Rubicon Technology, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2022 March (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark one)

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

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2022

or

☐ 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 001-33834

RUBICON TECHNOLOGY, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (847) 295-7000

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

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  ☒   No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).  Yes  ☒   No  ☐

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

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

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

As of April 30, 2022, the Registrant had 2,446,652 shares of common stock, par value $.001 per share, outstanding.

RUBICON TECHNOLOGY, INC.

Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2022

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Rubicon Technology, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

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

Rubicon Technology, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

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

Rubicon Technology, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

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

Rubicon Technology, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 and 2021

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

Rubicon Technology, Inc.

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

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

Rubicon Technology, Inc. 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2022

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Interim financial data

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete consolidated financial statements and should be read in conjunction with Rubicon Technology, Inc.’s (the “Company”) annual report filed on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting only of adjustments of a normal and recurring nature) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations have been included. Consolidated operating results for the three month period ended March 31, 2022, are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2022.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Principles of consolidation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Rubicon Worldwide LLC, doing business as Rubicon Technology Worldwide LLC, Rubicon Technology BP LLC, and the discontinued operations of Rubicon DTP LLC. In June 2021, the operations of Rubicon DTP LLC were discontinued. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

Investments

We invest our available cash primarily in U.S. Treasury securities, investment grade commercial paper, FDIC guaranteed certificates of deposit, common stock, equity-related securities and corporate notes. Investments classified as available-for-sale debt securities are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Investments in equity securities are reported at fair value, with both realized and unrealized gains and losses recorded in other income (expenses), in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Investments in which the Company has the ability and intent, if necessary, to liquidate in order to support the current operations are classified as short-term.

The Company reviews its available-for-sale debt securities investments at the end of each quarter for other-than-temporary declines in fair value based on the specific identification method. The Company considers various factors in determining whether an impairment is other-than-temporary, including the severity and duration of the impairment, changes in underlying credit ratings, forecasted recovery, its ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value and the probability that the scheduled cash payments will continue to be made. When the Company concludes that an other-than-temporary impairment has resulted, the difference between the fair value and carrying value is written off and recorded as a charge on the Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Accounts receivable

The majority of the Company’s accounts receivable is due from defense subcontractors, industrial manufacturers, fabricators, and resellers. Credit is extended based on an evaluation of the customer’s financial condition. Accounts receivable are due based on contract terms and at stated amounts due from customers, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Losses from credit sales are provided for in the financial statements.

Accounts outstanding longer than the contractual payment terms are considered past due. The Company determines its allowance by considering a number of factors, including length of time customer’s account is past due, customer’s current ability to pay and the condition of the general economy and industry as a whole. The Company writes off accounts receivable when they are deemed uncollectible and such write-offs, net of payments received, are recorded as a reduction to the allowance. 

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer and Affiliated Purchasers

In November 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to $3,000,000 of its common stock. In July 2020, the Company used all of the original authorized $3,000,000.

On December 14, 2020, Rubicon’s Board of Directors authorized an additional $3,000,000 for the repurchase of the Company’s common stock. The Company’s share repurchase program does not obligate it to acquire any specific number of shares. The timing, price and volume of repurchases will be based on market conditions, relevant securities laws and other factors. The stock repurchases may be made from time to time, through solicited or unsolicited transactions in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions or pursuant to a Rule 10b5-1 plan. The program may be terminated, suspended or modified at any time. There can be no assurance as to the number of shares of common stock repurchased. The Company records treasury stock purchases under the cost method whereby the entire cost of the acquired stock is recorded as treasury stock.

No shares of the Company’s common stock were repurchased during the three months ended March 31, 2022. The dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the program is $3,000,000.

Inventories

Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is determined based on an estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less reasonably predictable costs of completion and disposal. Raw materials cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method, and work-in-process and finished goods costs are determined on a standard cost basis, which includes materials, labor and manufacturing overhead. The Company reduces the carrying value of its inventories for differences between the cost and the estimated net realizable value, taking into account usage, expected demand, technological obsolescence and other information.

The Company establishes inventory reserves when conditions exist that suggest inventory may be in excess of anticipated demand or is obsolete based on customer specifications. The Company evaluates the ability to realize the value of its inventory based on a combination of factors, including forecasted sales, estimated current and future market value and changes in customers’ product specifications. The Company’s method of estimating excess and obsolete inventory has remained consistent for all periods presented.

Inventories of continuing operations consisted of the following:

Discontinued operations had no inventories as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.

As of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, the Company made the determination that raw material inventories were such that the likelihood of significant usage within the current year was doubtful and classified such raw material inventories as non-current in the reported financial statements. 

Property and equipment

Property and equipment consisted of the following:

Discontinued operations had no property and equipment as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.

