |
$ | 1,650,000 | $ | 4,463,000 | ||||
Note 9 Contractual Guarantees and Indemnities
During our normal course of business, we make certain contractual guarantees and indemnities
pursuant to which we may be required to make future payments under specific circumstances. We have
not recorded any liability for these contractual guarantees and indemnities in the accompanying
consolidated financial statements.
Warranties
We establish reserves for future product warranty costs that are expected to be incurred
pursuant to specific warranty provisions with our customers. Our warranty reserves are established
at the time of sale and updated throughout the warranty period based upon numerous factors
including historical warranty return rates and expenses over various warranty periods.
Intellectual Property Indemnities
We indemnify certain customers and our contract manufacturers against liability arising from
third-party claims of intellectual property rights infringement related to our products. These
indemnities appear in development and supply agreements with our customers as well as manufacturing
service agreements with our contract manufacturers, are not limited in amount or duration and
generally survive the expiration of the contract. Given that the amount of any potential
liabilities related to such indemnities cannot be determined until an infringement claim has been
made, we are unable to determine the maximum amount of losses that we could incur related to such
indemnifications.
Director and Officer Indemnities and Contractual Guarantees
We have entered into indemnification agreements with our directors and executive officers,
which require us to indemnify such individuals to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law.
Our indemnification obligations under such agreements are not limited in amount or duration.
Certain costs incurred in connection with such indemnifications may be recovered under certain
circumstances under various insurance policies. Given that the amount of any potential liabilities
related to such indemnities cannot be determined until a lawsuit has been filed against a director
or executive officer, we are unable to determine the maximum amount of losses that we could incur
relating to such indemnifications. Historically, any amounts payable pursuant to such director and
officer indemnifications have not had a material negative effect on our business, financial
condition or results of operations.
We have also entered into severance and change in control agreements with certain of our
executives. These agreements provide for the payment of specific compensation benefits to such
executives upon the termination of their employment with us.
General Contractual Indemnities/Products Liability
During the normal course of business, we enter into contracts with customers where we agreed
to indemnify the other party for personal injury or property damage caused by our products. Our
indemnification obligations under such agreements are not generally limited in amount or duration.
Given that the amount of any potential liabilities related to such indemnities
F-17
Table of Contents
cannot be determined until a lawsuit has been filed against a director or executive officer, we are unable to determine
the maximum amount of losses that we could incur relating to such indemnifications. Historically,
any amounts payable pursuant to such guarantees have not had a material negative effect our
business, financial condition or results of operations. We maintain general and product liability
insurance as well as errors and omissions insurance, which may provide a source of recovery to us
in the event of an indemnification claim.
Short Term Borrowings
We have a line of credit with a bank. The line of credit expires July 2009 and is structured
as a sale of accounts receivable. The agreement provides for the sale of up to $5 million of
eligible accounts receivable, with advances to us totaling 80% of the receivables sold. Advances
under the agreement (See Note 3) are collateralized by all our assets. Under the terms of the
agreement, we continue to service the sold receivables and are subject to recourse provisions.
Under the terms of the agreement, if the bank determines that there is a material adverse change in
our business, they can exercise all their rights and remedies under the agreement, including
demanding immediate payment of outstanding amounts. There was no amount outstanding under this
facility at December 31, 2008
Contractual Contingency
We have a contract to deliver several custom products to a government contractor, with respect
to which delivery of the product was delayed because we were unable to manufacture the products for
technical reasons. In December 2008, new terms and amended specifications were agreed upon, and we
now expect to deliver these custom products in July 2009.
Note 10-Legal Proceedings
Settlement of Litigation
In March 2007, we entered into a Settlement Agreement and Mutual Release of All Claims with a
former director and stockholder to settle a lawsuit to collect amounts due under two notes, under
which we received a payment of $610,000 in April 2007 in payment of one note, including interest
and attorneys fees, and the rescission of the second related note.
Routine Litigation
We may be involved in routine litigation arising in the ordinary course of our business, and,
while the results of the proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, we believe that the final
outcome of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position,
operating results or cash flows.
Note 11- Earnings Per Share
We present basic and diluted earnings per common share pursuant to the provisions of SFAS
No. 128, Earnings per Share. Basic earnings (loss) per share is based on the weighted-average
number of common shares outstanding and diluted earnings (loss) per share is based on the
weighted-average number of common shares outstanding plus all potentially dilutive common shares
outstanding.
