SCI Engineered Materials, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2018 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, 2018

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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).  Yes x No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a 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. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer ¨ Accelerated filer ¨ Non-accelerated filer x Smaller reporting company x

Emerging growth company ¨

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 x

4,239,326 shares of Common Stock, without par value, were outstanding at October 30, 2018.

FORM 10-Q

SCI ENGINEERED MATERIALS, INC.

Table of Contents

 PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 SCI ENGINEERED MATERIALS, INC.

 BALANCE SHEETS

 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, 2018 AND 2017

(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, 2018 AND 2017

(UNAUDITED)

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

SCI ENGINEERED MATERIALS, INC

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1. Business Organization and Purpose

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, and Transparent Electronics).  Substantially all of the Company’s revenues are 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.

Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation - 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, 2017. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year.

Use of Estimates - 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.

Note 3. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which modified lease accounting for both lessees and lessors to increase transparency and comparability by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases under previous accounting standards and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. ASU 2016-02 will be effective for the Company beginning in its first quarter of 2019, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2016-02 on its financial statements.

In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) – Deferral of the Effective Date,” which revises the effective date of ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606),” (“ASU 2014-09”) to interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted no earlier than interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, which amends current revenue guidance. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The Company’s analysis of sales contracts under ASC 606 supports the recognition of revenue at a point in time, typically when title passes to the customer upon shipment, which is consistent with the previous revenue recognition model.

The core principle of ASC 606 is supported by five steps which are listed below:

The Company adopted this guidance as of January 1, 2018 utilizing the modified retrospective approach method as applied to customer contracts that were not completed as of January 1, 2018. As a result financial information for reporting periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018 are presented in accordance with ASC 606, while comparative financial information has not been adjusted and continues to be reported in

SCI ENGINEERED MATERIALS, INC

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 3. Recent Accounting Pronouncements (continued)

accordance with the Company’s revenue recognition policies prior to the adoption of ASC 606. Implementation of the standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s financial statements as the Company’s method for recognizing revenue subsequent to the implementation of ASC 606 does not vary significantly from its revenue recognition practices under the prior revenue standard. Accordingly, there was no required cumulative adjustment to retained earnings as of January 1, 2018.

The Company enters into contracts with its customers that generally represent purchase orders specifying general terms and conditions, order quantities and per unit product price. The Company has determined that each unit of product purchased represents a separate performance obligation. The Company satisfies its performance obligations and recognizes revenue at a point in time when control of a unit of product is transferred to the customer. Revenue is measured as the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for transferring products. For the majority of product sales, transfer of control occurs when the products are shipped from the Company's manufacturing facility to the customer. The cost of delivering products to the Company's customers is recorded as a component of cost of products sold. Those costs may include the amounts paid to a third party to deliver the products. Any freight costs billed to and paid by a customer are included in revenue.

The Company considers collectability of amounts due under a contract to be probable upon inception of a sale based on an evaluation of the credit worthiness of each customer. The Company sells its products typically under agreements with payment terms less than 45 days. The Company does not typically include extended payment terms or significant financing components in contracts with customers. The majority of the Company’s contracts have an obligation to transfer products within one year. Sales commissions are expensed when incurred and recorded within marketing and sales expenses. The Company treats shipping and handling activities that occur after control of the product transfers as fulfillment activities, and therefore, does not account for shipping and handling costs as a separate performance obligation. Customer deposits are funds received in advance from customers and are recognized as revenue when the Company has transferred control of product to the customer.

During the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, revenue from the Photonics market was approximately 71.5% and 94.8% of total revenue, respectively. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, revenue from the Photonics market was approximately 80.1% and 95.8% of total revenue, respectively. The balance of the revenue in these periods was almost entirely from the Thin Film Solar market. The top two customers represented approximately 62.6% and 82.3% of total revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. International shipments resulted in 19.6% and 6.5% of total revenue for the first nine months of 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Note 4. Common Stock and Stock Options

Stock based 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 $40,491 and $51,521 for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Non cash stock based compensation expense was $83,960 and $149,052 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Unrecognized compensation expense was $37,908 as of September 30, 2018 and will be recognized through 2023. 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 52,487 and 66,609 aggregate shares of common stock of the Company during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The stock had an aggregate value of $73,380 and $58,984 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and was recorded as non-cash stock compensation expense in the financial statements.