Assets held for sale and long-lived assets

When circumstances, such as adverse market conditions, indicate that the carrying value of a long-lived asset may be impaired, the Company performs an analysis to review the recoverability of the asset’s carrying value. The Company makes estimates of the undiscounted cash flows (excluding interest charges) from the expected future operations of the asset. These estimates consider factors such as expected future operating income, operating trends and prospects, as well as the effects of demand, competition and other factors. If the analysis indicates that the carrying value is not recoverable from future cash flows, an impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value. The estimated fair value of assets is determined using appraisal techniques, which assume the highest and best use of the asset by market participants, considering the use of the asset that is physically possible, legally permissible and financially feasible at the measurement date. Any impairment losses are recorded as operating expenses which reduce net income.

For the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company reviewed the current fair value of its assets and concluded no adjustments were needed. Additionally, no adjustments were recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2022. The Company will continue to assess its long-lived assets to ensure the carrying amount of these assets is still appropriate given any changes in the asset usage, marketplace and other factors used in determining the current fair value.

The Company completed a sale of excess consumable assets in the amount of approximately $432,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2022.

On February 7, 2022, we entered into a real estate sale contract to sell our parcel of land in Batavia, Illinois for $722,000 and expect our net proceeds, if the sale is consummated, after the payment of fees, real estate taxes, brokerage and legal fees, transfer and withholding taxes and other expenses to be approximately $600,000. The closing of the sale of the Property is subject to certain conditions precedent. There is currently no anticipated closing date.

Revenue recognition

The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with ASC Topic 606, Revenue From Contracts with Customers (“Topic 606”), when performance obligations under a purchase order or signed quotation are satisfied. The Company’s business practice commits the Company to manufacture and deliver product upon acceptance of a customer’s purchase order or signed quotation (“agreement”). The agreement with the customer includes specifications of the product to be delivered, price, expected ship date and payment terms. The Company’s agreements generally do not contain variable, financing, rights of return or non-cash components. There are no up-front costs to develop the production process. The performance obligation is satisfied at the point in time (single performance obligation) when the product is manufactured to the customer’s specification, as performance does not create an asset with an alternative use to the Company. Accordingly, the Company recognizes revenue when the product is shipped, and control of the product, title and risk of loss have been transferred to the customer. The Company grants credit terms considering normal collection risk. If there is doubt about collection, full prepayment for the order is required. Any payments received prior to shipment are recorded as deferred revenue and included in Advance Payments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The Company does not provide maintenance or other services and it does not have sales that involve bill & hold arrangements, multiple elements or deliverables. However, the Company does provide product warranty for up to 90 days, for which the Company has accrued a warranty reserve of $1,000 and $1,000 at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.

Net income (loss) per common share

Basic net income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per common share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of diluted common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted shares outstanding are calculated by adding to the weighted-average shares (a) any outstanding stock options based on the treasury stock method and (b) restricted stock units (“RSU”).

Basic and diluted net income (loss) per common share for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, were $.20 and $(.29) respectively. The Company had outstanding options exercisable into 4,050 and 19,500 shares of the Company’s common stock that would not have had a material effect at March 31, 2022 and would have been anti-dilutive at March 31, 2021.

New accounting pronouncements adopted 

The Company has evaluated other recently issued accounting pronouncements and does not believe that any of these pronouncements will have a significant impact the Company’s consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

3. INVESTMENTS

The Company invests its available cash primarily in U.S. Treasury securities, investment grade commercial paper, FDIC guaranteed certificates of deposit, equity-related securities and corporate notes. Investments classified as available-for-sale debt securities are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss). Investments in equity securities are reported at fair value, with both realized and unrealized gains and losses recorded in other income (expense), in the consolidated statements of operations.

The following table presents the amortized cost and gross unrealized losses on all securities at March 31, 2022:

The following table presents the amortized cost and gross unrealized losses on all securities at December 31, 2021:

The Company values its investments at fair value, defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. Valuation techniques used to measure fair value must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The standard describes a fair value hierarchy based on three levels of inputs, of which the first two are considered observable and the last unobservable, that may be used to measure fair value, which are the following:

The Company’s fixed-income available-for-sale debt securities consist of U.S. Treasury securities, high-quality investment grade commercial paper, FDIC guaranteed certificates of deposit, equity-related securities and corporate notes. The Company values these securities based on pricing from pricing vendors, who may use quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1 inputs) or inputs other than quoted prices that are observable either directly or indirectly (Level 2 inputs) in determining fair value. The valuation techniques used to measure the fair value of the Company’s financial instruments having Level 2 inputs were derived from non-binding market consensus prices that are corroborated by observable market data, quoted market prices for similar instruments, or pricing models, such as discounted cash flow techniques.

The following table summarizes the Company’s financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of March 31, 2022:

The following table summarizes the Company’s financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2021:

There are no terms or conditions restricting the Company from redeeming any of its investments.

In addition to the debt securities noted above, the Company had approximately $7,700,000 and $8,100,000 of time deposits included in cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.

4. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS: Closure of Direct Dose Rx

On June 24, 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors decided to close its pharmacy operations, Rubicon DTP LLC, doing business as Direct Dose Rx. Immediately thereafter, Direct Dose Rx began transitioning its customers to other providers and began the process of closing its operations. Direct Dose was launched as a start-up pharmacy primarily to deliver medications and vitamins to patients being discharged from skilled nursing facilities. Based on the Company’s review and analysis of ASC 205-20 Presentation of Discontinued Operations it concluded to present the discontinued operations separately. 

5. SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS

For the three months ended March 31, 2022, the Company had six customers individually that accounted for approximately 18%, 14%, 13%, 11%, 11% and 10% of revenue. For the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company had four customers individually that accounted for approximately 28%, 22%, 17% and 12% of revenue. No other customer accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s revenues during the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021. We expect our sales to continue to be concentrated among a small number of customers. However, we also expect that our significant customers may change from time to time. 

Customers individually representing more than 10% of trade receivables accounted for approximately 55% and 80% of accounts receivable as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.

6. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Common shares reserved

As of March 31, 2022, the Company had reserved 4,050 and 28,030 shares of common stock for issuance upon the exercise of outstanding common stock options and vesting of RSUs, respectively. Also, 304,731 shares of the Company’s common stock were reserved for future grants of stock options and RSUs (or other similar equity instruments) under the Rubicon Technology, Inc. 2016 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2016 Plan”) as of March 31, 2022.

7. STOCK INCENTIVE PLANS

In August 2007, the Company adopted the Rubicon Technology Inc. 2007 Stock Incentive Plan, which was amended and restated effective in March 2011 (the “2007 Plan”), and which allowed for the grant of incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, RSUs, performance awards and bonus shares. The maximum number of shares that could be awarded under the 2007 Plan was 440,769 shares. Options granted under the 2007 Plan entitled the holder to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock at the specified option exercise price, which could not be less than the fair value of the common stock on the grant date. On June 24, 2016, the plan terminated with the adoption of the Rubicon Technology, Inc. 2016 Stock Incentive Plan, (the “2016 Plan”). Any existing awards under the 2007 Plan remain outstanding in accordance with their current terms under the 2007 Plan.

In June 2016, the Company’s stockholders approved adoption of the 2016 Plan effective as of March 17, 2016, which allows for the grant of incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, RSUs, performance awards and bonus shares. The Compensation Committee of the Board administers the 2016 Plan. The committee determines the type of award to be granted, the fair value, the number of shares covered by the award, and the time when the award vests and may be exercised.

Pursuant to the 2016 Plan, 304,731 shares of the Company’s common stock plus any shares subject to outstanding awards under the 2007 Plan that subsequently expire unexercised, are forfeited without the delivery of shares or are settled in cash, will be available for issuance under the 2016 Plan. The 2016 Plan will automatically terminate on March 17, 2026, unless the Company terminates it sooner.

The following table summarizes the activity of the stock incentive and equity plans as of March 31, 2022, and changes during the three months then ended:

The Company’s aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the underlying stock options and the fair value of the Company’s common stock. Based on the fair value of the common stock at March 31, 2022, there was $8,095 of intrinsic value arising from 3,250 in the money stock options exercisable and outstanding.

The Company uses the Black-Scholes option pricing model to value stock options. The Company uses historical stock price average to determine its volatility assumptions. The assumed risk-free rates were based on U.S. Treasury rates in effect at the time of grant with a term consistent with the expected option lives. The expected term is based upon the vesting term of the Company’s options. The stock compensation expense was allocated using the straight-line method. As of September 2020, all options had had been fully expensed. As such, there is no stock compensation expense or unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options as of March 31, 2022 and 2021. As of March 31, 2022, and December 31, 2021, the Company did not have any non-vested options.

The Company used Monte Carlo simulation model valuation technique to determine the fair value of RSUs granted because the awards vest based upon achievement of market price targets. The Monte Carlo simulation model utilizes multiple input variables that determine the probability of satisfying the market condition stipulated in the award and calculates the fair value of each RSU. Compensation expense related to the RSUs is recognized by the Company over a service period that was derived from the statistical valuation methods used to estimate the fair value of the RSUs at grant date.

During the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company recorded $18,417 and $0, respectively, in RSU expense related to employee compensation. The Company’s board of directors are compensated partially in cash and partially in RSUs. For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, the Company recorded $7,500 and $7,500, respectively, of stock compensation expense related to RSUs granted to the board of directors.

A summary of the Company’s RSUs for the three month period ended March 31, 2022 is presented below:

For the three months ended March 31, 2022, the Company did not recognize any expense for the granting of shares to employees of the Company as a bonus. For the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company awarded approximately 32,000 shares to an officer of the Company with a fair market value of approximately $341,000.

8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Litigation

From time to time, the Company experiences routine litigation in the normal course of its business. The management of the Company does not believe any pending litigation, will have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.

COVID-19 Pandemic

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as a pandemic. The full impact of the COVID-19 outbreak is unknown and cannot be reasonably estimated. The magnitude and duration of the COVID-19 outbreak, as well as other factors, could result in a material impact to the Company’s financial statements in future reporting periods.