Since their impact would be anti-dilutive, our loss per common share does not include the
effect of the assumed exercise or vesting of any of the following shares:
2006 | 2007 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Outstanding stock options |
1,154,941 | 741,858 | 1,234,025 | |||||||||
Outstanding stock awards |
331,000 | 331,000 | 20,000 | |||||||||
Outstanding warrants |
828,838 | 468,745 | 352,466 | |||||||||
Total |
2,314,779 | 1,541,603 | 1,606,491 | |||||||||
F-18
Table of Contents
Note 12- Restructuring Expenses and Impairment Charges
In the fourth quarter of 2008 we initiated an effort to reduce our cost structure and incurred
$141,000 in severance related to this effort. The following summarizes the restructuring and
impairment charges for 2006, 2007 and 2008:
Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Restructuring | Impairment | Restructuring | Impairment | Restructuring | Impairment | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Charges for | Charges for | Charges for | Charges for | Total for | Charges for | Charges for | Total for | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2006 | 2006 | Total for 2006 | 2007 | 2007 | 2007 | 2008 | 2008 | 2008 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Severance costs |
$ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | 141,000 | $ | | $ | 141,000 | ||||||||||||||||||
Goodwill write-off |
| 20,107,000 | 20,107,000 | | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Impairment charge
for notes
receivable from
shareholder and
board member |
| 38,000 | 38,000 | | | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 20,145,000 | $ | 20,145,000 | | | | $ | 141,000 | | $ | 141,000 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Note 13 Details of Certain Financial Statement Components and Supplemental Disclosures of Cash
Flow Information and Non-Cash Activities
Balance Sheet Data:
December 31, 2007 | December 31, 2008 | |||||||
Accounts receivable: |
||||||||
Accounts receivable-trade |
$ | 1,242,000 | $ | 110,000 | ||||
U.S. government accounts receivable-billed |
1,246,000 | 320,000 | ||||||
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts |
(75,000 | ) | (75,000 | ) | ||||
$ | 2,413,000 | $ | 355,000 | |||||
December 31, 2007 | December 31, 2008 | |||||||
Inventories: |
||||||||
Raw materials |
$ | 1,934,000 | $ | 2,753,000 | ||||
Work-in-process |
679,000 | 1,038,000 | ||||||
Finished goods |
1,817,000 | 2,348,000 | ||||||
Less: inventory reserves |
(1,015,000 | ) | (861,000 | ) | ||||
$ | 3,415,000 | $ | 5,278,000 | |||||
December 31, 2007 | December 31, 2008 | |||||||
Property and Equipment: |
||||||||
Equipment |
$ | 15,951,000 | $ | 15,537,000 | ||||
Leasehold improvements |
6,732,000 | 6,741,000 | ||||||
Furniture and fixtures |
407,000 | 404,000 | ||||||
23,090,000 | 22,682,000 | |||||||
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization |
(19,129,000 | ) | (19,943,000 | ) | ||||
$ | 3,961,000 | $ | 2,739,000 | |||||
F-19
Table of Contents
Depreciation expense amounted to $2,277,000, $1,877,000 and $1,401,000 respectively, in
2006, 2007 and 2008. In 2007 and 2008, we disposed of older, fully depreciated equipment
with an acquisition cost of $1,344,000 and $598,000, respectively. There were no gains or
losses from these dispositions.
December 31, 2007 | December 31, 2008 | |||||||
Patents and Licenses: |
||||||||
Patents pending |
$ | 705,000 | $ | 940,000 | ||||
Licenses pending |
| 39,000 | ||||||
Patents issued |
983,000 | 1,059,000 | ||||||
Less accumulated amortization |
(345,000 | ) | (409,000 | ) | ||||
Net patents issued |
638,000 | 650,000 | ||||||
Licenses |
563,000 | 563,000 | ||||||
Less accumulated amortization |
(134,000 | ) | (167,000 | ) | ||||
Net licenses Issued |
429,000 | 396,000 | ||||||
Purchased technology |
1,706,000 | 1,706,000 | ||||||
Less accumulated amortization |
(1,242,000 | ) | (1,479,000 | ) | ||||
Net purchased technology |
464,000 | 227,000 | ||||||
$ | 2,236,000 | $ | 2,252,000 | |||||
Amortization expense related to these items totaled $326,000, $331,000 and
$334,000 respectively in 2006, 2007 and 2008. Amortization expenses related to
these items are expected to total $331,000 in 2008 and 2009 and approximately
$95,000 in 2010 and 2011.
