altair_10q-033108.htm
UNITED
STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington,
D.C. 20549
FORM
10-Q
x |
QUARTERLY REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31,
2008
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|
|
o |
TRANSITION REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM _________________ TO
_________________
|
ALTAIR
NANOTECHNOLOGIES
INC.
(Exact
name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Canada
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|
1-12497
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|
33-1084375
|
(State or other
jurisdiction of
incorporation)
|
|
(Commission File
No.)
|
|
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
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|
204
Edison Way
Reno,
Nevada 89502
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|
|
(Address of
principal executive offices, including zip code)
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|
Registrant’s
telephone number, including area code: (775) 856-2500
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 o.
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an
accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of
“accelerated filer” and “large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the
Exchange Act (Check one):
Large
accelerated filer o
|
Accelerated
filer x
|
Non-accelerated
filer o
|
Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule
12b-2 of the Act): YES o NO x
As
of May 5, 2008 the registrant had 84,512,576 Common Shares
outstanding.
PART
I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item
1. Financial Statements
ALTAIR
NANOTECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Expressed
in United States Dollars)
|
|
March
31,
|
|
|
December
31,
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
ASSETS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
and cash equivalents
|
|
$ |
35,570,557 |
|
|
$ |
50,146,117 |
|
Accounts
receivable, net
|
|
|
1,068,906 |
|
|
|
1,221,543 |
|
Accounts
receivable from related party, net
|
|
|
2,073 |
|
|
|
96,276 |
|
Notes
receivable from related party, current portion
|
|
|
1,681,973 |
|
|
|
1,638,510 |
|
Prepaid
expenses and other current assets
|
|
|
801,405 |
|
|
|
799,387 |
|
Total
current assets
|
|
|
39,124,914 |
|
|
|
53,901,833 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investment
in Available for Sale Securities
|
|
|
3,731,719 |
|
|
|
4,564,814 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property,
Plant and Equipment, net
|
|
|
15,215,406 |
|
|
|
14,548,837 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Patents,
net
|
|
|
699,229 |
|
|
|
720,433 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
Assets
|
|
|
122,718 |
|
|
|
122,718 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
Assets
|
|
$ |
58,893,986 |
|
|
$ |
73,858,635 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES
AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current
Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trade
accounts payable
|
|
$ |
2,521,310 |
|
|
$ |
7,814,037 |
|
Accrued
salaries and benefits
|
|
|
1,635,501 |
|
|
|
2,239,110 |
|
Accrued
warranty
|
|
|
2,915,990 |
|
|
|
2,915,990 |
|
Accrued
liabilities
|
|
|
597,630 |
|
|
|
759,644 |
|
Note
payable, current portion
|
|
|
600,000 |
|
|
|
600,000 |
|
Total
current liabilities
|
|
|
8,270,431 |
|
|
|
14,328,781 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Note
Payable, Long-Term Portion
|
|
|
600,000 |
|
|
|
1,200,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minority
Interest in Subsidiary
|
|
|
1,260,881 |
|
|
|
1,369,283 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stockholders'
Equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common
stock, no par value, unlimited shares authorized;
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
84,502,576
and 84,068,377 shares issued and
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
outstanding
at March 31, 2008 and December 31, 2007
|
|
|
165,277,625 |
|
|
|
163,780,176 |
|
Additional
paid in capital
|
|
|
4,908,294 |
|
|
|
5,489,604 |
|
Accumulated
deficit
|
|
|
(120,112,245 |
) |
|
|
(111,823,809 |
) |
Accumulated
other comprehensive loss
|
|
|
(1,311,000 |
) |
|
|
(485,400 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
Stockholders' Equity
|
|
|
48,762,674 |
|
|
|
56,960,571 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
|
|
$ |
58,893,986 |
|
|
$ |
73,858,635 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See
notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial
statements.
|
|
ALTAIR
NANOTECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Expressed
in United States Dollars)
(Unaudited)
|
|
Three
Months Ended
|
|
|
|
March
31,
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
Revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Product
sales
|
|
$ |
163,930 |
|
|
$ |
177,390 |
|
Commercial
collaborations
|
|
|
520,813 |
|
|
|
347,288 |
|
Contracts
and grants
|
|
|
384,594 |
|
|
|
616,254 |
|
Total
revenues
|
|
|
1,069,337 |
|
|
|
1,140,932 |
|
Operating
Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cost
of sales - product
|
|
|
58,209 |
|
|
|
210,262 |
|
Research
and development
|
|
|
5,258,034 |
|
|
|
2,997,327 |
|
Sales
and marketing
|
|
|
665,928 |
|
|
|
380,536 |
|
General
and administrative
|
|
|
3,262,752 |
|
|
|
2,611,215 |
|
Depreciation
and amortization
|
|
|
573,609 |
|
|
|
431,058 |
|
Total
operating expenses
|
|
|
9,818,532 |
|
|
|
6,630,398 |
|
Loss
from Operations
|
|
|
(8,749,195 |
) |
|
|
(5,489,466 |
) |
Other
Income (Expense)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest
expense
|
|
|
(27,353 |
) |
|
|
(35,000 |
) |
Interest
income
|
|
|
382,337 |
|
|
|
343,368 |
|
Loss
on foreign exchange
|
|
|
(2,627 |
) |
|
|
(369 |
) |
Total
other income, net
|
|
|
352,357 |
|
|
|
307,999 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss
from continuing operations before minority
interests' share
|
|
|
(8,396,838 |
) |
|
|
(5,181,467 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less: Minority
interests' share
|
|
|
108,402 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
Loss
|
|
$ |
(8,288,436 |
) |
|
$ |
(5,181,467 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss
per common share - Basic and diluted
|
|
$ |
(0.10 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.07 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted
average shares - Basic and diluted
|
|
|
84,219,978 |
|
|
|
69,264,018 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See
notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial
statements.
|
|
ALTAIR
NANOTECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE
LOSS
(Expressed
in United States Dollars)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additional
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common
Stock
|
|
|
Paid
In
|
|
|
Accumulated
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
Capital
|
|
|
Deficit
|
|
|
Loss
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BALANCE, JANUARY
1, 2008
|
|
|
84,068,377 |
|
|
$ |
163,780,176 |
|
|
$ |
5,489,604 |
|
|
$ |
(111,823,809 |
) |
|
$ |
(485,400 |
) |
|
$ |
56,960,571 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive
loss:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
loss
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(8,288,436 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(8,288,436 |
) |
Other
comprehensive loss, net
of taxes of $0
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(825,600 |
) |
|
|
(825,600 |
) |
Comprehensive
loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(9,114,036 |
) |
Share-based
compensation
|
|
|
193,713 |
|
|
|
1,073,936 |
|
|
|
(581,310 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
496,626 |
|
Exercise
of stock options
|
|
|
214,211 |
|
|
|
397,238 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
397,238 |
|
Exercise
of warrants
|
|
|
26,275 |
|
|
|
26,275 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
26,275 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BALANCE, MARCH
31, 2008
|
|
|
84,502,576 |
|
|
$ |
165,277,625 |
|
|
$ |
4,908,294 |
|
|
$ |
(120,112,245 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,311,000 |
) |
|
$ |
48,762,674 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
See
notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial
statements.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ALTAIR
NANOTECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Expressed
in United States Dollars)
(Unaudited)
|
|
Three
Months Ended
|
|
|
|
March
31,
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
Cash
flows from operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
loss
|
|
$ |
(8,288,436 |
) |
|
$ |
(5,181,467 |
) |
Adjustments
to reconcile net loss to net cash
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
used
in operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation
and amortization
|
|
|
573,609 |
|
|
|
431,058 |
|
Minority
interest in operations
|
|
|
(108,402 |
) |
|
|
- |
|
Securities
received for exclusivity contract
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(106,518 |
) |
Securities
received in payment of license fees
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(8,148 |
) |
Share-based
compensation
|
|
|
492,626 |
|
|
|
993,074 |
|
Loss
on disposal of fixed assets
|
|
|
23,334 |
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued
interest on notes receivable
|
|
|
(43,463 |
) |
|
|
(8,654 |
) |
Changes
in operating assets and liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts
receivable, net
|
|
|
152,637 |
|
|
|
598,780 |
|
Accounts
receivable from related party, net
|
|
|
94,203 |
|
|
|
96,276 |
|
Product
inventories
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(834,647 |
) |
Prepaid
expenses and other current assets
|
|
|
(2,018 |
) |
|
|
120,672 |
|
Trade
accounts payable
|
|
|
(5,630,971 |
) |
|
|
(180,074 |
) |
Accrued
salaries and benefits
|
|
|
(603,609 |
) |
|
|
(92,731 |
) |
Accrued
liabilities
|
|
|
(162,014 |
) |
|
|
(64,890 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
cash used in operating activities
|
|
|
(13,502,504 |
) |
|
|
(4,237,269 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
flows from investing activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sale
of available for sale securities
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
2,325,000 |
|
Purchase
of available for sale securities
|
|
|
7,495 |
|
|
|
(10,220,726 |
) |
Purchase
of property and equipment
|
|
|
(904,064 |
) |
|
|
(704,302 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
cash (used in) provided by investing activities
|
|
|
(896,569 |
) |
|
|
8,600,028 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(continued)
|
|
ALTAIR
NANOTECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Expressed
in United States Dollars)
|
|
Three
Months Ended
|
|
|
|
March
31,
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
Cash
flows from financing activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issuance
of common shares for cash
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
3,000,000 |
|
Proceeds
from exercise of stock options
|
|
|
397,238 |
|
|
|
80,391 |
|
Proceeds
from exercise of warrants
|
|
|
26,275 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Payment
of notes payable
|
|
|
(600,000 |
) |
|
|
(600,000 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
cash (used in) provided by financing activities
|
|
|
(176,487 |
) |
|
|
2,480,391 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
decrease in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
(14,575,560 |
) |
|
|
(10,356,906 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
and cash equivalents, beginning of period
|
|
|
50,146,117 |
|
|
|
12,679,254 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
and cash equivalents, end of period
|
|
$ |
35,570,557 |
|
|
$ |
2,322,348 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental
disclosures:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
paid for interest
|
|
$ |
126,000 |
|
|
$ |
168,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
paid for income taxes
|
|
None
|
|
|
None
|
|
Supplemental
schedule of non-cash investing and financing activities:
For
the three months ended March 31, 2008:
-
We made property and equipment purchases of $338,244, which are included
in trade accounts payable at March 31, 2008.
-
We had an unrealized loss on available for sale securities of
$825,600.
For
the three months ended March 31, 2007:
-
We made property and equipment purchases of $292,233, which are included
in trade accounts payable at March 31, 2007.
-
We had an unrealized gain on available for sale securities of
$184,800.
(concluded)
See notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial
statements.
|
ALTAIR
NANOTECHNOLOGIES INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
Note
1. Basis of Preparation of Consolidated Financial
Statements
These
unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements of Altair
Nanotechnologies Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Altair” “we” or the
“Company”) have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of
the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the
“Commission”). Such rules and regulations allow the omission of
certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial
statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted
in the United States of America, so long as the statements are not
misleading. In the opinion of Company management,
these consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes contain all
adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring items) necessary to present
fairly the financial position and results of operations for the periods
shown. These unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial
statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated
financial statements and notes thereto contained in our Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, as filed with the Commission on
March 14, 2008.
The
results of operations for the three-month period ended March 31,
2008 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the
full year.