The cumulative status of options granted and outstanding at September 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, as well as options which became exercisable in connection with the Company’s stock option plans is summarized as follows:

SCI ENGINEERED MATERIALS, INC

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 4. Common Stock and Stock Options (continued)

Employee Stock Options

Exercise prices for options ranged from $0.84 to $6.00 at September 30, 2018. The weighted average option price for all options outstanding at September 30, 2018, was $4.24 with a weighted average remaining contractual life of 2.6 years. There were no non-employee stock options outstanding during 2018 or 2017.

Note 5. Preferred Stock

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, 2018 and 2017 and $18,114 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017. The Company had accrued dividends on Series B preferred stock of $259,634 at September 30, 2018, and $265,672 at December 31, 2017. These amounts are included in Convertible preferred stock, Series B on the balance sheet at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. In July 2018, a cash dividend in the amount of $24,152 was paid to Series B preferred shareholders of record as of June 30, 2018.

Note 6. Inventories

Note 7. Earnings Per Share

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, 2018 and 2017, all convertible preferred stock and common stock options listed in Note 4 that were out-of-the-money or anti-dilutive were excluded from diluted earnings per share.

SCI ENGINEERED MATERIALS, INC

NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 7. Earnings Per Share (continued)

The following is provided to reconcile the earnings per share calculations:

Note 8. Notes Payable

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. As of September 30, 2018 there was an outstanding balance of $81,889 on this loan. A payment of approximately $10,400, including principal, interest and servicing fee was paid in October 2018. The Company expects to make the final payment of approximately $71,900 in November 2018. This loan is 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. The Company was in compliance with all covenants at September 30, 2018. 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. A final payment of approximately $50,400 was made as scheduled during February 2018 and this loan was repaid in full.

Note 9. Income Taxes

Following is the income tax 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, 2018 and December 31, 2017.  The Company has net operating loss carryforwards available for federal and state tax purposes of approximately $4,900,000 which expire in varying amounts through 2037.

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

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, 2017.

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, 2017, 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, and Transparent Electronics).  Substantially all of our revenues are generated from customers with multi-national operations.  Sales to Photonics customers fluctuate from time to time and currently represent a substantial amount of our revenue. We have made considerable resource investments in the Thin Film Solar market and several new customers have recently adopted our products.  Through collaboration with end users and Original Equipment Manufacturers we develop innovative customized solutions enabling commercial success.

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Executive Summary

For the three months ended September 30, 2018, we had total revenue of $2,652,635. This was an increase of $674,621, or 34.1%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2017. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, we had total revenue of $7,043,244. This was an increase of $1,781,816, or 33.9%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2017, and also exceeded the total revenue of $6,801,365 for all of 2017. Volume was higher in our thin film solar market as well as in our photonics market. Orders for thin film solar products accelerated throughout the first nine months of 2018 resulting in increased quarter end backlog. We are encouraged by developments in the global thin film solar market, led by manufacturing installations coming on line and announcements of new projects. We are actively working to extend our presence in this growing market and expect this increased volume in our thin film solar market to continue through at least the first half of next year.

Gross profit was $665,884, for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $370,919 for the same three months in 2017. This was an increase of $294,965, or 79.5%. Gross profit as a percentage of revenue was 25.1% for the third quarter of 2018 compared to 18.8% for the same period in 2017. Gross profit was $1,917,425 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $1,170,751 for the same period in 2017. This was an increase of $746,674, or 63.8%. Gross profit as a percentage of revenue was 27.2% for the first nine months of 2018 compared to 22.3% for the same period in 2017.

Operating expenses were $519,187, and $386,410 for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. This was an increase of $132,777, or 34.4%. Operating expenses were $1,353,025 and $1,134,217 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. This was an increase of $218,808, or 19.3%.

For the three months ended September 30, 2018, we had net income of $144,126, compared to net loss of $25,353 for the three months ended September 30, 2017. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, we had net income of $542,373, compared to $3,520 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The impact of recently enacted tariffs imposed by the U.S. Government is currently having an immaterial impact on our gross profit and net income.