9. INCOME TAXES

In 2017, the U.S. enacted the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) which, among other provisions, reduced the U.S. corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. The SEC issued guidance, Staff Accounting Bulletin 118, on accounting for the tax effects of the Act. The guidance allows the Company to record provisional amounts for those impacts, with the requirement that the accounting be completed in a period not to exceed one year from the date of enactment. The Company has completed its accounting for the tax effects of enactment of the Act. The deemed inclusion from the repatriation tax increased from $3,900,000 at the time of provision to $5,000,000 at the time the calculation was finalized for the tax return. The increase of the inclusion related primarily to the refinement of Malaysia earnings and profits. As the Company is in a full valuation allowance position, an equal benefit adjustment was recorded for the impact of the increase of the deemed repatriation tax.

The Company is subject to taxation in the U.S. and in U.S. state jurisdictions. On a quarterly basis, the Company assesses the recoverability of deferred tax assets and the need for a valuation allowance. Such evaluations involve the application of significant judgment, and multiple factors, both positive and negative, are considered. For the period ended March 31, 2022, a valuation allowance has been included in the 2021 forecasted effective tax rate. The Company is in a cumulative loss position for the past three years, which is considered significant negative evidence that is difficult to overcome on a “more likely than not” standard through objectively verifiable data. Under the accounting standards, objective verifiable evidence is given greater weight than subjective evidence such as the Company’s projections for future growth. Based on an evaluation in accordance with the accounting standards, as of December 31, 2015, a valuation allowance has been recorded against the net U.S. deferred tax assets in order to measure only the portion of the deferred tax assets that are more likely than not to be realized based on the weight of all available evidence. At March 31, 2022, the Company continues to be in a three-year cumulative loss position, therefore, until an appropriate level of profitability is attained, the Company expects to maintain a full valuation allowance on its U.S. net deferred tax assets. Any U.S. tax benefits or tax expense recorded on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations will be offset with a corresponding adjustment from the use of the net operating loss (“NOL”) carry-forward asset which currently has a full valuation allowance. In the event that the Company changes its determination as to the amount of deferred tax assets that can be realized, the Company will adjust its valuation allowance with a corresponding impact to the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made.

10. SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company has determined that it operates in two segments, the sapphire and pharmacy (until June 2021) businesses. The tables below include only information related to the continuing operations of the Company’s sapphire business.

Revenue is attributed by geographic region based on ship-to location of the Company’s customers. The following table summarizes revenue by geographic region:

For the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, all revenues from continuing operations were from the sale of optical sapphire products. Substantially all of the Company’s assets are located in the United States. 

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

Forward Looking Statements

All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including statements regarding our estimates, expectations, beliefs, intentions, projections or strategies for the future, results of operations, financial position, net sales, projected costs, prospects and plans and objectives of management for future operations may be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, short-term and long-term business operations and objectives and financial needs. These forward looking statements can be identified by the use of terms and phrases such as “believe,” “plan,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “target,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “prospects,” “goals,” “potential,” “likely,” and the like, and/or future-tense or conditional constructions such as “will,” “may,” “could,” “should,” etc. (or the negative thereof). Items contemplating or making assumptions about actual or potential future sales, market size and trends or operating results also constitute forward-looking statements.

Moreover, we operate in a very competitive and rapidly changing environment. New risks emerge from time to time. It is not possible for our management to predict all risks, nor can we assess the impact of all 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 we may make. Before investing in our common stock, investors should be aware that the occurrence of the risks, uncertainties and events described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, for the year ended December 31, 2021, and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are inherently subject to known and unknown business, economic and other risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to be materially different from those discussed in these forward-looking statements. Readers are urged not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Quarterly Report. We assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect any event or circumstance that may arise after the date of this Quarterly Report, other than as may be required by applicable law or regulation. If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if the underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results may vary materially from those expected or projected.

You should read this Quarterly Report, the documents that we reference in this Quarterly Report and have filed with the SEC as exhibits, and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, with the understanding that our actual future results, levels of activity, performance and events and circumstances may be materially different from what we expect.

Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “Rubicon,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Rubicon Technology, Inc. and our consolidated subsidiaries.

OVERVIEW

Rubicon Technology, Inc. (“Rubicon” or the “Company”) currently consists of one operating subsidiary, Rubicon Worldwide LLC, doing business as Rubicon Technology Worldwide LLC (“RTW”). In June 2021, the operations of Rubicon DTP LLC, doing business as Direct Dose Rx (“Direct Dose”) were discontinued.

RTW is a vertically integrated, advanced materials provider specializing in monocrystalline sapphire for applications in optical and industrial systems. We use our proprietary crystal growth technology to produce high-quality sapphire products to meet our customers exacting specifications. We believe that we continue to have a reputation as one of the highest quality sapphire producers in the market. We provide optical and industrial sapphire products in various shapes and sizes, including round and rectangular windows and blanks, domes, tubes and rods.

Historically, we have also provided sapphire products to the LED and mobile device markets, which are the largest markets for sapphire. However, given competitive pressures in those markets, in the fourth quarter of 2016 we announced our decision to limit our focus to the optical and industrial sapphire markets and exit the LED market. Following this decision, we developed a plan to close our Malaysia facility, and scale down and consolidate remaining operations in the U.S.