Note
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Investment in Available
for Sale Securities (short-term) -
Cash and cash equivalents consist principally of bank deposits and
institutional money market funds. Short-term investments that are
highly liquid have insignificant interest rate risk and maturities of 90 days or
less are classified as cash and cash equivalents. Investments that do
not meet the definition of cash equivalents are classified as held-to-maturity
or available-for-sale.
Our cash
balances are maintained in bank accounts that are insured by the Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”) up to a maximum of $100,000. At March
31, 2008 and December 31, 2007, we had cash deposits of approximately $2.9
million and $8.7 million, respectively, in excess of FDIC insurance
limits.
Investment in Available for Sale Securities (long-term) - Available for
sale securities (long-term) includes
publicly traded equity investments that are classified as available for
sale and recorded at market using the specific identification
method. Unrealized gains and losses (except for other than temporary
impairments) are recorded in other comprehensive loss, which is reported as
a component of stockholders’ equity. We evaluate our investments on a
quarterly basis to determine if a potential other than temporary impairment
exists. Our evaluation considers the investees’ specific business
conditions as well as general industry and market conditions.
Accumulated Other Comprehensive
Loss - Accumulated other
comprehensive loss consists entirely of unrealized (gain)/loss on
the investment in available for sale securities. The components of
comprehensive loss for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2008 and
2007 are as follows:
|
|
Three
months ended
|
|
|
|
March
31,
|
|
|
|
2008
|
|
|
2007
|
|
Net
loss
|
|
$ |
8,288,436 |
|
|
$ |
5,181,467 |
|
Unrealized
loss/(gain) on investment in available
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
for
sale securities, net of taxes of $0
|
|
|
825,600 |
|
|
|
(184,800 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive
loss
|
|
$ |
9,114,036 |
|
|
$ |
4,996,667 |
|
Long-Lived Assets - We
evaluate the carrying value of long-term assets, including intangibles, when
events or circumstance indicate the existence of a possible impairment, based on
projected undiscounted cash flows, and recognize impairment when such cash flows
will be less than the carrying values. Measurement of the amounts of
impairments, if any, is based upon the difference between carrying value and
fair value. Events or circumstances that could indicate the existence
of a possible impairment include obsolescence of the technology, an absence of
market demand for the product, and/or continuing technology rights
protection.
Deferred Income Taxes - We use
the asset and liability approach for financial accounting and reporting for
income taxes. Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary
differences in the bases of assets and liabilities as reported for financial
statement purposes and income tax purposes. We have recorded a valuation
allowance against all net deferred tax assets. The valuation
allowance reduces deferred tax assets to an amount that represents management’s
best estimate of the amount of such deferred tax assets that more likely than
not will be realized.
Revenue Recognition - We
recognize revenue when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery
has occurred or service has been performed, the fee is fixed and determinable,
and collectibility is probable. Our revenues were derived from product
sales, commercial collaborations and contracts and grants. Revenue for product
sales is recognized upon delivery of the product, unless specific contractual
terms dictate otherwise. Based on the specific terms and conditions
of each contract/grant, revenues are recognized on a time and materials basis, a
percentage of completion basis and/or a completed contract
basis. Revenue under contracts based on time and materials is
recognized at contractually billable rates as labor hours and expenses are
incurred. Revenue under contracts based on a fixed fee arrangement is
recognized based on various performance measures, such as stipulated
milestones. As these milestones are achieved, revenue is recognized.
From time to time, facts develop that may require us to revise our estimated
total costs or revenues expected. The cumulative effect of revised
estimates is recorded in the period in which the facts requiring revisions
become known. The full amount of anticipated losses on any type of
contract is recognized in the period in which it becomes
known. Payments received in advance relating to the future
performance of services or deliveries of products are deferred until the
performance of the service is complete or the product is
shipped. Upfront payments received in connection with certain rights
granted in contractual arrangements are deferred and amortized over the related
time period over which the benefits are received. Based on specific
customer bill and hold agreements, revenue is recognized when the inventory is
shipped to a third party storage warehouse, the inventory is segregated and
marked as sold, the customer takes the full rights of ownership and title to the
inventory upon shipment to the warehouse per the bill and hold
agreement. When contract terms include multiple components that are
considered separate units of accounting, the revenue is attributed to each
component and revenue recognition may occur at different points in time for
product shipment, installation, and service contracts based on substantial
completion of the earnings process.
Accrued Warranty - We provide
a limited warranty for battery packs and energy storage systems. A
liability is recorded for estimated warranty obligations at the date products
are sold. Since these are new products, the estimated cost of
warranty coverage is based on cell and module life cycle testing and compared
for reasonableness to warranty rates on competing battery
products. As sufficient actual historical data is collected on the
new product, the estimated cost of warranty coverage will be adjusted
accordingly. The liability for estimated warranty obligations may
also be adjusted based on specific warranty issues identified.
Overhead Allocation -
Facilities overhead, which is comprised primarily of occupancy and related
expenses, and fringe benefit expenses are initially recorded in general and
administrative expenses and then allocated to research and development and
product inventories based on relative labor costs.
Minority
Interest – In April 2007, the Company and The Sherwin-Williams
Company (“Sherwin”) entered into an agreement to form AlSher Titania LLC, a
Delaware limited liability company (“AlSher”). AlSher is a joint
venture combining certain technologies of the Company and Sherwin in order to
develop and produce titanium dioxide pigment for use in paint and coatings and
nano titanium dioxide materials for use in a variety of applications, including
those related to removing contaminants from air and water. Pursuant
to a Contribution Agreement dated April 24, 2007 among Altairnano, Sherwin, and
AlSher, Altairnano contributed to AlSher an exclusive license to use
Altairnano’s technology (including its hydrochloride pigment process) for the
production of titanium dioxide pigment and other titanium containing materials
(other than battery or nanoelectrode materials) and certain pilot plant assets
with a net book value of $3,110,000. Altairnano received no
consideration for the license granted to AlSher other than its ownership
interest in AlSher. Sherwin agreed to contribute to AlSher cash and a
license agreement related to a technology for the manufacture of titanium
dioxide using the digestion of ilmenite in hydrochloric acid. As a
condition to enter into the second phase of the joint venture, we agreed to
complete the pigment pilot processing plant and related development activities
by January 2008. The 100 ton pigment pilot processing plant was
commissioned in February 2008 and the costs associated with this effort were
partially reimbursed by AlSher. Altairnano contributes any work in
process and fixed assets associated with completion of the pigment pilot
processing plant to the AlSher joint venture. For each reporting
period, AlSher is consolidated with the Company’s subsidiaries because the
Company has a controlling interest in AlSher and any inter-company transactions
are eliminated (refer to Note 1 – Basis of Preparation of Consolidated Financial
Statements). The minority shareholder’s interest in the net assets
and net income or loss of AlSher are reported as minority interest in subsidiary
on the condensed consolidated balance sheet and as minority interest share in
the condensed consolidated statement of operations, respectively.
Net Loss Per Common Share - Basic loss per
share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding
during the period. Diluted loss per share is computed using the
weighted average number of common and potentially dilutive shares outstanding
during the period. Potentially dilutive shares consist of the incremental
common shares issuable upon the exercise of stock options and warrants.
Potentially dilutive shares are excluded from the computation if their effect is
anti-dilutive. We had a net loss for all periods presented herein;
therefore, none of the stock options and warrants outstanding during each of the
periods presented were included in the computation of diluted loss per share as
they were anti-dilutive.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
- In April
2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial
Assets and Financial Liabilities (“SFAS 159”), which will become
effective for the first fiscal year that begins after November 15,
2007. This statement permits entities to choose to measure many
financial instruments and certain other items at fair value that are not
currently required to be measured at fair value. Any unrealized gains
and losses associated with the instruments or other balances for which the fair
value option has been elected are reported in earnings at each subsequent
reporting date. We did not elect to fair value any of our financial
assets or liabilities.
In
September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, "Fair Value Measurements."
SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair
value and expands disclosure requirements about fair value measurements. SFAS
No. 157 was effective for our Company on January 1, 2008. However, in
February 2008, the FASB released FASB Staff Position (FSP FAS 157-2 —
Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 157), which delayed the effective date
of SFAS No. 157 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities,
except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial
statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). The adoption of SFAS
No. 157 for our financial assets and liabilities did not have a material
impact on our consolidated financial statements. We do not believe the adoption
of SFAS No. 157 for our non-financial assets and liabilities, effective
January 1, 2009, will have a material impact on our consolidated financial
statements. Refer to Note 3 – Fair Value
Measurements.
Reclassifications - Certain
reclassifications have been made to prior period amounts to conform to
classifications adopted in the current period.
Note
3. Fair Value Measurements
Effective
January 1, 2008, we adopted SFAS 157, Fair Value Measurements, for
all financial instruments accounted for at fair value on a recurring
basis. SFAS 157 establishes a new framework for measuring fair
value and expands related disclosures. Broadly, the SFAS 157
framework requires fair value to be determined based on the exchange price that
would be received for 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. SFAS 157 establishes
market or observable inputs as the preferred source of values, followed by
assumptions based on hypothetical transactions in the absence of market
inputs.
The
valuation techniques required by SFAS 157 are based upon observable and
unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from
independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our market assumptions.
These two types of inputs create the following fair value
hierarchy:
|
Level 1
-
|
Quoted
prices for identical instruments in active
markets.
|
|
Level 2
-
|
Quoted
prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for
identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and
model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant
value drivers are observable.
|
|
Level 3
-
|
Significant
inputs to the valuation model are
unobservable.
|
We
maintain policies and procedures to value instruments using the best and most
relevant data available.
When
available, we use quoted market prices to determine the fair value of investment
securities, such as our investment in Spectrum stock as discussed below, and
they are included in Level 1. When quoted market prices are
unavailable in the principal or most advantageous market, quoted prices for
similar instruments in active markets are utilized in addition to model-derived
valuations for investments, such as the auction rate notes discussed below, and
they are included in Level 2. We currently do not hold any
investments that require Level 3 evaluations.
Investment
in Available for Sale Securities
Investments
in available for sale securities (long-term) includes auction rate corporate
notes and investments in common stock as discussed below.
The
auction rate corporate notes are long-term instruments with expiration dates
through 2017. Through the third quarter of 2007, the interest was
settled and the rate reset every 7 to 28 days and historically these investments
were classified as short-term investments. However, in the fourth
quarter of 2007 due to a change in the liquidity of the auction rate market,
sell orders have exceeded bid orders in that market, and the interest relating
to these investments was reset to a contractual rate of London Interbank
Offering Rate plus 50 basis points, which is not a market rate. The
auction rate markets have not yet recovered and no active trading has
occurred. As such we evaluated these investments at March 31, 2008 to
determine if they were impaired. Our evaluation included consultation
with our investment advisors, assessment of the strength of the financial
institution paying the interest on these investments, ratings of the underlying
collateral, prices of similar instruments, and current indicative bid
prices. Based on this analysis we estimate that at March 31, 2008
their fair value was approximately $3,120,000, representing a cumulative
unrealized holding loss of approximately $780,000. Based on our
evaluation and our ability and intent to hold the investment for a reasonable
period of time sufficient for an expected recovery of fair value, we do not
consider this investment to be other than temporarily impaired at March 31,
2008.