We expect revenue in the fourth quarter of 2018 to be higher compared to the third quarter of 2018. If our expectations come to fruition, second half revenue in 2018 would exceed first half revenue by 40% or more. We expect gross profit and net income in the fourth quarter of 2018 to be higher than the third quarter of 2018 and contribute to record net income for the full-year 2018. Backlog has continued to increase since June 30, 2018 and includes a few new substantial orders involving relatively low margin business expected to ship in the fourth quarter of 2018.

Customer deposits increased nearly 700% to $3,259,836 at September 30, 2018 from $407,956 at December 31, 2017, due to orders received from our thin film solar market and photonics market customers during 2018. Customer deposits represent cash received in advance of revenue earned. These orders are expected to ship during the remainder of 2018 and the first half of 2019.

We have new materials under development that may replace the Cadmium Sulfide buffer layer in CIGS solar cells. These materials were tested at Case Western Reserve University and the results support the use of our innovative material in thin film solar applications that could lead to higher efficiencies. We are working with customers through product trials and qualifications to accelerate their application to market. We continue to invest in developing new products for all of our markets including transparent conductive oxide systems for the thin film solar and display markets as well as with our transparent electronic products. These efforts include accelerating time to market for those products and involve research and development expense.

SCI’s patent titled “Display having a transparent conductive oxide layer comprising metal doped zinc oxide applied by sputtering” (US patent No. 9,927,667) was issued on March 27, 2018. The transparent conductive oxides (TCOs) we developed in this patent have excellent electro-optical performance, high transmittance, high conductivity and good chemical resistance. This patent has various applications that include LCDs, micro LED, OLED, smart windows & mirrors, AR/VR goggles, e-papers, and wearable electronics. Our clients, in relevant applications, are entitled to use the patent number when referring to the devices covered by the patent and benefit from it. We believe the TCOs claimed and protected in the patent have wide and innovative applications which can put SCI in a unique position in the market as well as bring us additional business opportunities.

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 (unaudited) compared to three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 (unaudited):

Revenue

For the three months ended September 30, 2018, we had total revenue of $2,652,635. This was an increase of $674,621, or 34.1%, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2017. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, we had total revenue of $7,043,244 compared to $5,261,428 for the same period in 2017. This was an increase of $1,781,816 or 33.9%, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Volume was higher in our thin film solar market and photonics market. We expect revenue in the fourth quarter of 2018 to be higher compared to the third quarter of 2018. If our expectations come to fruition, second half revenue in 2018 would exceed first half revenue by 40% or more.

Revenue from sales are recognized when the Company meets its performance obligations. Revenue from product sales is recognized based 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 $665,884 for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $370,919 for the same three months in 2017. This was an increase of $294,965, or 79.5%. Gross profit as a percentage of revenue (gross margin) was 25.1% for the third quarter of 2018 compared to 18.8% for the same period in 2017. Gross profit was $1,917,425 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $1,170,751 for the first nine months of 2017. This was an increase of $746,674 or 63.8%. Gross margin was 27.2% for the first nine months of 2018 compared to 22.3% for the same period in 2017. The increase in gross profit and gross margin was attributed to increased revenue as well as improved product mix.

General and Administrative Expense

General and administrative expense for the three months ended September 30, 2018, and 2017 were $310,464 and $244,062, respectively, an increase of 27.2%. This increase was primarily related to higher compensation of approximately $74,000. The third quarter of 2017 included lower compensation due to cost cutting measures which were instituted late in 2016. The third quarter of 2018 included lower non-cash stock compensation expense by approximately $12,000 compared to the third quarter of 2017.

General and administrative expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, and 2017 were $840,171, and $754,612, respectively, an increase of 11.3%. This increase was primarily related to higher compensation of approximately $152,000. The first nine months of 2017 included lower compensation due to cost cutting measures previously mentioned. The first nine months of 2018 included lower non-cash stock compensation expense by approximately $67,000 compared to the same time period in 2017.

Professional Fees

Included in general and administrative expense was $35,022, and $42,118 for professional fees for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively and $130,657, and $139,350 for professional fees for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. These continued expenses were primarily related to SEC compliance costs for legal, accounting and stockholder relations fees.

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Research and Development Expense

Research and development expense for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was $98,514 compared to $90,927 for the same period in 2017, an increase of 8.3%. This increase was related to increased compensation and benefits in addition to ongoing research. Research and development expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $252,049 compared to $252,714 for the same period in 2017. We continue to invest in developing new products for all of our markets including an innovative buffer layer for Thin Film solar cells, transparent conductive oxide systems for applications in transparent electronics and thin film solar applications. These efforts include accelerating time to market for those products and involve ongoing research and development expense.

