SCI Engineered Materials, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2015 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2015

or

For the transition period from _____________ to __________________

Commission file number: 0-31641

SCI ENGINEERED MATERIALS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

2839 Charter Street, Columbus, Ohio 43228

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(614) 486-0261

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (section 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨

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

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

4,002,270 shares of Common Stock, without par value, were outstanding at October 31, 2015.

FORM 10-Q

SCI ENGINEERED MATERIALS, INC.

Table of Contents

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SCI ENGINEERED MATERIALS, INC.

BALANCE SHEETS

ASSETS

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

SCI ENGINEERED MATERIALS, INC.

BALANCE SHEETS

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

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

SCI ENGINEERED MATERIALS, INC.

STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

THREE MONTHS AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 AND 2014

(UNAUDITED)

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

SCI ENGINEERED MATERIALS, INC.

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 AND 2014

(UNAUDITED)

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

SCI ENGINEERED MATERIALS, INC

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

SCI Engineered Materials, Inc. (“SCI”, or the “Company”), formerly Superconductive Components, Inc., an Ohio corporation, was incorporated in 1987.  The Company operates in one segment as a global supplier and manufacturer of advanced materials for Physical Vapor Deposition (“PVD”) Thin Film Applications.  The Company is focused on specific markets within the PVD industry (Photonics, Thin Film Solar, Glass, Thin Film Battery and Transparent Electronics).  Substantially all of the Company’s revenues were generated from customers with multi-national operations.  Through collaboration with end users and Original Equipment Manufacturers the Company develops innovative customized solutions enabling commercial success.

The accompanying unaudited financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for fair presentation of the results of operations for the periods presented have been included. The financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and the notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2014. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Stock Based Compensation - Compensation cost for all stock awards is based on the grant date fair value and recognized over the required service (vesting) period. Non cash stock based compensation expense was $56,332 and $43,473 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Non cash stock based compensation expense was $161,456 and $128,709 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Unrecognized compensation expense was $390,777 as of September 30, 2015 and will be recognized through 2019. There was no tax benefit recorded for this compensation cost as the expense primarily relates to incentive stock options that do not qualify for a tax deduction until, and only if, a qualifying disposition occurs.

The non-employee board members received compensation of 35,920 and 16,500 aggregate shares of common stock of the Company during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The increased shares were the result of new directors that joined the Company during 2014 and an increase in number of shares granted on a quarterly basis in 2015. The stock had an aggregate value of $40,338 and $18,810 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and was recorded as non-cash stock compensation expense in the financial statements.

SCI ENGINEERED MATERIALS, INC

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

During the second quarter 2015, the Board of Directors approved the acquisition of rights to a provisional patent owned by one of the directors, and any subsequent patents for this technology related to the application of Zinc based Transparent Conductive Oxide in displays, and the value thereof for 30,000 shares of common stock of the Company. The value of the shares of common stock at the time of acquisition was $30,540.

The cumulative status of options granted and outstanding at September 30, 2015, and December 31, 2014, as well as options which became exercisable in connection with the Company’s stock option plans is summarized as follows:

Employee Stock Options

Non-Employee Director Stock Options

Exercise prices for options ranged from $0.84 to $6.00 at September 30, 2015. The weighted average option price for all options outstanding was $4.26 with a weighted average remaining contractual life of 4.6 years.

SCI ENGINEERED MATERIALS, INC

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

During the second quarter 2015, the Board of Directors authorized a total payment of $24,152 for a cash dividend on convertible preferred stock, Series B, to shareholders of record as of December 31, 2014. The payment was made during June 2015. Dividends on the Series B preferred stock accrue at 10% annually on the outstanding shares. Dividends on the Series B preferred stock were $6,038 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 and $18,114 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014. The Company had accrued dividends on Series B preferred stock of $211,330 at September 30, 2015, and $217,368 at December 31, 2014. These amounts are included in Convertible preferred stock, Series B on the balance sheet at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.

Inventories consisted of the following:

During the second quarter of 2015 the Company removed certain slow moving inventory items recognizing a corresponding decrease in its inventory reserve and no net effect on total inventory.