Investment
in available for sale securities (long-term) includes 240,000 shares of Spectrum
Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Spectrum”) common stock. Although the
Spectrum shares are eligible for resale under Rule 144, the Company currently
intends to hold them indefinitely. The shares were received as
partial payment of licensing fees when Spectrum entered into a license agreement
for RenaZorb in January 2005 and in payment of the first milestone achieved in
June 2006. On receipt, the shares were recorded at their market value
of $1,138,200 as measured by their closing price on the NASDAQ Capital
Market. At March 31, 2008, their fair value was approximately
$607,200, representing a cumulative unrealized holding loss of approximately
$531,000. We evaluated this investment to determine if there is an
other than temporary impairment at March 31, 2008. Our evaluation
took into consideration published investment analysis, status of drug candidates
in development, analysts’ recommendations, insider trading activity, and other
factors. Based on our evaluation and our ability and intent to hold
the investment for a reasonable period of time sufficient for an expected
recovery of fair value, we do not consider this investment to be other than
temporarily impaired at March 31, 2008.
The
following table presents our assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis
at March 31, 2008:
|
|
|
|
Total
at
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Description
|
|
|
3/31/2008
|
|
|
Level
1
|
|
|
Level
2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Available-for-sale
securities
|
|
|
$ |
3,731,719 |
|
|
$ |
607,200 |
|
|
$ |
3,124,519 |
|
Note
4. Patents
Our
patents are associated with the nanomaterials and titanium dioxide pigment
technology. We are amortizing these assets over their useful
lives. The amortized patents’ balances as of March 31, 2008 and
December 31, 2007 were:
|
|
March
31,
2008
|
|
|
December
31,
2007
|
|
Patents
and patent applications
|
|
$ |
1,517,736 |
|
|
$ |
1,517,736 |
|
Less
accumulated amortization
|
|
|
(818,507 |
) |
|
|
(797,303 |
) |
Total
patents and patent applications
|
|
$ |
699,229 |
|
|
$ |
720,433 |
|
The
weighted average amortization period for patents is approximately 16.5
years. Amortization expense, which represents the amortization
relating to the identified amortizable patents, was $21,204 for the three months
ended March 31, 2008 and 2007. For each of the next five years,
amortization expense relating to patents is expected to be approximately
$85,000 per year. Management believes the net carrying amount of
patents will be recovered by future cash flows generated by commercialization of
the titanium processing technology.
Note
5. Accounts Receivable and Notes Receivable from Related
Party
Related
Party Accounts Receivable activity consists of the following:
|
|
March
31,
2008
|
|
|
December
31,
2007
|
|
Beginning
Balance - January
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
495,000 |
|
Additions
|
|
|
2,073 |
|
|
|
1,851,894 |
|
Less
cash collected
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
(2,346,894 |
) |
Ending
Balance
|
|
$ |
2,073 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
Payment terms based on the January 2007
Purchase and Supply Agreement with Phoenix are as follows: 33% of the
release order value is due upon placement of the order, 27% is due within 30
days of the receipt of the invoice by Phoenix, and 40% is due in the form of a
note payable as described below.
Related
Party Notes Receivable activity consists of the following:
|
|
March
31,
2008
|
|
|
December
31,
2007
|
|
Beginning
Balance - January
|
|
$ |
1,638,510 |
|
|
$ |
330,000 |
|
Additions
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
1,219,075 |
|
Plus
interest earned
|
|
|
43,463 |
|
|
|
89,435 |
|
Ending
Balance
|
|
|
1,681,973 |
|
|
|
1,638,510 |
|
On
December 31, 2006, we received a $330,000 unsecured note receivable from Phoenix
Motorcars, Inc. in connection with the sale of battery packs, which bears
interest at 10.5%. The principal and interest are due by December 30,
2008 with no pre-payment penalty. Notes receivable issued in 2007
carry interest at prime plus 1% as set forth in the Wall Street Journal and are
due within 360 days of the delivery date based on the terms of the January 2007
Phoenix Motorcars, Inc. supply agreement.
Note
6. Accrued Warranty
Accrued
warranty consisted of the following:
|
|
March
31,
2008
|
|
|
December
31,
2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beginning
Balance – January
|
|
$ |
2,915,990 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
Additions
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
2,915,990 |
|
Ending
Balance
|
|
$ |
2,915,990 |
|
|
$ |
2,915,990 |
|
We
provided a limited warranty for battery products sold under the January 2007
purchase and supply agreement with Phoenix and the July 2007 AES development
agreement. Of this balance, $2,856,902 reflects a one-time adjustment
to record the provision for warranty claims resulting from our decision to
replace 47 of the Phoenix battery packs manufactured in 2007 due to a potential
module configuration problem that could result in overheating and $59,088
reflects the warranty recorded in connection with the AES prototype battery pack
purchase in 2007.
Note
7. Note Payable
The
current and long term amount of the note payable are as follows:
|
|
March
31,
2008
|
|
|
December
31,
2007
|
|
Note
payable to BHP Minerals
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
International,
Inc.
|
|
$ |
1,200,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,800,000 |
|
Less
current portion
|
|
|
(600,000 |
) |
|
|
(600,000 |
) |
Long-term
portion of notes payable
|
|
$ |
600,000 |
|
|
$ |
1,200,000 |
|
The note
payable to BHP Minerals International, Inc., in the face amount of
$3,000,000, was entered into on August 8, 2002 and is secured by the
property we acquired. Interest on the note payable of 7% is due and payable
on an annual basis with each principal installment. The first three
payments of $600,000 of principal plus accrued interest were due and paid on
February 8, 2006, 2007 and 2008. The final two payments of $600,000 plus accrued
interest are due annually on February 8, 2009 and 2010.
Note
8. Stock-Based Compensation
We have a
stock incentive plan, administered by the Board of Directors,
which provides for the granting of options and restricted shares to
employees, officers, directors and other service providers of the
Company.
The total
compensation cost charged in connection with these plans was $487,422 and
$993,075 for the three-months ended March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007,
respectively. During the three-months ended March 31, 2008 and 2007,
518,973 options vested at a weighted average price of $2.92 and 716,494 options
vested at a weighted average price of $2.83, respectively.
Stock
Options
The total
number of shares authorized to be granted under the 2005 stock plan was
increased from 3,000,000 to an aggregate of 9,000,000 based on the proposal
approved at the annual and special meeting of shareholders on May
30, 2007. Prior stock option plans, which are now terminated,
authorized a total of 6,600,000 shares, of which options for 5,745,500 were
granted and options for 1,138,300 are outstanding and unexercised at March
31, 2008. The total number of options relating to the 2005 plan that are
outstanding and unexercised at March 31, 2008 is 4,147,154.
Total
options granted for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2008 and March
31, 2007 were 1,420,000 and 1,302,882, respectively. The weighted
average grant date fair value of options granted during the three months
ended March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007 was $2.92 and $1.86,
respectively.
As of
March 31, 2008, there was $2,873,891 of total unrecognized compensation
cost related to non-vested options granted under the plans. That cost
is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1 year as of
March 31, 2008. Cash received from stock option and warrant exercises
was $423,513 and $80,391 during the three-months ended March 31, 2008 and
March 31, 2007, respectively.
Restricted
Stock
During
the three-months ended March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007, the Board of Directors
did not grant any shares of restricted stock under the plan.
As of
March 31, 2008 we had $269,559 of total unrecognized compensation
expense related to restricted stock which will be recognized over the weighted
average period of 1.8 years.
Note
9. Related Party Transactions
In
January 2007, we entered into a multi-year purchase and supply agreement with
Phoenix Mortorcars, Inc., succeeded by Phoenix MC, Inc. (“Phoenix”) for lithium
Titanate battery pack systems. Total accounts receivable and notes
receivable including accrued interest (see Note 5) due from Phoenix at March 31,
2008 relating to the 2007 purchase and supply agreement totaled $2,073 and
$1,681,973, respectively. Total deferred revenue of $128,901 at March
31, 2008, reflects pre-payment for battery purchase orders and the unamortized
balance of the investment described below.
Additionally
in January 2007, Phoenix issued 1,000,000 shares of its common stock in
consideration for the three-year exclusivity agreement within the United States
of America included in the contract. Phoenix did not make the minimum
battery pack purchases required to retain their exclusivity in
2007. The common stock shares received represented a 16.6% ownership
interest in Phoenix. The investment was recorded at $106,518 with the
offset to deferred revenue, which is recognized on a straight-line basis over
the three year term of the exclusivity period. In March 2008, Phoenix
Motorcars, Inc. completed a merger, wherein the surviving corporation, Phoenix
MC, Inc. became a wholly owned subsidiary of All Electric, LLC
(“AELLC”). On March 19, 2008, Phoenix MC, Inc. announced receipt of
their next round of funding provided by Al Yousuf, LLC and the AES
Corporation. These changes resulted in conversion of our 1,000,000
common share investment in Phoenix Motorcars, Inc. to ownership of 2000 units in
AELLC and diluted our ownership percentage in Phoenix to 2.1%. Based
on managements review of the estimated valuation of Phoenix presented in the
February 21, 2008 Merger Agreement and consideration of their subsequent round
of funding, management believes that the investment is not impaired at March 31,
2008.
On July
20, 2007, we entered into a multi-year Joint Development and Equipment Purchase
Agreement with AES Energy Storage, LLC (“AES”), a subsidiary of global power
leader The AES Corporation. A member of the executive management team
of AES also serves on our board of directors. Under the terms of the
agreement we will work jointly with AES to develop a suite of energy storage
solutions for purchase by AES and potentially third parties. On
August 3, 2007, we received an initial $1,000,000 order, of which $500,000 was
prepaid, in connection with the AES Joint Development and Equipment Purchase
Agreement for a 500 kilowatt-hour energy storage product. This
product was designed and manufactured at our Indiana facilities, and was
completed in December 2007. The final installment will be due and
billable upon completion of the testing of the prototype packs. As of
March 31, 2008, $500,000 of costs associated with this project have been
deferred and recorded on the balance sheet.
Note
10. Business Segment Information
Management
views the Company as operating in three business segments: Power and
Energy Group, Performance Materials and Life Sciences.
The Power
and Energy Group develops, produces, and sells nano-structured LTO, nano lithium
Titanate, battery cells, battery packs, and provides related design and test
services. The Performance Materials segment produces advanced
materials for coatings, sensors, alternative energy devices and markets and
licenses our titanium dioxide pigment production technology. The Life
Sciences segment produces pharmaceutical products, drug delivery products and
dental materials.
The
accounting policies of these business segments are the same as described in Note
2 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial
statements. Reportable segment data reconciled to the consolidated
financial statements as of the three-month periods ended March 31, 2008 and
March 31, 2007 was as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Loss/(Income)
From
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months
Ended
|
|
Net Sales
|
|
|
Operations
|
|
|
Amortization
|
|
|
Assets
|
|
March
31, 2008:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Power
and Energy Group
|
|
$ |
329,847 |
|
|
$ |
3,920,758 |
|
|
$ |
265,045 |
|
|
$ |
9,035,614 |
|
Performance
Materials
|
|
|
427,495 |
|
|
|
678,694 |
|
|
|
263,348 |
|
|
|
5,666,516 |
|
Life
Sciences
|
|
|
311,995 |
|
|
|
126,262 |
|
|
|
8,448 |
|
|
|
2,037,731 |
|
Corporate
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
4,023,481 |
|
|
|
36,768 |
|
|
|
42,154,125 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated
Total
|
|
$ |
1,069,337 |
|
|
$ |
8,749,195 |
|
|
$ |
573,609 |
|
|
$ |
58,893,986 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
March
31, 2007:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Power
and Energy Group
|
|
$ |
339,329 |
|
|
$ |
1,833,096 |
|
|
$ |
189,602 |
|
|
$ |
10,756,508 |
|
Performance
Materials
|
|
|
790,280 |
|
|
|
215,358 |
|
|
|
202,461 |
|
|
|
1,597,741 |
|
Life
Sciences
|
|
|
11,323 |
|
|
|
123,875 |
|
|
|
6,520 |
|
|
|
1,693,734 |
|
Corporate
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
3,317,137 |
|
|
|
32,475 |
|
|
|
27,503,926 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Consolidated
Total
|
|
$ |
1,140,932 |
|
|
$ |
5,489,466 |
|
|
$ |
431,058 |
|
|
$ |
41,551,909 |
|
In the
table above, corporate expense in the Loss From Operations column includes such
expenses as investor relations, business consulting, general legal expense,
accounting and audit, general insurance expense, shareholder information expense
and general office expense.