We operate in a very competitive market. Our ability to expand our optical and industrial business and acceptance of new product offerings are difficult to predict.

In addition, our current optical and industrial sapphire business serves smaller markets than our historical undertakings, therefore, we are actively evaluating the acquisition of profitable companies outside of the sapphire market to utilize our substantial NOL carry-forwards.

On June 24, 2021, the Company’s Board of Directors decided to close its pharmacy operations Rubicon DTP LLC, doing business as Direct Dose Rx. Direct Dose was launched as a start-up pharmacy primarily to deliver medications and vitamins to patients being discharged from skilled nursing facilities. At the end of June 2021, Direct Dose Rx ceased serving its customers and began the process of closing its operations.

Direct Dose Rx was a specialized pharmacy that provides prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs and vitamins to patients being discharged from skilled nursing facilities and hospitals and directly to retail customers who want such medications delivered to their home. The delivered products are sorted by the dose, date and time to be taken and come in easy to use perforated strip-packaging as opposed to separate pill bottles. Direct Dose Rx is currently licensed to operate in 11 states. The services offered by Direct Dose Rx used to benefits patients, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals by reducing the risk of hospital readmissions.

Historically, a significant portion of the Company’s revenue has been derived from sales to relatively few customers. For the three months ended March 31, 2022, the Company had six customers individually that accounted for approximately 18%, 14%, 13%, 11%, 11% and 10% of revenue. For the three months ended March 31, 2021, the Company had four customers individually that accounted for approximately 28%, 22%, 17% and 12% of revenue. No other customer accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s revenues during the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021. Our principal customers have been defense subcontractors, industrial manufacturers, fabricators, resellers and pharmacy benefit managers. No other customer accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s revenues during the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021. We expect our sales to continue to be concentrated among a small number of customers. However, we also expect that our significant customers may change from time to time.

Customers individually representing more than 10% of trade receivables accounted for approximately 55% and 80% of accounts receivable as of March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.

We recognize revenue based upon the shipping terms with our customers. Delays in product orders or changes to the timing of shipments could cause our quarterly revenue to vary significantly. We sell our products on a global basis, and historically derived a significant portion of our revenue from customers outside of the U.S., with the majority of our sales to the Asian and European markets. Following the decision to limit our focus to the optical and industrial sapphire markets, a major source of our revenue is derived from the North American market. All of our revenue and corresponding accounts receivable are denominated in U.S. dollars. Substantially all of our revenue is generated by our direct sales force and we expect this to continue in the future.

Our cost of goods sold consists primarily of manufacturing materials, labor, manufacturing-related overhead, such as utilities, depreciation, provisions for excess and obsolete inventory reserves, idle plant charges, outsourcing costs, freight, warranties and pharmaceutical products. We purchase materials and supplies to support current and future demand for our products. We are subject to variations in the cost of consumable assets from period to period because we do not have long-term fixed-price agreements with our suppliers. We currently outsource some of our production processes and needs.

Our operating expenses are comprised of sales and marketing, and general and administrative (“G&A”) expenses. G&A expenses consist primarily of compensation and associated costs for finance, human resources, information technology and administrative activities, including charges for accounting, legal services and insurance. Additionally, the majority of our stock-based compensation relates to administrative personnel and is accounted for as a G&A expense.

Other income consists of interest income, realized and unrealized gain (loss) on investments, and other income (expenses) that are not part of operating results.

We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, whereby the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the book value and the tax basis of assets and liabilities are recognized as deferred tax assets and liabilities, using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to be recognized. Our analysis of ownership changes that limit the utilization of our NOL carry-forwards as of December 31, 2021, shows no impact on such utilization. In order to protect our NOL carry-forwards, in December 2020, we extended our stockholders’ rights plan to 2023. We are in a cumulative loss position for the past three years. Based on an evaluation in accordance with the accounting standards, a valuation allowance has been recorded against the net U.S. deferred tax assets in order to measure only the portion of the deferred tax assets that are more likely than not to be realized based on the weight of all available evidence. Until an appropriate level of profitability is attained, we expect to maintain a full valuation allowance on our U.S. net deferred tax assets.

We continue to review a variety of strategic alternatives with a goal of providing greater value to our stockholders. These alternatives could result in, among other things, further modifying or eliminating certain of our operations, selling material assets, seeking additional financing, selling the business, making investments, effecting a merger, consolidation or other business combination, partnering or other collaboration agreements, or potential acquisitions or recapitalizations, or we may continue to operate with our current business plan and strategy. We cannot provide assurance that this process will result in the consummation of any transaction, or that the consummation of any transaction will provide greater value to our stockholders.

Direct Dose Rx revenue and expenses are currently not material to the consolidated financial information of the Company and therefore there is limited disclosure relating specifically to it. Based on the Company’s review and analysis of ASC 205-20 Presentation of Discontinued Operations it concluded to present the discontinued operations separately.