December 31, 2007 | December 31, 2008 | |||||||
Accrued Expenses and Other Long Term Liabilities: |
||||||||
Salaries payable |
$ | 307,000 | $ | 12,000 | ||||
Compensated absences |
371,000 | 375,000 | ||||||
Compensation related |
369,000 | 12,000 | ||||||
Warranty reserve |
380,000 | 261,000 | ||||||
Deferred rent |
373,000 | 325,000 | ||||||
Other |
123,000 | 114,000 | ||||||
1,923,000 | 1,099,000 | |||||||
Less current portion |
(1,405,000 | ) | (658,000 | ) | ||||
Long term portion |
$ | 518,000 | $ | 441,000 | ||||
2006 | 2007 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Warranty Reserve Activity: |
||||||||||||
Beginning balance |
$ | 491,000 | $ | 428,000 | $ | 380,000 | ||||||
Additions |
140,000 | 75,000 | 41,000 | |||||||||
Deductions |
(203,000 | ) | (123,000 | ) | (160,000 | ) | ||||||
Ending balance |
$ | 428,000 | $ | 380,000 | $ | 261,000 | ||||||
Lease Abandonment Costs: |
||||||||||||
Beginning balance |
$ | 225,000 | $ | 8,000 | | |||||||
Additions |
| | |
F-20
Table of Contents
2006 | 2007 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Transfers from unfavorable lease costs |
| | | |||||||||
Deductions |
(217,000 | ) | (8,000 | ) | | |||||||
Ending balance |
$ | 8,000 | $ | | $ | | ||||||
Product Line Exit Costs: |
||||||||||||
Beginning balance |
$ | 402,000 | $ | 319,000 | | |||||||
Additions |
| | | |||||||||
Deductions |
(83,000 | ) | (319,000 | ) | | |||||||
Change in estimate relating to previous exit costs accrual |
| | | |||||||||
Ending balance |
$ | 319,000 | $ | | $ | | ||||||
Severance Costs: |
||||||||||||
Beginning balance |
$ | 36,000 | $ | 32,000 | | |||||||
Additions |
218,000 | | 141,000 | |||||||||
Deductions |
(222,000 | ) | (32,000 | ) | | |||||||
Ending balance |
$ | 32,000 | $ | | $ | 141,000 | ||||||
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:
2006 | 2007 | 2008 | ||||||||||
Cash paid for interest |
$ | 45,000 | $ | 39,000 | $ | 32,000 |
Note 14 Subsequent Event
Operating Lease
In February 2009, we amended our office and production facilities lease. The base rent and the
minimum annual escalation clause were reduced and the term of the lease was extended five years to
November 2016.
Contract Funding
In March 2009, the second phase of our U.S. Air Force contract was funded for an additional
twelve months and provides for progress billing of up to $4.1 million.
F-21
Table of Contents
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
First Quarter | Second Quarter | Third Quarter | Fourth Quarter | |||||||||||||
2008 |
||||||||||||||||
Net revenues (1) |
$ | 3,471,000 | $ | 2,949,000 | $ | 3,595,000 | $ | 1,278,000 | ||||||||
Loss from operations (3) |
2,398,000 | 3,411,000 | 3,294,000 | 3,850,000 | ||||||||||||
Net loss |
2,308,000 | 3,349,000 | 3,235,000 | 3,809,000 | ||||||||||||
Basic and diluted loss per
common share |
(0.17 | ) | (0.21 | ) | (0.18 | ) | (0.21 | ) | ||||||||
Weighted average number of
shares outstanding |
13,636,083 | 16,316,072 | 17,750,761 | 17,869,030 | ||||||||||||
2007 |
||||||||||||||||
Net revenues (1) |
$ | 4,183,000 | $ | 4,685,000 | $ | 4,121,000 | $ | 4,914,000 | ||||||||
Loss from operations (2)(3) |
(2,977,000 | ) | (2,006,000 | ) | (2,040,000 | ) | (2,220,000 | ) | ||||||||
Net loss |
(2,937,000 | ) | (1,982,000 | ) | (2,021,000 | ) | (2,187,000 | ) | ||||||||
Basic and diluted loss per
common share |
$ | (0.24 | ) | $ | (0.16 | ) | $ | (0.16 | ) | $ | (0.17 | ) | ||||
Weighted average number of
shares outstanding |
12,483,367 | 12,483,367 | 12483,367 | 12,500,134 |
(1) | Our revenues vary from quarter to quarter as our customers provide minimal lead-time prior to the release of their purchase orders and have non-binding commitments to purchase from us. | |
(2) | These quarters include sales of previously written-off inventory of $0, $138,000, $57,000 and $0, respectively. | |
(3) | Includes increased reserve for inventory obsolescence of $90,000, $70,000, $0 and $0, respectively, in the 2007 quarters and $0, $15,000, $0, and $2,000, respectively, in the 2008 quarters. |
F-22
Table of Contents
SUPERCONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGIES INC.