For the
three months ended March 31, 2008, we had sales to five major customers, each of
which accounted for 10% or more of revenues. Total sales to these customers for
the three months ended March 31, 2008 and the balance of their accounts
receivable at March 31, 2008 were as follows:
|
|
|
|
Accounts
Receivable and
|
|
|
|
Sales
- 3 Months Ended
|
|
Notes
Receivable at
|
|
Customer
|
|
March
31, 2008
|
|
March
31, 2008
|
|
Power and Energy
Group:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Office
of Naval Research
|
|
$ |
113,235 |
|
$ |
74,682 |
|
Department
of Energy
|
|
|
45,286 |
|
|
9,927 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Performance Materials
Division:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Boeing
|
|
$ |
147,663 |
|
$ |
117,158 |
|
Western
Oil Sands
|
|
|
145,936 |
|
|
91,249 |
|
Department
of Energy
|
|
|
47,635 |
|
|
14,963 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Life Sciences
Division:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Elanco
Animal Health/Eli Lilly
|
|
$ |
246,210 |
|
$ |
175,140 |
|
Department
of Energy
|
|
|
65,785 |
|
|
26,342 |
|
For the
three months ended March 31, 2007, we had sales to three major customers, each
of which accounted for 10% or more of revenues. Total sales to these customers
for the three months ended March 31, 2007 and the balance of their accounts
receivable at March 31, 2007 were as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts
Receivable and
|
|
|
|
|
Sales
- 3 Months Ended
|
|
|
Notes
Receivable at
|
|
Customer
|
|
|
March
31, 2007
|
|
|
March
31, 2007
|
|
Power and Energy
Group:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Department
of Energy
|
|
|
$ |
178,415 |
|
|
$ |
25,201 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Performance Materials
Division:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Western
Oil Sands
|
|
|
$ |
319,872 |
|
|
$ |
200,430 |
|
UNLV
Research Foundation
|
|
|
|
216,537 |
|
|
|
211,237 |
|
Department
of Energy
|
|
|
|
188,953 |
|
|
|
76,451 |
|
Sales for
the three-month periods ended March 31, 2008 and 2007 by geographic area were as
follows:
|
|
|
Sales
-
|
|
|
Sales
-
|
|
|
|
|
3
Months Ended
|
|
|
3
Months Ended
|
|
Geographic
information (a):
|
|
|
March
31, 2008
|
|
|
March
31, 2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
United
States
|
|
|
$ |
874,054 |
|
|
$ |
742,237 |
|
Canada
|
|
|
|
145,936 |
|
|
|
321,872 |
|
Other
foreign countries
|
|
|
|
49,347 |
|
|
|
76,823 |
|
Total
|
|
|
$ |
1,069,337 |
|
|
$ |
1,140,932 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a)
Revenues are attributed to countries based on location of
customer.
|
|
Note
11. Subsequent Events
On April 18, 2008 we entered into a Separation Agreement
and Release of All Claims (the “Agreement”) with Alan Gotcher, our former Chief
Executive Officer and a director. Consistent with the separation
provisions of Dr Gotcher’s employment agreement, the Agreement includes a
release of all claims against the Company by Dr. Gotcher and an affirmation of
the noncompetition, nonsolicitation, nondisclosure and related covenants in his
employment agreement. Dr. Gotcher also resigned as a member of our
Board of Directors pursuant to the Agreement. The Agreement includes
a confirmation of Dr. Gotcher’s right under his employment agreement to receive
severance that includes his termination-date base salary and medical benefits
for one year. The Agreement also provided for the substitution of a
$240,000 cash payment for Dr. Gotcher’s right under his employment agreement to
participate in our 2008 incentive plan. Based on the terms of this
agreement, $669,195 of severance was recorded as of March 31,
2008.
Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND
ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Forward-Looking
Statements
This
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this “Report”) contains various forward-looking
statements. Such statements can be identified by the use of the forward-looking
words "anticipate," "estimate," "project," "likely," "believe," "intend,"
"expect," or similar words. These statements discuss future
expectations, contain projections regarding future developments, operations, or
financial conditions, or state other forward-looking
information. When considering such forward-looking statements, you
should keep in mind the risk factors noted in Part II – Other Information, “Item
1A. Risk Factors” and other cautionary statements throughout this Report and our
other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. You should
also keep in mind that all forward-looking statements are based on management’s
existing beliefs about present and future events outside of management’s control
and on assumptions that may prove to be incorrect. If one or more
risks identified in this Report or any other applicable filings materializes, or
any other underlying assumptions prove incorrect, our actual results may vary
materially from those anticipated, estimated, projected, or
intended.
Unless
the context requires otherwise, all references to “Altair,” “we,” “Altair
Nanotechnologies Inc.,” or the “Company” in this Report refer to Altair
Nanotechnologies Inc. and all of its subsidiaries. Altair
currently has one wholly owned subsidiary, Altair US Holdings, Inc., a Nevada
corporation. Altair US Holdings, Inc. directly or indirectly wholly
owns Altairnano, Inc., a Nevada corporation, Mineral Recovery Systems, Inc., a
Nevada corporation, Fine Gold Recovery Systems, Inc., a Nevada corporation and a
controlling interest in AlSher Titania LLC (“AlSher Titania”), a joint venture
with The Sherwin-Williams Company (“Sherwin-Williams”). We have
registered or are in the process of registering the following trademarks: Altair
Nanotechnologies®, Altair Nanomaterials®, Altairnano™, TiNano®, Nanocheck© and
RenaZorb®. Any other trademarks and service marks used in this Report
are the property of their respective holders.
Overview
The
following discussion summarizes the material changes in our financial condition
between December 31, 2007 and March 31, 2008 and the material changes in our
results of operations and financial condition between the three-month periods
ended March 31, 2008 and March 31, 2007. This discussion should be
read in conjunction with Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations included in the Company’s Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.
We are a
Canadian corporation, with principal assets and operations in the United States,
whose primary business is developing and commercializing nanomaterial and
titanium dioxide pigment technologies. We are organized into
three divisions, a Power and Energy Group, a Performance Materials Division
and a Life Sciences Division. Our research, development, production
and marketing efforts are currently directed toward three primary market
applications that utilize our proprietary technologies:
●
|
Power
and Energy Systems
|
o
|
The
design, development, and production of our nano lithium Titanate battery
cells, batteries, and battery packs as well as related design and test
services.
|
o
|
The
development, production and sale for testing purposes of electrode
materials for use in a new class of high performance lithium ion batteries
called nano lithium Titanate
batteries.
|
|
Performance
Materials Division
|
o
|
Through
AlSher Titania, the development and production of high quality titanium
dioxide pigment for use in paint and coatings, and nano titanium dioxide
materials for use in a variety of applications including those related to
removing contaminants from air and
water.
|
o
|
The
testing, development, marketing and/or licensing of
nano-structured ceramic powders for use in various application, such as
advanced performance coatings, air and water purification systems, and
nano-sensor applications.
|
o
|
The
co-development of RenaZorb, a test-stage active pharmaceutical ingredient,
which is designed to be useful in the treatment of elevated serum
phosphate levels in human patients undergoing kidney
dialysis.
|
o
|
The
development of a manufacturing process related to a test-stage active
pharmaceutical ingredient, which is designed to be useful in the treatment
of companion animals.
|
We also
provide contract research services on select projects where we can utilize our
resources to develop intellectual property and/or new products and
technology.
Our
revenues have been, and we expect them to continue to be, generated by license
fees, product sales, commercial collaborations and contracts and
grants. We currently have agreements in place to (1) produce battery
packs for the transportation market, (2) provide research to further develop
battery electrode materials, nanosensors, and nanomaterials characterization,
(3) to participate in a joint venture combining the technologies of the partners
in order to develop and produce titanium dioxide pigment for use in paint and
coatings and nano titanium dioxide materials for use in a variety of advanced
materials applications, (4) to develop a suite of energy storage solutions for
the stationary power market and (5) to develop battery backup power systems for
Naval applications. In addition, we have entered into a licensing
agreement for RenaZorb, our pharmaceutical candidate for treatment of chronic
renal failure in humans; we have licensed all potential pharmaceutical products
for animal applications; and we have made product sales consisting principally
of alumina, battery cells and battery modules. Future revenues will
depend on the success of our contracted projects, the results of our other
research and development work, the success of the RenaZorb and animal
application licensees
in obtaining regulatory approval for the drugs, or other products, the
successful completion of pilot plant operations in connection with AlSher
Titania, the successful completion of pilot plant operations in connection with
energy storage devices, and the success of our marketing efforts with respect to
both product sales and technology licenses.
General
Outlook
We have
generated net losses in each fiscal year since incorporation. In
fiscal 2007, revenues from product sales, commercial collaborations and
contracts and grants began to increase significantly, but operating expenses
also increased significantly as we added employees and committed additional
funds to our customer contracts, battery initiative, and pigment process
technology. Our gross profit margins on customer contracts for
research and development work are very low, and in order that we may be
profitable in the long run, our business plan focuses on the development of
products and technologies that we expect will eventually bring a substantial
amount of higher-margin revenues from licensing, manufacturing, product sales
and other sources. We expect our nano lithium Titanate battery cells and packs
to be a source of such higher-margin revenues. In 2007, we increased
spending for the battery initiative, manufacturing of the potential drug
candidates, and pigment process development.