RESULTS OF CONSOLIDATED OPERATIONS THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2022 AND 2021

The following table sets forth our consolidated statements of continuing operations for the periods indicated:

The following table sets forth our consolidated statements of operations as a percentage of revenue for the periods indicated:

Revenue.

Revenue from continuing operations was $972,000 and $495,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, an increase of $477,000. This increase in revenue was primarily due to an increase in orders from the industrial sapphire business, due to fluctuations in demand and timing of orders shipped.

Revenue from discontinuing operations was $0 and $234,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, a decrease of $234,000. This decrease in revenue was due to the discontinuation of operations.

Gross profit.

Gross profit from continuing operations was $392,000 and $108,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, an increase of $284,000. The gross profit increase was due to the increase in revenue.

Gross profit from discontinued operations was $0 and $37,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, a decrease of $37,000. This decrease in gross profit was the result of the discontinuation of operations.

General and administrative expenses.

General and administrative expenses from continuing operations were $504,000 and $752,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, a decrease of $248,000. This decrease was due to a decrease in salary expense of $186,000, primarily due to an executive stock grant in the quarter ended March 31, 2021, a decrease of $22,000 in audit and tax fees, a decrease in insurance expense of $15,000, a reduction in the franchise tax accrual of $23,000, and a decrease in other G&A of $24,000, offset by an increase in legal fees of $22,000.

General and administrative expenses from discontinuing operations were $0 and $123,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, a decrease of $123,000. This decrease was due to the discontinuation of operations.

Sales and marketing expenses.

Sales and marketing expenses from continuing operations were $40,000 and $70,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, a decrease of $30,000 due to a reduction in the number of employees.

Sales and marketing expenses from discontinuing operations were $0 and $10,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, a decrease of $10,000. This decrease was primarily attributable to the discontinuation of operations.

Gain on sale or disposal of assets.

For the three months ended March 31, 2022, we recorded a gain on sale of excess consumable assets of $432,000, and for the three months ended March 31, 2021 the Company did not record a gain on sale or disposal on assets.

Other gain.

In the three months ended March 31, 2022, the Company settled liabilities that were accrued in prior years resulting in an other gain of approximately $189,000. There was no other gain in the three months ended March 31, 2021.

Other income.

Other income was $11,000 and $2,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, an increase of $9,000. This was due to an unrealized gain on equity investments of $7,000, as well as an increase in interest income of $2,000.

Income tax (benefit) expense.

In accordance with ASC740 “Accounting for Income Taxes” (“ASC740”), we evaluate our deferred income tax assets quarterly to determine if valuation allowances are required or should be adjusted. At March 31, 2022, we continue to be in a three-year cumulative loss position; therefore, until an appropriate level of profitability is attained, we expect to maintain a valuation allowance on net deferred tax assets related to future U.S. tax benefits and will no longer accrue tax benefits or tax expense on our consolidated statements of operations. The tax provision for the three months ended March 31, 2022 is based on an estimated combined statutory effective tax rate.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

We have historically funded our operations using a combination of issuances of common stock and cash generated from our operations. In addition to this, recently, we have used the funds obtained through selling our excess equipment to fund our operations.

As of March 31, 2022, we had cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments totaling $26,577,000, consisting of $7,682,000 in cash held in deposits at major banks, $3,082,000 invested in money market funds and $15,813,000 of short-term investments, which includes U.S. Treasury securities and equity-related securities.

Cash flows from operating activities

Net cash provided by operating activities was $130,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2022. During the period, we generated a net income of $480,000, including non-cash items of ($580,000) and an increase in cash due to a decrease in net working capital of $230,000. The net working capital cash increase was largely due to a net decrease in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities of $141,000 offset by net decreases in accounts receivable, inventories and prepaid expenses of $371,000.

Net cash used in operating activities was $253,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2021. During the period, we generated a net loss of $712,000, including non-cash items of $379,000, and an increase in cash due to a decrease in net working capital of $80,000. The net working capital cash increase was largely due to a net decrease in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities of $41,000 offset by net decreases in accounts receivable, inventories and prepaid expenses of $121,000.

Net cash used in operating activities of discontinued operations was $0 for the three months ended March 31, 2022. Net cash used in operating activities of discontinued operations was $144,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2021. During the period, Direct Dose generated a net loss of $95,000, including non-cash items of $4,000, and a decrease in cash due to an increase in net working capital of $53,000. The net working capital cash decrease was largely due to a net increase in accounts payable and other accrued liabilities of $12,000, offset by net increases in accounts receivable, inventories and prepaid expenses of $65,000.

Cash flows from investing activities

Net cash used in investing activities was $626,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2022. During the period, there were investment purchases totaling $1,061,000, offset by proceeds from the sale of assets totaling $432,000 and proceeds from the sale of investments totaling $3,000.

Net cash used in investing activities was $0 for the three months ended March 31, 2021, primarily due to the purchases of, and sales of investments in U.S. Treasury securities, which were approximately $1,000 each.