Schedule II
Valuation and Qualifying
Accounts
Additions | ||||||||||||||||||||
Charge to | Charge to | Charge to | ||||||||||||||||||
Beginning | Costs & | Other | Other | Ending | ||||||||||||||||
Balance | Expenses | Accounts | Deductions | Balance | ||||||||||||||||
2008 |
||||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts |
$ | 75,000 | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | 75,000 | ||||||||||
Reserve for Inventory Obsolescence |
1,015,000 | 17,000 | | (171,000 | ) | 861,000 | ||||||||||||||
Reserve for Warranty |
380,000 | 41,000 | | (160,000 | ) | 261,000 | ||||||||||||||
Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance |
115,282,000 | 2,376,000 | | | 117,658,000 | |||||||||||||||
2007 |
||||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts |
75,000 | | | | 75,000 | |||||||||||||||
Impairment for Notes Receivable from
Stockholder |
1,007,000 | (583,000 | ) | | (424,000 | ) | | |||||||||||||
Reserve for Inventory Obsolescence |
1,367,000 | (195,000 | ) | | (157,000 | ) | 1,015,000 | |||||||||||||
Reserve for Warranty |
428,000 | 75,000 | | (123,000 | ) | 380,000 | ||||||||||||||
Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance |
112,153,000 | 3,129,000 | | | 115,282,000 | |||||||||||||||
2006 |
||||||||||||||||||||
Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts |
75,000 | | | | 75,000 | |||||||||||||||
Impairment for Notes Receivable from
Stockholder |
969,000 | 38,000 | | | 1,007,000 | |||||||||||||||
Reserve for Inventory Obsolescence |
3,209,000 | 360,000 | (2,202,000 | ) | 1,367,000 | |||||||||||||||
Reserve for Warranty |
491,000 | 140,000 | | (203,000 | ) | 428,000 | ||||||||||||||
Deferred Tax Asset Valuation Allowance |
$ | 106,299,000 | $ | 5,854,000 | $ | | $ | | $ | 112,153,000 |
F-23
Table of Contents
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, on this 20th day of March 2009.
SUPERCONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGIES INC. |
||||
By: | /s/ Jeffrey A. Quiram | |||
Jeffrey A. Quiram | ||||
President and Chief Executive Officer | ||||
POWER OF ATTORNEY
KNOW ALL THESE PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below
constitutes and appoints William J. Buchanan, his attorney-in-fact, with full power of
substitution, for him in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments to this Report on
Form 10-K, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith,
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorney-in-fact or his substitute or substitutes, may do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report on Form 10-K
has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities
and on the dates indicated:
Signature | Title | Date | ||
/s/ Jeffrey A. Quiram
|
President, Chief Executive Officer and
Director (Principal Executive Officer) |
March 20, 2009 | ||
/s/ William J. Buchanan
|
Controller (Principal Accounting Officer) (Principal Financial Officer) |
March 20, 2009 | ||
/s/ David W. Vellequette
|
Director | March 20, 2009 | ||
/s/ Lynn J. Davis
|
Director | March 20, 2009 | ||
/s/ Dennis J. Horowitz
|
Director | March 20, 2009 | ||
/s/ Martin A. Kaplan
|
Director | March 20, 2009 | ||
/s/ John D. Lockton
|
Chairman of the Board | March 20, 2009 |