As we
attempt to significantly expand our revenues from licensing, manufacturing,
sales and other sources, some of the key near-term events that will affect our
long-term success prospects include the following:
|
In
July 2007, we entered into a multi-year development and equipment purchase
agreement with AES Energy Storage, LLC, a subsidiary of global power
leader, The AES Corporation. Under the terms of the deal, we
are working jointly with AES to develop a suite of energy storage
solutions specifically for AES. The first two 1 megawatt
prototype stationary battery packs were manufactured at our Indiana
facility and were completed according to the delivery schedule in December
2007. These packs have been connected to the electrical grid
and full testing has commenced. Assuming the successful testing
of these packs, we expect our development relationship with AES to
continue through 2008 and beyond.
|
|
In
January 2007, we entered into a multi-year purchase and supply agreement
with Phoenix for nano lithium Titanate battery packs to be used in
electric vehicles produced by Phoenix. Due to a slow down in
production relating primarily to delays in Phoenix obtaining funding,
projected orders for 2007 were not achieved. In 2008, after
becoming aware of a potential module configuration problem in the
first-generation Phoenix battery packs manufactured in 2007, we agreed to
replace 47 of the existing packs sold to Phoenix by means of a credit
against re-designed second-generation battery packs and related
engineering services. Modeling and design of the modules for
the second-generation battery packs is substantially
complete. While modeling and design of the modules for the
second-generation battery packs is substantially complete, final testing
and pre-production activities have been delayed pending ongoing
negotiations with Phoenix regarding a new supply agreement. Our success in
the transportation battery market will be impacted by our ability to focus
on profitable segments of the market, where the strength of our technology
offers distinct competitive
advantages.
|
|
Spectrum
must begin the testing and application processes necessary to receive FDA
approval of RenaZorb and related products. Spectrum has begun
the process of information and data collection and presentation required
to file an investigational new drug application with the FDA, which is a
condition precedent to commencing human testing and the first stage of
seeking regulatory approval. We do not expect the application
to be filed until early 2009. In order for RenaZorb to be
successful in the foreseeable future, it is important that Spectrum, with
our assistance, submit its investigation new drug application by early
2009 and continue with testing.
|
|
We
have formed the AlSher Titania joint venture with The Sherwin-Williams
Company to develop and produce titanium dioxide pigment for use in paint
and coatings. We have generated considerable data from our 100
ton per year pilot plant, commissioned in February 2008 and are currently
compiling that information for an engineering data package analysis and
recommendation on next steps. Based on review of this package,
its impact on financial projections, and input from our partner, we will
consider whether to undertake a more detailed engineering cost study aimed
at a scale up to a 5000 ton per year demonstration plant. The
success of this joint venture and initial pilot plant trials is integral
to continuing development and the ultimate commercialization of
AHP.
|
Although
it is not essential that all of these projects be successful in order to permit
substantial long-term revenue growth, we believe that full commercialization of
several of our technologies will be necessary in order to expand our revenues
enough to create a likelihood of our becoming profitable in the long
term. We are optimistic with respect to our current key projects, as
well as others we are pursuing, but recognize that, with respect to each, there
are development, marketing, partnering and other risks to overcome.
Recent Business
Developments
Power
and Energy Group
In August
2007, we received an initial $1,000,000 order in connection with the AES Joint
Development and Equipment Purchase Agreement for a 500 kilowatt-hour energy
storage product. In accordance with this purchase order, two 1
megawatt stationary battery packs (energy equivalent for each pack based on
anticipated operational time is 250 kilowatt-hours of energy each) were
manufactured in Indiana and completed according to the delivery schedule in
December 2007. This initial product is intended for use as a
short-term duration buffer to regulate the frequency and voltage of the
electrical utility system grid. This buffering is called Regulation
Services, and it serves to smooth the short term supply-demand imbalances
inherent in power generation and delivery, thereby improving the quality of
power delivered. The stationary battery packs have been connected to
the electrical grid and full testing has commenced. Feedback that we
have received to date regarding the test results has been very
positive. Testing is scheduled to be completed in early May
2008. Assuming the successful testing of these packs, we expect our
development relationship with AES to continue through 2008 and
beyond.
Life
Sciences
In
September 2007, we entered into development services agreement with Elanco
Animal Health, a division of Eli Lilly and Company
(“Elanco”). Pursuant to the agreement, over a multi-year period, we
will develop a manufacturing process related to a test-stage active
pharmaceutical ingredient. This development work will include making
certain regulatory filings, installing related equipment, and providing related
services. Based on a previous agreement, Elanco has the exclusive
right to develop and market this pharmaceutical ingredient. Elanco
has agreed to fund substantially all of the development process, at a cost of
approximately $2,500,000. Through the end of the first quarter of
2008, $886,116 has been billed under this agreement on a cumulative contract to
date basis and approximately $1,613,884 of backlog remains to be
fulfilled.
Performance
Materials
In April
2007, a new company, called AlSher Titania LLC was formed. AlSher Titania
represents a joint venture with Sherwin-Williams, one of the world's leading
manufacturers of paint and durable coatings. Construction of the 100
ton pigment processing pilot plant in connection with the joint venture
agreement was completed and the plant was commissioned in February
2008. Testing under the piloting program has commenced and results to
date have been positive. Considerable data has been generated and is
being compiled for an engineering data package analysis and recommendation on
next steps. Based on review of this package, its impact on financial
projections, and input from our partner, we will consider whether to undertake a
more detailed engineering cost study by mid 2008 relating to the anticipated
scale up to a 5000 ton per year demonstration plant.
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
Current
and Expected Liquidity
Historically,
we have financed operations primarily through the issuance of equity securities
(common shares, convertible notes, stock options and warrants) and by the
issuance of debt. In order to finance our existing operations and
development plans, as well as to respond to any new business or acquisition
opportunity, we will be required to raise capital in the future. We
do not have any commitments with respect to future financing and may, or may
not, be able to obtain such financing on reasonable terms, or at
all. We have a single note payable in the original principal amount
of $3,000,000 that does not contain any restrictive covenants with respect to
the issuance of additional debt or equity securities by Altair. The
first three payments of $600,000 of principal plus accrued interest were due and
paid on February 8, 2006, 2007, and 2008. The current outstanding
note payable balance is $1,200,000. Future payments of principal and
interest are due annually on February 8, 2009 and 2010.
Our cash
and short-term investments decreased by $14,575,560, from $50,146,117 at
December 31, 2007 to $35,570,557 at March 31, 2008, due primarily to net
cash used in operations (approximately $13,503,000) purchases of property and
equipment (approximately $904,000) and payment of notes payable
($600,000). This decrease was partially offset by the receipt of
proceeds resulting from the exercise of stock options and warrants
(approximately $424,000).
During
the three months ended March 31, 2008, our cash used in operations was
$13,502,504. This amount included $5,438,409 of significant one-time or
annual payments as follows: $2,384,299 of commission and expenses were paid to
the placement agent in connection with our sale of common shares for an
aggregate purchase price of $40,000,000 to Al Yousuf, LLC in November 2007,
$1,754,110 was paid in connection with the 2007 bonus plan, and $1,300,000 of
raw materials purchases made in 2007 in anticipation of receipt of the next
sales order from Phoenix under the 2007 purchase agreement were paid in the
first quarter of 2008. The amount of cash we use in operations is
partially dependent on the amount and mix of revenues we generate. In the
three months ended March 31, 2008, revenues were $1,069,337, which included
$163,930 of product sales. We expect quarterly revenues to increase
over first quarter levels during the remainder of the year, and we expect
product sales to become a larger percentage of the sales mix. If
revenues associated with product sales increase, we expect our cash receipts to
increase but also expect that our use of cash will increase as we expand
inventory and as certain products are purchased through financing
arrangements.
Our
objective is to manage cash expenditures in a manner consistent with rapid
product development that leads to the generation of revenues in the shortest
possible time. We believe we have adequate cash resources, and
availability of additional capital if needed, to continue product development
until higher-margin revenues and positive cash flow can be
generated.
At May 5,
2008, we had 84,512,576 common shares issued and outstanding. As
of that same date, there were outstanding warrants to purchase up to 1,115,431
common shares and options to purchase up to 5,571,274 common
shares.
Capital Commitments
The following table discloses aggregate information
about our contractual obligations and the periods in which payments are due as
of March 31, 2008:
|
|
|
|
|
Less
Than
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
After
|
|
Contractual
Obligations
|
|
Total
|
|
|
1
Year
|
|
|
1-3
Years
|
|
|
4-5
Years
|
|
|
5
Years
|
|
Notes
Payable
|
|
$ |
1,200,000 |
|
|
$ |
600,000 |
|
|
$ |
600,000 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
Interest
on notes payable
|
|
|
126,000 |
|
|
|
84,000 |
|
|
|
42,000 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Contractual
Service Agreements
|
|
|
2,712,274 |
|
|
|
2,712,274 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Facilities
and Property Leases
|
|
|
1,327,589 |
|
|
|
321,335 |
|
|
|
559,998 |
|
|
|
446,256 |
|
|
|
- |
|
Unfulfilled
Purchase Orders
|
|
|
1,847,342 |
|
|
|
1,847,342 |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
|
|
- |
|
Total
Contractual Obligations
|
|
$ |
7,213,205 |
|
|
$ |
5,564,951 |
|
|
$ |
1,201,998 |
|
|
$ |
446,256 |
|
|
$ |
- |
|
In
connection with the formation of the AlSher Titania joint venture, the Company
committed to complete its pigment processing pilot plant and did commission the
plant in February 2007. Through March 31, 2008, approximately $3.9
million of capital expenditures, labor and development costs associated with the pigment processing pilot
plant have been incurred. No further expenditures are anticipated in
relation to the assembly and commissioning of the pilot
plant.
In 2007, we anticipated that a total of approximately
$4.8 million would be spent on labor, equipment and building improvements and
other implementation expenses related to preparations to manufacture our
pharmaceutical products. Based on updated forecasts in 2008, total
anticipated expenditures have been revised to $2.4 million. Of
this amount, approximately $709,000 was spent in the first quarter of 2008 for a
cumulative total of $1,674,000 incurred project to date through March 31,
2008. We expect to spend approximately $445,000 on this effort
through the end of June 30, 2008.
In July 2007, we signed a new lease agreement for 30,000
square feet of space in the Flagship Business Accelerator Building located at
3019 Enterprise Drive, Anderson,
Indiana. On March 1, 2008, we signed an amendment to
this lease that increased the space leased by 40,000 square feet to a total of
70,000 square feet. Total rent for the 70,000 square feet to be paid
over the 5 year term including real estate taxes is $1,267,297. The
move from the Flagship Enterprise Center Building, an
aggregate of 8,199 square feet, to the Accelerator Building was
completed by the end of February 2008. The landlord will provide the first $110,000
in additional leasehold improvements at no cost. Through March 31,
2008 we spent $287,862 on build-out and leasehold improvements, net of the
$99,000 credit received to date from the landlord. An additional
expenditure of $33,500 is expected to complete the improvements by the end of
the second quarter ending June 30, 2008, net of the remaining credit from the
landlord of $11,000.
We also intend to purchase equipment for our
Reno,
Nevada
facility for use in the development and expansion of our current advanced
battery materials production capabilities. Through March 31, 2008,
approximately $398,000 was expended on production equipment.
Off-Balance Sheet
Arrangements
There
were no off-balance sheet arrangements at March 31, 2008.
Critical Accounting Policies
and Estimates
Management based the following discussion and analysis
of our financial condition and results of operations on our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. The preparation of
these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that
affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and
related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an
on-going basis, we evaluate our critical accounting policies and estimates,
including those related to inventory,
long-lived assets, share-based
compensation, revenue recognition, accrued
warranty, overhead allocation, minority interest, allowance for doubtful accounts and deferred income
taxes. We base our estimates on historical
experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable
under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making
judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not
readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these
estimates under different assumptions or conditions.
We believe the following critical accounting policies
affect the more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of
our consolidated financial statements. These judgments and estimates affect the
reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of revenues
and expenses during the reporting periods. Changes to these judgments and
estimates could adversely affect our future results
of operations and cash flows.
|
Revenue
Recognition. We recognize revenue when persuasive evidence of
an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or service has been
performed, the fee is fixed and determinable, and collectability is
probable, in accordance with the Securities and Exchange Commission “Staff Accounting Bulletin No.
104 – Revenue Recognition in Financial Statements”.