Net cash used in discontinued operations for investing activities was $0 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021.

We anticipate our capital expenditures for 2022 will be minimal. 

Cash flows from financing activities

Net cash used in continuing operations in financing activities was $0 for the three months ended March 31, 2022.

Net cash used in continuing operations in financing activities was $162,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2021, due entirely to cash used to settle equity awards.

Net cash used in discontinuing operations in financing activities was $0 for the three months ended March 31, 2022 and March 31, 2021.

Future liquidity requirements

We believe that our existing cash, cash equivalents, anticipated cash flows from operating activities and proceeds from sales or leases of fixed assets will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash needs for at least the next twelve months. However, if our ability to generate sufficient operating cash flow or our use of cash in the next twelve months were to significantly adversely change, we may not have enough funds available to continue operating at our current level in future periods. Our cash needs include cash required to fund our operations. If the assumptions underlying our business plan regarding future revenues and expenses change, or if unexpected opportunities or needs arise, we may seek to raise additional cash by selling equity or convertible debt securities. If we raise additional funds through the issuance of equity or convertible debt securities, the percentage ownership of our stockholders could be significantly diluted, and these newly issued securities may have rights, preferences or privileges senior to those of existing stockholders.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

We consider to be critical those accounting policies that require our most subjective or complex judgments, which often result from a need to make estimates about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain, and that are among the most important of our accounting policies in the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations. We believe the following to be our critical accounting policies, including the more significant estimates and assumptions used in preparation of our financial statements.

Revenue recognition

We recognize revenue in accordance with ASC Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“Topic 606”), when performance obligations under a purchase order or signed quotation are satisfied. Our business practice commits us to manufacture and deliver product upon acceptance of a customer’s purchase order or signed quotation (“agreement”). The agreement with the customer includes specifications of the product to be delivered, price, expected ship date and payment terms. Our agreements generally do not contain variable, financing, rights of return or non-cash components. There are no up-front costs to develop the production process. The performance obligation is satisfied at the point in time (single performance obligation) when the product is manufactured to the customer’s specification as performance does not create an asset with an alternative use to us. Accordingly, we recognize revenue when the product is shipped, and control of the product, title and risk of loss have been transferred to the customer. We grant credit terms considering normal collection risk. If there is doubt about collection, full prepayment for the order is required. Any payments received prior to shipment are recorded as deferred revenue and included in Advance Payments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  

We do not provide maintenance or other services and do not have sales that involve bill & hold arrangements, multiple elements or deliverables. However, we do provide product warranty for up to 90 days, for which we have accrued a warranty reserve of $1,000 and $1,000 at March 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.

Assets held for sale and long-lived assets

When circumstances, such as adverse market conditions, indicate that the carrying value of a long-lived asset may be impaired, we perform an analysis to review the recoverability of the asset’s carrying value. We make estimates of the undiscounted cash flows (excluding interest charges) from the expected future operations of the asset. These estimates consider factors such as expected future operating income, operating trends and prospects, as well as the effects of demand, competition and other factors. If the analysis indicates that the carrying value is not recoverable from future cash flows, an impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value. The estimated fair value of assets is determined using appraisal techniques which assume the highest and best use of the asset by market participants, considering the use of the asset that is physically possible, legally permissible and financially feasible at the measurement date. Any impairment losses are recorded as operating expenses which reduce net income.

For the year ended December 31, 2021, we reviewed the current fair value of our assets and concluded no adjustments were needed. Additionally, no adjustments were recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2022. We will continue to assess our long-lived assets to ensure the carrying amount of these assets is still appropriate given any changes in the asset usage, marketplace and other factors used in determining the current fair value.

The Company is pursuing the sale of its parcel of land in Batavia, Illinois. On February 7, 2022, we entered into a real estate sale contract to sell this parcel for $722,000 and expect our net proceeds, if the sale is consummated, after the payment of fees, real estate taxes, brokerage and legal fees, transfer and withholding taxes and other expenses to be approximately $600,000. The closing of the sale of the Property is subject to certain conditions precedent. There is currently no anticipated closing date.

Inventory valuation

We value our inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is determined based on an estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less reasonably predictable costs of completion and disposal. Raw materials cost is determined using the first-in, first-out method, and work-in-process and finished goods costs are determined on a standard cost basis which includes materials, labor and manufacturing overhead. We establish inventory reserves when conditions exist that suggest inventory may be in excess of anticipated demand or is obsolete based on customer required specifications. We evaluate the ability to realize the value of our inventory based on a combination of factors, including forecasted sales, estimated current and future market value and changes in customers’ product specifications.

Our method of estimating excess and obsolete inventory has remained consistent for all periods presented. However, if our recognition of excess or obsolete inventory is, or if our estimates of our inventory’s potential utility become, less favorable than currently expected, additional inventory reserves may be required.