Basic income per share is calculated as income applicable to common shareholders divided by the weighted average of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share is calculated as diluted income applicable to common shareholders divided by the diluted weighted average number of common shares. Diluted weighted average number of common shares gives effect to all dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period using the treasury stock method and convertible preferred stock using the if-converted method. Diluted earnings per share exclude all diluted potential shares if their effect is anti-dilutive. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, all convertible preferred stock and common stock options listed in Note 3 that were out-of-the-money or anti-dilutive were excluded from diluted earnings per share. The following is provided to reconcile the earnings per share calculations:

SCI ENGINEERED MATERIALS, INC

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

On August 8, 2013, the Company issued a Promissory Note (the “Note”) in the amount of $128,257 to The Huntington National Bank, as Lender, with a maturity date of August 5, 2016. This Note replaced an existing promissory note to The Huntington National Bank.

The Note is collateralized by a blanket lien on all of the Company’s assets including, without limitation, inventory, equipment and accounts receivable. Among other items, the Note provides for the following:

The interest rate on the Note was 5% at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014. As of September 30, 2015 there was an outstanding balance of $41,386 on this Note. The Company expects to maintain compliance with all covenants of this Note through the maturity date.

During 2010, the Company applied and was approved for a 166 Direct Loan to borrow up to $744,250 with the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD), now known as the Ohio Development Services Agency (ODSA). This loan was finalized in February 2011. The term of the loan is 84 months at a fixed interest rate of 3%. There is also a 0.25% annual servicing fee charged monthly on the outstanding principal balance. On August 13, 2013, ODSA and the Company agreed to a modification to the payment schedule. Interest and servicing payments of $1,656 were paid monthly from August 2013 through January 2014. Beginning in February 2014, monthly payments of approximately $10,500, including principal, interest and servicing fee are due through October 2018. A final payment of approximately $71,900 is due November 2018. The loan is collateralized by the related project equipment. This loan is also subject to certain covenants, including job creation and retention. On July 21, 2014, the Company and ODSA signed a second amendment relating to the job creation and retention. As of September 30, 2015 there was an outstanding balance of $430,808 on this loan. The Company expects to maintain compliance with all covenants of this loan through at least September 30, 2016.

During 2010, the Company also applied and was approved for a 166 Direct Loan through the Advanced Energy Program with the Ohio Air Quality Development Authority (OAQDA) to borrow up to approximately $1.4 million (this maximum commitment by the OAQDA was subsequently reduced to $368,906 on March 20, 2012). On December 20, 2013, OAQDA and the Company signed a Fourth Amendment to the Loan Documents and agreed to a modification to the payment schedule. Interest and servicing payments of $2,121 were payable quarterly from October 2013 through March 2014. Beginning in June 2014, quarterly payments of approximately $17,300, including principal, interest at 3% and servicing fees are due through December 2017. A final payment of approximately $50,400 is due February 2018. This loan is also subject to certain covenants, including job creation. Included in the above amendment is a waiver for the job creation commitment, due to market conditions, for the duration of the term of the Loan Agreement. The Company expects to maintain compliance with all covenants of this loan at least through September 30, 2016. The loan is collateralized by the related project equipment. As of September 30, 2015 there was an outstanding balance of $192,717 on this loan.

SCI ENGINEERED MATERIALS, INC

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

An Intercreditor Agreement exists as part of the above mentioned loans with agencies of the State of Ohio. The OAQDA and ODSA agree to shared lien and security interest through mutual covenants. These covenants include, but are not limited to, the creation of an agreed upon number of jobs, filing of quarterly and annual reports and various financial covenants. The Company expects to maintain compliance with all covenants of these loans through at least September 30, 2016.

During 2006, the Company was approved for a 166 Direct Loan from the Ohio Department of Development, now known as the ODSA, in the amount of $400,000. These funds were received in July of 2008 and were used for the purchase of production equipment and to reduce the Company’s capital lease obligations on certain equipment. The term of the loan was 84 months at a fixed interest rate of 3%. There was also a 0.25% annual servicing fee charged monthly on the outstanding principal balance. The loan was collateralized by the related project equipment. On August 8, 2013, ODSA and the Company agreed to a modification to the payment schedule. Interest and servicing payments of approximately $400 were paid monthly from August 2013 through January 2014. Beginning in February 2014, monthly payments of approximately $6,100, including principal, interest and servicing fee were paid through July 2015. A final payment of approximately $42,200 was paid in August 2015.