Historically, our revenues have been derived from four sources: license
fees, commercial collaborations, contract research and development and
product sales. License fees are recognized when the agreement is
signed, we have performed all material obligations related to the
particular milestone payment or other revenue component and the earnings
process is complete. Revenue for product sales is recognized
upon delivery of the product, unless specific contractual terms dictate
otherwise. Based on the specific terms and conditions of each
contract/grant, revenues are recognized on a time and materials basis, a
percentage of completion basis and/or a completed contract
basis. Revenue under contracts based on time and materials is
recognized at contractually billable rates as labor hours and expenses are
incurred. Revenue under contracts based on a fixed fee
arrangement is recognized based on various performance measures, such as
stipulated milestones. As these milestones are achieved, revenue is
recognized. From time to time, facts develop that may require us to
revise our estimated total costs or revenues expected. The
cumulative effect of revised estimates is recorded in the period in which
the facts requiring revisions become known. The full amount of
anticipated losses on any type of contract is recognized in the period in
which it becomes known. Payments received in advance relating
to the future performance of services or deliveries of products are
deferred until the performance of the service is complete or the product
is shipped. Based on specific customer bill and hold
agreements, revenue is recognized when the inventory is shipped to a third
party storage warehouse, the inventory is segregated and marked as
sold, the customer takes the full rights of ownership and title to
the inventory upon shipment to the warehouse per the bill and hold
agreement. When contract terms include multiple components that
are considered separate units of accounting, the revenue is attributed to
each component and revenue recognition may occur at different points in
time for product shipment, installation, and service contracts based on
substantial completion of the earnings
process.
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Accrued
Warranty. We provide a limited warranty for battery packs and
energy storage systems. A liability is recorded for estimated
warranty obligations at the date products are sold. Since these
are new products, the estimated cost of warranty coverage is based on cell
and module life cycle testing and compared for reasonableness to warranty
rates on competing battery products. As sufficient actual
historical data is collected on the new product, the estimated cost of
warranty coverage will be adjusted accordingly. The liability
for estimated warranty obligations may also be adjusted based on specific
warranty issues identified.
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Share-Based
Compensation. We have a stock incentive plan that provides for
the issuance of common stock options to employees and service
providers. We calculate compensation expense under SFAS 123R
using a Black-Scholes option pricing model. In so doing, we
estimate certain key assumptions used in the model. We believe
the estimates we use are appropriate and
reasonable.
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Allowance
for Doubtful Accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is
based on our assessment of the collectability of specific customer
accounts and the aging of accounts receivable. We analyze historical
bad debts, the aging of customer accounts, customer concentrations,
customer credit-worthiness, current economic trends and changes in our
customer payment patterns when evaluating the adequacy of the allowance
for doubtful accounts. From period to period, differences in
judgments or estimates utilized may result in material differences in the
amount and timing of our bad debt
expenses.
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Long-Lived
Assets. Our long-lived assets consist principally of the
nanomaterials and titanium dioxide pigment assets, the intellectual
property (patents and patent applications) associated with them, and a
building. Included in these long-lived assets are those that
relate to our research and development process. These assets are
initially evaluated for capitalization based on Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 2, Accounting for Research and
Development Costs. If the assets have alternative future uses
(in research and development projects or otherwise), they are capitalized
when acquired or constructed; if they do not have alternative future uses,
they are expensed as incurred. At March 31, 2008, the carrying value
of these assets was $14,275,641, or 24% of total assets. We
evaluate the carrying value of long-lived assets when events or
circumstances indicate that impairment may exist. In our
evaluation, we estimate the net undiscounted cash flows expected to be
generated by the assets, and recognize impairment when such cash flows
will be less than the carrying values. Events or circumstances
that could indicate the existence of a possible impairment include
obsolescence of the technology, an absence of market demand for the
product, and/or the partial or complete lapse of technology rights
protection.
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Minority
Interest – In April 2007, the Company and Sherwin-Williams
entered into an agreement to form AlSher Titania LLC, a Delaware limited
liability company. AlSher Titania is a joint venture combining
certain technologies of the Company and Sherwin-Williams in order to
develop and produce titanium dioxide pigment for use in paint and coatings
and nano titanium dioxide materials for use in a variety of applications,
including those related to removing contaminants from air and
water. Pursuant to a Contribution Agreement dated April 24,
2007 among Altairnano, Inc, Sherwin-Williams and AlSher Titania,
Altairnano contributed to AlSher Titania an exclusive license to use
Altairnano’s technology (including its hydrochloride pigment process) for
the production of titanium dioxide pigment and other titanium containing
materials (other than battery or nanoelectrode materials) and certain
pilot plant assets with a net book value of
$3,110,000. Altairnano received no consideration for the
license granted to AlSher Titania other than its ownership interest in
AlSher Titania. Sherwin-Williams agreed to contribute to AlSher
Titania cash and a license agreement related to a technology for the
manufacture of titanium dioxide using the digestion of ilmenite in
hydrochloric acid. As a condition to enter into the second
phase of the joint venture, we agreed to complete the pigment pilot
processing plant and related development activities by January
2008. The 100 ton pigment pilot processing plant was
commissioned in February 2008 and the costs associated with this effort
were partially reimbursed by AlSher Titania. Altairnano
contributes any work in process and fixed assets associated with
completion of the pigment pilot processing plant to the AlSher Titania
joint venture. For each reporting period, AlSher Titania is
consolidated with the Company’s subsidiaries because the Company has a
controlling interest in AlSher Titania and any inter-company transactions
are eliminated (refer to Note 1 – Basis of Preparation of Consolidated
Financial Statements). The minority shareholder’s interest in
the net assets and net income or loss of AlSher Titania are reported as
minority interest in subsidiary on the condensed consolidated balance
sheet and as minority interest share in the condensed consolidated
statement of operations,
respectively.
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Overhead
Allocation. Facilities overhead, which is comprised primarily
of occupancy and related expenses, is initially recorded in general and
administrative expenses and then allocated monthly to research and
development expense and product inventories based on labor
costs. Facilities overhead allocated to research and
development projects may be chargeable when invoicing customers under
certain research and development
contracts.
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Deferred
Income Taxes. Income taxes are accounted for using the asset
and liability method. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are
recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences
between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and
liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax
credit carry-forwards. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities
are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income
in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be
recovered or settled. The effect on deferred income tax assets and
liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period
that includes the enactment date. Future tax benefits are subject to
a valuation allowance when management is unable to conclude that its
deferred income tax assets will more likely than not be realized from the
results of operations. The Company has recorded a valuation
allowance to reflect the estimated amount of deferred income tax assets
that may not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred income tax
assets is dependent upon generation of future taxable income during the
periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management
considers projected future taxable income and tax planning strategies in
making this assessment. Based on the historical taxable income and
projections for future taxable income over the periods in which the
deferred income tax assets become deductible, management believes there is
insufficient basis for projecting that the Company will realize the
benefits of these deductible differences as of March 31, 2008.
Management has, therefore, established a full valuation allowance against
its net deferred income tax assets as of March 31,
2008.
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Results of
Operations
Three
Months Ended March 31, 2008 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31,
2007
The net
loss for the quarter ended March 31, 2008, which was the first quarter of our
2008 fiscal year, totaled $8,288,436 ($.10 per share) compared to a net loss of
$5,181,467 ($.07 per share) in the first quarter of 2007.
Total
revenues for the quarter ended March 31, 2008 were $1,069,337 compared to
$1,140,932 for the same period of 2007. The decrease in revenue is
primarily due to a reduction in Contract and Grant revenues of $231,660 relating
to the grants that have ended or have reached their budget limits (the March
2007 subcontract with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Research Foundation
and the Nanosensor and Lithium Ion Battery objectives of the August 2006
Department of Energy Research Grant) and a decrease in product revenues of
$13,460. This decrease is offset by an increase of $173,525 in
Commercial Collaborations revenues that primarily relates to the September 2007
development services agreement with Elanco.
Cost of
sales - product decreased by $152,053, from $210,262 in the first quarter of
2007 to $58,209 in the same quarter of 2008. This change is driven by
an overall decrease in product of sales of $13,460, as well as a shift from
sales of less profitable lithium Titanate powder in the first quarter of 2007 to
more profitable prototype cells and modules in the same quarter of
2008.
Research
and development or R&D expense increased by $2,260,707, from $2,997,327
in the first quarter of 2007 to $5,258,034 in the same quarter of
2008. Labor and overhead costs increased by approximately $590,000
due to the addition of 19 new employees. Expenditures for materials,
supplies and other operating costs (exclusive of labor) increased for the
following divisions: Power and Energy Group expenses increased by
approximately $1,515,000 ($1,130,000 relates to raw material and cell purchases
for developmental activities, $320,000 of materials relating to 2008 customer
purchase orders and development agreements, and an increase in R&D
consulting charges of $65,000); Life Sciences expenses increased by
approximately $206,000 primarily due to the September 2007 development services
agreement with Elanco and increased activity associated with our subcontract
agreement with the University of California, Santa Barbara; and Performance
Material expenses increased by approximately $153,000 due to completion and
commissioning of the pilot plant in February 2008. These increases
are offset by a decrease of $117,000 in internal research and development
activities and a decrease of $86,000 relating to the Nanosensor objective of the
August 2006 Department of Energy grant that was fully expended in
2007.
Sales and
marketing expense increased by $314,608, from $380,536 in the first quarter
of 2007 to $665,928 in the same quarter of 2008. This increase
reflects the retention of consultants relating to business development
and defining and developing our branding in the United States, as
well as in Europe.
Depreciation
and amortization increased by $142,551, from $431,058 in first quarter of 2007
to $573,609 in the first quarter of 2008. The increase in
depreciation reflects the addition of approximately $2,167,000 and $1,124,000 of
production equipment from April 1, 2007 through March 31, 2008, relating to
expansion of production capabilities at the Reno and Indiana facilities,
respectively.
Minority
interest increased by $108,413 in the first quarter of
2008. This increase reflects Sherwin-Williams minority interest share
of the AlSher Titania joint venture’s loss for the quarter ending March 31,
2008. AlSher Titania was not formed until April
2007.
Item
3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market
Risk
We do not
have any derivative instruments, commodity instruments, or other financial
instruments for trading or speculative purposes, nor are we presently at
material risk for changes in interest rates on foreign currency exchange
rates.
Item
4. Controls and Procedures
(a) Based on the evaluation
of our "disclosure controls and procedures" (as defined in the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e)) required by paragraph (b) of
Rules 13a-15 or 15d-15, our president and our chief financial officer have
concluded that, as of March 31, 2008, our disclosure controls and procedures
were effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the
Company in reports that it files under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed,
summarized and reported within the time periods required by governing rules and
forms.
(b) There have been no
changes in our internal control over financial reporting identified in
connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Exchange Act Rules
13a-15 or 15d-15 that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that have
materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal
control over financial reporting.
PART
II – OTHER INFORMATION
Item
1A. Risk Factors
Material Changes in Risk
Factors
The
Risk Factors set forth below do not reflect any material changes from the “Risk
Factors” identified in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2007.
We have
made immaterial edits and updated the financial and other data referenced in the
risk factors as of a recent practicable date.
Risk
Factors
An investment in our common shares involves significant
risks. You should carefully
consider the risks
described in this Report before making an investment decision. Any of these risks could
materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of
operations. In such case, you may lose all or part of your investment. Some
factors in this section are forward-looking statements.
We may continue
to experience significant losses from operations.
We have
experienced a loss in every fiscal year since our inception. Our
losses from operations were $33,067,474 in 2007 and $8,749,195 for the three
months ended March 31, 2008. Even if we
do generate operating income in one or more quarters in the future, subsequent
developments in our industry, customer base, business or cost structure, or an
event such as significant litigation or a
significant transaction, may cause us to again experience operating losses.