Marketing and Sales Expense

Marketing and sales expense was $110,209 and $51,421 for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. This was an increase of $58,788 or 114.3%. This increase was primarily related to higher wages and benefits of approximately $32,000, sales rep commissions of approximately $13,000 and travel costs of approximately $11,000.

Marketing and sales expense was $260,805 and $126,891 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. This was an increase of $133,914 or 105.5%. This increase was primarily related to higher wages and benefits of approximately $91,000, sales rep commissions of approximately $25,000, and travel expenses of approximately $17,000.

These higher marketing and sales expenses were directly related to implementation of our growth strategy.

Stock Compensation Expense

Included in total expenses were non-cash stock based compensation costs of $40,941 and $51,521 for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively and $83,960 and $149,052 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. This decrease is a result of stock options becoming fully vested in 2018. 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 $37,908 as of September 30, 2018 and will be recognized through 2023.

Interest

Interest income was $2,015 for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to interest expense of $9,862 for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Interest expense was $10,949 and $32,066 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The improvement was due to lower principal balances on our debt and increased earned income on higher cash balances. Interest expense is expected to continue to decrease as we anticipate paying the entire remaining balance of $81,889 on our note payable during the fourth quarter of 2018.

Income/Loss Applicable to Common Shares

Income applicable to common shares for the three months ended September 30, 2018 was $138,088 compared to a loss of $31,391 for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Income applicable to common shares for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $524,259, compared to a loss of $14,594 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The improvement was due to higher revenue and gross profit.

Common Stock

The following schedule represents our outstanding common stock during the period of 2018 through 2028 assuming all outstanding stock options are exercised during the year of expiration. Based on outstanding shares at September 30, 2018, if each shareholder exercises his or her options, it would increase our common shares by 417,166 to 4,656,492 by December 31, 2028. Assuming all such options are exercised in the year of expiration, the effect on shares outstanding is illustrated as follows:

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash

Cash on hand at September 30, 2018 was $2,262,742 compared to $920,802 at December 31, 2017. This was an increase of $1,341,940 or 145.7%. The increase was primarily due to the receipt of customer deposits.

Working Capital

At September 30, 2018 working capital was $1,194,963 compared to $724,395 at December 31, 2017, an increase of $470,568 or 65.0%. Inventories increased approximately $1,628,000 and customer deposits increased approximately $2,852,000 due to orders received from our thin film solar market as well as our photonics market during 2018. Accounts receivable and accounts payable increased approximately $20,000 and $122,000 respectively. Prepaid expenses increased approximately $393,000 due to raw material purchased in September 2018 and received in October 2018. Current debt obligations decreased approximately $135,000 during 2018.

Cash from Operations

Net cash provided by operating activities was approximately $1,966,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and approximately $643,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Included in expenses were depreciation and amortization of approximately $346,000 and $351,000 and non-cash stock based compensation costs of approximately $84,000 and $149,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. In addition, accrued expenses and customer deposits increased approximately $2,924,000 and $579,000, for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The increase in 2018 was due primarily to deposits received from our thin film solar and photonics customers during 2018.

Cash from Investing Activities

Cash of approximately $345,000 was used in investing activities during the nine months ended September 30, 2018, compared to approximately $77,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, principally for purchases of property and equipment.

Cash from Financing Activities

Cash of approximately $255,000 and $240,000 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, 2018 and 2017, respectively. In July 2018, a cash payment in the amount of $24,152 was made for payment of accumulated dividends on preferred stock.

Debt Outstanding

Total debt outstanding decreased to approximately $383,000 at September 30, 2018, from approximately $532,000 at December 31, 2017, a decrease of 28.1%. Debt issuance costs of $787 at December 31, 2017 are netted for financial statement presentation. There were no debt issuance costs at September 30, 2018. During 2018 we incurred a new capital lease obligation of approximately $105,000.

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

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, 2017, 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.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

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, 2018, 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 Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely discussions regarding required disclosure. 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.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures (continued)

Management previously disclosed a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting in its annual report on Form 10-K, filed on February 1, 2018, for the year ended December 31, 2017, 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. 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, 2018, 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

Part II. Other Information

* Filed with this report

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.