Following is the income tax benefit (expense) for the three and nine months ended September 30:

Deferred tax assets and liabilities result from temporary differences in the recognition of income and expense for tax and financial reporting purposes. A full valuation allowance has been recorded against the realizability of the net deferred tax assets at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014.  The Company has net operating loss carryforwards available for federal and state tax purposes of approximately $4,300,000 which expire in varying amounts through 2034.

Management has forecasted revenues and related costs as well as investing plans and financing needs to determine liquidity to meet cash flow requirements and believes the Company will have sufficient liquidity at least through September 30, 2016.  This forecast was based on current cash levels and debt obligations, and the best estimates of revenues primarily from existing customers and gave consideration to the continued and possible increased levels of uncertainty in demand in the markets in which the Company operates.  The Company’s ability to maintain current operations is dependent upon its ability to achieve these forecasted results, which the Company believes will occur.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Financial Statements and Notes contained herein and with those in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q include certain 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, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. Those statements include, but may not be limited to, all statements regarding our intent, belief, and expectations, such as statements concerning our future profitability and operating and growth strategy. Words such as “believe,” “anticipate,” “expect,” “will,” “may,” “should,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “predict,” “potential,” “continue,” “likely” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and in other statements we make involve risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, the factors set forth under the caption “Risk Factors” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014, and other factors detailed from time to time in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. One or more of these factors have affected, and in the future could affect our business and financial condition and could cause actual results to differ materially from plans and projections. Although we believe the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, there can be no assurance that any of the forward-looking statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion of such information should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that our objectives and plans will be achieved.

Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which such statements are made or reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, unless necessary to prevent such statements from becoming misleading. New factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for us to predict all factors, nor can it assess the impact of each such factor on the 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.

Overview

SCI Engineered Materials, Inc. (“SCI”, “we” or the “Company”), formerly Superconductive Components, Inc., an Ohio corporation, was incorporated in 1987.  We operate in one segment as a global supplier and manufacturer of advanced materials for Physical Vapor Deposition (“PVD”) Thin Film Applications.  We are focused on specific markets within the PVD industry (Photonics, Thin Film Solar, Glass, Thin Film Battery and Transparent Electronics).  Substantially all of our revenues are generated from customers with multi-national operations.  We have made considerable resource investment in the Thin Film Solar industry and a few customers have adopted our products.  Thin Film Battery is a developing market where manufacturers of batteries use our products to produce very small power supplies with small quantities of stored energy. Through collaboration with end users and Original Equipment Manufacturers we develop innovative customized solutions enabling commercial success. 

Executive Summary

Gross profit was $390,581 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to $402,481 for the same three months in 2014. This was a decrease of $11,900, or 3.0%. Gross profit decreased due to a decrease in revenue due to reduced volume from certain photonics customers that occurs from time to time. Gross profit was $1,696,673 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to $1,569,724 for the first nine months of 2014. This was an increase of $126,949, or 8.1%. Year to date gross profit increased due to increased volume in our thin film solar market and overall product mix despite a decrease in revenue due to reduced volume from certain photonics customers. Total revenue decreased approximately $280,000 during the third quarter of 2015 compared to the same time period in 2014 and approximately $1,015,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 versus the first nine months of 2014.

Operating expenses were $561,293 and $450,494 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. This was an increase of $110,799, or 24.6%. Included in this increase was higher research and development expense of $80,281 which represented 72.5% of the operating expense increase. Operating expenses were $1,645,671 and $1,504,733 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. This was an increase of $140,938, or 9.4%. Included in this increase was higher research and development expense of $111,337 which represented 79.0% of the operating expense increase. We continue to invest in developing new products for all of our markets including transparent conductive oxide systems within the thin film solar industry. We also have ongoing development efforts with our thin film battery materials and transparent electronic products. These efforts include accelerating time to market for those products and involve ongoing research & development expense.