We may never become profitable for the long-term, or
even for any quarter.
Our
quarterly operating results have fluctuated significantly in the past and will
continue to fluctuate in the future, which could cause our stock price to
decline.
Our
quarterly operating results have fluctuated significantly in the past, and we
believe that they will continue to fluctuate in the future, due to a number of
factors, many of which are beyond our control. If in future periods our
operating results do not meet the expectations of investors or analysts who
choose to follow our company, our stock price may fall. Factors that
may affect our quarterly operating results include the following:
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fluctuations
in the size and timing of customer orders from one quarter to the
next;
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timing
of delivery of our services and
products;
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addition
of new customers or loss of existing
customers;
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our
ability to commercialize and obtain orders for products we are
developing;
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costs
associated with developing our manufacturing
capabilities;
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new
product announcements or introductions by our competitors or potential
competitors;
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the
effect of variations in the market price of our common shares on our
equity-based compensation expenses;
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warranty
claims or product recalls that exceed expectations;
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acquisitions
of businesses or customers;
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technology
and intellectual property issues associated with our
products;
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general
economic trends, including changes in energy prices, or geopolitical
events such as war or incidents of terrorism; and
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loss
of key employees, or our inability to attract appropriate new employees to
meet expected growth.
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Our
revenues have historically been generated from low-margin contract research
services; if we cannot expand revenues from other products and services, our
business will fail.
Historically,
a significant portion of our revenues has come from contract research services
for businesses and government agencies. During the years ended December 31,
2007, 2006 and 2005, contract services revenues comprised 55%, 67%, and 70%,
respectively, of our operating revenues. Contract services revenue is low margin
and unlikely to grow at a rapid pace. Our business plan anticipates revenues
from product sales and licensing, both of which have potential for higher
margins and more rapid growth, increasing in coming years. If we are not
successful in significantly expanding our revenues from higher margin products
and services, our revenue growth will be slow, and it is unlikely that we will
achieve profitability.
Our
patents and other protective measures may not adequately protect our proprietary
intellectual property, and we may be infringing on the rights of
others.
We regard
our intellectual property, particularly our proprietary rights in our
nanomaterials and titanium dioxide pigment technology, as critical to our
success. We have received various patents, and filed other patent applications,
for various applications and aspects of our nanomaterials and titanium dioxide
pigment technology and other intellectual property. In addition, we generally
enter into confidentiality and invention agreements with our employees and
consultants. Such patents and agreements and various other measures we take to
protect our intellectual property from use by others may not be effective for
various reasons, including the following:
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Our
pending patent applications may not be granted for various reasons,
including the existence of conflicting patents or defects in our
applications;
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The
patents we have been granted may be challenged, invalidated or
circumvented because of the pre-existence of similar patented or
unpatented intellectual property rights or for other reasons; |
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Parties
to the confidentiality and invention agreements may have such agreements
declared unenforceable or, even if the agreements are enforceable, may
breach such agreements; |
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The
costs associated with enforcing patents, confidentiality and invention
agreements or other intellectual property rights may make aggressive
enforcement cost prohibitive; |
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Even
if we enforce our rights aggressively, injunctions, fines and other
penalties may be insufficient to deter violations of our intellectual
property rights; and |
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Other
persons may independently develop proprietary information and techniques
that, although functionally equivalent or superior to our intellectual
proprietary information and techniques, do not breach our patented or
unpatented proprietary rights. |
Because
the value of our company and common shares is rooted primarily in our
proprietary intellectual property rights, our inability to protect our
proprietary intellectual property rights or gain a competitive advantage from
such rights could harm our ability to generate revenues and, as a result, our
business and operations.
In
addition, we may inadvertently be infringing on the proprietary rights of other
persons and may be required to obtain licenses to certain intellectual property
or other proprietary rights from third parties. Such licenses or proprietary
rights may not be made available under acceptable terms, if at all. If we do not
obtain required licenses or proprietary rights, we could encounter delays in
product development or find that the development or sale of products requiring
such licenses is foreclosed.
Because
our products are generally components of end products, the viability of many or
our products is tied to the success of third parties' existing and potential end
products.
Few of
the existing or potential products being developed with our nanomaterials and
titanium dioxide pigment technology are designed for direct use by the ultimate
end user. Phrased differently, most of our products are components of other
products. For example, our nano-structured lithium Titanate battery materials
and batteries are designed for use in end-user products such as electric
vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles and other potential products. Other potential
products and processes we and our partners are developing using our technology,
such as titanium dioxide pigments, life science materials, air and water
treatment products, and coatings, are similarly expected to be components of
third-party products. As a result, the market for our products is dependent upon
third parties creating or expanding markets for their end-user products that
utilize our products. If such end-user products are not developed, or the market
for such end-user products contracts or fails to develop, the market for our
component products would be expected to similarly contract or collapse. This
would limit our ability to generate revenues and would harm our business and
operations.
The
commercialization of many of our technologies is dependent upon the efforts of
commercial partners and other third parties over which we have no or little
control.
We do not
have the expertise or resources to commercialize all potential applications of
our nanomaterials and titanium dioxide pigment technology. For example, we do
not have the resources necessary to complete the testing of, and obtain FDA
approval for, RenaZorb and other potential life sciences products or to
construct a commercial facility to use our titanium dioxide pigment production
technology. Other potential applications of our technology, such as those
related to our nano-structure LTO electrode materials, coating materials and
dental materials, are likely to be developed in collaboration with third
parties, if at all. With respect to these and substantially all other
applications of our technology, the commercialization of a potential application
of our technology is dependent, in part, upon the expertise, resources and
efforts of our commercial partners. This presents certain risks, including the
following:
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we
may not be able to enter into development, licensing, supply and other
agreements with commercial partners with appropriate resources, technology
and expertise on reasonable terms or at all;
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our
commercial partners may not place the same priority on a project as we do,
may fail to honor contractual commitments, may not have the level of
resources, expertise, market strength or other characteristics necessary
for the success of the project, may dedicate only limited resources and/or
may abandon a development project for reasons, including reasons, such as
a shift in corporate focus, unrelated to its merits;
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our
commercial partners may be in the early stages of development and may not
have sufficient liquidity to invest in joint development projects, expand
their businesses and purchase our products as expected or honor
contractual commitments;
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our
commercial partners may terminate joint testing, development or marketing
projects on the merits of the projects for various reasons, including
determinations that a project is not feasible, cost-effective or likely to
lead to a marketable end product;
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at
various stages in the testing, development, marketing or production
process, we may have disputes with our commercial partners, which may
inhibit development, lead to an abandonment of the project or have other
negative consequences; and
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even
if the commercialization and marketing of jointly developed products is
successful, our revenue share may be limited and may not exceed our
associated development and operating
costs.
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As a
result of the actions or omissions of our commercial partners, or our inability
to identify and enter into suitable arrangements with qualified commercial
partners, we may be unable to commercialize apparently viable products on a
timely and cost-effective basis, or at all.
Our
battery business has been harmed by a module configuration issue associated with
the Phoenix battery pack, and our ability to continue our battery business
will be dependent upon our ability to address related
concerns.
As a
result of a risk associated with the battery packs we designed for use in
electric cars produced by Phoenix, we agreed to replace 47 of the
first-generation battery packs sold to Phoenix. This has harmed our
relationship with Phoenix and with other current and potential purchasers of our
battery products and technology. If the new battery we design and
develop for Phoenix does not address the noted module configuration issue and is
not otherwise safe and effective, we will be unable to continue our supply
arrangement with Phoenix over the long term. In addition, the design
issues with Phoenix have created, and will continue to create, concerns among
other current and potential customers. Any failure to address issues
associated with the battery packs we supplied to Phoenix will also harm our
ability to attract and retain customers for other applications of our battery
technology.
If
we acquire or invest in other companies, assets or technologies and we are not
able to integrate them with our business, or we do not realize the anticipated
financial and strategic goals for any of these transactions, our financial
performance may be impaired.
As part
of our growth strategy, we routinely consider acquiring or making investments in
companies, assets or technologies that we believe are strategic to our business.
We do not have extensive experience in integrating new businesses or
technologies, and if we do succeed in acquiring or investing in a company or
technology, we will be exposed to a number of risks, including:
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we
may find that the acquired company or technology does not further our
business strategy, that we overpaid for the company or technology or that
the economic conditions underlying our acquisition decision have
changed;
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we
may have difficulty integrating the assets, technologies, operations or
personnel of an acquired company, or retaining the key personnel of the
acquired company;
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our
ongoing business and management's attention may be disrupted or diverted
by transition or integration issues and the complexity of managing
geographically or culturally diverse
enterprises;
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we
may encounter difficulty entering and competing in new product or
geographic markets or increased competition, including price competition
or intellectual property litigation;
and
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we
may experience significant problems or liabilities associated with product
quality, technology and legal contingencies relating to the acquired
business or technology, such as intellectual property or employment
matters.
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In
addition, from time to time we may enter into negotiations for acquisitions or
investments that are not ultimately consummated. These negotiations could result
in significant diversion of management time, as well as substantial
out-of-pocket costs. If we were to proceed with one or more significant
acquisitions or investments in which the consideration included cash, we could
be required to use a substantial portion of our available cash. If we issue
shares of capital stock or other rights to purchase capital stock, including
options and warrants, existing stockholders would be diluted. In addition,
acquisitions and investments may result in the incurrence of debt, large
one-time write-offs, such as acquired in-process research and development costs,
and restructuring charges.
We
intend to expand our operations and increase our expenditures in an effort to
grow our business. If we are unable to achieve or manage significant growth and
expansion, or if our business does not grow as we expect, our operating results
may suffer.
During
the past year, we have significantly increased our research and development
expenditures in an attempt to accelerate the commercialization of certain
products, particularly our nano-structured LTO electrode materials and battery
systems. Our business plan anticipates continued additional expenditure on
development, manufacturing and other growth initiatives. We may not achieve
significant growth despite such expenditures. If achieved, significant growth
would place increased demands on our management, accounting systems, network
infrastructure and systems of financial and internal controls. We may be unable
to expand associated resources and refine associated systems fast enough to keep
pace with expansion, especially as we expand into multiple facilities at distant
locations. If we fail to ensure that our management, control and other systems
keep pace with growth, we may experience a decline in the effectiveness and
focus of our management team, problems with the timeliness and accuracy of our
reporting, issues with costs and quality controls and other problems associated
with a failure to manage rapid growth, all of which would harm our results of
operations.
Our
competitors have more resources than we do, which may give them a competitive
advantage.
We have
limited financial personnel and other resources and, because of our early stage
of development, have limited access to capital. We compete or may
compete against entities that are much larger than we are, have more extensive
resources than we do and have an established reputation and operating
history. Because of their size, resources, reputation, history and
other factors, certain of our competitors may be able to exploit acquisition,
development and joint venture opportunities more rapidly, easily or thoroughly
than we can. In addition, potential customers may choose to do
business with our more established competitors, without regard to the
comparative quality of our products, because of their perception that our
competitors are more stable, are more likely to complete various projects, are
more likely to continue as a going concern and lend greater credibility to any
joint venture.
We
will not generate substantial revenues from our life science products unless
proposed products receive FDA approval and achieve substantial market
penetration.