Investments

We invest our available cash primarily in U.S. Treasury securities, investment grade commercial paper, FDIC guaranteed certificates of deposit, equity-related securities and corporate notes. Investments classified as available-for-sale debt securities are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). Investments in equity securities are reported at fair value, with both realized and unrealized gains and losses recorded in other income in the consolidated statements of operations. Investments in which we have the ability and intent, if necessary, to liquidate are classified as short-term.

We review our available-for-sale debt securities investments at the end of each quarter for other-than-temporary declines in fair value based on the specific identification method. We consider various factors in determining whether an impairment is other-than-temporary, including the severity and duration of the impairment, changes in underlying credit ratings, forecasted recovery, our ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value and the probability that the scheduled cash payments will continue to be made. When we conclude that an other-than-temporary impairment has resulted, the difference between the fair value and carrying value is written off and recorded as a charge on the consolidated statements of operations. As of March 31, 2022 and 2021, no impairment was recorded.

Stock-based compensation

We grant stock-based compensation in the form of stock options, RSUs and restricted stock. We expense stock-based compensation based upon the fair value on the date of grant.

We use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options. The determination of the fair value of stock option based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model is affected by assumptions regarding a number of complex and subjective variables. These variables include our expected stock volatility over the term of the awards, actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors, risk-free interest rates, forfeitures and expected dividends. The expected term represents the weighted-average period that our stock options are expected to be outstanding and is based upon the historical data. We estimate the volatility of our common stock based on a historical range of stock price fluctuations. We base the risk-free interest rate that we use in the option pricing model on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with remaining terms similar to the expected terms on the options. We do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future and, therefore, use an expected dividend yield of zero in the option pricing model. We are required to estimate forfeitures at the time of grant and revise those estimates in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

All option grants are granted at an exercise price per share equal to the closing market price of our common stock on the day before the date of grant. Therefore, there is no intrinsic value on the date of grant because the exercise price per share of each option was equal to the fair value of the common stock on the date of grant. Based on the fair value of the common stock at March 31, 2022, there was $8,095 of intrinsic value arising from 3,250 stock options exercisable and outstanding.

We allocate stock option based compensation costs using a straight-line method, which amortizes the fair value of each award on a straight-line basis over the service period.

The Company used Monte Carlo simulation model valuation technique to determine the fair value of RSUs granted because the awards vest based upon achievement of market price targets that are in terms of a 15-trading day average. The Monte Carlo simulation model utilizes multiple input variables, similar to those mentioned above in the valuation of stock options, which determine the probability of satisfying the market condition stipulated in the award, and calculates the fair value of each RSU. Compensation expense related to the RSUs is recognized by the Company over a service period that was derived from the same statistical valuation methods used to estimate the fair value of the RSUs at grant date.

Income tax valuation allowance

In accordance with ASC 740 “Accounting for Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”), we evaluate our deferred income tax assets quarterly to determine if valuation allowances are required or should be adjusted. Evaluating the need for and amount of a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets often requires significant judgment and extensive analysis of all positive and negative evidence available to determine whether all or some portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. A valuation allowance must be established for deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not (a probability level of more than 50%) that they will not be realized. In general, “realization” refers to the incremental benefit achieved through the reduction in future taxes payable or an increase in future taxes refundable from the deferred tax assets, assuming that the underlying deductible differences and carry-forwards are the last items to enter into the determination of future taxable income. In determining our valuation allowance, we consider the source of taxable income including taxable income in prior carry-back years, future reversals of existing temporary differences, the required use of tax planning strategies, and future taxable income exclusive of reversing temporary differences and carry-forwards. We are in a cumulative loss position for the past three years, which is considered significant negative evidence by the accounting standards that is difficult to overcome on a “more likely than not” standard through objectively verifiable data. The accounting standards attribute greater weight to objective verifiable evidence than to subjective positive evidence, such as our projections for future growth. Based on an evaluation in accordance with the accounting standards, as of March 31, 2022, a valuation allowance has been recorded against the net U.S. deferred tax assets in order to measure only the portion of the deferred tax assets that are more likely than not to be realized based on the weight of all available evidence. Any U.S. tax benefits or tax expense recorded on the consolidated statements of operations will be offset with a corresponding adjustment from the use of the NOL carry-forward asset which currently has a full valuation allowance. In the event that we change our determination as to the amount of deferred tax assets that can be realized, we will adjust our valuation allowance with a corresponding impact to the provision for income taxes in the period in which such determination is made.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

See Note 2 to the Condensed Financial Statements for a discussion of new accounting standards.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.  

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

For the three months ended March 31, 2022, there were no material changes in the information regarding market risk contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Management’s evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

Based on evaluation at March 31, 2022, our chief executive officer and acting chief financial officer (the “certifying officer”), with the participation of the management team, has concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC, and that material information relating to the Company is accumulated and communicated to management, including our certifying officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

Changes in internal control over financial reporting

The certifying officer has concluded that there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the three months ended March 31, 2022 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

The exhibits filed or incorporated by reference as a part of this report are listed in the Exhibit Index which appears following the signature page to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and is incorporated by reference.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

EXHIBIT INDEX

The Exhibits listed below are filed or incorporated by reference as part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

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