For the three months ended September 30, 2015, we had net loss after income taxes of $183,440 compared to $66,832 for the three months ended September 30, 2014. We had loss applicable to common shares of $189,478 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to $72,870 for the same period in 2014. The net loss in the third quarter of 2015 versus the first half of 2015 was the result of less revenue to the thin film solar market. We entered the third quarter of 2015 with expectations of follow-on orders for thin film solar products; however, a temporary slowdown in our customers’ order patterns occurred. These customers continue to increase their manufacturing capacity and we expect to receive additional orders later this year or early in 2016.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we had net income after income taxes of $6,164 compared to net income after income taxes of $10,974 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. We had loss applicable to common shares of $11,950 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to $7,140 for the same period in 2014.

Several new customers are currently conducting extensive product testing and qualification activities. We are optimistic this will result in increased orders. Late in the third quarter of 2014 we received new orders from Asia for approximately $400,000 of Transparent Conductive Oxide materials. Due to shipping terms related to these targets the revenue was recognized during the first quarter of 2015. Subsequently, follow-on orders were received for more than $500,000 of the same materials. Approximately $400,000 of revenue was recognized from these orders during the second quarter of 2015 and the balance during the third quarter. Our strategy implemented a few years ago to add manufacturing capacity and marketing support for thin film solar applications is beginning to show progress but orders may be cyclical for a few quarters as these customers bring their production on stream and begin selling their capacity

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 (unaudited) compared to three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 (unaudited):

Revenue

For the three months ended September 30, 2015, we had total revenue of $1,464,734. This was a decrease of $280,183, or 16.1%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2014. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, we had total revenue of $6,421,227. This was a decrease of $1,014,566, or 13.6%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2014. Total revenue decreased due to reduced volume from certain photonics customers. Revenue in our thin film solar market grew due to increased volume from customer demand.

Revenue from product sales is recognized on shipping terms or upon shipment to customers. Provisions for discounts and rework costs for returns are established when products are shipped based on historical experience. Customer deposits represent cash received in advance of revenue earned.

Gross Profit

Gross profit was $390,581 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to $402,481 for the same three months in 2014. This was a decrease of $11,900, or 3.0%. Gross profit as a percentage of revenue (gross margin) was 26.7% for the third quarter of 2015 compared to 23.1% for the same period in 2014. Gross profit was $1,696,673 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to $1,569,724 for the same nine months in 2014. This was an increase of $126,949, or 8.1%. Gross profit as a percentage of revenue (gross margin) was 26.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to 21.1% for the same period in 2014. The increase in year to date gross profit and gross margin was attributed to increased sales of thin film solar products and improved overall product mix. A decrease in cost and volume of a high priced, low margin raw material used to manufacture products also contributed to the increase in gross margin.

General and Administrative Expense

General and administrative expense for the three months ended September 30, 2015 increased 16.7% to $320,030 from $274,242 for the three months ended September 30, 2014. The increase was primarily due to increased travel expenses of approximately $17,000, non-cash stock based compensation expense of approximately $11,000, and compensation of approximately $9,000.      

General and administrative expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 increased to $979,268 from $906,984 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, or 8.0%. The first nine months of 2015 included higher travel expenses of approximately $35,000, non-cash stock based compensation expense of approximately $27,000 and compensation of approximately $7,000.

Professional Fees

Included in general and administrative expense was $38,914 and $36,101 for professional fees for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $155,291 and $166,466 for professional fees for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The decrease in the year to date amount is primarily related to lower accounting fees. These continued expenses are primarily related to SEC compliance costs for legal, accounting and stockholder relations fees.

Research and Development Expense

Research and development expense for the three months ended September 30, 2015 was $136,900 compared to $56,619 for the same period in 2014, an increase of 141.8%. Research and development expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $325,764 compared to $214,427 for the same period in 2014, an increase of 51.9%. The increase is primarily due to sponsored research which began late in 2014. We have a collaborative program with a university to evaluate our TCO materials in liquid crystal display applications. We review intangible assets for impairment whenever impairment indicators are present and, if necessary, an impairment loss is recorded for the excess of carrying value over fair value. As a result of this review, we recorded a non-cash patent impairment charge of approximately $8,000 during the third quarter of 2015.

We continue to invest in developing new products for all of our markets including transparent conductive oxide systems within the thin film solar industry. We also have ongoing development efforts with our thin film battery materials and transparent electronic products. These efforts include accelerating time to market for those products and involve ongoing research & development expense. Late in the second quarter of 2015 we hired a Product Development Engineer for our research team to focus on display applications. She has depth of experience in display manufacturing as well as post-doctoral experience at two universities recognized for their expertise in display applications. The added direct expense will be partially offset by lower expenses from our university partner.