We have
entered into development and license agreements with respect to RenaZorb, a
potential drug candidate for humans with kidney disease, and other life science
products, and expect to enter into additional licensing and/or supply agreements
in the future. Most of the potential life sciences applications of
our technologies are subject to regulation by the FDA and similar regulatory
bodies. In general, license agreements in the life sciences area call
for milestone payments as certain milestones related to the development of the
products and the obtaining of regulatory approval are met; however, the receipt
by the licensor of substantial recurring revenues is generally tied to the
receipt of marketing approval from the FDA and the amount of revenue generated
from the sale of end products. There are substantial risks
associated with licensing arrangements, including the following:
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Further
testing of potential life science products using our technology may
indicate that such products are less effective than existing products,
unsafe, have significant side effects or are otherwise not
viable;
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The
licensees may be unable to obtain FDA or other regulatory approval for
technical, political or other reasons or, even if a licensee obtains such
approval, it may obtain such approval much later than expected or
projected; and
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End
products for which FDA approval is obtained, if any, may fail to obtain
significant market share for various reasons, including questions about
efficacy, need, safety and side effects or because of poor marketing by
the licensee.
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If any of
the foregoing risks, or other risks associated with our life science products
were to occur, we would not receive substantial, recurring revenue from our life
science division, which would adversely affect our overall business, operations
and financial condition.
As
manufacturing becomes a larger part of our operations, we will become exposed to
accompanying risks and liabilities.
We have
not produced any pigments, nanoparticles or other products using our
nanomaterials and titanium dioxide pigment technology and equipment on a
sustained commercial basis. In-house or outsourced manufacturing is
becoming an increasingly significant part of our business. If and as
manufacturing becomes a larger part of our business, we will become increasingly
subject to various risks associated with the manufacturing and supply of
products, including the following:
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If
we fail to supply products in accordance with contractual terms, including
terms related to time of delivery and performance specifications, we may
become liable for replacement, direct, special, consequential and other
damages, even if manufacturing or delivery was
outsourced;
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Raw
materials used in the manufacturing process, labor and other key inputs
may become scarce and expensive, causing our costs to exceed cost
projections and associated
revenues;
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Manufacturing
processes typically involve large machinery, fuels and chemicals, any or
all of which may lead to accidents involving bodily harm, destruction of
facilities and environmental contamination and associated liabilities;
and
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As
our manufacturing operations expand, we expect that a significant portion
of our manufacturing will be done overseas, either by third-party
contractors or in a plant owned by the company. Any
manufacturing done overseas presents risks associated with quality
control, currency exchange rates, foreign laws and customs, timing and
loss risks associated with overseas transportation and potential adverse
changes in the political, legal and social environment in the host county;
and
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We
may have, and may be required to, make representations as to our right to
supply and/or license intellectual property and to our compliance with
laws. Such representations are usually supported by indemnification
provisions requiring us to defend our customers and otherwise make them
whole if we license or supply products that infringe on third-party
technologies or violate government
regulations.
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Any
failure to adequately manage risks associated with the manufacture and supply of
materials and products could lead to losses (or small gross profits) from that
segment of our business and/or significant liabilities, which would adversely
affect our business, operations and financial condition.
We
may not be able to raise sufficient capital to meet future
obligations.
As of
March 31, 2008, we had approximately $35.6
million in cash, cash equivalents and short-term
investments. As we take additional steps to enhance our
commercialization and marketing efforts, or respond to acquisition opportunities
or potential adverse events, our use of working capital may increase
significantly. In any such event, absent a comparatively significant increase in
revenue in the immediate future, we will need to raise additional capital in
order to sustain our ongoing operations, continue unfinished testing and
additional development work and, if certain of our products are commercialized,
construct and operate facilities for the
production of those
products.
We may
not be able to obtain the amount of additional capital needed or may be forced
to pay an extremely high price for capital. Factors affecting the
availability and price of capital may include the following:
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market
factors affecting the availability and cost of capital
generally;
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the
price, volatility and trading volume of our common
shares;
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our
financial results, particularly the amount of revenue we are generating
from operations;
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the
amount of our capital needs;
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the
market's perception of companies in one or more of our lines of
business;
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the
economics of projects being pursued;
and
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the
market's perception of our ability to execute our business plan and any
specific projects identified as uses of
proceeds.
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If we are
unable to obtain sufficient capital or are forced to pay a high price for
capital, we may be unable to meet future obligations or adequately exploit
existing or future opportunities.
Our
past and future operations may lead to substantial environmental
liability.
Virtually
any prior or future use of our nanomaterials and titanium dioxide pigment
technology is subject to federal, state and local environmental laws. In
addition, we are in the process of reclaiming mineral property that we leased in
Tennessee. Under applicable environmental laws, we may be jointly and
severally liable with prior property owners for the treatment, cleanup,
remediation and/or removal of any hazardous substances discovered at any
property we use. In addition, courts or government agencies may impose liability
for, among other things, the improper release, discharge, storage, use, disposal
or transportation of hazardous substances. If we incur any
significant environmental liabilities, our ability to execute our business plan
and our financial condition would be harmed.
Certain
of our experts and directors reside in Canada and may be able to avoid civil
liability.
We are a
Canadian corporation, and several of our directors and our Canadian legal
counsel are residents of Canada. As a result, investors may be unable to effect
service of process upon such persons within the United States and may be unable
to enforce court judgments against such persons predicated upon civil liability
provisions of the U.S. securities laws. It is uncertain whether
Canadian courts would enforce judgments of U.S. courts obtained against us or
such directors, officers or experts predicated upon the civil liability
provisions of U.S. securities laws or impose liability in original actions
against us or our directors, officers or experts predicated upon U.S. securities
laws.
We
are dependent on key personnel.
Our
continued success will depend to a significant extent on the services of our
senior management and key scientists. We have key man insurance on
the life of Dr. Sabacky. We do not have agreements requiring any of
our key personnel to remain with our company. The loss or
unavailability of any or all of these individuals would harm our ability to execute our business plan,
maintain important business relationships and complete certain product
development initiatives, which would harm our business.
We
may issue substantial amounts of additional shares without stockholder
approval.
Our
articles of incorporation authorize the issuance of an unlimited number of
common shares that may be issued without any action or approval by our
stockholders. In addition, we have various stock option plans that
have potential for diluting the ownership interests of our
stockholders. The issuance of any additional common shares would
further dilute the percentage ownership of our company held by existing
stockholders.
The
market price of our common shares is highly volatile and may increase or
decrease dramatically at any time.
The
market price of our common shares may be highly volatile. Our stock price may
change dramatically as the result of announcements of product developments, new
products or innovations by us or our competitors, uncertainty regarding the
viability of the nanomaterials and titanium dioxide pigment technology or any of
our product initiatives, significant customer contracts, significant litigation
or other factors or events that would be expected to affect our business,
financial condition, results of operations and future prospects. In
addition, the market price for our common shares may be affected by various
factors not directly related to our business or future prospects, including the
following:
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Intentional
manipulation of our stock price by existing or future shareholders or a
reaction by investors to trends in our stock rather than the fundamentals
of our business;
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A
single acquisition or disposition, or several related acquisitions or
dispositions, of a large number of our shares, including by short sellers
covering their position;
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The
interest of the market in our business sector, without regard to our
financial condition, results of operations or business
prospects;
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Positive
or negative statements or projections about our company or our industry,
by analysts, stock gurus and other persons;
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The
adoption of governmental regulations or government grant programs and
similar developments in the United States or abroad that may enhance or
detract from our ability to offer our products and services or affect our
cost structure; and
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Economic
and other external market factors, such as a general decline in market
prices due to poor economic indicators or investor
distrust.
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We
have never declared a cash dividend and do not intend to declare a cash dividend
in the foreseeable future.
We have
never declared or paid cash dividends on our common shares. We
currently intend to retain
any future earnings, if any, for use in
our business and, therefore, do not anticipate paying dividends on our common
shares in the foreseeable future.
We
are subject to various regulatory regimes, and may be adversely affected by
inquiries, investigations and allegations that we have not complied with
governing rules and laws.
In light
of our status as a public company and our lines of business, we are subject to a
variety of laws and regulatory regimes in addition to those applicable to all
businesses generally. For example, we are subject to the reporting
requirements applicable to Canadian and United States reporting issuers, such as
the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the rules of the NASDAQ Capital Market and
certain state and provincial securities laws. We are also subject to state and
federal environmental, health and safety laws, and rules governing department of
defense contracts. Such laws and rules change frequently and are often
complex. In connection with such laws, we are subject to periodic audits,
inquiries and investigations. Any such audits, inquiries and
investigations may divert considerable financial and human resources and
adversely affect the execution of our business plan.
Through
such audits, inquiries and investigations, we or a regulator may determine that
we are out of compliance with one or more governing rules or laws.
Remedying such non-compliance diverts additional financial and human
resources. In addition, in the future, we may be subject to a formal
charge or determination that we have materially violated a governing law, rule
or regulation. We may also be subject to lawsuits as a result of
alleged violation of the securities laws or governing corporate laws. Any
charge or allegation, and particularly any determination, that we had materially
violated a governing law would harm our ability to enter into business
relationships, recruit qualified officers and employees and raise
capital.
Item
5. Other Information
On July 18, 2007, we signed a new lease agreement
effective as of July 1, 2007 for 30,000 square feet of space in the Flagship Business Accelerator Building located at
3019 Enterprise Drive, Anderson,
Indiana. The lease is for an initial term of 5 years
with a single one-year renewal term. On March 1, 2008, we signed an
addendum to this lease that increased the space leased by 40,000 square feet and
set forth corresponding adjustments in our rent. A copy of the
addendum is filed with this Report as Exhibit 10.1
On
January 20, 2008, Douglas Ellsworth, Vice President of Life Sciences, and an
officer of the company received a merit increase that increased his annual base
salary to $157,500.
As of
March 31, 2008, we modified our Form of Stock Option and Form of Restricted
Stock Agreements to include change in control provisions pertaining to executive
level positions. Copies of the revised agreements are filed with this
Report as Exhibits 10.2 and 10.3, respectively.
On April
10, 2008, we paid a bonus of $25,000 to Terry Copeland, our President, in
consideration of the additional duties assumed upon his appointment to President
in February 2008.
Item
6. Exhibits
a) See
Exhibit Index attached hereto following the signature page.
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.
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Altair
Nanotechnologies Inc.
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May
8, 2008
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By: /s/ Terry
M. Copeland
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Date
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Terry
M. Copeland, President
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May
8, 2008
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By: /s/ John
Fallini
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Date
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John
Fallini, Chief Financial Officer
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Exhibit
No.
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Exhibit
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Incorporated
by Reference/ Filed Herewith
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3.1
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Articles
of Continuance
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Incorporated
by reference to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July
18, 2002, File No. 001-12497
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3.2
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Bylaws
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Incorporated
by reference to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 2004 filed with the SEC on March 9, 2005, File No.
001-12497
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10.1
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Amendment
to the Flagship Business Accelerator Tenant Lease dated March 1, 2008 with
the Flagship Enterprise Center, Inc.
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Filed
herewith
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10.2
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Form
of Stock Option Agreement for Level 12 Executive Officer
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Filed
herewith
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10.3
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Form
of Restricted Stock Agreement for Level 12 Executive
Officer
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Filed
herewith
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31.1
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Section
302 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
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Filed
herewith
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31.2
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Section
302 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
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Filed
herewith
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32.1
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Section
906 Certification of Chief Executive Officer
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Filed
herewith
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32.2
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Section
906 Certification of Chief Financial Officer
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Filed
herewith
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* Certain
portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to Rule 24b-2 and are
subject to a confidential treatment request.
34