Marketing and Sales Expense

Marketing and sales expense for the three months ended September 30, 2015 decreased 12.8% to $104,363 from $119,633 for the same period in 2014. The decrease was primarily related to lower compensation expense of approximately $21,000 and lower travel expense of approximately $16,000, partially offset by higher sales consultant and commission fees of approximately $22,000.

Marketing and sales expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 decreased 11.1% to $340,639 from $383,322 for the same period in 2014. The decrease was primarily related to lower compensation expense of approximately $77,000 and travel expense of approximately $44,000, partially offset by higher sales consultant and commission fees of approximately $80,000.

Stock Compensation Expense

Included in operating expenses were non cash stock based compensation costs of $55,850 and $43,473 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and $160,006 and $128,709 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The increase was the result of new directors that joined the Company during 2014 and an increase in number of shares granted in 2015. Compensation cost for all stock-based awards is based on the grant date fair value and recognized over the required service (vesting) period. Unrecognized non cash stock based compensation expense related to operating expense was $390,777 as of September 30, 2015 and will be recognized through 2019.

Interest

Interest was $13,561 and $16,365 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively and $44,140 and $49,689 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The decrease was due to continued payments reducing principal balances.

Loss Applicable to Common Shares

Loss applicable to common shares was $189,478 for the three months ended September 30, 2015 compared to $72,870 for the three months ended September 30, 2014. The change is primarily related to increased operating expenses. Loss applicable to common shares was $11,950 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 compared to $7,140 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

Common Shares

The following schedule represents our outstanding common stock during the period of 2015 through 2024 assuming all outstanding stock options are exercised during the year of expiration. Based on outstanding shares at September 30, 2015, if each shareholder exercises his or her options, it would increase our common shares by 612,857 to 4,614,175 by December 31, 2024. Assuming all such options are exercised in the year of expiration, the effect on shares outstanding is illustrated as follows:

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash

Cash on hand was $1,105,351 as of September 30, 2015, compared to $1,011,956 at December 31, 2014, an increase of $93,395, or 9.2%. We believe, based on forecasted sales and expenses that cash flow from operations will be adequate to sustain operations at least through September 30, 2016.

Working Capital

At September 30, 2015 working capital was $1,082,263 compared to $889,649 at December 31, 2014, an increase of $192,614 or 21.7%. As discussed below cash increased approximately $93,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2015. Accounts receivable decreased approximately $122,000. Inventories decreased approximately $527,000 and customer deposits decreased approximately $561,000 due to orders shipped during the first nine months of 2015. During the second quarter of 2015 we removed certain slow moving inventory items recognizing a corresponding decrease in our inventory reserve and no net effect on total inventory. Accounts payable decreased approximately $123,000. Current debt obligations decreased approximately $95,000 during the first nine months of 2015.

Cash from Operations

Net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $508,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and approximately $746,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. In addition to the changes in various current assets and liabilities mentioned above, non-cash expenses for depreciation, accretion and amortization decreased to approximately $337,000 during the first nine months of 2015 from $392,000 during 2014, a decrease of approximately 14.0%. Included in expenses were non cash stock based compensation costs of approximately $161,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and $129,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

Cash from Investing Activities

Cash of approximately $35,000 and $41,000 was used for investing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Cash from Financing Activities

Cash of approximately $355,000 and $282,000 was used in financing activities for principal payments to third parties for capital lease obligations and notes payable during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014, respectively. We paid $24,152 for cumulative dividends on preferred stock during 2015. We incurred new capital lease obligations of approximately $396,000 during the first nine months of 2014. The need for the additional equipment in 2014 was to support increasing sales in our core photonics market.

Supplemental Disclosures of Noncash Activities

During April 2015, the Board of Directors approved the acquisition of rights to a provisional patent owned by one of the directors, and any subsequent patents for this technology related to the application of Zinc based Transparent Conductive Oxide in displays, and the value thereof for 30,000 shares of common stock of the Company. The value of the shares of common stock at the time of acquisition was $30,540.

Debt Outstanding

Total debt outstanding decreased during the first nine months of 2015 from approximately $1,394,000 to approximately $1,038,000, or 26%.

Liquidity

We have forecasted revenues and related costs as well as investing plans and financing needs to determine liquidity to meet cash flow requirements and believe we will have sufficient liquidity at least through September 30, 2016.  This forecast was based on current cash levels and debt obligations, and the best estimates of revenues primarily from existing customers and gave consideration to the continued and possible increased levels of uncertainty in demand in the markets in which we operate.  Our ability to maintain current operations is dependent upon our ability to achieve these forecasted results, which we believe will occur. 

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have no off balance sheet arrangements including special purpose entities.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make judgments, assumptions and estimates that affect the amounts reported in the Financial Statements and accompanying notes. Note 2 to the Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014 describes the significant accounting policies and methods used in the preparation of the Financial Statements. Estimates are used for, but not limited to, accounting for the allowance for doubtful accounts, inventory allowances, property and equipment depreciable lives, patents and licenses useful lives, revenue recognition, tax valuation allowance, stock based compensation and assessing changes in which impairment of certain long-lived assets may occur. Actual results could differ from these estimates. The following critical accounting policies are impacted significantly by judgments, assumptions and estimates used in the preparation of the Financial Statements. The allowance for doubtful accounts is based on our assessment of the collectability of specific customer accounts and the aging of the accounts receivable. If there is a deterioration of a major customer’s credit worthiness or actual defaults are higher than our historical experience, our estimates of the recoverability of amounts due us could be adversely affected. Inventory purchases and commitments are based upon future demand forecasts. If there is a sudden and significant decrease in demand for our products or there is a higher risk of inventory obsolescence because of rapidly changing technology and customer requirements, we may be required to increase our inventory allowances and our gross margin could be adversely affected. Depreciable and useful lives estimated for property and equipment, licenses and patents are based on initial expectations of the period of time these assets and intangibles will benefit us. Changes in circumstances related to a change in our business, change in technology or other factors could result in these assets becoming impaired, which could adversely affect the value of these assets.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives and management is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Due to a segregation of duties material weakness described below, and based on this evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that as of September 30, 2015, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective, at the reasonable assurance level, in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act and in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Accounting Officer, as appropriate to allow timely discussions regarding required disclosure. Until we are able to hire additional employees, we will continue to report to the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors at least monthly (and more often as necessary). We believe this will continue to mitigate this weakness. This reporting includes balance sheets, statements of operations, statements of cash flows, and other detail supporting these statements. Accordingly, we believe that the financial statements included in this report fairly present, in all material respects, our financial condition, results of operation, changes in shareholder’s equity and cash flows for all periods presented.

Inherent Limitations over Internal Controls

Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Our internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that: (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our internal controls will prevent or detect all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed 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 internal controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. Also, any evaluation of the effectiveness of controls in future periods is subject to the risk that those internal controls may become inadequate because of changes in business conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management previously disclosed a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting in its annual report on Form 10-K, filed on February 11, 2015 for the year ended December 31, 2014, relating to insufficient segregation of duties consistent with control objectives. Management is aware of the risks associated with the lack of segregation of duties due to the small number of employees currently working with general administrative and financial matters. Due to our size and nature, segregation of all conflicting duties may not always be possible and may not be economically feasible. However, to the extent possible, the initiation of transactions, the custody of assets and the recording of transactions shall be performed by separate individuals. In order to remediate this weakness, we will need to hire additional employees. Although we will periodically reevaluate this situation, at this point we consider that the risks associated with such lack of segregation of duties and the potential benefits of adding employees to segregate such duties are not cost justified. Until we are able to hire additional employees, we will continue to report to the Audit Committee and the Board of Directors at least monthly (and more often as necessary). We believe this will continue to mitigate this weakness. This reporting includes balance sheets, statements of operations, statements of cash flows, and other detail supporting these statements.

Changes in Internal Controls over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting for the three months ended September 30, 2015 that materially affected or were reasonably likely to materially affect our disclosure controls and procedures. Additionally, there were no changes in our internal controls that could materially affect our disclosure controls and procedures subsequent to the date of their evaluation.

Part II. Other Information

Item 6. Exhibits

Item 6. Exhibits (continued)

Item 6. Exhibits (continued)

Signatures

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